T H E U K ’ S F I N E S T TAT TO O M AG A Z I N E

KOEN
When illustration
LAL HARDY Goes down under

MARCO MANZO
meets inspiration

HANNAH KEULS
Multi textured
Milans master
of elegance
illustrations on skin

GOA TATTOO BAN

JAPAN
Possibly the most
relaxed
convention
in the world? Tattooing outlawed
in the home
of tattoo?

MATT CHAHAL
East meets west from
this highly original
indian tattooist
Paris
Plus - ALL THE NEWS AND REVIEWS • THE TATTOO TEA PARTY • PAUL
Mondial du tatuage
£4.20
T A L B O T - T A L E S F R O M T H E N A U G H Y T Y S T E P • C OV E R M O D E L TTM139
P RO F I L E C O N V E N T I O N CA L E N DA R • O U R G A L L E RY O F TAT TO O S MAY 2016
FROM AROUND THE WORLD • IN FOCUS - BLACK CHALICE TATTOOS
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Total Tattoo magazine No. 139 may 2016

Published monthly by KMT Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Printed in England on re-cycled paper by Buxton Press Ltd
4 Total Tattoo Magazine Distributed by Seymour Distribution
 CONTENTS 139

94
7 WELCOME TO ISSUE 139 77 THE TATTOO TEA PARTY
             This month Lizzy’s view of the world              The no1 fun show continues to delight
71
8 NEWS & REVIEWS 86 MARCO MANZO
             Swish stylish mandalas on a different level
All the news that’s fit to print

14 KOAN 92 SUBSCRIBE TO TTM
             Super original illustrative tattoos                Have the magazine delivered direct to
your door
22 LA MONDIAL DU TATTOOUAGE NExT MONTH
             Tin Tin’s mighty Paris tattoo show 93
             We take a peep into the future
31 LAL HARDY -  DOWN UNDER IN FOCUS
             Lal’s whistle stop tour of some of 94
Australias famous tattoo hotspots              Black Chalice

38 COVER MODEL PROFILE 96 TALES FROM THE 
             Janet Fischietto
      NAUGHTY STEP
40 MATT CHAHAL              Paul Talbot tackles the subject
of conventions.
Indian ink, mixed with a laid back,

CONVENTION CALENDAR
easy going attitude
98
49 GALLERY              Plan your summer here
             Inspiring tattoos from around the world
               Cover Model Janet Fischieto

GOA TATTOO CONVENTION
Photo by Jenna Kraczek
56 Corset by Fiori Couture
             The first ever international tattoo show
in Goa Advertising & general enquiries

64 HANNAH KEULS      01603 958062
             Swirling creativity over subtle black advertising@totaltattoo.co.uk
and grey masterpeces
Subscription enquiries

77 71 TATTOO BAN IN JAPAN      01603 958062
             The fight back begins, after the Japanese
government ban tattooing in one of subs@totaltattoo.co.uk
its birth places

dISClaIMer
Adverts and articles appearing in Total Tattoo magazine carry no implied
SUBMITTING PHOTOS
recommendation from the magazine or from KMT Publishing Ltd. We reserve Images must be high resolution (300) and sized at
the right to refuse an advertisement or article which we consider unsuitable. All 100mm by 150mm. The disc needs to be labelled
details are correct at time of going to press. Whilst we make every effort to
ensure all advertisements, articles and credits are correct, Total Tattoo magazine with the artist & studio name. Or email them to
and KMT Publishing Ltd will not be held responsible for errors or omissions. gallery@totaltattoo.co.uk
Material appearing in Total Tattoo may not be reproduced for any purpose
without the written permission of KMT Publishing Ltd. COMPeTITION TerMS
All letters sent to Total Tattoo magazine will be treated as unconditionally
assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as such are subject to
aNd CONdITIONS
All winners will be picked at random (or on merit if applicable) after the closing
editing and editorial comment.
date. Entries received after the closing date will not be considered. The editor’s
decision is final. Only one entry per person please, and remember to include your
All correspondence should be sent to name and address.Winners of convention tickets will be responsible for their own
Total Tattoo Magazine transport and accommodation unless stated otherwise.Total Tattoo is not
responsible for items lost or damaged in transit – though of course we will try to
111 Furze road, Norwich, Nr7 0aU help if we can.
www.totaltattoo.co.uk

Editor Art Director Advertising Manager Social Media Manager Contributors

James Sandercock Perry Rule Luke Wilson Emma Whittaker/Lizzy Guy Travellin’ Mick • Lizzy Guy • Paul Talbot
editor@totaltattoo.co.uk artwork@totaltattoo.co.uk advertising@totaltattoo.co.uk totaltattoo@totaltattoo.co.uk
Jenna Kraczek 
WELCOME to 139
M
any moons ago, before joining the
Total Tattoo team, I was an art
student. Since then, I am often asked
whether I have a favourite artist. It’s an
impossible question to answer, but one
sculptor who I particularly respect is Jeff
Koons.
I first saw his work about fifteen years ago, and have been obsessed
ever since. In particular, I admire his ‘ready made sculptures’, such as
shop bought vacuum cleaners - which have been simply encased in a
glass box. In taking something mundane and of little visual interest then
placing it in a different setting, this elevates the object’s status – and
suddenly the piece is viewed and valued differently.

Of course, if you’re not a fan of Jeff Koons’s work, then you may well be
thinking that I’m talking a load of pretentious twaddle. And maybe
you’re right. Art is subjective, after all.

I guess the same could be applied to tattoos. By putting a piece of

permanent artwork on your body, that part of you becomes something
different. It’s pretty safe to say that if you have tattoos, people will
notice. And, with tattooing more mainstream than ever, coupled with
the enduring quest to find the ‘new thing’, other people’s tattoos
become easy bait for criticism.

Let’s be frank - We’ve all seen some work that has made us cringe.
There are some subject matters that I personally would never have
tattooed on me. However, with a Majungasaurus (it’s a dinosaur) on one
thigh, a portrait of Claude Raines on the other, and an upside down
diamond on my wrist, I’m pretty sure that many people may question
my own choices! Like many tattoo enthusiasts, I have to take my visual
preferences out of the equation when it comes to viewing tattoos, and
I can appreciate a piece’s excellence if the technical factors are there.

Saying this, I think it’s really important to remember that whilst both
‘fine art’ and tattoos are viewed publicly, the true appreciation for one’s
own pieces are viewed on a much more individual level. Like Jeff’s
humble Hoover, a simple design may not look much to the outside
viewer, but often the thought process, emotion or meaning behind it
(no matter how conceptual) is what really makes it special to the
owner. Behind that tattoo is not only an artist who has put all their
knowledge and ability into a piece, there is an owner of a permanent
piece of art that they have invested time, commitment and money into.

Lizzy Guy
lizzy.totaltattoo@gmail.com

“Life beats down and crushes

the soul and art reminds you
that you have one.”
Stella Adler

Total Tattoo Magazine 7

NEWS & REVIEWS
Tattoo news and reviews for your delectation and
delight. If it goes on in the tattoo world, it goes in
here. Send us your news items, books or products
for review and items of general curiosity and
intrigue for the tattoo cognoscenti.
News, Total Tattoo Magazine, 111 Furze Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 0AU

FILIP LEU PRINTS INDIAN POLITICAL

PARTY'S TATTOO
Filip Leu is, without question, one of the most TRIBUTES:
influential tattooers of the modern era. The
flow of his large-scale, Asian inspired
compositions have had a truly global impact.
This influence, combined with his humble
nature and willingness to share all he has
learned, has given him a very special place in
the development of tattooing. Therefore, any
new published work by Filip is eagerly awaited
and gratefully received by artists and
collectors alike.
Recently in India, to celebrate the 68th
For this project, Filip has collaborated with birthday of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister,
Kintaro Publishing and created three new J. Jayalalithaa (also known as Amma), party
black and grey pieces using Indian ink. These members had ‘Amma everthing for us’
paintings have been painstakingly reproduced tattooed below a postage stamp size
by Master Printer, Peter Verbruggen. The skull portrait of the lady herself. A member of
is the chosen theme of the three prints; which the 'All India Anna Dravida Munnetra
is one of the images within tattooing that Filip Kazhagam' (AIADMK) party described
has constantly revisited, explored and drawn Amma as 'like a God' to her supporters,
inspiration from. These timeless images which explains why so many people chose
confirm his mastery of this iconic subject to celebrate her Birthday and show
each print being produced, and costing €300 a
matter and the understanding he has of it. gratitude in such a permanent way.
piece, those interested in buying one will have
Entitled 'Stop', 'Look' and 'Listen', the latter is
to act quickly, as these are sure to sell out,
the only one currently available, but 'Stop' and
fast.
'Look' can be pre-ordered. With only 50 of
Available from www.kintaro- LOOKING COOL
publishing.com
FOR SUMMER

Vinyl Factory is a French eyewear and

sunglasses company with their roots well and
truly planted in the world of the retro sub-
culture. In 2015 they were one of the
sponsors of Le Mondial de Tatouge, where
they began their association with Le Patron
Tin Tin. This year they returned to the famous
convention, this time with the new 'Tin Tin'
design. These tres chic shades come in 3
colours: black, tortoiseshell and blue. The
lenses are polarized with an anti-reflection
coating, and are tastefully adorned with the
artwork of Tin Tin. With a 'less is more' thing
going on, they're mighty fine spectacles! Head
New Studio: Artists Required: to www.thevinylfactory.fr , to get kitted
Eightfold Tattoo is a new studio in Terrys Tattoo Studio in Glasgow is now out for staying cool this summer.
the heart of Braunton, North Devon. We are under new management and are
a friendly, laid back, custom tattoo studio, currently looking to rebuild their team.
offering a high standard of work and catering Terrys is a really busy street shop that
for most styles of tattooing. Our artists are
sees lots of walk ins and has a very loyal
Gareth ‘Woody’ Sones who has relocated
from Cult Classic Tattoo (Romford) and Into and steady client base. get in touch at
You (London), and local artist Tom Grosz. hello@terrystattoostudio.com or
Our work can be found at see us on
www.eightfoldtattoo.com and we can www.facebook.com/terrystattoo
be contacted on 01271 816400. studio.com

8 Total Tattoo Magazine

 TATLITE TATTOO STAND
Here’s a nifty little gadget. The Tatlite table has been designed by tattoo artist, Marc Nutley. It is
an ingenius portable workstation that can be positioned in front of the artist avoiding aggrivating
back pain and the need to keep twisting to reach your inks and wash.

He has designed and made the workstation to be slimline, light and engineered with travelling
artists in mind. Each one is hand made in England and is packed with useful features.

The Tatlite table is perfect for conventions and travelling; weighing in at under 2KG and
assembled in less than 2 minutes. The compact but sturdy 6082 T6 aluminium and full 3k Carbon
Fibre is strong, easy to clean, with every surface simple to barrier wrap. Priced at £299.99 +
shipping Every order is custom made in the UK, with a 4 week dispatch time.
For more info head to www.tatlite.com

DAPPER SIGNS - PAIN-FREE TATTOOING?

ON THE ROAD
On May 16th, our friends at Dapper Signs are
hitting the road. For four to five weeks, they
will be visiting Europe, returning back in time
for the Bristol Tattoo Convention. So far, they
will be visiting Kungsgaten 13 in Skövde,
Sweden and the Amsterdam Tattoo
Convention. They are looking for any tattoo
studios that would like any hand painted
signage: from lettering on toilet doors, to gold Inevitably, getting a tattoo hurts. For some, this
leaf- gilded windows, all jobs and destinations pain may be unbearable, due to different
will be considered! physical and psychological factors. This can
If you’re interested in having some beautiful, often result in a bad studio experience, or
custom painted work, please email: even an unfinished tattoo. Thankfully, there are
info@dappersigns.co.uk.You won't be some solutions...
disappointed.
Illustrated Primate in Sudbury has teamed up
with local hypnotist, Ben Ryan, in order to
ease the pain and discomfort during the
process of tattooing. After a series of trials,
the businesses are now able to offer the
service in the studio. Mr Ryan said a number
of tattoo artists and hypnotists were
collaborating with hypnosis, which was first
used in India, as a means to reduce pain during
surgery in the 1800s. Although most clients
visit Ben before getting inked, he has worked
on techniques with some whilst they have
been 'under the needle'.

