Dakota Weik, a tattoo ethnographer, has embarked on a remarkable journey that transitions him from showcasing tattoo artists around the world through his popular show "Inked Abroad" to becoming a tattoo apprentice in Germany. This shift not only reflects his deep passion for tattooing but also underscores the importance of mastering traditional techniques before advancing to more complex styles.

In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova takes us on a journey to the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, a renowned tattoo convention filled with some of the best tattoo artists in the world. Aaron sits down with Dakota as he shares insights into his mission of discovering and showcasing exceptional tattoo artists globally, highlighting the artistry and significance behind their work. With Dakota's show gaining viral popularity, boasting half a million followers and millions of views, the conversation dives into the evolving landscape of tattoo culture and the challenges of keeping up with emerging talents.

Tune in to learn about the intersection of art and culture in the world of tattooing!

Chat Highlights:

00:00:00 - Apprenticeship B00:01:00 - Inked Abroad

00:02:14 - The Origin of Inked Abroad

00:03:56 - Transition to Tattoo Apprenticeship

00:05:28 - the 3 day Tattoo Sessions

00:07:07 - The Mental Battle of Enduring Large Scale Tattoos

00:08:23 - Documenting the Apprenticeship Journey

00:10:08 - Discovering Artistic Talent Later in Life

00:12:22 - The Support and Pressure from the Tattoo Community

00:14:19 - The Importance of Realism in Tattooing

00:16:11 - The Global Tattoo Community and Travel Restrictions

00:17:28 - Passion for Preserving Tattoo Craft

00:18:53 - The Impact of tattooing on Personal Relationships

00:19:00 - Continuing Inked Abroad and Future Plans

Quotes:

"What if I make documentaries on the world's greatest tattoo artists?"

"You're probably going to usher in another 10,000 tattooers because of it."

"That shows you've got something deep in you. You've got a warrior spirit."

"That's a cool new concept, like learning how to draw realism and using it as a backbone for almost anything else you do."

"I just became so passionate about what I do, learning about it, and then just trying to protect and make sure this craft lives forever."

"Keep bringing me the sickest tattoos in the world."

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Connect with Aaron:⁠

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com

Connect with Dakota:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/inkedabroad