Check out this Q&A with SquidInk Tattoo Founder Robin Reeve-Jones
Robin is the owner of SquidInk Tattoo in Folkestone, Kent in the UK (and also SquidInk Tattoo in Arrigorriaga, a town in the beautiful Basque region of Spain).
What’s that like – and how did his career in tattooing begin?
Q: What started you off on the road to being a tattooist?
A: Back in the 1990s, I was studying art at Middlesex university and travelling as much as I could. I’d always had a deep and profound passion for all art, and tried my hand at almost every medium from glass, metals, wood and ceramics. I even created art from waste and rubbish! But when I found Tattooing – that’s when my passion flared.
Q: What was it like when you began working in a tattoo shop?
A: When I started it operated like a Society of Secrets, very hard to penetrate and run by bike gangs and criminals. Now it’s so mainstream! It’s become a fashion accessory led by celebrities and social media. There was no social media back then, or pressure to keep posting. Gone are the days when great tattoos were spread by word of mouth, and all you had to be was sociable and a good artist. Now you have to be a film editor, photographer and social media expert, too!
Q: What’s special to you about the art of tattooing?
A: I love its history and culture, and that its roots are steeped in magic. It’s also the last vestige of initiation ritual – a rite of passage to become an adult we still have in our culture. Through a ritual of blood and pain and ink, we leave a permanent mark that you can only have when you reach 18 years. In the past it was more mystical; only the Shamans and elders had the privilege of making that ritual. Today, even after many ‘rituals’, I believe there’s a very special connection between client and tattooist during the process.
Q: What changes in tattooing have you seen?
A: The last 25 years of tattooing have been quite a journey, watching my industry change with the evolution of the internet and social media, pre-made needles and ink and cordless tattoo machines. Anyone can buy a “tattoo kit“ on eBay and watch YouTube tutorials on how to tattoo. Great in theory, but without any regulation or advice about the Art itself, I’m not sure it’s a positive change.
Q: Is tattooing better today?
A: In some ways there has been a change for the better, especially when it comes to the standard of artwork the public expects. At the same time, it lost some integrity due to the saturation of shops and recession. But I’ve seen fads and fashions come and go, and new ideas evolve. Overall I feel positive about the future.
Q: Will there always be tattoos and tattooists?
A: I’d put money on it! I’m certainly proud of my tattoo artists, many of whom were my apprentices. I take them all very seriously. My main philosophy is to teach them to feel the love for designing and making tattoos, and not to be afraid to put something of their heart and soul into the process, too.
Q: What’s next in tattoos?
A: It’s funny to think that I was tattooing skulls, roses, old English gothic lettering and dream catchers when I started. Years later, things have gone full circle and my tattooists are tattooing themes that never truly change, just re-invent and evolve.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I can honestly say, hand on heart, I still love tattooing even after 25 years! Please check out our work and come and visit SquidInk Tattoo down in Folkestone (or even further down… in Spain!).
Still feeling the love,
Robin Reeve-Jones
Owner
SquidInk Tattoo in Folkestone, Kent UK
SquidInk Tattoo in Arrigorriaga, Basque, Spain