TLC Tattoo in Twickenham are looking

for an experienced tattooist to join their
team, they tell us ‘We are a busy shop in
the growing town of Twickenham. We are
looking someone who specialises in realism
particularly but all styles are welcome!’
Anyone interested should contact them at
daisyraeduke@icloud.com with a
link to your portfolio. Instagram:
@TraditionalLondonClan.
www.facebook.com/tlctattoo

Total Tattoo Magazine 9

 Artist vacancy, TATTOO MUSEUM
Black Dog Tattoos
(Norwich): BURNED TO THE
This vacancy is for a tattooer with a GROUND:
minimum of 2 years studio experience.
Please note this is NOT a vacancy for an
apprenticeship. Black Dog are an
established custom studio, so a local
customer base is a bonus but by no means a
requirement. All styles considered. Anyone
interested who fits the bill may contact
them via e-mail or phone:
blackdogtattoos@gmail.com
01603 291049.

TATTOO FIXERS
Like Marmite, it seems that the Great British public either love or
hate Tattoo Fixers. Lately, there has been a large amount of publicity
for the show, and not all in a positive light. Here is a brief run down
on the most significant news stories surrounding the controversial
programme.

The UK tattoo scene is stronger and more "Over a million people regularly enjoy the On Saturday March 12th, the home,
talented than ever, so it was no surprise when show and we refute any suggestion that the studio and tattoo of museum of Mike and
artists and studios began to speak out against conditions on Tattoo Fixers is 'unsafe and Mary Skiver (in Somerset, Pennsylvania)
the reality TV show. Posts on social media unsanitary', as it is categorically untrue...We was burnt to the ground, in a devastating
have expressed anger and discontent with the reiterate that we take health and safety as well fire. Both Mike and Mary were unharmed
quality of work being produced. In addition, as duty of care of our contributors as of physically, but they unfortunately lost their
the stars of the show have been accused of paramount importance." cat, Precious. In addition, over 50 years of
plagiarism, with complaints that their working irreplaceable collectibles and tattoo
practice is below par. But what about those who have been to visit memorabilia has been destroyed. The
'Tattoo Fixers'? Well, it seems that some are museum was the largest collection of
Kevin Paul, who has tattooed the likes of One not happy, either. As well as images of badly tattoo history in the U.S, and the Skivers
Direction and Ed Sheeran, has also come out healed pieces, one particular customer took would often showcase items at
in favour of the show being axed. Originally, he to Facebook to write about his experience. conventions, as well as give private tours
had been asked to be involved, but -for him- Daniel Head, who featured on the first series of their collection.
alarm bells soon started ringing: "I started to of the show, is now paying to have laser
work with them and went for meetings with treatment on his cover up of a Jim Carey A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up,
them. I even tried to help them find venues to tattoo, which he now says: "One year and if you would like to donate, please
set up the shop...They were saying it was going on....looks at least ten years old". In his (now head to:
to be this great big show and wanted to show viral) post, he exposes the behind-the-scenes www.gofundme.com/tdcc94
all the positive sides of tattooing...I was all for secrets and claims that he wasn't allowed to
that but as time went on, the things they were stop the tattoo procedure - despite having
saying didn't really make sense." food poisoning. He also describes the studio
itself as "...an old mechanic's garage and it's
If the reaction from other studios isn't bad absolutely f**king freezing in there".
enough, a spokesperson from the show has
also had to defend claims that the studio areas Will these reports harm ratings? Probably not -
in the programme are unhygienic. They said: there's no such thing as bad publicity, after all.

Before finished healed

10 Total Tattoo Magazine

 NOTHING TO SNIFF ABOUT
I'm sure most readers will agree that after getting a tattoo, you expect to feel rough - drained,
almost. It's obvious, really; the process temporarily lowers your immunity, as your body focuses its
energy on managing the pain and swelling. But, surprisingly, a new study has found that getting
multiple tattoos actually strengthens the immune system!

Published online in the American Journal of Human Biology, the research was carried out by three
scholars from the University of Alabama: Dr. Christopher Lynn, UA associate professor of
anthropology, UA graduate student Johnna Dominguez, Lynn and Dr. Jason DeCaro, UA associate
professor of anthropology. The study used saliva samples from tattooed customers, and antibodies
were compared between those who received initial tattoos and those who were tattooed more
frequently.

Lynn first considered the study after first hand experience of receiving a tattoo, and hypothesised
that repeated tattooing might show similar benefits to repeated exercising - that the body gets
stronger as it repairs itself. “After the stress response, your body returns to an equilibrium,” Lynn
said. “However, if you continue to stress your body over and over again, instead of returning to
the same set point, it adjusts its internal set points and moves higher.”

HEALING TATTOOS SIBERIAN ICE-PRINCESS TO REMAIN ABOVE GROUND

A tattoo apprentice has been inundated
by requests after she took to social media An Appeal has been launched after a Russian court
to offer free tattoos for those wanting to rejected a demand, from the leader of the Teles ethnic
cover up their self-harm scars. group in the Altai Mountains, ordering the reburial of
‘Princess Ukok’ (previously featured in our News section)
Whitney Develle, who works at Garage The 2,5000 year old ice Princess was dug up by a Russian
Ink (Brisbane, Australia), first had the idea archeologist in 1993. Akai Kine, leader of the Teles group,
when she covered up a close friend's claims that the removal of the Princess has caused natural
scars, saying that after the tattoo: “The disasters and human conflicts.
look on her face - money can't buy
that....[Afterwards] people were asking
her about her tattoo. The scars became He describes her (rather beautifully) as “The White Lady,
irrelevant - a thing of the past.” This a priestess guarding 'the umbilical cord of the Earth',
experience prompted her to want to standing guard at the gates of the underworld, preventing
change the stigma surrounding self-harm the penetration of evil from the lower worlds." However
scars and mental illness. apparently, not every one feels that way about her.
Nevertheless, he vows to continue in his quest to see the
“No one should ever have to feel like a Princess returned to her original place of rest. For now
public museum for people to ridicule”, she will remain a guest at the Republican National
Miss Develle said. Museum in Gorno-Altaisk, the capital of the region.
Since posting on her Instagram and
Facebook accounts, the original posts
have been shared thousands of times, USING YOUR HEAD
worldwide. As a result, Whitney has had
to amend her original offer, offering fifty
free sittings, as well as discounted tattoos.
All areas have been considered - the only
exception is that the service is not
available to those who are still self-
harming, which Whitney then continues to
encourage those affected to seek help.
To see more of Whitney Develle's work,
check out her Instagram:
@whitneydevelle

Australian Airbrush supremo 'Numbskulls' are a company who have developed and
Wayne Harrison will be holding workshops produced perfectly scaled human skulls, made of high quality
in UK this August for beginners and silicone rubber that can be tattooed. The silicone has been
advanced airbrush artists. For information developed to provide the best possible alternative to real
contact events@kustomkultureblastoff.com skin.The skulls can be used to perfect your skills, or create a
one-off display piece. A full-sized skull retails at £110 and the
mini one costs £55.

At this year’s Brighton Tattoo Convention, 13 talented artists

have been commissioned to customise a Numbskull. These
will be auctioned for charity, with all proceeds going to
‘Headway UK’
Check out www.numbskulls.ink

Total Tattoo Magazine 11

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
 Interview James Sandercock • Pictures Koan

F
or many years, the world of graffiti has been
a fertile artistic ground for tattooists, with
many reciprocating between skin and walls.
Although the two crafts require completely
different sets of skills, the membrane between
them has always been semi permeable; often
united with influences from comic book art. The
result of this fusion of underground arts has
created some extraordinary results, and Koan is
one of the finest proponents of that.
Born in Barcelona in 1980, Koan currently works in his hometown, at Studio Family
Art Tattoo with Victor Chil, Kuru and Oriol. “They are incredible artists", he begins,
"We ask each other’s opinion and help each other. I think that to evolve as an
artist, it’s necessary to work with others who aspire to achieve the same objective
as you. We have become very close. Also, after a long time away from Barcelona,
it feels great to be back and working in my city with my people, with my wife. I am
also very happy to be part of the team Inkjecta."

Like many artists, Koan reserves the use of his real name for close friends and
family, adapting his current moniker from his street art background. Koan continues
to say how, as a teenager, he was surrounded by graffiti in parks and outside
spaces. He decided to start painting at the age of 16. “Graffiti is something that
I’ve always liked”, he tells me, “so one day I decided to give it a go”. He bought
some spray cans and went for it: “My first piece was under a bridge, and it was a
disaster!”

14 Total Tattoo Magazine

At first, like so many talented young artists, Koan could not see a way of
making a living from his skills. “I never thought I could spend my life
drawing, let alone making a living from it. So I studied industrial mechanics.
I kept drawing throughout, but by the time I was 20, I was leading a
completely flat and monotonous life. I decided I needed to quit my job and
follow my dream.” He began to focus on painting in the street, whilst he and
studied comic and illustrative art. “I knew I needed to hone my skills, so I
could make a living doing what I’ve always loved; so I could make my life
enjoyable.”

Total Tattoo Magazine 15

16 Total Tattoo Magazine
As he refined his skills, Koan began to travel. It was whilst
abroad that he encountered his first contact with tattooing.
After that, things naturally started to fall into place. “My travels
took me to Le Mans in France, where I visited a tattooist I had
originally met when he lived in Barcelona. He had seen my
illustrations and said he would teach me to tattoo. I accepted
and started at Gudna Tattoo, where I stayed for almost four
years.”

Koan is very much part of a modern movement of art that was

born out of the 'New School'. However, he has made this style
his own, and taken it to a very different place, combining
sophisticated colour blends with fine illustrations and strong
narratives. As a result, his designs are dynamic and packed
with energy. When asked about how he would describe his
work, he explains that he does not like to be categorised:
“People have the need to label everything and file it away
neatly. I’m not sure anybody has ever agreed on my 'style'.
I really like the work that one sees in comics. I still feel
spellbound watching cartoons and looking at comic books, like
I did when I was a child! That is what I want people to see
reflected in my designs.”

Total Tattoo Magazine 17

18 Total Tattoo Magazine
It's plain to see the natural talent that
Koan has, but it's also important to note
that he has also worked incredibly hard
to get to this point in his career. Having
been so dedicated to his art, and so
passionate about tattooing, I was curious
to know whether he felt that there were
any downsides in tattooing at the
moment. “I think in the world of Tattoo
there are many people -perhaps too
many people- who are in it because they
believe that big money can be made, or
because it is an easy job. This isn’t the
case at all! Tattooing should only be for
those who truly love the profession and
have a serious respect for the skin of
their clients. Putting some ridiculous
scribbles on somebody so you can pay
the rent is not right and leaves them
marked for life!"

Total Tattoo Magazine 19

Koan continues to talk about his
customers; to him, the relationship
between artist and client has always
been incredibly important. “The
opportunity to make my art on people
motivates me. Tattooing creates a 'link' -
they tell me their stories and we have a
good time. They put their trust in me and
I do my best to repay that trust. I don’t
consider myself a very competitive
person, but I cannot resist the challenges
that my clients set me!"

For appointments and other details about

Koan:
Instagram: @koan_bcn
www.familyarttattoo.com

20 Total Tattoo Magazine

 1. 2. 3.

4.

1. by joey ortega, triple crown (usa)

2. by santos, santos tattoo (italy)
3 by henning jørgensen,
royal tattoo (demark)
4. by nick chaboya,
seven sons (usa)
5. by ueo, ueo tattoo (italy)
6. freddy corbin
5.
7. filip leu
8. big sleeps
9. by senior hoper,
true love tattoo (greece)
10. ivan and orie lighting
11. by gabriele pais (italy)
12. by shige, yellow blaze (japan)

6.

22 Total Tattoo Magazine

Words James Sandercock • Pictures Travellin’ Mick , Perry Rule and James Sandercock

7. 8.

mondial du
tatouage
2016 "There has, quite simply, never been anything quite like it."

I know that’s quite a statement, but it’s one I heard again and again
over the three days of Le Mondial du Tatouage 2016. On paper, it
would appear to be much the same as any of the massive shows
9. which take place across the world on any given weekend of the year,
but that’s where the comparison stops - it is, simply, on another level.
The successes of previous shows have been built on three key
elements: the venue, the artist list and Tin Tin (the organiser)
himself. His incredible network of connections and strong personality
mean that he has, over the years, gained a massive respect within the
tattoo world. When you combine these factors together, you have an
irresistible package.
If I was a business that wanted to tap into tattooing's rich vain of youth culture, then I too would
want to be part of this event. The sponsorship list had plenty of big names: Nissan, MTV, Dr.
Martens and Fender, to name but a few. All were given a tattoo twist and effortlessly assimilated
into Le Mondial Tatouage. This was Tin Tin's world: if you wanted to come in you had to do it
right, but if you did, you were welcome.

11. 12.

10.

