California based writer and tattoo collector Damien Belliveau shares his stories behind his collection. Part 1 : @horisuzu

We check in with Japanese artist Yutaro (@warriorism) during London’s Covid 19 lockdown and talk about his current thoughts and feelings of the global pandemic on the tattoo industry and home life.

Nadine Anderson is a tattoo collector, gradually blacking out her body in an organic and natural progression. Ed Crooks spoke to Nadine to find out more about the process.

Having moved with his wife to Australia, Mark Lonsdale has worked in many notable shops in Sydney. His varied oeuvre, spanning blackwork and color, avoids stylistic niche.

Massimo Gurnari’s bold etching works have developed slowly since he began tattooing in a  “private studio” in the corner of his house. Gurnari now works at DOA Tattoo Factory, set up by close friend Mirko Sata, as well as being a successful painter, amongst other things.

Meet Johan Ulrich, a tattooist at Jack Browns Tattoo Revival, Virginia and toy designer. Here, Ed Crooks discusses with Johan the influences on his tattoo career and the journey to becoming a toy maker.

Martin is tattooed, in a wheelchair, and smiles all the time. Photographer Tereza Koňaříková interviewed Martin about his accident, what his experience of being tattooed is like, and how he still feels limitless.

TTTISM spoke to presenter of new show <i>TTTV</i>, Louie Jenkins, to find out some more about how the project came about and what his highlights are from Episode 1.

Rossinante and Olivier Marescaux aim to document those who are considered by society to be ‘outcasts’, and found themselves at a refugee camp. They documented the stories and tattoos of the people living there.

Heavily influenced by Japanese style, Stace Forand has developed a style that comes from a desire to strive for authenticity from deep within himself. Being self-taught, Forand discusses the importance of the close community around him, and the expanded horizons of other cultures and places.

Since first learning in the depths of the jungle in Borneo, Jeroen Franken has since owned several private studios and currently owns and works at Seven Seas Atelier with his wife Kim Anh.

Member of tattoo collective Future Berlin, Alina Ruda was someone who was always drawing, before turning to tattooing. Ruda was disciplined in teaching herself, and her strikingly simple designs are at once fierce and humorous.

A widely traveled artist, Rob Mopar now owns and tattoos from Sacred Monkey Tattoo. From first being inspired by Navy tattoos, Mopar is now heavily influenced by Japanese style.

As a proud sponsor, TTTISM is pleased to present a series of photos from the 2019 Bay Area Tattoo Convention.

Julim Rosa has spent most of her life moving around but has now settled in Berlin. Throughout her tattoo and contemporary art practice, Rosa has consistently questioned institution and convention.

Seeking a different form of learning, Alba Rey travelled the world, developing her own style alongside experimentation with photography and painting with Indian ink.

The LadiesLadies Art Show takes place on October 26th 2019 at Three Kings Tattoo NYC. This benefit fundraiser is the sixth instalment of the ground-breaking, female-only collective exhibit–showcasing art from international female tattooers. All proceeds from the night will be donated to Planned Parenthood NYC.

Raphael Voirol is a tattoo collector who got his first tattoo, a dragon on his shoulder, on his 18th birthday. Voirol has now turned his own hand to tattooing and is grateful to be able to make the art he loves.

Self-taught tattoo artist Gotch grew up in the projects in Rousing, just south of Kyoto. He works in his own relaxed and private studio Harizanmai, and over his 20 years of tattooing has worked in Osaka and Paris.

In anticipation of the 15th annual Bay Area Tattoo Convention, set to take place in late October of 2019, TTTISM highlights some of its articles on the convention to date.

Rita Salt is a tattooer who struggled through a fear and disgust towards tattooing to become an artist who is boldly and playfully inspired by children’s drawings, and who values the tattooer–client interaction immensely.

In the second installation of our TTT(+) review of the artistic works of Michele Servadio, he tells us about the impetus behind his recent release, Body of Reverbs.

