FOR THE LOVE OF TATTOOS (Interview)

FOR THE LOVE OF TATTOOS

I’m writing about tattoos today, you may love them or hate them, you are more than entitled to your own personal opinion on them.

I partake in the painful pleasures of decorating my body with little bits of artwork that are personally meaningful to me and encompass my core beliefs.
My other (better) half has been in the tattoo industry for 6 years, 3 of which he did his apprenticeship.

I’m taking this opportunity to delve into the mind and days of a tattoo artist to get the low down of this somewhat misunderstood profession. 

I say “misunderstood” because so many people believe that being an artist and especially one of this calibre is child’s play.  This misinterpretation is very naïve and as far from the truth as possible.

What you need to understand is that a good tattoo artist is a dedicated person.  Dedicated to their core for this passion of theirs.  These human beings are born with a natural raw talent for the arts that many of us can only dream of and putting art on the body (which is permanent) using the heavy machinery that they use is not simple at all.  It takes time, patience and skill to develop and master this art form.

I’m chatting to Darren Harley today to give you an insider’s view on the tattoo industry.

TracyTrace:  First of all Darren, where were you born and where did you do your schooling?
Darren:  Well Tracy, as your partner I am very unimpressed that you are asking me questions that you should by now hopefully know (laughs), but for your readers:  I was born, raised and educated in CapCity Pretoria.  I matriculated from Pretoria Boys High in 2004 and received my diploma in Performing Arts Technology and Art in 2009.

TracyTrace:  When did you take an interest in tattooing?  Obviously you’ve always been an artist, looking at all your artwork from a young age, but why tattooing?

Darren:  It’s an art form that’s always fascinated me and it’s one I knew I could possibly make a paying career out of.

TracyTrace:  Who is/are your artistic inspiration/s and why?

Darren:  There’s a few, Bob Tyrell is my favourite tattoo artist, specialising in horror and macabre.  Justin Weatherholtz, Tim Hendricks and Billy Vegas are a couple more inspiring tattoo artists, but I draw inspiration from all types of art and artists like Alex Pardee, Zack Dunn and scenes like the horror film industry, hip-hop and street culture, the subgenre of rap horrorcore, Eminem, Aesop Rock, Cage, Wu Tang Clan, Rob Zombie even WWE.  Everything combined inspires my passion and creativity.

TracyTrace:  What is needed to be a reputable tattoo artist because I have stumbled across some shocking work!

Darren:  For starters, a natural ability to do art such as drawing and painting is a must.  Then extreme dedication and passion for the art form as hours and money aren’t always great.  As for the shocking work, that could be due to the artist not being a natural artist or in some cases, work can look terrible due to poor tattoo hygiene, that should be kept at the top of the list to ensure infections aren’t caused.

TracyTrace:  You mentioned long hours and pay that is not so great, what are your hours like and what does the tattoo industry offer in terms of a salary?

Darren:  It’s a full time job (7 days a week) for starters, anyone who wants to do this as a job/career on a part time basis is heavily mistaken.  Salary wise, differs from shop to shop but most of the time we work only on a commission basis.

TracyTrace:  Tattoos take time to do, what is the most tattoos you have done in one day?

Darren:  I’d say about 8.

TracyTrace:  Wow, that’s quite a bit.  Are there any pointers to current and prospective clients to make the tattoo process easier on both client and artist?

Darren:  They must do their research first; they must at least have a good idea of what they want to do. 
Allow the artist to have a certain amount of freedom with the design as it’s his work (his stamp) that he’s putting on the client.
Show up on time.
Don’t haggle the artist down with pricing, you are paying for quality. 
Respect the shop as a relaxing sanctuary and don’t bring in an entourage of supporters that will distract the artists.

TracyTrace:  Lastly Darren, any advice to someone interested in becoming a tattoo artist, career wise?

Darren:  They must have a natural gift for art.  When enquiring about an apprenticeship, show up neat, tidy and respectable with a professional looking portfolio.
Understand that you will start right at the bottom of the food chain and you will have to earn your way to the top.

TracyTrace:  Thank you Darren on enlightening us on what being a tattoo artist is all about.

Darren:  Cool, cool, my pleasure!

Now that we have an insider’s scoop on the tattoo industry, I bet you will think twice about all the logistics and hard work there is behind the scenes to become a tattoo artist.  It’s not all the glitz and glamour it all looks about to be.  I know quite a few tattoo artists and I can say that these individuals are very hard working and they bust their hands and backs for us!

From all the clients and tattoo lovers we thank you guys from the bottom of an ink bottle ♥