Total Tattoo Magazine 23

 13.

16.

14. 15.

17..

18.
19.

20.
13. nissan cars, one of the sponors
14. by ponpon, dimitri hk studio (france)
15. there’s also a major rock show
16. by manao, tin-tin tatouages 21.
17. by fibs, fibs tattoo (spain)
18. guen douglas working
19. the tattoo judges: filip leu, kari
barba, bill salmon, luke atkinson
20. by charles huurman,
utopian tattoo (ireland)
21. by maud dardeau,
tin-tin tatouages
22. by alex reinke, holy fox tattoo
23. by julian, corpsepainter (germany)
24. ivana of outer limits (usa)
25. by luka lajoie, artrock tattoo (canada)
26. by cheong ho (korea)
27. shige from yellow blaze (japan)

24 Total Tattoo Magazine

 Of course, the artists present at the event were second to none (as you
would expect), but it’s the fact that they were all in one incredible 22.
space that was overwhelming and simply blew you away. The booths
were big, and for the visiting public, the aisles were also wide -
allowing room for the masses to move. It did get very busy, but there
was always some space to relax and take stock. This year's
introduction of additional bridges also enabled a whole new way of
circumnavigating the space, whilst also providing two incredible
vantage points from which to take the astounding atmosphere in.

In terms on entertainment there were only two categories (other than

the tattooing itself), which took place on the main stage. During the
daytime, it was all about competitions; three categories per day,
starting in the early afternoon, with a decent break in-between. The
proceedings were beamed live onto two massive screens either side of
the main stage, in incredible high definition. I walked around the
entire hall and wherever I stood I had a clear view of at least one of
the screens. The high quality production was amazing and because
you could see every thing so clearly, it really felt like an event - the
crowds remained hooked until the very end! When the bands came on
in the evening, the same attention to detail was adhered to with crisp,
balanced sound.

23. 24.

25. 26.

27.

Total Tattoo Magazine 25

28. But it was not just the obvious showcase
events that were done so well. The bars were
located in great positions, with space for
people to be able to enjoy their drinks. The
food was moved outside and was supplied by
independent caterers. The choice and the
standard were varied; all located in one food
court, complete with tables, chairs and another
bar. There were even 'selfie stations', dotted
around! Touch the camera screen and it would
snap you, then frame the picture in a 'Mondial
du Tatouage' design -your own personal
souvenir, which you could email to yourself.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know all this must

have cost a phenomenal amount of money to
do and every tattoo show does not need to be
like Paris. The small shows have their
strengths in their intimacy- grass roots stuff is
important. However, it is also important that
tattooing has a showcase event, put on by a
tattooist, that leads the way and gives
tattooing the centre stage - not just another
convention put on by a promoter, who simply
throws stuff at the wall and hopes some of it
sticks.

Over the past few years it’s been plain to see

that the identity of tattooing has been shifting.
Television shows and celebrity culture have
produced a new generation of polished, well
presented fans who have a very different idea
of what they want from their tattoos. All that
is ok (change is inevitable), but the fact is
tattooing is already jam packed with
genuinely fantastic artists. Show people that
and they will want to be part of it, and that is
exactly what the Le Mondial du Tatouage has
done, with bags of French flair.

29. 30.

31. 32.

26 Total Tattoo Magazine

33. 34.

35. 36.

37. 16.

28. by hocheon art studio, (korea)

29. james selfie shot
30. dan gold, monster gallery and
nicole lowe, good times
31. by valerie vargas, modern classic
32. by sailor bit, ethno tattoo
(switzerland)
33. by ueo, ueo tattoo (italy)
38.
34. by victor chil,
family art tattoo (spain)
35. by levgen knysh, voice of ink
(poland)
36. the next generation
37. by remis, remis tattoo (ireland)
38. by guy le tattooer (france)
39. by tiraf tattoo (france)
40. fender guitars designed by tattooists

39. 40.

Total Tattoo Magazine 27

41. 42.

41. tin tin

42. by horihui (taiwan)
43. by fibs, fibs art (usa)
44. by noka tattoo, (france)
45. by julien,
te mana tattoo (france)
46. by simone, buena vista
tattoo club (germany)
47. by laura satana,
exxxotic tattoos (france)

43.

44. 45. 46. 47.

28 Total Tattoo Magazine

48. 49. 50.

51.

52.

53.

48. by maud dardeau, 51. by maud dardeau,

tin-tin tatouages (france) tin-tin tatouages (france)
49. by cheongho tattoo 52. artist unknown
(south korea) 53. by fabien,
50. by fabio scala, belly button (france)
ladies and gentlemen (italy)

Total Tattoo Magazine 29

 I
n this exclusive, Lal Hardy recalls his
whirlwind tour of the Australian tattoo scene.
During his ten day trip, he managed to visit a
huge amount of studios, including Kian Forreal
Horisumi’s ’Authentic Ink’, King’s Tattoo,
Sleevemasters Studio, Max Chater’s Village Tattoo,
Hunter and Fox, Royal Tattoo, Kolours Tattoo and
Nu Tattz… to name but only a few! On top of that,
there were kangaroos, encounters with the cops and,
of course, lots of tattoos! Over to you, Lal….

Lal Hardy
Down Under
Over the many years I have been involved in the tattoo trade I have had a long established
network with the Australian tattoo scene; from the earliest days corresponding with the
legendary Des Connolly, to visits from the likes of Tony and Brett Cohen, Cindy Ray, Paul
Braniff and Duane Cash. Long before the advent of the internet and social media, these were
friendships formed by personal introduction or letter writing and photo exchanges (aka
snail mail!). However, despite all these connections, I had never actually visited Australia!
All this changed last September, when I boarded a flight with fellow tattooist, Claire Innit,
and set off for Oz. Despite being told how arduous a journey it would be to actually reach
Australia, I found it relatively easy - to be honest I was ‘buzzin’ with excitement to visit my
old cobbers out there!
by Rhys Gordon

inside Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo:
Coming out of arrivals at 6.30am, I was off,
like a man on a Tattoo mission! I was greeted
by Rhys Gordon - a great friend and tattooer.
Rhys is the owner of Little Tokyo, a beautiful
studio in Bondi Junction. Like many modern
Australian studios it was very spacious,
couches (rather than traditional barber chairs)
seem to be the choice for the clients to be
tattooed on. The studio is bedecked with
mementos of Rhys’s world travels and goodies
given to him by fellow tattooists.

Total Tattoo Magazine 31

 Souvenir Tattoos, Little Tokyo:
I was asked to do a few souvenir style tattoos
for people and happily obliged. As well as
British bulldogs, I tattooed a skinhead girl on
Tattooist Gummy Johnston. To commemorate
my trip, I got an old Des Connolly design of a
kangaroo from Rhys . Whilst getting tattooed,
a fellow tattooist called Morgan Pettit turned
up and presented me with a machine he’d
made especially for me - a lovely surprise.

Tattoo History Lecture,

Little Tokyo:
One evening, I did a talk for a pre-
invited audience on tattooing in
London in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It
was a great, fun night and after sipping
a few beers, tattoo stories were
exchanged long into the early morning.

Tony Cohen’s Illustrated Man Studio:

Tony Cohen is a legend of the Australian Tattoo Scene: a proper old-
school, no-nonsense tattoo artist. As I entered the studio, I was greeted by
another old friend -Brett, who is Tony’s son . The present Illustrated Man
Studio is relatively new and is opposite the old shop, which sadly is being
demolished to make way for a backpacker’s hostel. However, Tony
unlocked the old place to show us around. Inside, looking at the work
rooms and the large Japanese paintings adorning the walls, I could almost
feel the history and stories within the building, which made it all the
sadder that this iconic studio will soon be lost and consigned to the past.

Bondi Ink:
Bondi Ink is the studio that plays home to the reality T.V. series of the
same name. Everyone at the studio was very welcoming and clients
were arriving all the time, despite it being quite early. Such is the
impact of television that people were asking for photos with the artists.

32 Total Tattoo Magazine

 The new Illustrated Man studio

LDF Tattoo, Newtown:

LDF tattoo is owned by Les Bowen Jnr . Les
learned the trade from his father, the famous Les
Bowen, who himself started tattooing in 1959.
My main reason for visting LDF though, was to
catch up with my great friend Adrian Cipollone
(aka Ado Tattoos), who was guesting at the
studio. Ado does good solid traditional work and
he apprenticed under the great Paul Braniff.
Les Bowen, Lal, Kian Forreal, Ado
Greg Ardon and the East Hills
Tattoo Studio:
I first met Greg in the early 1980’s, when he
was travelling around conventions like
Dunstable and Amsterdam. What I didn’t
know was he had documented these travels. I
soon learned he had, when he pulled out album
after album of photos - including old pictures
of my studio even I hadn’t see before! We
spoke for ages about the old times before Greg
showed us into the back yard of his place: the
original East Hills Tattoo Studio. Founded in
1958 by Bob Woods and Big Pete Blackman,
the tiny little building was still standing. But
what history! It totally blew me away! Greg’s
collection of memorabilia was immense, as
was his knowledge of Australian tattoo history.

by Ado Tattoos

Kangaroo Design, Bob Wood’s Studio

Total Tattoo Magazine 33

The Australian Tattoo Museum:
Brett Stewart is the owner and curator of the
Australian Tattoo Museum. Boy, this man has
collected some incredible tattoo artefacts! As with so
many of the top collectors, the collections really are
too much to take in in one day, let alone an afternoon
(but I tried!).

Meeting Bev in Melbourne:

Although her friends call her ‘Bev’,
she is best known as Cindy Ray -
Australia’s most famous tattooed lady.
Accompanied by Rhys, Adrian, Tracey
Patterson, Patsy Farrow and Brett, we
spent most of the evening talking of
old times and all things tattoo.

Being a collector of tattoo memorabilia

and tattoos, I was honoured to have
Bev tattoo her infamous signature on
me, the very next day. Soon, we were
all getting tattoos. We also visited
‘Moving Pictures’ - Bev’s old shop-
where the current owner, Kenny,
generously gave me a sheet of Cindy’s
designs from off the wall.

Street Art In Melbourne:

One of the things that amazed me was some of
the graffiti and how massive it was. I went to a
place called AC/DC Lane, which was a
homage to the rock band. The surrounding
area was absolutely mind blowing: graffiti
wise it truly had to be seen to be believed. I
also visited ‘Chopper Alley’- an alley way
which was covered in murals of the infamous
bad boy, Chopper Reid.

34 Total Tattoo Magazine

 Meeting Johnny Dollar: Johnny Dollar
Another Australian legend I wanted to meet was Johnny Dollar (aka
John Entwistle). I had heard of John from my earliest days in this
trade; he had also run a supply company for many years for which I
had old catalogues. The studio in comparison to most I had visited
on my trip was small, but it was exactly my kind of studio: lots of
old style flash, lots of history - I absolutely loved it . A client was
getting an old school Red Indian, and it was great to see Johnny in
action. A proper gent!

Trevor Mcstay

Trevor Mcstay, Dynamic Tattoo:

Trevor is renowned worldwide for his Japanese style tattooing. I had been
fortunate enough to meet up with him on travels around the world so it
was great to visit him in his own studio, have a chat and see him working.

Inner Vision Tattoo Studio, one of

Wagga Wagga
the many long established studios
and seeing Kangaroos
which Lal Hardy visited.
Apart from visiting friends, whilst on my trip I wanted
to see kangaroos in the wild. I know it may seem strange
but I have always been fascinated by them and so far the
only ones I’d seen in Australia were road kill! The
manager of the hotel advised of a place where I would
definitely see them, but it had to be an early start -
5.30am, to be precise. We drove out of town and there
they were as the sun began to rise; hundreds of them
hoping about in the fields and quite a few on the local
golf course - not playing, of course!

Lal feels the long arm

of the law!

Soon, the ten days were up. My Journey to Oz had been all too brief ,
but was filled with brilliant memories, great laughs, stories, friendships
old and new and a desire to return ASAP.

I would like to thank everyone I met on this trip for their immense
kindness and hospitality, but extend a special thank you to my old mate
- Rhys Gordon. Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to visit so
many amazing places and meet so many great folk.

Total Tattoo Magazine 35

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
38 Total Tattoo Magazine
 This month's cover model, Janet Fischietto,
would hate me if I tried to categorise her - so I won’t!
The facts are that she is a performer with a free spirit,
who embraces life with passion and love. When William
Shakespeare wrote: "All the world's a stage, And all the men
and women merely players...", Janet took it to heart. She has
a creative mind and soul, and is in love with retro style and
the performing arts. The woman is the performer and the
performer is the woman - there is no way to separate the two.

