interview with saga anderson, tattoo design, style | Canada 21/08/2017
Hello Saga Anderson! Thanks so much
for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. Please
start by telling us something about yourself and what inspired you
to start tattooing?
There is definitely a tough learning curve when first starting to
tattoo, and the first few years at a shop required a lot of
self-directed learning and countless drawing hours. Learning the
realism technique and the specific requirements of this style versus
other styles was a second learning step I decided to take, and
required even more time, patience, and self-directed study. My
natural drawing style is cartoon/illustrative, so it was quite a
shift for me after 3 decades of drawing with lines.
Q: Was it hard to learn the basic skills of tattooing? Did
you apprentice?
A: I didn't do an apprenticeship though, after hanging out in a shop
in the late 2000s where my girlfriend at the time was tattooing, I
got my first sense of how the process worked. I was lucky enough to
have taught myself enough basic skills while practicing on myself
and friends over the next few years while studying in university to
get into a shop afterwards and really start honing my skills. I
definitely don't recommend this route into the industry for anyone
thinking of becoming a tattoo artist, I think I was one of the lucky
few who found success in this industry without a mentor.
Q: Your tattoo style is very unique. Deep shadows and
brilliant highlights are something I can see in every tattoo,
especially the color ones... Amazing! How has your style developed
throughout the years of experience?
A: Thanks so much! I really try to incorporate elements of color and
value theory in all my work, I find contrast and depth with values
crucial to making a vibrant tattoo that isn't flat or washed out on
the skin. You might not guess it now but color was one of the things
I always struggled with, and was always fascinated by how simple
color transitions can transform a tattoo from flat to visually
vibrant. Over the years my style went from focusing on line weights,
black and grey, geometric elements, and many small details, to no
lines, the full color spectrum, and the focus on large-scale, less
detailed painterly work. I tell myself over and over to reduce
detail, to simplify my designs, to be more unique, to find more ways
to incorporate contrasting elements clearly, and to make my work
look more like a piece of fine art on skin rather than a
tattoo...these are the guiding principles that I use to continue to
develop my approach.
Q: The cosmos and its beautiful chaotic
creations... Ahh such an inspiration. I guess no one can do cooler
Cosmo inspired tattoos like you. Do you work by some certain images
or the final result is a spontaneous inspiration? Guide me a bit.
A: Too kind! Space, science, and the universe are some of my main
passions and inspirations, so I'm always super happy when I get to
tattoo cosmic work. I create the basis for all my work digitally,
combining many references into one unique composition, which I do
the day of the tattoo using guidance from the client and the shape
of their body, which is paramount. Realism works better if it fits
the body as it moves, so I need my clients with me as I design to
ensure a custom fit. Once I see the body part an image comes into my
head and I create the design based around my vision. For space
tattoos I often don't always follow the set design however and
modify as needed as I go, as I find much cosmic inspiration comes to
me only as I'm tattooing. I'm lucky enough to have clients that
trust my approach and let me do what I want with their project, feel
pretty lucky!
Q: The color tattoos are probably the most eye-catching
designs in your portfolio. Do you prefer some color ink brand to
make it so nice or it's all about technique and knowledge of the
tattoo process?
A: Color tattoos are my passion! While I do enjoy working on
monochromatic pieces occasionally my focus is definitely on color, I
find there is so much more I can express using the the myriad colors
can exist. Knowledge of tattooing color is an essential requirement
for doing color work; there are many unique challenges that don't
occur in B&G work, so any artist doing color work needs to know what
makes it different and the steps needed to achieve a strong color
piece. I use Fusion ink exclusively, both their muted and bright
tones are perfect for my style of realism and fit my work perfectly.
Q: How much 3 D technique plays a big
role in making brilliant highlights?
A: For me techniques that enhance depth and give the illusions of 3
dimensions require correct use of color value, and it's nearly
impossible to achieve a 3 dimensional illusion on a 2 dimensional
surface without the use of both highlights and 'lowlights'. This
applies to both color and grey work; without the judicious use of
the lightest and darkest values everything ends up midtones and
there is a lack of depth to the image.
