A Twenty First Century Tattoo
By Alex Lloyd
A Twenty First Century TattooOct 17, 2022
S2 EP22 - Leigh Tilbrook
There’s not a lot Leigh Tilbrook hasn’t explored or encountered when it comes to a career spanning 18 years in the industry. From traditional tattooing to his now ultra refined single needle work, Leigh joins me at Debut Studios to discuss his successful Peterborough based shop Electric Workshop, where tattooing has taken him and moments that have defined what life is like for him now. An artist as genuine as they come - this episode was a personal favourite. @leigh_tilbrook @electricworkshoptattoo
S2 EP21 - Roblake
Sitting down with Roblake at the studio we delve deep for one of the most captivating conversations on the podcast to date. I wanted to explore more about how the Danish born, Brighton based artist creates their dark and distinctive expressionist style. Having been on an arduous journey through the industry and suffering badly with mental health and OCD we talk persevering through the struggles, managing misjudgments and turning weaknesses into strengths.
@roblaketattoo
S2 EP20 - Ellis Cooper
After trying to get this in the diary for nearly a year, I finally managed to sit down with Ellis Cooper. With a career spanning nearly a decade, from modelling for FHM and Nuts to tattooing across the world, I can safely say that Ellis is one of the most authentic and gracious people i’ve had the pleasure to meet. I wanted to dig deeper to understand the real journey she’s been on - we discuss overcoming adversity, judgement within the industry and expression through creative mediums.
S2 EP19 - Wulfbaron
Fresh off the flight back from tattooing at Inferno festival in Norway, Charlie, aka Wulf Baron joins me at the studio in Shoreditch to discuss all things tattooing. The creator of a unique and distinctive dark and detailed style, we discuss drawing inspiration from all aspects of life, where tattooing has taken him and the need to stay close to nature and spirituality.
@wulfbaron
S2 EP18 - Lal Hardy
This week it’s an honour to join Lal Hardy, one of British tattooing’s most prolific figures at his world famous North London studio New Wave Tattoo. A man who’s been established in the trade for over 40 years now and helped bring tattooing into the mainstream an hour wasn’t nearly long enough to learn of all the stories this man has to tell. An incredibly thought provoking conversation covering the vast changes the art form has witnessed, paying homage to those who came before and what we might expect to see in the future this was just the tip of the iceberg and a conversation I’ll never forget.
S2 EP17 - George Langford & Dolly
I’m back in Brighton this week at the Doll House, the feminist ran inclusive space founded by friends Dolly and Georgina. Highlighting the importance of mental health within tattooing, creating positive change and advocating safety within the industry this conversation might be just what everyone needs to hear. @dollytattoos @georgelangfordtattoo @georginaxlangford @thedollhousebtn
S2 EP16 - Shaun Wainwright & Sophie Brown
Last stop on the tour, I sit down with Bridge Street Tattoo owner Shaun Wainwright and blackwork artist and fiancé Sophie Brown. A thought provoking conversation spent understanding the secret to the success of Chester’s largest studio, how Sophie creates her bold floral designs and what life’s like for the pair when the machines are down. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to learn from artists with such experience in the industry; this conversation was a personal favourite.
@shaun_bst
@sophiebrowntattoo
@bridgestreettattoo
S2 EP15 - Paul Terry
After first meeting Paul at Liverpool Tattoo Convention 2019, I was keen to catch up and see how life and tattooing has changed for him since then. Based at Bold Street Tattoo, Warrington he’s recognised for his graffiti background, bold style, freehand gap fillers and unique colour palette. I was keen to delve deeper into what motivates the man behind the career, known for his resilience training and pushing beyond his limits.
S2 EP14 - Dale McGovern
Day two of our North West Tour begins at Artemis Tattoo studio with black and grey artist, Dale Mcgovern. Dale has built a solid reputation throughout Manchester, especially with high profile clients - but what has it taken for him to get there? We chat about sheer determination, significant moments on his journey and what the future holds for him.