Could you tell us about your met my agent, who saw me as a future century fashion, photography and
formative years burlesque talent. That’s how Janet performance artists. The early
"Even when I was a little girl, I always Fischietto was born!" burlesque performers are a strong
knew what I wanted to do in with my example of grace and awareness for us
life: create, paint and dance, and this is What does a typical day in the life today."
how I grew up - I had total freedom in of Janet Fischietto involve?
making my own choices. I spent my "I travel, constantly. Every week I'm in a How do you plan on changing the
time learning ballet and painting, until I different Country, so describing a world?
eventually ended up with degree in routine or a typical day is impossible for "By encouraging and inspiring girls, and
Visual Arts. The most significant event me!" people in general, to live their life in the
since then has been discovering the best way possible. Think big, and give
circus and getting involved with it." Tell us about your costumes, do yourself the opportunity to live out your
you make your performance dreams!"
When did you get your first tattoo pieces?
and how do you feel about it now? "I don't make them myself. Instead, I’ve Do you have any advice for new
"I did my first tattoo on myself - I wrote been collaborating long-term with a models and performers trying to
'LOVE', across my fingers. I was just 14 really good costume designer. They are enter into the modelling and
years old and wasn't really sure what I able to perfectly translate my ideas, performance world?
was doing! I thought: "It won't last from designs into reality." "Train every day, stimulate your
forever! I'm not doing properly, so creativity and be curious! This is the
maybe it will fade away!" I was wrong, You often perform at tattoo perfect recipe for a successful career.
it's still there and it's totally part of me. conventions. Do you have a Think unique and be original."
It's also a great memory of a night spent personal favourite?
with one of my best friends" "My favourite tattoo convention is the What can we expect from you, in
International London one, at the the future?
Do you have a favorite tattoo Tobacco Dock. I've performed many "The unexpected! I'm never satisfied
among your collection? different times, and what you feel is a and always curious, so expect my stage
"I truly love all of my tattoos, but my real multicultural exchange of ideas. shows to reflect that. Trapeze, fire,
favourite is the tiger and lion on my You have the opportunity to meet the contact staff - what could be next! I'm
chest by Stizzo (Best Of Times Tattoo, best selection of tattoo artists, studios excited already!"
Milan)" and entertainers from across the world."
How do you want to be
Tell us how you became a How would you describe your remembered?
performer and what inspires your personal style? "As the one who said: "Live your life as
sets? "It's very retro. I love 30's and 40's the greatest show ever!"
"My passion for burlesque started in vintage clothes and nylon stockings. I
2008, when I was working on my also love really precious silk lingerie in How do I follow you on social
Visual Arts degree. I was pastel colours, especially in peach pink media?
researching about the early and nude tones. I could never go out "Find me on every social platform as
1900 entertainment, and without a vintage hat, or a nice hairstyle Janet Fischietto"
the word “burlesque” - and my red lipstick!"
was always present. I Words & Text by
was instantly Do you have style icons? Jenna Krackzek
intrigued. That "I take my main inspiration from the Corset/Headdress by
year, I also circus world, as well as early 20th Fiori Couture

Total Tattoo Magazine 39

40 Total Tattoo Magazine
Words by Lizzy Guy • Pics by Lizzy Guy & Matt Chahal

Matt Chahal is one of the most influential Indian

tattooists in the industry, who combines the
traditional elements of Western tattooing with
Eastern art. I was keen to find out more about his
work, so on a grey Monday morning I found myself
outside a rather nondescript looking building, in
Welwyn Garden City. Inside, Matt’s private studio is
anything but ordinary; filled with tattoo prints,
artefacts and hand drawn posters from Indian street
painters. It’s the sort of place that you could spend
hours in, looking at Indian tattoo flash and listening
to a great soundtrack of Hawkwind and Indian Raga
music.
Although he had said that he was
nervous about the interview, Matt seems
relaxed. After an hour of talking, I
realised that I’d better start recording
and pulled out my recorder to start the
questions!

“My first memories of tattoos were the

ones that my family had.”, he begins.
"My Dad had a tattoo that I loved; it was
a dagger with an Indian snake around it,
which he got in the 1960s. I also
remember my Uncle’s mate, Mark,
tattooing himself in his house. I was only
young, but I would watch him and think
‘I’d love to get my drawings on
someone’s body!’

Total Tattoo Magazine 41

“As a teenager, I was into Psychobilly and
Punk music. I used to go to gigs, which is
where I really got into tattoos. It was a real
status thing. The old geezers had tattoos and
they had all the girls around them. I thought
it was this magical world, I’d try and get
close to study the tattoos! Funnily enough, I
knew Ben Stone from back then. If you were
into punk or Psychobilly and wanted a
leather jacket painting, you’d go to Ben in St
Albans, or me in Welwyn. Even then, I
wanted to tattoo.

“I first got tattooed when I was 14. It was a Guana Bats logo, traced off their cover
and taken to Bill Cook in Hitchin. My mate Scott was gonna get a Motörhead
logo, so we went together after School. Bill tattooed me without gloves, eating
chips, smoking and watching Neighbours (this was 1986/87)! When he finished,
Scott said ‘Nah, it’s alright!’ [laughs]. However, my first ‘proper’ tattoo was from
Bugs, when he worked in Camden. He tattooed a rat playing a double bass on my
arm - I think that was the first time I was completely gobsmacked by it. It was so
mysterious. I never even dared speak to Bugs, I’d almost be bowing on the way
out! My mates used to wait down the pub and when I was finished, I’d run to show
them (even though we were real arseholes to each other the rest of the time!). We
didn’t even know that going to a custom shop was a ‘thing’, or that there were any
rules… nothing! It was so immaculately sacred - I really hope that excitement and
mystery exists now.”

It was at the age of 15 when Matt seriously considered the idea of being a
tattooist. However, being half Indian in a fairly right-wing society, he wasn’t
confident enough to think that he would be ‘let in’ to the tattoo scene. Another
factor that held Matt back from pursuing his career was his increasingly heavy
involvement with drugs, something which he admits: “Messed me up for years”. I
found Matt’s frankness around such a sensitive subject very poignant. Although this
was a dark time in his life I got the impression that he felt it important to share, as
his past has helped shaped him into the person he is today:

“I didn’t get tattooed for about 8 or 9 years. I still wanted to tattoo. When I got
clean, what held me back was that I knew it would be dangerous for me to go

42 Total Tattoo Magazine

straight into the industry. With my
background, it was volatile. It haunted
me, to the point that I couldn’t go into a
tattoo shop, because -ashamed isn’t the
word- I was embarrassed that I wasn’t
doing it. Because by then, I knew it was
more accessible. Anytime something
came on TV I’d turn it off! It was like
tattooing was chasing me and I kept
trying to ignore it. I did a degree in art
and as soon as I finished that I got
tattooed again, which is when I knew I
was comfortable, confident enough and
wasn’t hazed by drugs. I couldn’t ignore
it anymore, I knew I had to do it."

Armed with a couple of machines, Matt

decided to take the plunge. Whilst a lot
of artists are reluctant to admit their often
shifty beginnings, Matt is completely
frank about how he approached his
career and tells me the strangest ‘first
tattoo’ story that I‘ve ever heard (Do
NOT try this at home!):

“I had a shed in my back garden. I

worked out that because I was in my
thirties, I didn’t have a lot of time to
make mistakes. If I did 100 bad tattoos, it
would take me 5 years to clear my name.
I thought ‘If I just do one massive, bad
tattoo, that’s only one person giving me
a bad name.’ I decided that if I did a
back piece, I’d learn to tattoo during the
tattoo! [laughs] The other part of that
logic was that the customer couldn’t see
what I was doing! I knew a labourer who
was covered in tattoos, but didn’t have
anything on his back; so I offered to do it
for free, but didn’t tell him I‘d just
started! I’d never seen how to make thick
lines, I thought that I had to do two thin
outlines and fill it in! back piece, I’d learn
to tattoo during the tattoo! [laughs] I only
managed to get tight 3’s, tight 5’s and
7mag needles. I didn’t know how to
shade…nothing! Also, I didn’t realise
that you should check the needle
beforehand. I remember tattooing near
his kidneys and my wife heard this guy
scream from the back of the garden!
Looking back, it was obvious that the
needles were hooked. My wife said it
sounded like I was killing a cat! By the
end of it, I could do a slightly less shit
tattoo! [laughs]”

Total Tattoo Magazine 43

 Although he still loves Western tattooing,
he soon found himself ‘flirting’ with the
idea of incorporating Eastern elements, as
he found himself seeking inspiration from
the Indian culture:

“My wife is Indian, as is my Dad, so I was

frequently travelling to India and seeing
all this amazing artwork. Once again, my
confidence got in the way. I never thought
that someone would want an Indian
tattoo. So, I’d tattoo traditional pieces but
then I’d go home and draw Indian
designs! I was influenced by the works of
Robert Ryan, Saira Hunjan and Dan
Higgs; seeing them doing Indian inspired
tattoos helped me to believe in myself and
my work.

Matt continued to practise on his friends. “After that, Ben invited me to come to
He would go to Conventions, listen to Lifetime Tattoo (Derby), so he could
machines, “And then try and remember teach me. Once a week I would take
what they sounded like!” and ask someone with me and Ben would
questions to glean information. He knew supervise. I then got a job with Oliver
however, that he could only get so far Jerrold and Tem Sosa at Hope and Glory
without proper guidance. By luck, or Tattoo and worked there for three years.
perhaps fate, Matt’s opportunity for a Tem taught me how to tattoo in a fixed
true apprenticeship came in the form of timescale. She also taught me a great
an old friend. Matt describes this as his work ethic: that I should never turn down
most important moment in his career: anything in case I didn’t have any work
the following week. Olly helped me with
“I was with my mates, getting tattooed at the drawing side of it. That’s where I
a convention. I looked up and Ben Stone paid my dues. I had to drive two and a
was standing in front of me! He was half hours each way - to Swaffham and
already an established artist at that time. back. Regardless of not doing it ‘by the
We both recognised each other and he rules’, I realised that I was gonna fucking
asked me what I was up to. I told him I’d tattoo and no-one was going to stop me.
begun tattooing and he asked me if I had
any pictures of anything I’d done. “Another person who really helped me
Luckily, one of my friends (who I’d was Valerie Vargas; she doesn’t know
tattooed), was standing near me, so I this, but she will do once she reads about
pointed and said ‘That!’. I didn’t want to it! I read an interview that you guys did
mention the back piece, so I said it was with her about nine years ago. I can’t
the third tattoo that I‘d done, which he remember the exact wording, but she
seemed impressed by! said how she would do the drawings
twenty times. That was a massive
"Later on, we started talking about the turnaround for me. I realised that to be
equipment I was using and he said good I had to redraw, to get my hand
‘Come with me'. I followed him and Dave used to the form and to make the
Bryant, and we queued in line to buy the linework better. If you draw designs
same machines. I could see brilliant twenty times, you end up curving the line
artists around me and I remember to the way you tattoo. It means that when
thinking ‘I wanna be where they are', you tattoo, your work looks individual to
that’s when I really saw it was possible. I everyone else’s.”
still have that machine. I don’t use it (I
only use Dave Bryant’s machines now), Matt became technically excellent and
but I would never sell it! executed mainly traditional designs.

44 Total Tattoo Magazine

“Jim (McCairt) saw the potential in the designs.
Because he’d been tattooing for so long he saw how
versatile the trade is. I couldn’t see it because I was just
so glad to be in ‘the group’ that I stayed within the
confines of ‘the group’. Jim showed me that I could set
my own parameters. He said two things to me. The first
was: ‘You’ve got a nice life from tattooing, but what
are you going to give back?’ The second thing was that
I was the equivalent of a really bad Abba covers band
from the local pub! He said: 'I would rather go and see
a creative band do their own stuff. I’d rather see a
good idea done badly, than a bad idea done well’. It
completely changed my outlook [snaps his fingers] like
that!”

I remarked how taking that risk has paid off, as he has

become incredibly influential and one of the main
names in Indian tattooing. He looked surprised, “Do
you think?! PFFFFTTT! [laughs] Really?!”

Total Tattoo Magazine 45

“I love my customers! They’re into similar
sorts of things to myself. It cuts out the need
to gain each other’s trust because you have
a common ground. Most clients in general
are looking for a tattooer that they can
connect with. So if they come here, we have
a chat, it’s very relaxed. That connection is
important. If not, sometimes I find that
they’re almost resisting the tattoo…do you
know what I mean? Even their skin does
something weird! Maybe it’s a subconscious
thing, I don’t know. But even if the tattoo
looks perfect, I’ll just think it’s shit, because
the experience was bad. I guess it would be
the same if someone had a bad encounter
when receiving a tattoo - even if it’s good,
they’ll just think it’s bad. It’s the associated
memory.”