Q: I can see some really cool mixed designs, like portraits
and Cosmo inspired themes... just wow! Are those designs your own
creations or your clients are super creative? :)) Tell me a bit
about your connection between you and your clients.
A: Haha yes I've definitely had some interesting cosmic mash-ups, so
much fun! For me the cosmic theme can be applied to anything one can
think of, so I'm super open when clients suggest adding into a pet
portrait or landscape. I usually leave it to my clients to choose
the style of background of mine they'd prefer, whether cosmic,
painterly, nature, out of focus elements, heavy black, water,
electricity, etc. So normally we'd have a piece booked and the
client will come in and say, "I know we were going to do my dog's
portrait but your space work just grabbed me, can we put a helmet on
him and put him in space?" I'm always up for it! Space is infinite
and there are an infinite ways to create it artistically.
Q: Nowadays, there are many so-called spiritual
workers/teachers telling us that this life on earth as we know is
just a tiny fraction that we are aware of... there is a lot more...
the Mandela affect... the 4 dimension... etc... What's your opinion
on this? Since the Cosmo themes are very present in your artworks...
gotta ask ;)
A: Space, the cosmos, and physics play a huge role in my life and
the way I perceive the universe, so it's exciting to be able to add
these elements into my work. This definitely comes from a
science-based view more than any kind of spiritual influence. I did
9 years of university before leaving it all behind to get into
tattooing so my science education comes into play a lot. Quantum
physics and relativity are for me the great mysteries of life, and I
spend much of my spare time learning as much on these subjects as
possible. The study of particle physics leads naturally into the
study of optics and color theory, which is of great advantage to any
artist working in visual mediums. Realism itself to me is a very
scientific technique that can be quantified, improved upon, and
measured, so fits my worldview quite well.
Q: Where are you located now?
A: I'm currently based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at Boss Tattoos,
a rad collective of independent tattoo artists. Calgary is in the
Canadian West at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I do
conventions and travel much of the year so am on the road a lot
across Canada, the US, and Europe. The best way to reach me is
through my website at www.inkbysaga.com or by email at
rollingbass@hotmail.com.
Q: Saga, after so many tattoos done, all brilliant,
recognizable by the style you developed (I can immediately point out
oh, that's Saga's tattoo by just looking at) would you try something
different?
A: Yes I hear that a lot! Everyone says they can spot one of mine
out in a crowd, definitely something I'm always happy to hear. With
so many amazing artists out there these days for people to choose
from it's always a benefit for every artist to try to develop their
own unique approach...and so much fun to take art in a weird
direction! I started off for my first few years at a busy street
shop so used to tackle every style to some degree, but after falling
in love with the realism technique I slowly dropped other styles,
focusing solely on realism now and into the future. I feel I have so
much still to learn in realism and color theory that it will keep me
occupied for years to come.
Q: What are some of the most important thing that every
professional tattoo artist must know?
A: Keep learning and trying new techniques and products! We're in an
exciting time in the tattoo industry, at last we're getting
dedicated companies to make products and equipment specifically for
us instead of borrowing everything from other fields. It's easier
now than ever to use the internet to find info and see the latest
techniques and work from around the world, to do conventions, to
visit museums, to seek out new art approaches and artists that know
more than us to learn from. Use these resources!
Q: Any plans for the near feature?
A: I'm currently expanding a tattoo collective I helped create
called the Realism Club, with the goal of continuing our shared
learning together while travelling the world. I've also been and
will be continuing to tour heavy most of the next few years to
further my own learning, as I've been lucky enough to nab a few
supportive sponsors this year who've invited me on some fun
adventures with some crazy talented artists!
Thanks so much for this interview,
Kind Regards,
Iva Green
One of the funnest interviews I've done, loved the questions.
Cheers!
Saga