Tattoo Renaissance: Calle Corson on Tattoo Craft, Culture, and Change

The evolution of tattooing has been significantly shaped by various factors, including trends, technology, and economic conditions, which have collectively influenced client preferences and artist practices.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes the esteemed tattoo artist Calle Corson, a Swedish artist known for his innovative approach to Japanese tattooing. Aaron shares his deep admiration for Calle's work, highlighting the influence it has had on his own career. The conversation dives into the history of tattooing, including personal anecdotes about the early days of booking appointments through letters. Listeners are treated to insights into Calle's journey as a tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and father, as well as a discussion on the evolving landscape of tattoo culture. Tune in for an engaging dialogue that celebrates the artistry and passion behind tattooing.

Chat Breakdown:

[00:01:10] Modern Japanese tattooing influence.

[00:06:15] Graffiti's influence on tattooing.

[00:08:06] Tattooing journey and apprenticeship.

[00:12:40] Philip Liu's mentorship in tattooing.

[00:15:07] Opening a tattoo studio.

[00:19:37] Transitioning from tattooing to teaching.

[00:23:39] Work-life balance challenges.

[00:29:50] Tattoo industry struggles in Sweden.

[00:30:37] Marketing in the tattoo industry.

[00:36:05] Tattooing trends and economic impact.

[00:39:39] Social media and tattoo trends.

[00:41:18] AI's impact on tattooing.

[00:50:11] AI's potential in medicine.

[00:53:41] Tattooing in a surgical center.

[00:58:10] Tattooing with technology and art.

[01:01:18] Surrendering to pain in life.

[01:07:32] The intimacy of tattooing relationships.

[01:12:03] Intravenous NAD benefits.

[01:16:32] Dreaming of a cabin studio.

Quotes:

"Caring about the quality of tattooing that's happening in the shop every day, you know, it's pretty loose."

"I don't want to say I regret it because it's just, it's all beautiful and perfect in its own way."

"I basically have just doubled down on marketing, you know, because the industry has completely filled up."

"I don't trust what you read online and all this stuff. I mean, it's all just propaganda, most of it."

"Getting tattooed is an act of surrender. Pain in general, whether it be emotional or physical pain, you can't always get rid of pain, but you can surrender to pain."

"I think AI is the most interesting thing to happen in human history."

"I am not mad at anything anyone does if it isn't hurting people or fucking me or my shit up."

"You're not only selling a tattoo, you're also selling an experience."

"Succumbing to it, to not resist, is a big, big key to life, man."

Stay Connected:

Connect with Calle:

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

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

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

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