TATTOO TALES

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. In this open-hearted talk we get a glimpse of how music came into his life and topics many of us can relate to. What it means to be a parent for an artist, the responsibility of a creative, his creative process, how to overcome obstacles. 

Regardless of the specific fiel...

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...

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 Ta...

Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the result.

In this talk, which I really enjoyed, he told us about the road that got him to where he is, his process and the roots that shape his...

Tammy Kim is an Australian tattoo artists who worked and lived in Toronto for the last 15 years, and is now transitioning into an exciting new phase of her career.

She traveled the world, collaborating with major artists and brands, to shape a vision that is unique to her. Her story is a very inspiring one to all of us trying to connect with a deeper sense of authenticity and striving to constantly reach higher goals. 

Find Tamm...

Clay has been tattooing for 35 years, crossing path with some of the biggest names in tattooing. His passion for the craft brought him to explore every aspect of the process, witnessing the change that tattooing went through as it opened to a wider audience globally.

We talked about these changes, as Clay enters a new phase of his life, having to deal with a sudden visual impairment which brought a change in perspective and deeper ...

Paula is an experienced British tattooer that I’m lucky to call a friend. She’s sensitive, intelligent, driven and curious, a beautiful mix. We had many interesting talks, as we share various passions, especially the love for reading, so I thought it would be a shame not to share one of them.

Today we touched on many topics, from gender gaps, to psychedelics, to technology and emotional intelligence. 

Slow down your day, make your...

Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet.

Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori tools, a full renaissance man.

With his extensive knowledge regarding traditional Jap...

If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one.

Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as maintaining the trees of Hakubai Zen Templ...

I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy.  With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the forefront of everything he does.  I’m happy to introduce him to you and, if you ever pass by him in a show or guest spot, make sure to sto...

Horiten the 1st is a female traditional tattooer from Nara, Japan. In this honest and enlightening talk she shed some light on what creates authentic Irezumi, the qualities that can help in this path and the value of Horikyo’s legacy.

Her words are a beautiful manifesto about the way art relates to the core identity of the culture that produced it.

Big thanks to Maur Tattooing for creatin...

I love Zac. We met years ago during one of his guest spots and I remember him having the same qualities that characterize him today: well articulate, talented, dedicated, always trying to make every word count. The difference between then and now is that, apart from increasing even more his artistic abilities and experience, he created a publishing company that is a reference in the tattoo world: AFTERL...

What makes up a successful career? It takes vision, courage, confidence and a few more ingredients. Today Big Meas, a global reference in the world of lettering, shares with us what brought him where he is today. He talks about the importance of cultivating not only the tecnical aspect but also, and perhaps more importantly, the human connection.

You can find Big Meas on Instagram and at bigmeas.com

News and updates at stefbas...

With 30 years of tattooing under his belt and an intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, Crez is a reference in Italy for Japanese tattooing. 

What I like about him the most, beside his expertise, is his genuine honesty and coherence, uncommon values that I personally treasure.

In this cozy December afternoon we talked about what shaped him into the man he’s today; ethics within tattooing; how to hone your skills; the necessity o...

It’s been a privilege to sit down with Claudia De Sabe in this beautiful autumn afternoon to listen to her story and pick her brain on her own process. Over the course of this interview we learn how the beautiful work we all love her for is second only to her mindset. Unweavering work ethic, resolve and dedication are the foundations of her success, the same stuff greatness is made of. 

Recorded once again Live at the Kaiserstadt...

I’m really happy to have had the chance to chat with Swasthik, she is such a beautiful presence in the tattoo world. Known as gunga_ma, for Swasthik tattooing runs deep in her blood. Her grandma, called Paccai Kutta Ma (tattoo mama), has been sticking and poking tattoos for over 40 years. Together with the spiritual practice she inherited growing up, she has been exposed from a young age to sacred symbols and rituals that reflects ...

Have you ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy? Self-doubt?

Do you set impossible standards that bring anxiety when unmet?  Dr. Sophie Mort is here to help.

Sophie is a clinical psychologist with a master’s in neuroscience, Her work with the science of habit has helped many understand the patterns of behaviour that get you in your own way. In this episode packed with practical tips, she shreds a light on how we can achieve...

“Influential.

“Pioneer”. “Contribution”.

These are the words that you see most commonly associated with Marcus’ name in books, magazines and when talking to veteran tattooers.  

A great influence, Marcus started experimenting in the 90’s, with a few others, to find a new take on subject and tecnique in tattooing. And so, Newschool was born. An innovative approach to color, design, composition, light sources that shaped the gen...

Lorena Morato is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in neotraditional. Well known not only for her tattoos but also her beautiful paintings, Lorena shares with us how she came to reinvent herself, rediscovering a new sense of authenticity which is well transmitted in her art.

I have personally found great value in her journey and I’m sure you can derive a sense of direction, especially in relation to developing your own style. Plus,...