Matt’s current focus is his Indian work; which

he combines with a traditional Western
method of bold lines and balancing the
negative space within the tattoo with black
or coloured ink. I asked him about his
current work, and how he is progressing:

“My work is a combination of symbolism

and aesthetic. The things that attract me to
the tattoos that I like are Eastern art and
Psychedelia. I was recently asked if there
was any meaning behind the figure designs
with the missing arms: the answer is that it’s
purely to make it work as a tattoo. If you
look at a lot of Indian figures on folk
paintings they don’t work as tattoos,
because they're too flat. I use a format that
a lot of old school artists (like Owen Jenson
and Sailor Jerry) used, which fits the curve
of the body really well. The art I’m inspired
by simply doesn’t fit the body in the same
way; bits stick out and it makes the tattoos
look distorted. So, I chop those bits off!

“I’ve found that there’s so much going

on in Indian art, I’ve started to think
about what makes it so striking. What
I’m doing is a bit like acid house -
sampling the essentials! I guess that’s
what I do when I’m drawing; I put the
main elements together to make more
impact. In the future, I’d really like to
do more large scale Indian work
without borrowing elements from
Japanese tattooing. It’s deceptively
hard to do. When I’m drawing it, it’s
like I’ll get to the last hurdle and go:
‘Fuck it! I’ll just borrow these clouds
from Japanese tattooing!’. It ends up
looking like an Indian’s on holiday in
Japan! [laughs]. I still can’t work out
how to do it - it’s baffled me for years!”

46 Total Tattoo Magazine

Looking around the studio, his drawings
and also the way he tattoos, it is
apparent that Matt has established a
way of working in which he is
comfortable. I wondered if he had any
regrets?

“I wish that I had more years under my

belt working in a street shop before I
started doing Indian tattoos, because I
didn’t realise how fast paced the industry
is. That’s what I’d advise an up and
coming artist with a new idea: if you’re
gonna do it, you have to work hard.
Maybe that’s my penance for working in
a shed - I was put into the Limelight
before I could handle it and the people
who did the proper route could bang out
ten sheets of flash in a weekend.”

A conversation with Matt Chahal is like a

warm bed - once you’re in it, you really
don’t want to get out. He is passionate
about tattooing and although he is well-
known, he is humble about his work. I
had enough time for one more question:
What makes him tattoo?

"I can’t put it into words… My favourite

part of doing a tattoo is often halfway
through and my mind switches off. I
become completely in the moment. I think
I first got attracted to that when I used to
get tattooed when I was younger, it’d be
about halfway through a tattoo and I’d
just be in the zone. There’d be this
stillness; you’re with the tattooer and
neither of you are talking, but you’re
connected. You can get it being tattooed,
or tattooing. Everything stands still and I
feel free. So that’s what I strive for, in
every tattoo. Even when I’m drawing, I’m
looking for that stillness - to feel
complete.”

Matt would also like to thank the other

studios that he has worked in, including
Seven Doors, Good Times, Temple Tattoo
and Jane Doe; as well as the many artists
who have helped him along the way.

Instagram @Mattchahaltattoo
Email:
Mattchahalbookings@hotmail.com

Total Tattoo Magazine 47

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Total Tattoo Magazine 49

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50 Total Tattoo Magazine

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Total Tattoo Magazine 51

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52 Total Tattoo Magazine

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Total Tattoo Magazine 53

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54 Total Tattoo Magazine

 A
fter 26 years of unmarried bliss
under our belts my partner Sue
and I finally decided it was time to
tie the knot. Having heard the news of
the first international Goa tattoo
convention taking place this seemed the
perfect opportunity to have a working
honeymoon and kill two birds with one
stone.

With flights booked, vaccinations sorted and Visas

obtained, we were bound for Mumbai. Upon arrival and
whilst waiting to transfer for our connecting flight to Goa,
we caught a glimpse of one of the massive slum areas right
next to the airport. A sprawling shantytown of corrugated
iron, wood and plastic sheeting with tiny narrow pathways;
it looks foreboding, but poverty alone is nothing to be
ashamed of in india and visitors are welcomed in for a
guided tour, for the price of a few rupees.

We arrived at Goa airport, slap-bang in the middle of rush

hour. After a 90-minute taxi ride, costing 1000 Rupees
(about £10!), we finally found ourselves at our hotel. I
called Martin and arranged to meet at 7.30 the next
morning, so we could help out with any last minute
arrangements, see the convention, and for him to secure
us our ‘Royal Enfield’ 350 motorcycle - which would be
our transport for the duration of our stay. No helmets
required, it was straight on the bike and out into the
morning traffic to visit the printers in the next town,
Maptsa. I must say - driving in India was a unique
experience, to say the least! Nobody appeared to use
indicators, preferring to hoot their horns to draw
attention to themselves whilst they made their
manoeuvres – the responsibility was put on everyone else
to move out of the way. Somehow this chaos seemed to
work just fine, if a bit loud!
show organiser Martin McIver

56 Total Tattoo Magazine

The convention itself was held at ‘Tito’s Bar’: Day 2 – Friday
Una Cotz, Made in Pain
part of a complex of units on the side of a hill, Probably due to our late night, we slept in and
opposite a petrol station. The entrance was had to rush to the convention for its debut, as
through a set of large white metal gates: to David Corden was due to give a lecture at 10
the left was ‘Lila’s Restaurant, Bar and Grill’, am. Naturally (as with much in India!), this was
next to which was a stage that had been postponed. Relieved not to have missed
erected for the weekend. On a higher level anything, we dispatched magazines which we’d
there was another restaurant, an open air bar carried from England, and introduced
and a swimming pool. At the other end of the ourselves to the artists working at the show.
complex was a sloping, three storey building, Bernie Luther had made a special trip to
made of breeze blocks and bamboo, which attend, along with some great artists from the
housed all the tattooists. UK and mainland Europe: Ash Harrison
(Villkat Arts) Rich Harris (Dark Horse
In the afternoon, we headed for one of the Collective), Glenn Cole (Top Gun) Jake X
many beautiful beaches, to watch the sun go (New Black Tattoos) Adem (Fat Fugu), Lewis
down over the sea. As the evening set in, we King (Underground Tattoo) and Michelle
found ourselves at ‘Curly’s Bar’: a massive Madison (Semper Tattoo) to name but a few. I
double story building, with an open air dance was pleased to see so many Indian artists
floor that played thumping club music long supporting the convention and showcasing
into the night and early morning. their work.

Rishablt Noolang, Immortal Tattoo

Adem, Fat Fugu

Total Tattoo Magazine 57

Throughout the long, hot day some fine pieces
Filip Leu, The Leu Family Iron (Switzerland)
were produced; not everyone was working,
but everybody seemed content just to be
there. Stalls sold Eastern delights along the
walkway between the artists and the stage
area. When it came to the entertainment,
several original acts graced the stage, including
a couple of guys who performed amazing acts
of strength and balance - one was juggling and
changing the colour of his eyes! When the
judging for best of day brought the
proceedings to a natural end, we fired up the
Enfield and headed back up the hill to our
hotel. Weary but happy, we readied ourselves
for another busy day.

Emily Balfe, Sailor Jax (Ireland)

Soydan,Yakuza Tattoo Burnie Luther tattooing Rhys Gordon Chirag Jhala, Inks and Needles

58 Total Tattoo Magazine

Lewis King, Underground Tattoos David Corden, Semper Tattoo

Sacred Cows

DAY 3 – Saturday
We set the alarm and got to the show in good time to sit in on David Corden’s
seminar in which he shared his techniques, opinions and advice to a knowledge
hungry crowd. The show was on in earnest today and all the artists were busy at
points throughout. There were a couple of problems when the power briefly cut
out in different areas. Usually, this would cause much grumpiness amongst the
artists – but India has a strange effect on people. The whole place has a kind of
‘oh well, it’s fine’, attitude; as a result, a relaxed laid-back vibe seemed to wash
David Corden, Seminar over everyone.

Glenn Cuzen, Top Gun Tattoo I spent most of the day talking to artists and finding out about some of the
history of tattooing in India, whilst eating great food and drinking cold beer in the
wonderful heat. The stage area was busy with a steady stream of Asian music,
belly dancers and performers. Time was at a standstill and the day seemed to
move at a gentle pace, until suddenly I was back on stage for another round of
judging, wondering where the day had gone.

At 11pm, Sue and I shot off on the solid and dependable Enfield, to find the
Saturday night market. Chaos is not the word! Literally thousands of motorbikes,
scooters and cars blocked the narrow tarmac lanes approaching the market; the
sound of hooters filled the air to a deafening pitch. Everybody was going in
whatever direction they chose, just to gain a valuable few inches. I nearly wet
myself from laughing at this wonderful display of anarchy in action - even the dogs
had trouble getting through! The market itself was a warren of narrow lanes, filled
with beautiful, brightly lit stalls selling all manner of trinkets; from silver jewellery,
to life sized carvings of the great God Shiva. Having filled our bags, we left to try
and locate the after show party at Liliput’s beach bar. Unfortunately, we had
trouble finding the right road away from the market and passed it a further three
times, before finally hitting the road that lead to our hotel and bed.

Eric D'Souza Makesh Charan

Iron Buzz Tattoo Kroayonz Tattoo Studio

Total Tattoo Magazine 59

Yogesh Waghmare,
Leo Tattoo

DAY 4 – Sunday
The sun shone down bright and warm as it has
done every day, and we finally managed to grab
breakfast at the hotel. We decided to take
things a little slower, so instead of heading
straight to the convention we went into Anjuna
to exchange some money. The resort of Anjuna
does not have a town centre, in the traditional
sense. Instead of a central area with all the
amenities, a collection of small units run
alongside the road. Arranged in different
groupings (some of two, some of fifty), they vary
in size and state of grandeur; some are tiled and
freshly painted, whilst others are literally a dirt
floor with a table at the front. All are beautiful
in their own way.

We arrived at the show to find many others

Rhys Gordon had also chosen to go a little slower - the magic
Little Tokyo of India had begun to weave its spell. Soon
enough, all the artists were working and the
show was filling up. The public were incredibly
intrigued, and came into the tattooing areas to
get close to scrutinise what the artists were
doing - at one time David Corden’s booth was
more akin to a rugby scrum than a tattoo
booth! But he, as with everybody else, was a
true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for
tattooing answering questions as he continued
to work away. It was the same story with the
local studio booths, and we were blessed to see
some amazing Indian artists including Makesh
Waghela, Sonny Bhanushali,Yogesh Waghmare
and Chirag Jhala. Despite many of them being
relatively new in the tattoo trade, I was really
impressed by the high quality of their work.

Manohar Kohli
Alien's Tattoo

60 Total Tattoo Magazine

After many acts on the main stage including
Indian drummers and a sitar performer set to
very funky dance music, it was back to the
competitions. With a tattoo community so
young in India, the competitions hold great
importance. Once again, we saw many
incredible pieces that exceeded expectations.
The Best of Day and Best of Show went to
Mukesh, who had worked on a Ganesh back
piece the entire weekend. It was wonderfully
constructed and beautifully lined, with subtle
shading and white highlights: an amazing
achievement for both artist and his client,
Warren James.

In the evening, Martin had organised an after

show party in Bagga Town. The narrow road of
the town was illuminated with neon, rammed
with people and literally every other shop was
a tattoo shop - more than forty in one strip!
Tomo,Yellow Blaze (Japan)
Most of the bars were open fronted onto the
street, every one playing loud music. The place
was packed, even though it was 2 am. It was
mental! And we loved it. After we managed to
grab some amazing street food before heading
back to the hotel for two hours sleep, before
our big treat on Monday.

Una Cotz
Made in Pain

Eric D'Souza
Iron Buzz Tattoo

Sonny Bhanashali
Alien Tattoo

Makesh Charan
Kroayonz Tattoo Studio

Makesh with Achana Bhanushali

customer Warren James Ace Tattooz

Total Tattoo Magazine 61

Day 5 – Monday
As instructed by Martin, we arrived on our bike, at
Tito’s bar, at 8am "On the dot! Don’t be late!" But,
where was Martin? Slightly late! Once we were all
together, we finally got going around nine. Martin
lead us out of Anjuna, on a run to the Regal
Retreat in Candolim: an old Portuguese fort, high
on an island only accessible by ferry. Nowadays, it
is a luxury hotel, with seven rooms and magical
views from the top. In 90-degree heat, surrounded
by palm trees, we looked out from our balcony
seats to watch dolphins playing out at sea. It really
couldn’t get any better. After our fill of dolphins,
coffee and petite sandwiches, we caught the tiny
ferry back off the island to head back to Anjuna On the ferry
and a famous eatery, ‘The German Bakery’: an
organic food establishment, serving delicious
healthy delights in a cool low light enviroment,
where the air is filled with the sweet smell of
incense. Complete with atmospheric Indian music,
the place was a tonic in itself - but far too laid
back for me!