S2 EP13 - Butterluxe
I’m not sure there’s anyone in the industry who hasn’t heard of Butterluxe. Visiting owner Lewis and marketing manager Alex at their huge new warehouse, I was keen to learn more about the beginnings of the company and what it really took to get the brand to where it is today. Thank you for both being so welcoming, exciting times lay ahead…
S2 EP12 - Arron Raw & Lewi Morgan
The first stop on our North West Tour this weekend was spent with renowned dark black and grey artist Arron Raw and his apprentice turned recent junior artist Lewi Morgan. We cover everything from Lewi’s journey from touring musician on the world stage to Arron’s success in the States and the secret to their working relationship. Thank you both for being so open and honest, this was a conversation to remember…
S2 EP11 - Anshin Anshin
Will, aka Anshin Anshin, is an artist and illustrator from Cheshire, now settled in Brighton and based at it’s longest established studio in the heart of the lanes, Blue Dragon Tattoo. I caught up with him to find out how he creates his bold, distinctive and perfectly executed style.
S2 EP10 - Abigail Louise
It’s not everyday you come across someone as down to earth as Abi, but this week I had the opportunity to sit down with her (and Zeus 🐶) at her private space in Surrey to learn more about a woman who’s used to being in the public eye. With nearly half a million followers online and an artist through and through I wanted to know what life is like for her now following her appearance on Love Island, moments that have defined her career, how she’s perfected her ornate feminine style and if theres anything she’d have done differently…
S2 EP9 - Mr J Best
I had the pleasure of visiting Mr J Best at Sixty Ink, London this week for an unique insight into his creative journey. Growing up in Reading and moving into London to pursue his tattooing career now spanning over 10 years, we discuss his appearance on MTVs Just Tattoo of Us, his creative vision in a constantly developing industry and how he overcame a failed business venture. I took a lot from this conversation, I hope you can too.
S2 EP8 - Hudson Tattoo
One of the leading traditional tattoo artists in the UK right now, it was a pleasure to sit down with Hudson Tattoo at Lock and Key, Worcester. Marking his 10 years in the industry in 2023, we talk clean, solid tattooing with longevity in mind and breaking down subject matter into its simplest, most recognisable form.
S2 EP7 - Rich Harris
Rich Harris produces striking, abstract, colour surrealist pieces all over Europe, and this week I had the opportunity to sit down with him at his studio Dark Horse Collective. Rich’s entrepreneurial mindset and need to create is inspiring, we discuss embarking on his tattoo career in his 30’s, how he sources his references and what he thinks is most important to convey in his work.
S2 EP6 - Jason James
I had the opportunity to sit down with Jason James this week at Moth and Flame to discuss the inspiration behind his distinct, dark, illustrative style.
18 years deep into the industry, he is no stranger to thinking outside the box; collaborating with global brands and pushing the envelope on what is possible, both inside and out of the industry. Thank you Jason for such an insightful conversation and I hope you as the listener can gain as much from this as I did!
S2 EP5 - Nipper & Martinez
I caught up with Nipper & Martinez ahead of their second collaboration at this years Brighton Tattoo Convention, to learn more about each of the artists behind the work and the key to their working relationship.
Two outstanding and experienced artists in their own right, this conversation was a right laugh and we got to the bottom of some of the real obstacles facing the industry right now. Hands down one of the best conversations to date.
S2 EP4 - Chrissy Lee
Chris has been in the game for 16 years now, and I visited him at one of his Colchester studios, Six Three Academy to discuss his journey.
A black and grey realism artist focusing on animals and portraiture he opened up Six Three Tattoo; a creative space home to 9 artists and more recently opened up Six Three Academy; hosting seminars with some of the UK’s top artists.
Chris is known for sharing knowledge and positivity within the industry and I enjoyed sitting down to learn just how far the industry has come… and where it’s heading.
S2 EP3 - Jamie Lee Knott
Jamie Lee Knott has a meticulous approach to creating his striking neo-traditional pieces. This week I caught up with him at Chapters Tattoo Studio in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham to talk hosting seminars, collaborations and how to improve and evolve as both an artist and a person.
@jamieleetattoo
@chapterstattoostudio
S2 EP2 - Jodie Stark & Little Andy
For this week's conversation i'm in Bristol with Jodie Stark, owner of StudioTwo23 and vibrant colour surrealist Little Andy.
Tattoo artist, business owner and mum of two, Jodie is well known for her appearance on MTV's Just Tattoo of Us. Having worked for years in studios across the world, Andy has now settled in Bristol creating large scale visionary work that needs no introduction... Enjoy!
@jodiestarktattoo
@studiotwo23
@littleandytattoo
A Twenty First Century Tattoo podcast is sponsored by Ghost Cartridges. Use code ATFCT10 for 10% off all Ghost branded supplies. SHOP HERE
S2 EP1 - Grace Neutral
Season Two kicks off with one of the most prolific artists of our time, Grace Neutral. I catch up with Grace at her famous Femme Fatale Studio in Hackney for one of my most inspiring conversations to date.
