Inked Talk

Not all tattoos turn out quite you how expect, and many just don’t stand the test of time. Sometimes an idea that sounds magnificent in your head looks terrible in ink. And while the mooning Tasmanian Devil may have been the coolest tattoo in the world when you were eighteen, you may feel less love for ol’ Taz at age thirty. Even though laser tattoo removal is becoming more affordable, the cover up is still the preferred method to forget about unwanted ink.

Cover-ups are usually needed on people who made a quick, spontaneous decision with little thought.

- Greg Foster, Custom Tattoo, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Tattoo artists see a lot of bad tattoos, and consequently they get a lot of requests to do cover up work. This week, Inked Talk spoke to two artists about the challenges involved with doing cover ups. In Part One of this feature, we will talk to Greg Foster of Custom Tattoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin about his experience on cover up tattoos. Part Two will feature an interview with Studio of Darien, Wisconsin.

As a professional tattoo artist since 1996, Greg Foster has had extensive experience in cover-up work. He estimates that about one in every twenty customers that he sees is there for cover-up work.

Inked Talk: In your experience, what kind of work is most likely to become a future cover-up or regret?

Greg Foster: Cover-ups are usually needed on people who made a quick, spontaneous decision with little thought. You know, the walk-in client who says “I want a tattoo… I don’t know what I want, but I’ve got an hour.”

IT: As an artist, do you step in and redirect a customer who is set on a tattoo idea that you feel is going to be a future regret?

GF: I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to steer them in the right direction, so yes, I do try to talk people out of a bad idea or improve it so they won’t regret the tattoo. I always try to schedule consultations with people so we can discuss their ideas. If something is obviously problematic, I will not hesitate to tell them it won’t work or it’s not a good idea, but I’ll also give them alternatives. The challenge is when someone clings to an idea of what they want and you know it’s a bad idea. Sometimes, it’s a sentimental attachment, too. This happens all the time with names of significant others or a drawing that the client drew up (and if the composition sucks, you don’t want to offend them, but you don’t want to give them a bad tattoo either). With names, I try to convince people not to get them on their neck or hands, because it’s a very visible area and you can’t do a whole lot with a cover-up in those areas, if they’re not willing to go much larger, which is typical.

One of Greg’s cover-up pieces. Before:

And after:

IT: Cover up work is clearly different from an original tattoo. What considerations do you have to take into account when doing a cover up? To what extent does the color and size of the tattoo play a role in what you can and can’t do for a cover up? What about the age of the tattoo being covered up - does that make a difference?

GF: You have to consider the size of the original tattoo, the colors used, whether or not there’s a lot of black in it, and the placement of the tattoo. Sometimes, there’s other tattoos near the one getting covered up that you have to work around too, and that can be difficult. If it’s a lightly colored or very faded tattoo, it’s easier to cover up, because a lot of colors will go over an old, faded or washed-out piece.

If the tattoo has a lot of black or dark colors, I usually suggest white-out sessions. This is basically applying several applications of white ink over the course of several sessions on top of the old tattoo. It works similar to a primer coat of paint. However, you can’t eliminate the original color, but it will lighten it to allow the new colors to go over it. The tattoo with the tiger coming out of the fish is an example of the white-out process. It’s a little more costly, but the best solution for dark-colored tattoos.

Covering up a darker piece:

IT: What is the most extensive or challenging cover up you have done?

GF: Probably on a friend of mine who needed extensive cover-up work on his arm. He had several small-to-medium sized tattoos all over his arm, scattered about. So we decided to cover them up with a full-sleeve with Egyptian scenery and subjects. It turned out great and I surprised myself. He’s very happy with the work (as am I) and it looks much better, because it looks intentional and there’s very little trace of the original tattoos. If it’s difficult to find the original tattoo, that’s when I know I’ve done a good cover-up.

Greg Foster tattoos at Custom Tattoo, located at 1956 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee Wisconsin.
You can see more of his work at the Custom Tattoo website and the Custom Tattoo MySpace page.

Thanks for the great interview, Greg. Amazing work!

Please check back with Inkedtalk.com later this week when we see another artist’s take on cover up work.

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Home Biz Chat

Craigslist can be one of the most wonderful sites on the internet. Looking for a job? Check Craigslist. Need a car? Craigslist. Want to sell an old washer and dryer? Post Craigslist. Fall in love with a barista at Starbucks but too afraid to ask for her phone number? Post Craigslist and hope she reads it. Need a transvestite midget wrestler with a tickling fetish? You can probably find her on Craigslist.

