Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s.

He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends.

After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity.

Follow Kelu on Instagram

Kelu’s paintings

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@stef_bastian

Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist.

It’s been fun, heartwarming and inspiring to spend an afternoon talking about creativity, the power of choices, and her own very approach built on the human connection, a foundation of her process.

I gotta say, with her bright and positive energy, it couldn’t be easier to talk to her. 

Find more about Diamante on Instagram 

Minimal ethic tattoo supply

Minimal ethic clothing

[The volumes on Japanese mythology mentioned in the episode are part of the series ‘Gods of medieval Japan’ by Bernard Faure]

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting.

Find Isaac on Instagram

The Water Margin: PREORDER

The Water Margin: EXHIBITION

ATAK

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing?

In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano school exemplifying this systematic approach.

The discussion also highlights numi geiko, a proactive pursuit of knowledge beyond formal lessons, exemplified by Kyosai's intense  training and his broad integration of diverse influences.

The examples of these masters can help you integrate training methods in your own practice to improve and sharpen your skills. 

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Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected.

Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney.

What stands out as the main theme, though, is his deep connection with people—a pattern I’ve noticed both in my own journey and in the stories of other seasoned artists.

Once you reach certain professional and artistic goals, you realise it all boils down to the most basic, meaningful things: friends, family, people.

Corey’s experience and progressive attitude can inspire us to keep our heads up during turbulent times, overcome obstacles, and honour the responsibility we carry as tattooers.

News, mentoring and shop: stefbastian.com

One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and direction.

In addition to his commitments at the shop and in his artistic practice, Alex is actively involved with the Tattooists Guild, working to positively influence the future of tattooing in Australia.

In this episode, Alex spoke to us about his upbringing in Sydney’s tough environment, shared insights and advice on the technical aspects of his tattooing and painting, and explained the importance of helping shape the future of tattooing regulation.

Find Alex on Instagram

Lighthouse Tattoo

Australian Tattooists Guild

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods? 

In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, specialized in Japanese ancient myths and literature, we dive into the origins of Japanese mythology and folklore. Shintoism, Buddhism, Chinese influence, philosophical/cultural implications and more.

Welcome to the nerd side of tattooing :)

13:43 Overview of Japan’s development

16:46 Religious systems in Japan

23:36 Syncretism of Japan

24:16 Kami and Gods

33:10 Seductivity and danger nature

39:40 Oni

42:07 Differences with Western folklore

44:38 Susanoo and Amaterasu

48:40 Not a definite answer

53:39 Godzilla modern myth

55:28 A fluid religion

1:01:05 Reading recommendations

1:04:30 Mythological names to real animals

1:06:21 Kannon’s example

Joshua’s book:

‘THE JAPANESE MYTHS: A GUIDE TO GODS, HEROES AND SPIRITS’

Stef’s Instagram

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Clever doesn’t need much introduction, his career is well known, as his collaborations with artists of the caliber of Juice Wrld, Post Malone and Justin Bieber.

Regardless of the specific fields we apply ourselves to - music, tattooing or anything else for that matter - we all go through the same things, each in our own way. Resistance, inspiration, priorities, identity, contribution.

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Tattoo Mentor Program

Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional Japanese tattooing through the study and respect of the original sources. 

In this inspiring talk he shares with us some funny travel stories, the discovery of authentic reference, his experiences with Ivan Szazi and Horikyo and his take on traditions.

Find Mauro on Instagram

Ryan Ussher is one of Australia’s top artists. Together with Alex Rusty he runs Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, a shop that established itself as a reference in the country. He specializes in large scale Japanese tattooing with emphasis on powerful and evocative imagery.

Beyond craftsmanship he’s considered a reference also for the volume of high quality output, including various collaborations and participation in the Australian Tattooists Guild. 

Follow Ryan on Instagram

Lighthousetattoo.com

Get in touch with Ryan here

Follow updates on the podcast, find mentor programs, classes and much more at stefbastian.com