Answers to Questions I’m asked everyday

How long have you been tattooing, and where are you based?

I've been tattooing for over a decade, and my studio is in Reading Berkshire

What accent is that?

Well I’m Trinidadian by birth, but spent some time in New York so you will hear some American in there sometimes.

What influenced you to be in this line of work?

Well ever since I was a kid I preferred drawing to sports & pencils & paint to videogames & toys. Art was basically the only thing I really excelled in at school. At an early age I knew that I wanted to be a freelance artist of some kind.

When I was about 13-14 I bought a lot of heavy metal magazines & I was just awe struck by Mottley Crue’s tattoos especially Nikki Sixx’s. I was blown away by the skill involved in creating living art like that I moved to New York after finishing secondary school.

My intention was to pay my own way through art school. I held a few jobs growing up there that were totally unrelated to art. At a construction job, I befriended a few guys who were avid tattoo collectors, & after seeing some of my sketches they were nice enough to put in a good word for me at their tattooists shop, to take me on as an apprentice.

The rest is history. But from an early age I knew the office, boss company man thing was not for me. I’m too much of a non-conformist for that. I wanted to do something artistic, to be on my own & to enjoy what I do for a living.

Is there any particular style you prefer?

Not really, I try to be an all-rounder, however I do love Japanese art especially dragons & Koi’s, but I try to put my own twist on things. Right now realism is where its at & I try to put a realistic spin on most things I do.

How do you Charge?

It all depends on the job at hand & the degree of detail & preparation involved. Basic off the wall designs are fixed priced.

For custom work I charge an hourly rate, which varies depending on the design being either black & grey or full colour. I can always find something that a client will love & still keep it within a reasonable budget.

Body Piercing

I perform all the basic popular piercings. In 16g, 14g & 12g only.

Such as:

• Tongue
• Lip
• Eyebrow
• Ear-Rook, Tragus, conch, scaffold, lobe etc.
• Nipple
• Belly
• Specific genitalia

Surface piercings are done at the back of the neck only.

I don’t do PA’s or Surface Piercings to the head, scalp, face, neck, throat, hands, arms or feet.

Aftercare for Tattoos & Piercings

At the shop you can find available the industry standard Tattoo Goo tattoo aftercare ointment & The Expression range for Piercings, which I can vouch for as being excellent.

Tattoo Aftercare

Leave the bandage on for approximately 2hours,Wash tattoo gently with mild soapy cool water. After this it is not necessary to wash again. Then pat dry. Allow to air dry for 45 minutes then apply a very thin coat of Tattoo Goo 2-3 times a day for 7-14 days.

Do not allow your tattoo to soak. Avoid long showers, baths, saunas, pools & jacuzzis for 10 days. Do not re-bandage. Do not scratch or pick. Wear loose fitting clothing.

Do not allow your tattoo to dry out & crack. Look at it every 2-3 hours; if it looks a bit dry apply some Tattoo Goo or E45 cream.

Never allow anyone to touch your tattoo. Make sure your hands are clean before you apply the ointment.

Your tattoo will look dull & flaky for a week or so. This is normal & just part of the healing process. It will return to its full lustre after 10-14 days.

Piercing Aftercare

The use of appropriate professional healing products such as Expression or H20 is essential.

Never use Surgical Spirits, Peroxide or any other harsh chemicals.