There is not a lot of oversight on what can and cannot be posted on Craigslist, which is obviously both fantastic and frightening. A more disturbing trend that I have noticed on the local Craigslist are ads looking for volunteers to be tattooed by someone who wants to learn tattooing. The ads appear to be written by a variety of people: some claim that they are apprentices who need more willing flesh to practice on, others come right out and state that they just bought a tattoo kit and want to try it out. A recent ad that both disturbed me and gave me a chuckle involved an individual trying to profess the advantages of having your tattoo work done in the comfortable environment of his kitchen.

Getting a tattoo through a Craigslist ad can certainly be appealing. Many of these ads are listed as “Free Tattoo” or “Cheap Tattoo.” One recent ad showed pictures of admittedly decent black and white ink, with a claim that the artist could do “any tattoo” for $50.00.

The first thing that should concern anyone following a Craigslist ad for a tattoo should be the artist’s knowledge of cleanliness and sterilization procedures. A person who bought a tattoo kit from an eBay auction and is anxious to give it a try probably hasn’t been properly trained on cross-contamination, bacteria and blood-borne pathogens. Reading an article on the Internet obviously isn’t enough to keep you safe.

The second concern, and this is obviously secondary to health issues, is the quality of the tattoo. Your tattoo is permanent. Do you really want to be a guinea-pig for someone who is just learning and not under the proper supervision of a tattoo artist?

That is not to say that all Craigslist ads for tattoos should be avoided. I recently bartered my old digital camera for a new tattoo, but the tattoo was done by a professional artist at his shop. I researched his work and felt comfortable with his knowledge and abilities before I agreed to the transaction.

Like in all things, if something seems to be good to be true, it probably is. We’ve all seen the sign at the local tattoo places - Good tattoos ain’t cheap, and cheap tattoos ain’t good. Exercise caution when looking for a tattoo, do your research, and don’t substitute cost for safety.

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Watching CSI

INKED Tattoo Studio of Sherborne, Dorset is a relative newcomer to the United Kingdom tattoo scene, but it is making a big impression. INKED has maintained a top three ranking on the United Kingdom’s independent tattoo shop review site, www.uktattoostudios.co.uk, throughout the past year with its impressive number of favorable customer reviews and incredible art. This week the shop’s proprietor and artist, Andy Potter, took some time to talk to Inked Talk about his experiences as a tattoo artist and shop owner in the United Kingdom.

Inked Talk: What sparked your interest in tattooing?

Andy Potter: I have always had an artistic background. It was one of the few subjects when at high school I remained interested and focused in, especially renaissance art and graffiti. Without wanting to sound cliched, I hated my final school years, but my interest in art led to my interest in tattooing. In frequent days that I was absent from school I was actually often in my local tattoo shop, sweeping the floor and shaving arms for the stencils!

IT: In the United States, while some great tattoo artists are completely self-taught, tattoo artists traditionally (or perhaps preferably) go through some sort of apprenticeship to learn about both safety and technique. Is there a similar apprenticeship system in the UK? What was your experience, and would you consider it “typical?”

AP: I got my first tattoo at the age of sixteen, before being fairly well-inked within a year, which led to an ‘unofficial’ apprenticeship if you like during the next two to three years. Following this period of teaching, I gave up any hope of working within the industry. However, I always loved tattoo shops and always had the idea in the back of my head that one day I would take it up again - but only when the time was right.

Following a discussion with a friend who was a tattoo artist I made a decision to return to the industry. He had been using rotary machines, but had fancied a change to the more traditional coils. When they arrived they were in parts and he was totally clueless to how to put them together. I offered to help, set them up and they ran real sweet! This was the kick up the ass I had been waiting for and I knew that tattooing was going to be my career. So it was a case of fully re-equipping myself, brushing off the cobwebs and slinging some ink! It was a strange period prior to opening the studio, as it was almost like riding a bike again after several years out of the saddle. So although I have had a formal training etc, it was almost like a period of self-teaching during my return to the needles! I have been tattooing on and off for sixteen years, although the last six professionally.

IT: Do you require special licensing or certification to tattoo in the UK?

AP: Yes, registration and compliance with your local health authority, for both tattooing and body piercing. I actually think these laws should be tightened though as there are too many people purchasing kits from eBay in the hope of becoming the next Chris Garver or Kat Von D.

IT: Tattoo styles and placement seem to go through phases. We all saw the tribal lower back tattoos reach their height of popularity a few years ago and then wane. In your experience, what is the most popular style right now?

AP: The most popular thing at the moment in my studio is sleeving. It is all different though as most are custom pieces. Ranging from B&G Graveyard scenes, New Skool skulls and roses to full colour battle scenes from Transformers!

I am just so glad that ‘Tribal’ tattoos seem to have ran their course as I hate doing them.

IT: What is the biggest challenge for you as an artist?