I had been told about tattooists who work on the

dust floor of the coach station in Mapsta, and
decided to investigate. Surrounded by dirt, fumes
and all manor of waste (both man made and ‘man
made’, the smell of ammonia from the urine burnt
my nose!) There, at the back of the open air coach
park, myself, Rhys Gordon from Little Tokyo in Tattooing at the coach station
Australia and Dave from Tattoo Arms in Bolton,
found four tattooists who were sat on the floor,
behind small suitcases which contained
woodblocks, ink pads, sheets of colour copied
flash and a few bottles of ink - all covered in dust. Tattooing at the coach station
A battery pack and two wires led to a makeshift
machine, where I learned that a single needle
dipped directly into the ink bottle is used to
perform each tattoo. Between clients, the needle
is licked clean by the tattooist. And this, for me,
summed up India. It is the most beautiful place I
have ever been, with all life here: from the super
sterile studios with artists promoting safe, hygienic
practises, all the way down to one needle for all, in
the dust and the dirt. Rubbish at the side of the Home made machine
road is set against a vista created from beautiful
green palm forests with brightly painted houses
standing out like stars in the night sky. The
contrasts go on. Martin said before I came: “If you
get India, India will get you.” And it is true - India
‘got’ me.

Tattooing in India is in a very special place, it is

really only 10 years old and the artists have the
opportunity to nurture and develop it in a way
that no other nation has before. There are already
some amazing artists who are working together
to establish good practices, good hygiene and
sharing information to build a force that I am sure,
will one day soon inspire the world.

I need to thank Martin,Vaschist, Sonny, Makesh,

Glen and many others for making this trip so
special. Mostly I need to thank my wife Sue for
agreeing to spend her Honeymoon visiting yet
another tattoo convention. It truly has been like
no other.

62 Total Tattoo Magazine

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
 Words by Lizzy Guy
Photos by Hannah Keuls
Hannah’s portrait by Kat Hanula

espite only tattooing for a relatively

D short time, Hannah Keuls has

developed a very distinct style. Her
pieces combine realistic aspects with an
illustrative quality, resulting in beautiful
visually intriguing tattoos. I met her at Good
Times Tattoo, where I was able to learn more
about her background and her approach to
creating her work.
Hannah pursued her career in the tattoo industry after she had finished her degree in
illustration. I was curious to know when she made the decision to do so, and whether she
thought her formal education had aided her in the choice:

“I hesitantly chose to pursue tattooing mid way through my degree, which I certainly wouldn't
call a formal education. I think I learnt more in my apprenticeship than at Uni! But I guess it
opened my eyes to influences around me, as well as meeting people and taking me to places
that helped sway my decision to head in that direction. When I started collecting a few tattoos
it all just started to snowball: I found myself discovering artists that blew my mind; reading
magazines and books; discovering places like Camden that are literally buzzing with studios
and finding that, on the whole, it was something I wanted to be a part of. I moved to Brighton
when I graduated, for a change of scenery and being aware there was a great tattoo scene I
hoped there was a chance of finding an apprenticeship at some point. Thankfully, after
approaching many studios with a portfolio, there was! That was with Ade Stacey at Nine.”

64 Total Tattoo Magazine

Total Tattoo Magazine 65
 After working in Brighton, Hannah began to work a few
days a week at Good Times Tattoo, eventually moving
over to full time work just over two years ago. She says
that this was a pivotal point in her career, saying that Good
Times “Does what it says on the tin!”. She goes on to talk
about her inspirations from hard working artists:

“My Megababe boss, Nikole (Lowe), is pretty badass; just

casually setting herself a painting a day challenge for a
month whilst knocking out back pieces and sleeves like it's
nothing. It drives me and makes me want to do better.
People who work hard and push the tattoo boundaries up
and up inspire me. I don't see how I can ever compete with
them and I hope it stays that way! I hope I never feel like,
'I nailed it, I'm awesome and I can't get any better',
otherwise that would make me an asshole and I won't
improve!”

66 Total Tattoo Magazine

 In terms of inspiration for her artistic style, Hannah is primarily interested in realism and
graphic illustration. Nonetheless, she still executes beautiful tattoos using a wide range of
subjects ranging from religious icons, to oriental concepts. She also does freehand work. I
wondered if any particular ideas from customers were easier to adapt than others:

“If I'm asked to do something more traditional or Japanese with my own twist, then that's a bit
of a head fuck as I have to imagine what it would be like in 3d. I also feel like I'm shitting on
traditional values and structural rules, but maybe rules were made for breaking? Personally I
don't find freehand work more difficult, it's just a very different approach for you and the
client, so there's gotta be a lot of trust and you've gotta know where you're going with it. I find
sketching from photographs the easiest to work from in my style, because I'm provided with
all the textures and contours of the subject as it is in real life.”

Studio owner Peter Masters

Total Tattoo Magazine 67
In her work, Hannah aims to translate the textures of ink drawing into tattooing. With two
contrasting mediums, I was keen to know whether there were any difficulties in transferring
the characteristics of one media onto another:

“As my style is developing, I guess I figure out different ways to translate textures that are
directly inspired from drawing. Technically, it's been difficult at times, but it's a journey. As I
gain experience, the style I'm trying to achieve also changes, as there are more options to
consider! I don't think there are any limitations, but I find there is much more to consider with
larger scale work. I think every technical aspect is exposed on large scale, so super smooth
consistency and balance of contrast, amount of black etc. is way more obvious if it's not right
on a back piece than if it's a small filler.”

Even though she is still developing her craft,

Hannah makes her work look so effortless -
mainly because her style of art appears so
expressive and flowing. Some tattooists with a
distinctive practise work using ‘formulas’, and I
asked her if she followed a particular set of rules
when constructing her designs:

68 Total Tattoo Magazine

“I think I'm pretty routine with my approach to designs. I generally start
researching a tonne of stuff online, usually photoshopping and doing a
preliminary sketch, which will provide a stencil, then additional marks and
line work are free handed over that. Sometimes I will have to start with a
thumbnail sketch to figure out the composition, or photograph the part of
the body we are working with (particularly with cover ups), then draw
over that to figure out the design. I let my clients have as much input as
they like: it's their tattoo, but if I think it will look crap then I will suggest
an alternative approach! I always have a consultation before tattooing
someone, usually in person or via email. I think it's essential to
consolidate key ideas, size and placement - and just as important to
approximate a cost and when I am available, so we don't waste anyone’s
time!”

Lastly, I asked Hannah what her plans for the year ahead were:

“I’d like to do the Brighton and London Tattoo conventions, maybe a few
others dotted around the UK (I announce these on Instagram). I'd also like
to take a few non tattoo-related holidays, to regroup my energy.

"And buy a house and a dog, that would be pretty sweet!”

Instagram: @hannahkeuls
Website: www.hannahkeuls.co.uk
Email: hannahkeuls@hotmail.com

Total Tattoo Magazine 69

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
 atters are getting serious for tattoo

M artists in Japan. Studios are closing

down, the police are searching shops,
arresting artists and issuing considerable fines -
and now a looming trial is bound to set a
precedent. Is this the beginning of the end of a
centuries-old culture?

tattoos banned
in Japan
Text: Travellin‘ Mick • Photos: Travellin‘ Mick, Sana Sakura, Kurofin,

‘I am Japanese, and I will stay in Japan.

I am now preparing to fight!’
These are the words of a world-famous tattoo artist, whose name is better not mentioned at this
point. He - like most of his colleagues - might face a rocky future, as it is easy to be singled out by
the authorities right now. The air is getting thinner for tattooists; and all this in a country that is
widely regarded as the cradle of tattoo art!

In Japan, tattoos in general are often associated with illegal Yakuza groups and are therefore
largely invisible on the streets and in the media. Someone with tattoos - no matter if concealable
or not - can forget about getting a job in the public services or with a large company.
Work out in the gym? Not possible! A swim in the hotel pool? No way!
At the annual Sanja Matsuri festival in Tokyo, once famous for its many traditionally tattooed
performers, the police now strictly bans the display of inked skin. Tattooed bathers, local and
foreign, have even been evicted from public beaches.

It is hardly surprising that the demand for tattoos in Japan is much lower than often assumed by
westerners. Many professionals are discreetly plying their trade in private premises or use
unassuming company names. For decades, tattooists have been working in a grey zone. Their
work has never been offically recognised as a profession, but it wasn‘t expressively forbidden to
put ink into skin either. Traditional ‘tebori’ masters and modern inkslingers alike could do pretty
much whatever they wanted, as long as they didn‘t make themselves too visible to the public eye.

Total Tattoo Magazine 71

This uneasy co-existence now seems to be
unilaterally rescinded by certain officials.
Since April 2015, Japanese police started
cracking down on tattoo studios. While in the
beginning, several tattooists were fined for
selling numbing products to their customers,
the authorities soon brought out the heavy
artillery. In August, Chopstick Tattoo, one of
the oldest shops in Osaka was raided by police,
and several of the resident artists were
detained for three weeks, 'for questioning'. A
similar fate happened last November, to the
tattooists at 8 Ball Tattoo, in Nagoya; Japanese
TV and press reported about it as if the state
had managed to win a major battle against a
serious crime.

At this time another case is even making

international news: Taiki Masuda, a 27-year
old designer who has been tattooing for about
four years, received a visit from the police and
was promptly fined 300.000 Yen (about 2800
US$), for an alleged violation of the medical
practitioner's law. A legal notification from
2001 - widely ignored until recently -
apparently containing a passage that includes
making it illegal to tattoo without a medical
license. Taiki refused to pay and is now
appealing the fine on the grounds that he is an
artist and not a medical practitioner.
Furthermore, he and his lawyers contest that
the notification itself is sufficient grounds for a
fine. With a judgement looming that might set
a precedence, a risky situation has arisen: can
it be possible that the fate of tattooing in Japan
itself is now in the hands of a young and little-
known artist and his lawyers, who are hardly
experienced in the field of tattooing itself?
Will the judges now exert their full authority,
based on a single case? Even if his fine is
upheld by the Osaka court, he can appeal
through several stages of the legal system; a
long-winded, costly and risky path.

72 Total Tattoo Magazine

It seems, the Japanese government are seriously trying to eradicate
tattooing! Osaka is already practically devoid of tattoo studios, and
even in Tokyo some artists are preparing to close shop and continue
tattooing in private residences. In the meantime, the Japanese tattoo
association (JAST) is trying to establish hygienic standards and the
initiative "Save Tattooing in Japan" campaign is collecting donations
to fund legal expenses for Taiki Masuda. For many tattooists, the
situation is becoming increasingly unbearable. As being tattooed is
deemed socially unacceptable, their livelihood is in serious danger.
Some have emigrated or are preparing to; others have left the field
entirely and are working in different professions.

Still, there are the unswerving ones, like the artist quoted above.
Rather than giving way, he will remain and prepare for the long and
painful battle with the authorities. Instead of making money in
Europe, China or the US, he is now gathering statements from foreign
doctors and legal experts, exhibits his art in galleries and museums
worldwide and awaits what is to come:

"A total ban on tattooing wouldn‘t be the end of the world," he finally
says, "It was forbidden until 1948 too, and the tattoo tradition of Japan
still exists. You can't just abolish it by law."

Total Tattoo Magazine 73

 Kusatsu -
A tattoo-friendly Onsen.

For many visitors, one of Japan's main

tourist attractions is a stay at an onsen. Fed
by hot volcanic mineral springs, onsen are
bathing places often set in beautiful scenery,
offering a treat for body and soul alike.
Japanese residents love spending hours
there, taking a break from their busy
schedules, and many foreigners have easily
adopted this ancient tradition. There is a
slight problem for numerous tourists,
though - tattooed people are not accepted in
most onsen! Often, an unmistakeable sign at
the entrance indicates this, whilst other
places simply evict anyone with even the
tiniest ink spot on their skin. Originally, this
rule was made to keep out members of the
Yakuza groups, but it now mostly affects
unsuspecting holiday makers.
Unfortunately, there is not much use in
trying to argue that a tattooed foreigner can
hardly be a member of a Japanese gang. To
avoid disappointment, thorough research is
necessary as to which onsen tolerate tattoos.
Examples of which lie in the resort town of
Kusatsu, a 4h bus ride north of Tokyo. Here,
at 1200m altitude, ink lovers can freely soak
in most public pools, which are often
beautifully located in the forested hills.