From the world of body modification to tattoo documentaries across the globe, there isn't much Grace hasn't explored or achieved within the industry and I was grateful to hear of her experiences first hand in a raw and honest exchange.
@graceneutral
@femmefataletattoo
A Twenty First Century Tattoo podcast is sponsored by Ghost Cartridges. Use code ATFCT10 for 10% off all Ghost branded supplies. SHOP HERE
S1 EP26 - Bintt
Chris is known for his clever large scale geometric and blackwork compositions. Off the back of a hectic year, I managed to catch up with him two weeks into launching his new private space, Black Tapestry, East London.
Born in the midlands, Bintt's career took off after moving to London, passing through some of the most renowned shops in the south. More recently Bintt finds time to share his knowledge; helping other artists create work through online tutorials, pattern books and brush sets. We chat about honing in on a style, the importance of seminars, upcoming collaborations and settling into a private studio.
@bintt
@blacktapestrytattoo
S1 EP25 - Mike Stockings
This week I sit down for an insightful and inspiring conversation with artist, tutor and studio owner Mike Stockings at Legacy Tattoo, Haverhill, Suffolk.
Mike is renowned for his vibrant 'neon trad' style and has perfected his craft over the years. One of the most genuine blokes i've had the pleasure of meeting, he didn't have an easy journey into the industry and I was amazed at his unwavering mindset and determination.
A family man at his core, he still finds time to share his wealth of knowledge; hosting seminars and teaching artists worldwide online, believing everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves creatively. This might just be the conversation you need to hear!
@mikestockings
@legacy.tattoo
S1 EP24 - Abi Hack & Lauren Smith
This week I sit down with Abi and Lauren, detailed floral, mandala and ornamental artists and co-owners of a new all female private space in Rayleigh, Essex - Abla Studios.
This was a special and thought provoking conversation and helped me to gain further insight into the vision behind their judgement free, inclusive and comfortable creative space.
Talented artists in their own right, Abi and Lauren have a successful and unique natural working relationship. They open up about earlier years and personal lives and we discuss the pressures of social media, dealing with imitation and working beyond the 9-5.
@abihacktattoo
@laurensmithtattoos
@ablastudios
S1 EP23 - Tommy Farrow
This week's episode was recorded at Exile Tattoo with Tommy Farrow. Tommy's a large scale, black and grey, horror artist who spends hours creating incredible, high contrast masterpieces that are instantly recognisable as his own.
12 years deep in the industry he's had an interesting ride and it was an absolute pleasure to nerd out for over 2 hours with such a humble and self aware artist.
@tomftattoo
@six_bullets_tattoo
@exiletattoo.leighonsea
S1 EP22 - Luke Ashley
This week I catch up with Luke Ashley following my guest spot at Aura Ninety Four in the new Design District, Greenwich, London.
Unless you've been living under a rock you'll have seen or heard about Luke's work - a dedicated palm tattoo artist who's pushing the boundaries of something never thought possible with the art form.
Luke is as genuine as they get and I wanted to delve a little deeper into the driving force behind his success both in and out of work. We talk overcoming OCD, international guest spots, and sacrifice in the pursuit of perfection.
@lukeaashley
@annigbelle
@auraninetyfour
Special Live Episode - The Big London Tattoo Show
This week's special episode was recorded live from the Big London Tattoo Show at the ExCel. Watch the full visual episode on YouTube now.
The weekend hosted 360 top international tattoo artists, plus industry leading suppliers, brands and traders. I caught up with the teams and individuals at the forefront of modern tattooing about their current role in and journey into the industry, the history of their brands as well as their thoughts on the new convention.
This was the first year for the Big London Tattoo Show but it certainly didn't feel like it, the experience was seamless and I can't wait to see what Total Tattoo magazine and yogiXIII have in store for the next one! A huge thank you to the organisers for allowing us to be a part of it and all the guests for joining me on the episode.
S1 EP21 - Olivia Fayne
In this week’s episode I sit down with the northern queen of delicate ornamental and floral work, Olivia Fayne.
Based in the centre of Leeds, Olivia’s studio, Anthologie is a scandi inspired creative space and life style brand and clearly represents her individual and forward thinking style.
Liv is a huge advocate for mental health and inspiring confidence in her clients through her work. Recently becoming a mother, it was great to understand her new found perspective on life and tattooing.