AP: As the sole artist at my studio, this has to be the variety of styles and requests that I get. But apart from that, educating younger clientele about just what can and can’t be be done and the fact that is so important to get ‘the right’ tattoo, not one on a whim or because their mates are all getting ink.

IT: What about the challenges of being the shop owner as well as its artist?

AP: I actually prefer to be my own boss and the success of my business will be measured purely by my decisions.

IT: What is the most unusual, unique or just plain odd tattoo request you have done?

AP: One of the coolest recently was to tattoo the image of a baby’s palm print for a young couple who lost their daughter several days after her birth. We coincided the appointment for the first anniversary and it was quite moving to see the comfort that a piece of my work gave them.

Having said that I wouldn’t ever imagine doing anything else.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to Inked Talk, Andy.

Readers, for more information on INKED Tattoo Studio, visit the reviews and gallery on the UK’s Independent Tattoo Review Site, UKTattooStudios.co.uk, send a friend request to INKED’s Myspace Page, or call TEL : 01935 813130.

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And while we’re talking about the UK, here’s a plug for a fellow 451 Press Blogger’s site, POPBuzzUK.

Apprenticeships used to be the common method of learning a trade, be it carpentry, masonry, or fiber arts. While apprenticeships in those fields are no longer commonplace, the apprentice/mentor relationship is very much alive and well in the world of tattoo art. Tim Phillips, an apprentice in his second year, has taken some time to talked to Inked Talk about his experience apprenticing under Tony of Tony’s Tattoos in Hartsville, SC.

Inked Talk: How did you come to work in the tattoo industry? What got you interested in tattooing?

Tim Phillips: Well, I’ve always been into art, and I’ve been drawing since I was a little kid. All I did in school was draw. I took advanced art classes in high school and always excelled in them. I also attended a graphic design school in Arizona and some art courses in a community college in Ohio. One day a friend of mine asked me if I could do tattoos. I replied that I’d give it a shot, so he bought some equipment off of the internet and I practiced on him! I loved doing it, but I didn’t want to do it like that. I wanted to be professional. I got online and did some research and asked a lot of questions. The tattoo artists were very reluctant to give out any useful information other than “get an apprenticeship.”

IT: How did you get into your apprenticeship?

TP: South Carolina had just legalized tattooing, and a man named Anthony Howland had an ordinance passed allowing the use of tattoo shops in my county. I followed the story in the local newspapers and come to find out the shop was opening right down the street from my house. I gathered up the nerve to stop in and ask about an apprenticeship. Well, apparently so had every other hack-master in the county and all were turned away! He asked me if I’d brought any art work with me, to which I said “No.” He then snapped back, “Well, how the hell are you gonna get an apprenticeship without any artwork!?!”
I quickly went home and returned with a portfolio that I had prepared for such an occasion. To make a long story short, it turned out we were both from Ohio, very much into art, and he liked my work so he agreed to teach me!

IT: What has been the progression of your apprenticeship? Where did you begin?

TP: Of course I had to learn the procedures of sterilization and cleaning the shop. As far as tattooing, first I did countless hours of nothing but drawing and watching. I watched the application process over and over and over. On top of that, I listened. Tony does a lot of talking, and I do a lot of listening. He is a goldmine of information and he is always teaching me something new. It’s sometimes the things that seem like meaningless tidbits of info that turn into valuable advice when faced with a certain situation.

I’ve heard so many horror stories and see on television how apprentices are treated, however Tony has treated me more like a son, and has always been good to me and my family. I respect him a lot for that.

IT: Tattoo kits are available for sale to the general public on the web, on eBay, and so forth. What, in your opinion, is the value of apprenticeship?

TP: Self-taught tattoo artists learn from trial and error. Unfortunately, when it comes to tattoos every error is a permanent one, and that’s not including diseases and infections that can be transmitted if the procedures are not done properly. Apprenticeship, having a personal teacher, is very important. You need to surround yourself with it and be indulged. Being a tattoo artist is a lifestyle and is not a simple 9 to 5. Either you’re in or you’re out, and if your only influence is a web site, book, DVD, or backyard scratcher you will never be a “tattoo artist.” In the same way that you cannot learn karate by simply buying a black belt, you cannot be a tattoo artist, without a good instructor, by simply buying equipment.

IT: Is there a particular piece or project that you have done yourself that you are especially proud of?

TP: It is a tattoo on the calf of my mentor, Tony. It is a controversial piece depicting the devil whispering into the Pope’s ear, and the Pope has his hand on a young boy’s shoulder, and the little boy is crying. However it’s not so much the subject matter that makes it one of my favorite pieces. I am pleased with the way it looks and is probably the best tattoo I’ve done yet. It’s one of my favorites simply because it’s one thing that I could give Tony as a token of my appreciation for all that he’s taught me, and done for me. I am happy that he is proud of it, and in turn proud of me. That’s why it’s probably my favorite.

