A Twenty First Century Tattoo

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.

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

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.

@elliscooper002

@elliscooperofficial

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

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. 

@lalhardy

@newwavetattoo

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.

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

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.

@pau1terry_

@boldstreettattoo

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.

@dalemcgoverntattoos

@artemis_tattoo_studio

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… 

@butterluxe_uk