@oliviafaynetattoo
@anthologiethestudio
S1 EP20 - Pengerzz
This week I sit down with the guy who can create a full back piece in just 6 hours, Pengerzz.
With over a million followers on TikTok, we talk about the importance of social media, learning from your haters and how his experience allows him to create such large scale work so quickly.
Pengerzz has proven himself through his art and consistently winning at conventions, it was great to sit down to understand what makes the man tick.
His diary opens and closes in just one hour each year... what else is left for him to achieve?
@pengerzztattoos
S1 EP19 - Dean Gunther
This week I catch up with Dean Gunther at his private studio in Manchester.
Dean's vivid colour realism is mind blowing. Growing up in South Africa, he got his first tattoo for just £2... to now being an award winning artist, Dean travels worldwide and hosts his own seminars. He is no stranger to doing things outside of the box and it was great to sit down with him to hear how far he has come and what's left to achieve in the future.
S1 EP18 - Matt Stopps
This week I sit down with an artist who introduced both me and the UK scene to clean traditional stipple work, Matt Stopps.
Matt’s been in the industry 9 years now and it shows in the work; a refined, bold and traditional style, he’s a tattooers tattooer.
Talking at his studio in central London, Origin, we discuss determination, accomplishments, trends and how life has changed….
@matt_stopps
@origintattoolondon
S1 EP17 - Amy Billing
In this weeks episode I join Amy Billing at Bournemouth's all female studio, Hobo Jack. With a focus on floral, realism and dotwork her intricate, feminine style makes her one of the most in demand artists in the area.
We discuss how the studio was formed, following the rise of the Hobo Jack clothing brand, what success means to her and plans for the future.
@amybillingtattoo
@hobojacktattoo
S1 EP16 - Megan Dot Art
This week i'm with Megan at the London Social, to find out more from an artist who has managed to form such a clean and refined style in such a short space of time.
Megan is incredibly down to earth and self aware, determined to create pieces for her clients that are unique and true to her imagination. In an industry that is becoming increasingly saturated, Megan's passion and originality clearly shines through and maybe this is the secret to her success...
@megandotart
S1 EP15 - Loz Tattooer
This week I was lucky enough to be one of the first to see Loz and Lana's brand new space; South London's new body modification studio - Blank Collective.
With only four years in the industry, Loz is dominating the blackwork scene in the UK right now. Behind the fashion conscious, outgoing and confident exterior I wanted to find out who the real Loz Tattooer is...
@loz_tattooer
@crystalcanine
@blankcollective
S1 EP14 - Lewis Holmes
This week i'm in Worcester at Holm Studio joined by Scottish artist and owner, Lewis Holmes.
Lewis is from humble beginnings and got into the industry at an early age, learning to tattoo in a small town in Scotland. The workspace he has created and the fine line conceptual realism style he produces today is the result of a clear vision for the future and an obsessive eye for detail. We talk apprenticeships, motivation and work ethic and finding inspiration for designs as well as the usual issue of how to achieve balance in life.
We are definitely both passionate about pushing the boundaries in tattooing and the industry and this conversation gave me a lot to think about. Hopefully you'll take something from this too... Enjoy!
@lewisholmestattoo
@holmstudio
S1 EP13 - Grace Reed
In this week's episode I sit down with Grace at her new private studio in the centre of Brighton.
Grace is one of the most genuine and down to earth artists I've had the pleasure of meeting. She's been a creative for as long as she can remember and her feminine, single needle trad style is the product of her passion and hard work in tattooing over the last five years. Grace is an example of an artist whose love for her craft drives her to create beautiful pieces that give confidence to her clients.
@gracereedtattoo
@honeybadger__tattoo
S1 EP12 - Jherelle Jay
This week I sit down with Jay at Gold Venom in Aldershot.
Jay's a fine line floral artist who's developed her hugely popular style over the last five to six years. It was fascinating to hear Jay's journey from shop manager to apprentice, her perspective on the industry today as well as some of the challenges she's faced along the way; being a woman in the industry and balancing work life with motherhood.
@jherellejaytattoo
@goldvenomtattoo
S1 EP11 - Mike Stout
Illustrator turned Tattoo Artist, Mike Stout joins me on this weeks episode at his new workspace; Studio Hatch, in the Lanes, Brighton.
He tells me about his unique journey into the world of tattooing, developing his style and brand, where he draws inspiration from and the importance of enjoying the process.
