WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE TATTOOING?
I did a lot of labour intensive jobs like fencing, pools, spas, concreting and pergolas. I also completed a carpentry apprenticeship only six months before picking up a tattoo gun for the first time.
WHAT AGE DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN TATTOOING?
I can remember initially being amazed by, and curious of, the tattooing process more than the artwork itself. I wanted to know how that artwork got into the skin with no change to the skin itself. In my early twenties when my close mate Brad Coleman landed an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Les Bowen Snr, I can clearly remember taking a real interest in both the process and artwork.
WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR TRAINING AND WAS TATTOOING WHAT YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE?
I trained under Clare and Brad Coleman at the Ink Pit. This was a great learning environment, really relaxed and I didn’t feel like I had unrealistic expectations placed on me, which allowed me to focus on the task at hand.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TATTOOING?
About 7 years.

HAVE YOU EVER TATTOOED OVERSEAS?
I haven’t had the chance to work overseas as yet, but if the opportunity arose, there are plenty of artists abroad whose brains I’d like to pick! I get inspired by a lot of the new art emerging from other countries and cultures.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR FORTE?
Firstly, being able to re-create styles of artwork by other artists, no matter how diverse. Secondly, being aware of the impact on the client of the tattooing experience, as well as the artwork, is really important. The environment you place your clients in is as crucial to them as the work you’re doing on their body. If you can put people at ease in the environment you create and can help them overcome their fears about tattooing, it’s really satisfying to see them walk out happy and eager to return for their next piece of work. Getting a tattoo should be a pleasurable, exciting and inspiring experience.
WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES IN TATTOOING, AND WHY?
I get inspired by different people at different times for different reasons. The list would be too long, but artists who never fail to amaze the shit out of me are Guy Aitchison, Robert Hernandez, Aaron Cain, Bob Tyrrell and Paul Booth, to name a few. The consistency and talent of these guys is incredible. Clare & Brad Coleman have also influenced me on a daily basis for many years.

For more of this interview Issue 45 of Tattoos Down Under
is now available on backorder