A Twenty First Century Tattoo

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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