@mike_stout_tattoo
@studio_hatch
S1 EP10 - Danny Robinson
You may know Danny Robinson from MTV's 'Just Tattoo of Us' but what you may not know is the journey that led him to become the success that he is today. In this episode I sit down with him at his studio, The Tattoo Lounge, in his hometown Blackpool to discuss what it's like to be an entrepreneur in the industry, staying humble, self improvement, manifestation and striving to always push the boundaries.
@dannyrobinsontattoo
@thetattooloungeblackpool
@checkmatetattoo_
S1 EP9 - Delphin Musquet
This weeks episode was recorded at Studio Sans Patrie, London with owner and tattoo artist Delphin Musquet.
From growing up in Bordeaux, France, Delphin's journey has been one of sheer determination and hard work. As a true creative with no formal art education his story is inspiring - we discuss his outlook on the industry, dealing with criticism, teaching apprentices, collaborations outside tattooing and what's to come in the future.
@delphinmusquet
@studio.sanspatrie
S1 EP8 - Gully Tattoo
I recorded this weeks episode with Dan Gulliver aka Gully during my guest spot at his studio; Top Boy Tattoo in Hove, Brighton.
From asking for an apprenticeship at the age of 14 to hosting 8 booths at this years Brighton Tattoo Convention the guy's been on a journey. We talk seminars, the emotional toll of managing a modern studio and living life on his terms. Gully's a top bloke and ahead of the curve, he likes to keep his tattooing style fresh and personal life and politics off social media. With over 10 years of experience in the industry it's fair to say he knows a bit about tattooing...
@gullytattoo
@topboytattoo
Artists mentioned in this episode (Instagram)
@_mashkow_
@mambotattooer
@inalbersekov
S1 EP7 - The Fake Tattooist
Today I sit down with John Craig, aka The Fake Tattooist, at his huge new private studio in Hove, Brighton. Having previously been on Channel 4's First Dates and more recently SAS Who Dares Wins, I wanted to understand his artistic background and journey into tattooing and the industry.
We cover the difficulties shop owners face with running a busy studio and the seemingly impossible task of trying to achieve balance in life. John's positive and assured outlook was refreshing and it was inspiring to sit down with someone with such a determined attitude.
@the_fake_tattooist
@unit__two
Artists mentioned in this episode (Instagram)
@thomascarlijarlier
@ralfnonnweilerta2
@inalbersekov
S1 EP6 - Connor Pembroke
In this weeks episode I sit down with Connor Pembroke at his house in Bournemouth. Connor's a true creative, graffiti artist and custom lettering specialist. We discuss what it's like to become a tattoo artist and navigate the industry working across multiple studios. We talk inspirations in both personal and work life and how we share a spiritual outlook on the world. Connor's work speaks for itself and now here's the chance to hear more from the artist...
@connorpembroke
Artists mentioned in this episode (Instagram)
@sacegold_tattoos
@sacredlettering
@brigantetattoo
@edgy_letters_4death
@anthletter
@quattro_is_back
S1 EP5 - Tyler Hill
In this episode I join Tyler Hill at Pardon My French in Surrey for an insightful conversation where she shares some of her life and tattoo experiences and gives her perspective on the tattoo industry. This was one of my most enjoyable and thought provoking conversations with an artist to date... enjoy!
@tylerhilltattoo
Artists mentioned in this episode (Instagram)
@lukeaashley
@art.tattoos
@ash_grey
S1 EP4 - Becoming a Tattoo Apprentice
In this episode I reflect on the past few weeks and answer a question which I get asked a lot, "How do I become a Tattoo Apprentice?". I explore what the role entails, securing the position and an insight into the process as a whole.
S1 EP3 - Dean Wright
In this episode I sit down with Dean S.M. Wright, an artist, poet and one of the newest members of the team at Debut Studios. I learn how he became an artist, share experiences of the trade and explore thoughts on the Tattoo industry and its future.
@dean.s.m.wright
Artists mentioned in this episode (Instagram)
@pawelindulski
@ralfnonnweilerta2
@danielsilva
@mistertroshin
@miles_art
S1 EP2 - Debut Studios
In this episode I explore more about my Tattoo studio and the brand, what it takes to be a shop owner and run a business in the twenty first century as well as the difficulties I've encountered in the process.
S1 EP1 - Introduction
In this first episode I offer my perspective on the state of the Tattoo industry as it is today. I touch on my background and the launch of my current brand and business with my vision for the future.