Mr. Toru Kuroiwa of the Kusatsu Hotel,

explains:
"Most onsen here are run by the city council
of Kusatsu and tolerate tattoos. We are also
used to foreigners and we have staff that can
speak some English and Chinese."
When asked how his own hotel deals with
the topic of tattooed guests at their bathing
facilities, the broad-minded manager
replies: "We welcome every guest. Kusatsu
Hotel offers five bathing places, and if
guests should feel uncomfortable because of
tattoos, there is always the possibility to
book private time at one of them." Rooms at
the highly recommended Kusatsu Hotel can
be booked through Tripadvisor and cost
from 15000 Yen (about $135) per person,
including breakfast and an awe-inspiring
dinner.

74 Total Tattoo Magazine

Interview: Gakkin.
Gakkin from Kyoto is one of the most famous
artists, both in, and outside of Japan.
Respecting the past, but pushing traditional
styles into the future, his work is considered
groundbreaking by many. He is well-known
for tattooing famous MMA fighter Yamamoto
Kid (Crazy Bee), who on December 31st 2015
fought live on national TV, exposing his work
to millions of Japanese people.

TM: Gakkin-San, what do you think is

behind the latest crackdown on tattooing in
Japan? Is it really about medical issues?
G: The whole issue is quite a bitter
disappointment. I know that tattooing has been
in a grey zone, but it is part of our culture. I
suspect that the regulation is coming from
complaints about practitioners of permanent
make-up. These might have led to a stricter
interpretation in tattooing as well. It doesn't
make sense really - tattooing is not a medical
treatment at all.

TM: Do you think the government is now

seriously looking to eradicate tattooing in
Japan?
G: Many Japanese citizens are still showing
unpleasant feelings towards tattoos. They like
tattooed football players and rock stars, but at
the same time don't want to share a swimming
pool with someone who looks like them. Who
can explain this to me? Actually, I am not
someone who thinks that tattooing should be
mainstream. Originally, tattooing was only for
dedicated followers, and I am dealing mostly
with these types of passionate people as
clients. Of course, the government should care
about the 2020 Olympics and definitely avoid
discrimination towards tattooed athletes -
making people cover their ink with a bandage
is too cheap a solution. Japan has to learn
much in the matters of freedom of thought and
expression...

TM: What do you recommend other

Japanese tattoo artists to do now?
G: Well, I think traditional tattooing has to be
continued inside Japan! But if you think about Interview: Katsuta - The End for Tattoo Conventions in Japan?
declining birthrates and rising discrimination, TM: Katsuta-San, you have organised the King of Tattoo Convention in Tokyo for nine
it is hard to imagine that there will be more years, but it had to be cancelled in 2015. Will there be any tattoo conventions in Japan in the
tattooed people in 20 years than there are now. future?
Working in any kind of service industry is K: King of Tattoo is now on hold. Right now, it‘s impossible. The police even called me
already difficult, maybe except nursing homes! personally and strongly 'recommended' me to stop it. As the organiser, I put myself into this
So, if you can work with foreigners or want to exposed position and it alerted them to my presence and activities.
emigrate, studying English wouldn't be a
disadvantage, right? TM: And what do you intend to do with your famous tattoo shop, the Tokyo Hardcore
Tattoo in Koenji, Tokyo?
K: We will probably close it, at least officially. If the police come in here and they see my guys
tattooing, who knows what‘s going to happen? Some of them have family, and once you are
marked as a criminal in Japan, life becomes hard - even for your kids. We want to open a branch
of Tokyo Hardcore Tattoo in China: it‘s the future market for tattoos.

TM: You are also involved in JAST (Japanese Association for Safe Tattooing). What do you
want to achieve?
K: We want to establish guidelines concerning hygiene for all tattooists. This way, we can show
the authorities that tattooing is no danger to public health, whilst kereping the communication
open.

www.facebook.com/savetattooingiverenglish

Total Tattoo Magazine 75

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
Words and Pictures Lizzy Guy

1. 2. 3.

TATTOO
1. gentlemen’s deathmatch
2. by chris meagan,
santa cruz kustom club
3. by paul terry, skin kandi
4. by joe spaven, scarlet rose

TEA PARTY
After the astounding success and support at last year's
Tattoo Tea Party, the organisers had no option but to make
the show even bigger, whilst maintaining its already stirling
reputation. Excited and raring to go, I packed my bags and 4.
set off to Event City, for what was promised to be an
amazing weekend.
First of all, for anyone who drove to the ticket was easily justified. And that's not even
venue on Friday - you deserve a massive pat mentioning the tattooists! Over 350 artists
on the back! In typical 'British Weather' were present, working solidly in their
fashion, the day went from bright and sunny, spacious booths. The works produced were
to rain, and then to snow - all in a matter of varied in many different styles; from detailed
a few hours! After a perilous drive on the realism to bold traditional, there really was
motorway, I was glad to arrive safe and something for everyone.
sound, and began setting up the Total Tattoo
The event covered 13,000 square metres,
booth. After meeting with my helpers for the
and as a result, it meant that the crowds
weekend (Joe Spaven from Scarlet Rose, as could move freely around the convention -
well as Alex Batten and Oliver Whiting from this was definitely a pram and wheelchair
Black Dog Tattoos), it was time to go to bed friendly show. With such a large space, I was
and get some rest, ready for the weekend. initially concerned how the show would
maintain its friendly and fun atmosphere of
On Saturday, the doors opened to the public past years. I needn't have worried:Velma Von
at 11am. It became apparent that this Bon Bon, who was the MC for the weekend,
convention was going to be busy! With kept the crowds entertained and informed,
dodgems and waltzers, the 'Gentlemen's between performances and during the
Death Match', live music, pyrotechnics, car competitions. In addition, the background
and bike shows, a vintage beauty parlour, music played was at a good level - loud
caricatures, body painting, sideshow illusions, enough to be heard, but not completely
powerlifting and Tattoo competitions on overbearing. The good vibes freely flowed
both days, the price of a day or weekend around, filling the huge space.

Total Tattoo Magazine 77

5. 6.

On both days I was astounded how quickly the

hours flew by. I always think this is a sign of a
good show; the last thing any convention goer
wants is to feel time beginning to drag, but
equally they don’t want to feel that the
entertainment is being rammed down their
throats. People want choices, and the Tea Party
gives exactly that.

On Sunday evening, as Event City shut its

doors to customers and booths began to pack
up, I felt genuinely sad that the convention was
over. The organisers, Neil, Sue and Martin, have
really gone above and beyond. Their welcoming
nature and attention to detail, such as spacious
work areas, varied entertainment spaced out
throughout the weekend and affordable
tickets, mean that this particular convention
runs smoothly and successfully. As a result, in
my opinion, the Tattoo Tea Party really is one
of the best tattoo conventions in the country.

Finally, I need to thank Joe, Alex and Oliver,

who managed the Total Tattoo booth, whilst I
was able to cover the show. Without their
help, I wouldn't have been able to photograph
or report on the show. Thanks, guys!

7. 8. 9.

5. by luke sayer, samsara

6. harriet heath, crooked claw
tattoo/dharma tattoo
7. by hannah von farren,
bravest kids
8. alan proctor, twit twoo tattoo
9. by brenden jones, tattoo hq

78 Total Tattoo Magazine

10. 11. 12.

MUG SHOT
Daniel Williams,
13. 14. North Sea Tattoo
Company

Is this your first visit

to the Tattoo Tea
Party?
No, this is actually my
fourth one. I only
missed one year. It's
good, especially for Manchester as a whole.

How's the weekend going for you? Are you

doing walk-ups or do you have pre-arranged
15. appointments?
DW: I had two appointments booked for the
Saturday and plenty of walk ups as well. Today,
I've pretty much booked myself out - if needs
must, I might squeeze a little one in later on! It's
definitely busy!

What do you like best about the Tattoo Tea

Party?
I like the variety that it has. It isn't solely
traditional, or solely realism, etc. There's a good
mix. It's also a good size as well.

Is there anything that you don't like, or you

think could be improved?
The noise, maybe... I think that's something that
all tattooers hate at conventions though! I know
that the time and space has to be filled with
entertainment, but sometimes when you're trying
10. adam philo, second skin to concentrate and you suddenly hear bangs or
11. jamie lee knott, shouts, it can be a bit off-putting. Obviously, I
dark horse collective don't know how the public perceive it.
12. little andy
13. holly wood, How would you sum up the Tattoo Tea Party?
skintricate tattoo It's a great, good sized convention, to start going
14. leah moule, to conventions. The quality of artists here is very
sweet life gallery good, and it's a great opportunity for people to see
15. joe phillips, vere street what's out there.

Total Tattoo Magazine 79

16. 17. MUG SHOT
Rebecca Hoogland
Big Dogs Tattoo
Furniture.

Is this your first time

at the Tattoo Tea
Party?
Yes, it's actually our
first convention that
we've attended as
traders!

How is it going for you, are you busy?

Yes. We're really enjoying it. We've released a new
product, so it's been a really good weekend for us
to talk to artists, find out what they're looking for
in tattoo furniture and get feedback. Everybody
who we've spoken to has given us really good
feedback and been impressed; it's given us a really
good idea of where to take our products next.

What do you like best about the Tattoo Tea

19. Party?
The diversity and just how welcoming everybody
is! It's so well laid out, and if you're coming as a
visitor there's loads to see and do - even if you've
got children with you, or someone who isn't into
tattoos!

As a trader, do you think anything could be

18. improved?
I honestly can't think of anything! I've been trying
to think if there's any negatives, but there aren't!

TTM: How would you sum up the Tattoo Tea

Party?
Colourful, expressive and diverse!

21. 22.

20.

80 Total Tattoo Magazine

23. 24. 25.

26. 27.

16. tommicrazy, middleton tattoo

17. craig measures, sweet life gallery
18. maciej smuczynski, magic ink
19. ken patten, tattoo station
20. fun on the waltzers
21. rich harris, dark horse collective
22. adem senturk, fat fugu
23. oliver whiting, black dog tattoos
24. alex whiley, death or glory
25. ryan ‘the scientist’ smith
26. craig cardwell, retro ink
27. tom birch, heart for art
28. aiden higgam, rapture studios
29. danny taylor, the inkwell
28. 29. 30. sophie brown, forever ink

30.

Total Tattoo Magazine 81

31. 32. 33.

35.

MUGSHOT
Lucy, 22, and Sammy, 21, both from Leyland,
34. Preston.

TTM: Is this your first time at the Tattoo

Tea Party?
L: Yes!
S: No, I came about three years ago.

TTM: Are you planning on getting tattooed,

or are you just looking around?
L: I'd like to get tattooed, but I'm not sure who
by yet.
S: I might do, I'm just looking around at the
moment.

TTM: What do you like best about the

Tattoo Tea Party?
L: All the pretty people and all the pretty
tattoos!
S: It's not cramped, like some other tattoo
conventions that I've been to.

TTM: Do you think anything could be

improved?
L: Maybe a bit more interaction - I'm not sure
of my boundaries with the artists, whether I'm
'allowed in' to their booths, so to speak.
S: I can't think of anything!

TTM: How would you sum up the Tattoo

Tea Party?
L: Be open minded when visiting, because it's
so varied!
S: It's a really good entertainment, with a
really good atmosphere!

82 Total Tattoo Magazine

36. 27. 38.

39. 40.

41.

31. steven kerr, custom inc

32. simon cooke, the inkspot
33. will sparling, exile tattoo
parlour
34. paul bogden, sailor max
35. paul terry, skin kandi
36. mark bester, marked for life
37. woz p, hale street
38. will sparling, exile tattoo
parlour
39. weight lifting championship
40. max mccartney, the inkwell
41. yarson, sailor max

Total Tattoo Magazine 83

please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
 Interview: Travellin‘ Mick • Photos: Marco Manzo, Travellin‘ Mick

M
arco Manzo’s graceful tattoos don’t just look tailor-
made, they actually are! Partnering up with his wife
Francesca, the Italian artist designs body concepts
that rival creations of Haute Couture fashion houses.
Adopting patterns from textiles and exotic festive
garments, they bring tattooing into the world of high-brow
art. Original top class tattoos, made in Italy!