IT: Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in learning tattooing but isn’t sure where to begin?

TP: Draw, paint, draw, color, draw, trace, and draw. Then find a reputable shop in your area, bring your portfolio, and ask HUMBLY for an apprenticeship. If given the opportunity, take full advantage. No matter what you think you know about tattooing, assume that you don’t know anything, because you don’t. Ask questions, observe, and most importantly shut up and listen! Finally, work hard. There is no replacement or way around hard work and dedication. Jump in with both feet, and see how much you will learn!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, Tim. Readers, be sure to visit Tony’s Tattoos on Myspace (and definitely check out the tattoo pictures he has uploaded - you will NOT be disappointed - there is some great stuff in there!). When you are done there, visit Tim Phillips’ own Myspace page - he too has some amazing work.

If you are in the Hartsville, South Carolina area, be sure to check out Tony’s Tattoos - you can see from the pictures in their Myspace pages that their custom work is amazing! (843) 383-0555.

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Time to plug another 451 Press Blogger’s work: Check out Cinema Hype’s neat piece on Persepolis.

We are adding a new weekly feature to Inked Talk: Shop Talk. Each week we will be talking to a different tattoo shop.

This week, Shannon Walton, owner of Color Bomb Tattoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was kind enough to take some time to answer some questions for Inked Talk.

Inked Talk: What got you interested in tattooing?

Shannon Walton: I’ve always been into art since i was a little turd. When I was sixteen I went with my older brother and watched him get a tattoo done, and I was totally hooked on the idea from that point. It’s the ultimate flattery to have someone let you put a piece of permanent artwork on their body.

IT: Who are your biggest artistic influences?

SW: I’m influenced by everything around me. I take in everything as much as possible and try to use it in my art. I am inspired by the work of Tony Ciavarro, William Webb, Bob Tyrell and of course Paul Booth.

IT: Tattoos are more popular now than ever before. While that must be good for business, how do you feel about the popularity that tattoos are currently enjoying?

SW: With the insurgence of “reality” tattoo shows being shoved in everyones’ faces, it has both a good and bad effect. The good being people who you’d never think would get or have a tattoo are coming in to the studios and getting art done. It’s becoming more socialy acceptable. Whereas people who are heavily tattooed aren’t looked at like thugs or criminals.

But on the other hand there are more and more young kids buying home tattoo kits and scarring and frankly destroying their friends skin…and possibly spreading disease and infection. I wish there were more regulations on people buying equipment. At the very least they should show on the T.V. programs some sort of proper sterilization procedures. I’ve watched many times and couldn’t count the times I’ve seen cross-contamination occur. It really is disgusting and scary at the same time. Any qualified artist can fix a bad tattoo…but if you’re passed along some horrible disease…well good luck.

IT:Tattoos seem to go through trends. Lower back tribal pieces enjoyed a lot of popularity for awhile, and now that has seemed to wane a bit. What are some of the current trends, as you see it?

SW: We’re seeing a lot of foot tattoos and a lot of larger work, partially due to the fact that tattoos are everywhere.

IT:What is the most challenging part of your job? What do you find most enjoyable about tattooing?

SW: The most challenging part would probably be helping the person find the right idea. Often times they have in their head what they want, but they can’t seem to put it into words. So I have to pick their brains and try to get that idea that means so much to them onto paper. The most enjoyable part is making that idea come to life on their skin. I love the look on someones face when they leave happy. You get to meet a lot of interesting people in this business. I’ve made a lot of good friends because of it. Tattoo artists touch people’s lives in a small way. I still remember the guy who gave me my first tattoo.

IT: Tell us about Color Bomb Tattoo.

SW: Color Bomb was built around frustration of with the industry. We try to be different. We’re a big family and no one takes life too seriously around here. We have a fun job and I think it shows in our work. We have great artists (including): myself, Tattoo Q is an amazing artist, his color portraits are top-notch and his freehand skills are mind-boggling at times. My girlfriend Kala is apprenticing and coming along great, and will be on her own shortly and I’m sure she will be a name everyone will come to know very well.

Our chief body piercer John Vaughn is very talented and knowledgeable in his craft. There’s isn’t anything he can’t do. Our other apprentice Rachel is also coming along well and will be tattooing the world soon.

IT: Thanks, Shannon for taking the time to talk to Inked Talk and answer these questions.

If you want to visit Color Bomb Tattoo yourself:
On the web:
Color Bomb Tattoo Myspace Page

The shop:
8030 N. 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Telephone: 414-371-2525

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I always enjoy promoting other 451 Press writers’ work, and I found this gem today: “The Top Ten Artistic Things I’m Thankful For.” A very sweet read.