There’s not really a stereotypical tattooist-type (except that they will definitely sport their own tattoos!). However, everyone has to start somewhere, and after Rob founded Squid Ink Tattoos in 2003, he soon opened the doors to apprentices. This decision has led to great benefits for both the tattoo shop’s artistic evolution, and it being a great place to work.
The apprentice route has changed over time. When Rob started out, he was expected to do a lot more in terms of mundane jobs and cleaning up and a day could be tough. “When I opened up on my own,” he says, “I wanted to become the boss I never had. Someone who is fair and encouraging and also teaches important skills. I aim to work to their individuality and psychology, guiding them to what they’re good at and bringing out their very best.”
Rob ensures that Squid’s apprentices are well trained. This ranges from basic art skills to areas massively fundamental to tattoos such as life drawing, depth and texture and perspective. “They need to know before they start,” he says firmly, “how to make an apple actually look like an apple.”
Working naturally with the contours of an individual client is also vital for a tattoo’s end result and success. Rob explains that it’s about the final natural harmony of tattoo and skin and body shape: “The exact same tattoo won’t look the same on someone else. It’s really about being bespoke to that client.” Rob makes certain that each apprentice has the opportunity to understand the importance of anatomy by providing drawing classes with nude models.
Ultimately, working alongside respected colleagues at different stages of their career and with a wide bank of styles is what will ensure a tattoo shop never stagnates. Rob not only shows his apprentices how the business side of things works, he also encourages a sharing atmosphere. He sees his shop as a melting pot, with each tattooist constantly evolving, taking on different influences and approaches and then sharing with others. “This includes the many apprentices I’ve had who went on to start their own shops,” Rob says with pride. “That’s satisfying for everyone, especially me!”