TTM: Marco, your work can be considered unconventional in several

respects. You seem to be determinedly pursuing your own concept. What
drives you to do these amazing lace back and leg pieces?
MM: First of all, I need to mention that my wife Francesca and I have been cooperating on
all my tattoos for the past 16 years. She is a designer, has a lot of ideas, and whilst we create
the images together, I am the one who tattoos them. We see ourselves as a dynamic and
creative duo, which is also common in the world of fashion design.

TTM: And how did you develop your specific style together?
MM: When I travelled to French Polynesia, about 15 years ago, I discovered tribal style for
myself and developed it further - by including fine lines and dotwork. My wife has a passion
for Victorian jewellery and fashion. One day I asked her: “How can we clothe a woman’s
body with ornaments that will last forever?”

TTM: And this is how your discovered your lace-like style? Does it have
anything to do with the famous Burano lace from Venice?
MM: We intensely study all cultures that produce lace textiles; not only from Burano, but
from France and Ireland too. We also find inspiration from traditional Indian, Malaysian and
Arabian wedding costume. Obviously, we don’t copy those patterns exactly, but we create
variations and combine styles. Each tattoo is done only once; tailored to enhance the body
flow of the client, or even sometimes to hide her physical imperfections.

86 Total Tattoo Magazine

TTM: Are your clients exclusively female,
or do you tattoo men as well? And, what
about the use of colour in your designs?
MM: Only about 20% of my clients are male, and
they usually choose different designs from women.
And, yes, I do like to use colours, in order to
complement the black.

TTM: How do you find the models for

your body concepts? They look so
stunning; it gives the impression that you
do some kind of a casting to find the
perfect clients!
MM: No, no, they are not models, just ‘normal’
women. We don’t do a casting, and you do not have
to look like a model to get tattooed by me! It is
better to have a symmetric back and taught skin to
achieve the best possible result, though.

Total Tattoo Magazine 87

 TTM: How do you proceed to create
that perfect individual design for
each client? Do you use computers
for the patterns?
MM: No, we are entirely old fashioned and
analogue - measuring tape, paper and pencil!
We start with an idea from the customer,
depending if she prefers lace designs, mehndi
or some optical illustrations. Francesca will
take pictures of the client’s body and takes her
measurements. Then we develop the designs in
stages and slowly get to the final result. We
produce mountains of paper in the process; I
know it’s not very modern, but I do see myself
within the tradition of tailors and architects.

TTM: It seems like you are moving

away from the standardized service
tattoo clients get at a stereotypical
shop, towards a more high-end
approach...
MM: Exactly. This is about connecting design,
art and fashion on the highest level. And since
we are doing tattoos adapted to each
particular individual, it is more like Haute
Couture. We produce permanent jewellery
which follows the lines of the body, whilst
including references to Italian art history and
philosophy. We would like to express the
seductive power of women, based on tattoo
art.

88 Total Tattoo Magazine

Total Tattoo Magazine 89
 TTM: You have even exhibited your work in a living
gallery context. Please tell us more about that! Portrait Marco Manzo:
MM: The MAXXI Museum in Rome put on an exhibition Born: 1968, North of Rome to a family of doctors and dentists
combining tattoo, Haute Couture and contemporary art. It was Educated: As a land surveyor
about getting rid of old negative clichés about tattoos and giving Tattooing since: 1992. Founder of Tribal Tattoo, Rome. In the
them a modern context. Similarly, our 2015 project with year 2000, he received the official certificate for tattooists (as
motorbike producer BMW pursued the goal of bringing industrial required in Italy)
design into the picture. I cooperated on creating a special model Equipment: Cheyenne PEN with 3 Liner Needles,
of the Nine-T bike, which was put on exhibition with top Italian Cheyenne Black.
fashion labels. Second Job: Lecturing about tattooing and hygiene at the
Ministry of Health, Rome
TTM: This is quite a radical upturn from the
Studio: Tribal Tattoo ,Via Cassia 1134/a, Suburban Rome, Italy
antiquated image tattoos used to have in Italy!
MM: Less than 20 years ago, people used to say: “Tattoos are for Contact: Marco Manzo, Tribal Tattoo
criminals and the police only!”. We are neither. Our futuristically email: marcomanzotattoo@hotmail.com
designed studio is located in an upmarket part of the city, and our Instagram: @MARCOMANZOTATTOO
employees aren’t exactly drafted from the ‘alternative’ scene... Website: www.tribaltattootatuaggiroma.it/

90 Total Tattoo Magazine

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Total Tattoo Magazine 93

IN FOCUS
In these pages we showcase a small selection of work from a group of artists working together. This month:
Black Chalice Tattoo, Unit 4, Plaza 21, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1HE
Tel 01793 671259 • www.facebook.com/BlackChaliceTattoo
To have your studio featured, please send examples to:
In Focus, Total Tattoo Magazine, 111 Furze Road, Norwich, NR7 0AU, UK

Sam Sam

Sadee Joel

Sadee Nick Nick

94 Total Tattoo Magazine

Reception Area Sam

Nick

Joel

Joel Sadee

Total Tattoo Magazine 95

 But, there is a downside to
this…

The exclusive nature of these events

sometimes creates a space for 'other'
conventions, which cater to artists who
don’t want to wait for ‘The Call’, and
want to get anywhere on the circuit as
quickly as possible. Instead of being
celebrations of the brightest and best in
the scene, these shows are, in some
by Paul Talbot
cases, simply a parade of vanilla mediocrity. On
top of this, these conventions all have awards,
and as a result, just about everyone is now an
"Award Winning Artist”. Is the title worth
anything anymore? Nope, not a thing. We want
you to spend your hard earned entry money
seeing all the things that are possible in
tattooing, done by the best in the business, so
that when you decide on the artist for your
next piece you’ll be choosing (and getting) real
quality, instead of some Have-A-Go-Harry,
who calls himself an award winning artist
because he won a prize at the local tattoo
convention, down the road from his shop.

I’m sure you're thinking- how do you know

which shows are worth attending or not?
Thankfully, the answer to that is pretty simple:
check the artist and studio list. Big or small, a
reputable show will attract great artists. As

H
tattooists, we want to work the shows that
ello again dear reader, and welcome to another tale we have to be good enough to get into - the
from the naughty step. This month, I want to tug on ones that feel like you’re getting an award just
your coat-tails about something that’s been bugging by getting a booth! Believe it or not, it’s
me for a while now: conventions. exciting for us to sit in a room full of amazing
artists doing incredible, inspiring work, that
puts us under massive pressure to perform
In 2015, I finally did something that I’d been wanting and (we love it really, even though we say we
hoping to do for five years: I worked at the International don’t)!
London Tattoo Convention. I have to admit, I’m really proud
to have been asked to. Why? Well, my inclusion was solely So before you decide which conventions to
attend this year, ask yourself: “Is it all killer, or
based on my work: it had nothing to do with my standing in
all filler?”
the world of tattoo, nor anything to do with just having the
cash for a booth. What made me incredibly honoured to be See you next time - Paul
involved was that I had to work for it‚ hard. And when it finally email me:
happened, I was honoured. This got me thinking: when was the talesfromthenaughtystep@gmail.com
last time that I felt a real sense of achievement at being invited
to work at a show? The answer surprised me as it became
instantly obvious that these were all the shows that I mark
‘definitely working that one’‚ on my calendar each year.

But what makes a great convention great? And Because these shows do their best to keep
why are all the good ones (for the most part) the quality of the artists in attendance as high
long-running affairs that artists return to year as possible, this inevitably makes them hard to
after year, which are also notoriously hard to get into. If you’re one of the thousands of
get invited to work at? artists who apply without success, it can be
very frustrating as they seem, to the outsider,
I set about looking at my ‘Definitely Doing’ list like elitist affairs. But is this a bad thing? I don’t
to try and figure out what it is about them think so, especially not for the visitors. Who
that makes them (in my opinion) the best. The wouldn’t want to visit a show that has the
answers didn't surprise me. They're all in great best tattooists in the world turning out
venues and well-organised by promoters who top class work, right before your eyes?
genuinely care about the artists, taking the If our clients are exposed to the very
time to thank them and their studios for best of what’s possible in tattooing,
attending. All these shows are busy because they’ll expect higher quality art when
they’re properly advertised and every one has they start looking around for new
a fantastic, individual, vibe of their own. tattoos.
please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts • please mention total tattoo when replying to adverts
CONVENTION CALENDAR
UK CONVENTIONS Chadwick Street, Leeds LS10 1LT September 2-5
April 9-10 www.leedstattooexpo.com South Yorkshire Body Art
North Lakes Tattoo Show Festival
Shepherds Inn, Montgomery Way, Carlise, June 11-12 Ponds Forge International Sports Centre,
Cumbria CA1 2RR Bristol Tattoo Convention Sheaf Street, Sheffield, S1 2BP
www.northlakestattooshow.co.uk The Passenger Shed, Brunels Old Station,
Station Appoach,
Bristol BS1 6QH September 23-25
April 23-24 London Tattoo Convention
Nottingham Tattoo www.bristoltattooconvention.com
Tobacco Quay Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF
Convention www.thelondontattooconvention.com
Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton July 9-11
Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU The Southampton Tattoo
www.nottingham-tattooconvention.co.uk Festival October 1
Ageas Bowl, Botley Road, Southampton, Ink ‘n’ art bournemouth
April 31-1 May Hampshire S030 3XH Pier Approach, Bournemouth,
The Brighton Centre www.southamptontattoofestival.co.uk Dorset BH2 5AA
King's Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2GR bournemouth.tattoo/
blog.brightontattoo.com July 16
Powys Charity Tattoo October 8-9
May 6-8
Convention Halloween Tattoo Bash
Community Centre, Mount Lane
Liverpool Tattoo Convention Wolverhampton Racecourse, Dunstall Park
Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6EZ
Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh Place, Gorsebrook Rd, Wolverhampton WV6 0PE
www.powystattooconvention.co.uk
Liverpool. L3 5UL www.halloweentattoobash.co.uk
www.liverpooltattooconvention.com
July 22
May 28-29
Midlands Tattoo Industry October 28
Show Jurassic Coast Tattoo
Northern Ireland Show Leicester Road Football Club, Leicester Rd. Convention
Belfast Waterfront, 2 Lanyon Pl
Hinckley, Leicester LE10 3DR The Premier Inn, Bournemout Central,
Belfast BT1 3WH
www.facebook.com/Midlands-Tattoo-industry- Westover Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2BZ
www.nitattoo.com/
Show-980219155377587 www.jurassiccoasttattooconvention.co.uk
May 28-29
July 29-31
Ink and Oil Tattoo Convention Titanic Tattoo Convention Nov 9-10
Peterborough Arena East Coast Tattoo Expo
Titanic Building Belfast
The East of England Showground, Highfield Holiday Park, London Road, Clacton-
1 Queens Rd, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP,
Peterborough PE2 6XE, www.facebook.com/titanic.tattooconventionbel On-Sea, Essex, CO16 9QY
www.facebook.com/ink.oil.tattoo fast14?fref=ts www.eastcoastexpo.co.uk

June 4-5 July 30-31 OVERSEAS CONVENTIONS

Northampton tattoo Portsmouth Tattoo April 22-24
Convention Convention Frankfurt Tattoo Convention
The Northampton Saints Rugby Ground The Guild Hall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth Messe Frankfurt, Halle 5.0, Ludwig-Erhard-
Weedon Road, Northampton. NN5 5BG. PO1 2AD Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt am Main Germany
www.northamptoninternationaltattooconventi www.portsmouthtattooconvention.co
on.com
July 15-17
August 19 NY Empire State Tattoo Expo
June 4-5 Tatcon Blackpool
Scarborough Tattoo Show New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 Avenue of the
Norbreck Castle Hotel, Queen’s Promenade
The Spa Scarborough, South Bay, Scarborough, Americas,
Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 9AA
North Yorkshire YO11 2HD www.tatconblackpool.co.uk New York, NY 10019,
www.facebook.com/scarboroughtattooshow www.empirestatetattooexpo.com
August 20-21
June 4-5 Robin Hood Tattoo Show Oct 21-23
Leeds International Tattoo CotgraveSocial Club, Woodview, Cotgrave, Evian Tattoo Show
Convention Nottinghamshire NG12 3PJ. Palais Des Festivities, Evian
Exhibition Centre Leeds, Clarence Dock, www.robinhoodtattoofestival.com www.eviantattoo.com

Tattoo convention listings on this page are free. Send your details to
Convention Calendar, Total Tattoo Magazine, 111 Furze Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 0AU, UK
or e-mail editor@totaltattoo.co.uk All details correct at time of going to press. E&OE.