interview with Harrison Daniel | style | Perth, Melbourne 11/08/2018
Q: How long have you been
tattooing? What inspired you to start learning about this beautiful
art form?
A: I have been tattooing for 4 years now. After I finished school I
studied visual arts and meet a few others who where interested in
tattooing. listening to them discuss the industry and certain
artists work made me curious. Tattooing never crossed my mind
growing up, but after studying so many other forms of art it was
definitely intriguing. I had no clue what I was getting into, but it
ended up being the best decision I ever made.
Q: Was it hard to learn? What is your opinion on tattoo
apprenticeship?
A: For me the hardest part was getting the tattoo to heal right. So
many times through out my apprenticeship the client would leave
after a day of tattooing and I would be super happy with the piece,
but it would heal terrible. Ink would drop out or I would over work
the skin. Takes time to figure out so many different factors but
that was something I always worried about and still do.
Q: You have a very remarkable style. These days, seems like
every single day there is a new style, many artists are coming up
with new cool ideas, it is hard to create a unique "signature"
style.
A: It can be really hard to think outside the box and get creative.
Fortunately I was in a studio where it wasn't co-workers, it was a
family and everyone was so driven and passionate about their work,
always pushing each other to be the best artists they could be.
Being surrounded by this, I had no option but to progress and push
my art as far as possible. Taking inspiration from everyone around
me I was able to create something of my own. I'm very grateful for
all my clients, they allow me to push my designs further and further
everyday.
Q: Tattooing itself is not an easy skill to learn. How much
the knowledge for tattoo ink and skin plays a big role? Are there
any specific rules of applying a specific ink to a different skin
type etc? Give me a bit of guidance here.
A: Knowing your inks is very important. The more you use them the
more you will see your tones and values healed across different skin
types. I will always start with a black background first so I know
how light and dark I can go with the subject matter and the skin
tone. I'm happy to tattoo darker skin tones, but before the
appointment we discuss that I'm restricted with how much tones I can
use in the piece as my light washes won't show, making the tattoo a
little less 3 dimensional.
Q: Realistic tattoos definitely took a big presence in the
"new era" of professional tattooing. It's something that the last
decade artists can take pride in being able to create a new way of
doing tattoos and therefore stunning results. Taking the tattooing
itself into a whole new level, I honestly see it as a big progress.
A: Yeh, I totally agree! opening up Instagram everyday after I
finish work, I'm always blown away by what other artists are
creating. It puts pressure on me! I stress that I might not be able
to keep up! haha. I guess it helps me push further as well.
Q: Talking about your style... Despite the nice balance
between the black & white ink, are there any other ways like
applying some 3D effects or a nice background to compliment the
whole design and bring the "realistic note' even more, what's the
secret? heh
A: As well as having a nice dark back ground, using every stage of
your grey wash set is very important in my eyes. You can take the
easy way and whip tones out over an area for quick coverage. But
slowly building up tones from light to dark really brings everything
out. Also when looking for reference photos I will also try to find
something with a different perspective. For example on my
girlfriend's sleeve I chose a girl with her back to you instead of
looking forward like a regular portrait. It's so different, it's
interesting to look at. Not every client is willing to get that
creative, but when they do I always get a bigger reaction from other
artists and clients.
Q: How much experimenting is important for artistic
progress? Have you ever tried something different than the style
you're known for?
A: Playing with other styles is really fun! I do black and grey
realism almost everyday so getting to do a little colour or some
line work is refreshing. It helps break up my routine. I haven't
adventured to far from black and grey but I can see myself moving
into color realism in the future.
Q: Big tattoos like sleeves and backpieces can take 4-5
sessions to complete or maybe even more, depending of the complexly
of the design, but when it's all done, I bet it's a pleasure for
both, you and your client. Are this types of tattoos a big challenge
(not just time & energy consuming) but at the same time a great way
to really show off your skills even more?
A: Starting large tattoos like a back piece is always a challenge at
the beginning. After the first 2 sessions you're left with the
foundation of the design, so it doesn't really take form until the
3rd. I always worry that the clients trusted me with a full back and
I've done a shit job! haha. Once that 3rd-4th sessions comes along I
stop stressing and we both get to see that design come to life. It's
a slow journey but definitely rewarding for both me and my clients
in the end.
Q: Tattooing is a job that requires love and complete
dedication. The journey of self development as an artist and maybe
as a person outside tattooing can lead you to many interesting
experiences and teach you some valuable lessons. There are ups and
downs, lots of competition and pressure to become better on daily
basis. Anything you can say that you cherish about being a tattoo
artist?
A: What I love most about my job, is that it's not a job! I go to
the studio and hang with friends, sit in the aircon and listen to my
own music, doing something that I enjoy, getting paid to do my
hobby, it's crazy! Another thing I cherish is being able to travel
and tattoo. If I'm ever feeling boxed in at the shop then I can
organise a trip and go out to do expos/conventions and meet new
artists, and get super inspired!
Q: While doing a tattoo, customers usually reveal the story
behind the design and the whole experience changes for both.
Suddenly you learn about life struggles, coping strategies, love,
compassion, victories of veterans etc etc. So many emotions that we
humans have and express so differently. How much the good connection
with the clients is important for one artist? Do you help your
clients with some ideas for their design?
A: When discussing the design before tattooing, if the client
specifically wants certain elements involved then I'll do my best to
incorporate. But if it really doesn't work for my style or I can't
imagine it working the rest of the design, then I explain to them
why. Not all clients reveal their stories or their struggles, but
when they do there is a closer connection with your client, and
they're most likely going to trust you a lot more if they've shared
that part of their life with you... 80% of the time clients will
give me a lot of freedom, they're not so much attached to the piece
emotionally, they just really want a piece of my art on them. Which
is awesome!!
Q: Winter is probably the best time to get a tattoo, but
seems like people are in a rush to get tattooed this time of the
year. What are some of your best recommendations for getting a
tattoo during summer and its aftercare treatment?
A: Australia can get very hot in the summer. After a session I'll
cover the tattoo with cling film or saniderm, then I'll tape some
paper towel over the top just keep the sun from hitting it... I
would also recommend wearing pants or long sleeves for the next
couple days just to protect it from the sun.
Q: After so many years in this job, what would you say to
someone who plans to start tattooing? What's the best approach?
A: I've seen so many young apprentices come and go because they just
want to look cool and trendy. This isn't fashion, we all worked hard
to get to where we are because we genuinely love the art. I would
just say make sure your ready to give everything up and dedicate
yourself to what will probably be the best job you will ever have,
and don't go for it because you like your favourite rappers face
tattoos.
Please write your contact info such as email, website
IG: @harrison_tattoo
EMAIL: harrison.tattoos@gmail.com
Mr.Harrison Daniel, Thank you for the interview,
Kind Regards,
The Skin Artist Team