Rob Noseworthy began tattooing under the guidance of Albert Caine in 2005, eventually tattooing full time in 2006. Noseworthy discusses the fine line between influence and copying, and the importance of encouraging a younger generation of tattooers to be original and experimental.

Simon Ban grew up surrounded by a creative family and after finally transitioning to tattooing full time two and a half years ago, Ban has been developing a style that combines traditional rules and layouts with new patterns and exciting placements.

We look at London-based tattooist Michele Servadio’s artistic work in this two-part feature. The first post explores his 2015 project, SIZING GROUNDS.

Grace Neutral owns Femme Fatale studio in east London. Neutral pays gratitude to the inspiring women, femmes, and queer people she continues to be surrounded by. She discusses her book, <i>NEUTRAL</i>, to be published by TTTISM in September 2019.

Virginia Elwood is a tattooist, fine artist, and co-owner of Saved Tattoo with her wife Stephanie Tamez. Elwood discusses her optimism towards the increasing accessibility and diversity of the tattoo world, which herself and her community champions at Saved Tattoo.

Saint Molotov discusses his latest zine project <i>Welcome 2 Paradise</i>, how he found his roots in tattoo culture through the support of his tattooer friends, and the influence of mysticism and occultism on his work.

Arminas Stanulevičius developed a skill for sharp lines during his time as an interior designer. Inspired by the darkness in the world, as well as his extensive travels, he’s an artist that utilizes both traditional and digital media in his work.

Photographer Arnaud Ele presents his series of photos about a couple, and in particular Cat¬¬¬–a man who made his body the territory of positive thoughts.

Ed Hardy: Deeper Than Skin is an exhibition curated by the de Young Museum in San Francisco, California. The exhibition promises to be a monument to the history of tattooing and runs from July 13th to October 6th.

Parisian tattooist Joh (@21×29.7) tells TTTism about his self-taught beginnings as a tattooer. Now running a successful private studio some five years later, Joh is known for his experimental approach to (otherwise) iconic imagery.

This feature is excerpted from TTTism Issue 3.

This interview with Gakkin is excerpted from TTTism Issue 3.

We speak with Ryan Mettz, a Brooklyn-based tattooer working out of Greenpoint Tattoo Co.. Mettz’s clients come to him for his tasteful style, and leave with pieces that combine traditional aesthetics with modern imagery.

Nico Jacoby’s take his highly conceptual blackwork tattoos around the world. It is clear to see strong influences from architecture and structural forms in the subversive mirroring of many of his designs,

Tattoo collector Liz Peckam is featured in this excerpt from TTTism Issue 2.

TTTism continues to champion the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging the steps that have been taken towards inclusivity, and highlighting the distance we still need to go to ensure the safety of all members of the tattoo community.

TTTism continues to celebrate the presence of the LGBTQ+ community, and recognise the hard work that still needs to be done to ensure anyone, no matter their identity, feels safe and empowered within the global tattoo community.

TTTism reached out to artists and studios to hear what the shape of the tattoo world is for LGBTQ+ people, and how they are remolding it. The first feature explores Queer Bod Mod Compass, launched by tattooist and studio manager Guik.

This interview with Vincent Van De Waal is excerpted from TTTism Issue 2.

Clemens Hahn is tattooist and shop owner at Truly Yours Tattoo in Mannheim, Germany. Hahn offers contemporary subject matter done in a traditional aesthetic.

Josh Stephens began his tattoo career building a strong foundation in an American Traditional style. Heavily inspired by music, contemporary art, and David Lynch, Stephens remains grateful for opportunities that break him out of his comfort zone.

Seyoon Kim speaks passionately about the hope she has for change in the tattoo culture of South Korea. Her joyful, cleanly executed tattoos bury into her clients’ stories, and are in stark contrast to the subversive portrayal of tattoos which is still dominant in her native country.

An archived interview with tattooist Rich Hardy excerpted from TTTism Issue 2.

