Ink13 - Tattoo blog

Hi Lee, thanks for sparing us the time to have a chat about your tattoos, your tattoo artist and what tattoo styles you like! It’s going to be a regular feature here on ink13.co.uk, and we even have an interview in the pipeline with the fantastic Joe Capobianco, but more on that later!

Cracking straight on with the questions if you don’t mind!

An easy one to start with, roughly how much of your body is covered with ink?

At present I have a full backpiece, both arms sleeved, right lower leg sleeved and the top of both feet.

When did you get your first tattoo, what is it and where is it?

It is a “Paul Booth tearing skull” I had it done in 2000 shortly after moving to London. It is on the top of my right arm and took 6 hours to complete. I initially wanted a Dragon but changed my mind after seeing the flash sheet.

Have you had it covered up yet?

Nope, it still looks amazing. I’m having it darkened a little next week to enhance it even more.

What was your most recent tattoo and who done it?

“Miss Fortune” a Tony Ciavarro design on the top of my left foot, by Michael Rose Tattoos.

Is that your regular artist or do you prefer to have many different artists working on you?

He is my regular artist, though I want to start seeing others next year when he has finished the work he started.

What is your favourite tattoo that you have?

The Queen of Hearts on my left forearm, she is a beauty.

What is your least favourite tattoo that you have had done?

The Dragon on my right bicep, I still don’t know why I had it done. It looks good, I just rate everything else I have above it.

Any regrets getting inked?

None at all, no regrets.

Have you ever had any discrimination because of your tattoos?

Yes, all the time. I love it, especially if these narrow minded motherfuckers knew what my job is.

Bringing us nicely onto the next question! What sort of environment do you work in? Do your peers know you are tattooed, and do they have any opinions about it?

I work on a trade floor for the 2^nd largest bank in the world. My peers know and don’t understand why I do it, I don’t even try to explain to them anymore. I don’t care what they think as I can’t stand the vast majority of them. I have to wear a suit everyday so my tattoos are never visible.

What’s planned next?

Darkening my left & right sleeves, some touchup’s on my back and a chest piece to round off the year. In between I will find some other cool designs and have them done.

Do you find having tattoos painful and where is the most painful area for you?

No I don’t find them painful at all, I tend to get bored of sitting in the same position which can cause problems. My left foot was a bit of a bugger as the skin began to tear.

How do you prefer to look after your tattoos before they have healed?

Wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water 2 hours after having it done. Let it dry out for 3 days and then apply E45 twice a day until the dry skin falls off. Then give it a warm soapy wash, don’t go in the sun, exercise or do anything dumb in between.

What is your favourite tattoo style or artist?

I am very open minded about designs and choose what I think will look good on me. Only one of my tattoos has a meaning behind it. I only have black and grey work and fucking hate tribal. My favourite tattoo artists are Mr.Cartoon, Joe Capobianco & Tony Ciavarro.

Lee, many thanks for your time, have a good and prosperous 2008, and please remember to send us any new ink that you get done!