Madeleine Love began drawing from a young age, enamored with the possibilities of the natural world. Approaching her work with curiosity and playfulness, her tattoos are powerfully colored and gracefully executed.

Adam F is fairly new to the tattoo scene, tattooing for just over a year following a period more focused on his career as a fine artist. Moving into a new, expansive media, his CMYK color separations and vivid tattoos are distinctive and assured.

Denis is a Ukrainian tattooist based in Kiev. He works in a strong graphical style, utilizing imagery adopted from cyberpunk and other dystopian aesthetics. In this interview, Denis tells us how he went from law school to a career in tattooing and more.

An artist drawn primarily to flash for its spontaneity and immediate gratification, Oliver Bach’s traditional style stems from years spent observing and then tattooing old guys at Duke St. Tattoo.

Tattoo collector Sean Risley is featured in this excerpt from TTTism Issue 2.

Herman IX’s tattoo practice is strongly rooted in his Russian heritage, often taking influences from his childhood. Herman developed a self-taught style, often featuring animals in unexpected positions and a shading style that resonates with traditional etchings.

Dane Nicklas is a Portland-based tattooist currently working at Good Stuff Tattoos. Nicklas’ work opts for the impact of minimal, graphical designs. He maintains a fidelity towards surrealism.

This interview with tattooist Gerhard Wiesbeck is excerpted from TTTism Issue 2.

Martin Jahn has developed his skills by working at some of the best tattoo studios around the world. His tattoos are both striking and poetic, as he draws influence from both nature and architecture, harmonizing this dichotomy.

Henry Hablak is a Philadelphia-based tattooist. His figural work is inspired by various historical, religious, and mythological referents, offering a unique sensibility within a saturated industry.

An excerpt from Si Si Oui Oui’s virtual exhibition for TTTism Issue 2.

Spider is a tattooist based in Melbourne, Australia. His no-nonsense style is rooted in American Trad, amalgamated with influences from his wide-ranging travels and heavily laced with punk references.

Rhys Gordon interviews famed tattooist Greg Ardron in this feature excerpted from TTTism Issue 2.

We interview Los Angeles-based tattooist Aron Dubois, whose work combines folk art iconographies and elements of abstraction. Dubois describes his start as a tattooist as well as the impact that literature and philosophy have on his practice.

Michelle Wanhala works in Chicago, driven by the achievement of fulfilling her goal to make a living as an artist. Influenced by references from comic books to retro décor, Wanhala’s art also encompasses a multitude of media including sculpture, embroidery, and painting.

We interview Karl Knight, Buyer at Autograph Menswear in Birmingham, UK. Knight gives us a breakdown of his growing collection of tattoos, which combine multiple visual styles and strategic placement.

This interview between Sebastien Repond and Swiss tattooist Virus on the founding of the Lausanne Tattoo Convention is excerpted from TTTism Issue 2.

We interview Porto-based tattooist Tiago de Oliveira, who works at and co-owns Heavy Handers Tattoo. De Oliveira’s work offers a compelling take on all things traditional, a consistent body of figural tattoos that maintain a penchant for realism.

James Tran is a San Diego-based tattooist who currently works at Full Circle Tattoo. He specializes in pieces incorporating dotwork and combines multiple illustrative styles.

We interview Alexis Hepburn, a tattooist based on Australia’s Gold Coast. Hepburn’s work combines a traditional sensibility with techniques and imagery adopted from folk culture.

Dustin Barnhart is a tattooist and co-owner of Berlin Tattoo in Kitchener, Ontario. Barnhart combines impactful imagery and hints of illusionism in a neo-traditional aesthetic. He describes his origins as a tattooist, life as a shop owner, and more.

We speak with Jessie “Juicy” Wells, manager of Colorado’s Think Tank Tattoo and practicing health coach, about her impactful collection of figural tattoos.

We interview Sebastian Kandinsky, a French-born tattooist whose work updates traditional iconography through an innovative use of negative space and bi-color stippling.

We interview Italian documentarist and commercial videographer, Luca Cerlini, about his extensive and symbolically rich collection of tattoos.

A tribute to the legendary tattooist, Bill Salmon, composed by Nick Schonberger and Stephanie Tamez

We interview Andrew Stortz, the organizer, founder, and host of the exceptional podcast, Books Closed.

TTTism presents an interview between creator of the Still Life zine, Ed Crooks, and Nashville-based tattooist, Chad Koeplinger.

We interview Luca Font, an Italian tattooist currently based in Milan whose colorful, experimental tattoos challenge categorization.

We interview Russian-born tattooist Ivan Antonyshev about his beginnings in the craft (in Indiana!) and his passion for traveling. Antonyshev, a resident at no fixed studio, currently tattoos around the world.

In this essay, we discuss the historical import of two recently exhumed mummies with tattoos preserved on their bodies: the Gebelein Man A and the Gebelein Woman.

TTTism presents a series of photos by tattooist, artist, and musician, Brian Kennedy (@sewp). The photo series follows Kennedy amidst his extensive travels in Europe and Asia.

We are pleased to release a short video profile and interview with Don Ed Hardy on the occasion of the 2018 Bay Area Tattoo Convention.

A selection of photos from the 2018 Bay Area Tattoo Convention, presented by TTTISM and held in San Francisco, California.

In the second and final part of our series on David Schiesser’s recent exhibition, “Spectator Mode,” we speak with the artist and tattooist about surface transformations, representation, and the limits and affordances of the line.

We interview Ed Crooks, creator of the Still Life zine series, and Peter Falkous, the series’ publisher, about the circumstances behind the medium’s creation and the place of print within contemporary tattoo culture.

We interview tattooist and proprietor Shannon Perry about her Seattle-based shop, Valentine’s Tattoo Co..

We interview Namiko (@namiko_moth22) of Hong Kong’s Alchemink. Namiko’s often monochromatic work challenges the boundaries between painting, illustration, and tattooing, blending styles and techniques to create abstract forms that are nonetheless highly structured.

We interview Ukraine-born Andrei Ylita about his stark, graphical style. While an increasing number of tattooists come to the craft from a background in graphic design, Ylita remains both a practicing tattooist and a working graphic designer–an interesting combination that informs the punctuative quality of his work.

TTTism presents a video portrait of Luca Ortis alongside an interview with the London-based tattooist. Ortis’ discussion of his origins in the industry is complemented by images of rich, large-scale Japanese traditional tattoos.

A press release for the Ladies Ladies Art Show 2018, curated by Elvia Iannaccone Gezlev and Martina Secondo Russo. This piece will be followed by an interview with Gezlev.

We spotlight Chingy Fringe, an Australian tattooist currently based at Alfred Street Tattoo on the Gold Coast.

We speak with co-curators of Portland’s FISK Gallery, Bijan Berahimi and Michael Spoljaric, about their thoughts on the gallery’s current exhibition, “Spectator Mode,” by artist and tattooist David Schiesser.

We honor the passing of the legendary tattooist Isaiah “Boo Boo” Negrete. Rest in peace, Isaiah.

We interview Danish artist and aspiring tattooist Simon Bundgård about his growing collection of flash drawings.

We interview Woojin Choi (@oozy_tattoo) about his self-made origins as a Korean tattooist. Choi’s unique style is contextualized by his time in university and ongoing passion for drawing.

We interview Kane Navasard about his compelling oeuvre of fine line black and gray tattoos. Navasard’s practice appends eccentric motifs to masterfully executed and placed pieces.

We interview tattooist Dan Ryan of Melbourne’s Hidden Moon Tattoo. Ryan’s tattoos are informed by a contemporary visual language, equal parts playful and precise.

A short video of Clay Gibson taken as he tattooed at the studio of LUXIANO31 in Mexico City.