Q: When did you start doing tattoos? What made you to become a tattoo artist?
A: I was 18 when I did my very first tattoo but have been around the industry since I was 16. I pottered in and out of my apprentice till I was 22and it was then that I can say I decided that tattooing was what I truly wanted to do.

        

Q: Why tattoo artist?
A: I have always been an illustrator since I could pick up a pencil. And I also have a diploma in visual arts and new media; creating has always been my escape. And I sort of fell into tattooing I would never have thought about it if I had not have been asked by Shane to be his apprentice.

              

Q: What kind of art interested you at that time?
A: I was obsessed with Victor Portugal, Paul Booth and Boris, their work was out of this world to me! And that has not changed in me I just have a lot more people that I have added to my list but yeah... those guys are God!

Q: Do you have any influences?
A: As previous question those guys! And I’d like to add my whole crew at Garage Ink, they inspire me every day! Also Crispy Lennox, Fabian DeGaillande, Miss Nikko, Jeff Gogue, Nikko Hurtado, George Mavridis, Wendy Pham and so many more!

       

Q: Some people say that it is possible to be self though artist. What are your thoughts about this?
A: I could say I am self-taught using the tips I've learnt along the way taking in and trying new things, always learning and growing as an artist. I feel I’ve taken as much from artists that are gifted artistically than I have from mechanical artist they are both incredibly important aspects of the learning process.

Q: Artists are constantly making some changes in their style, technically and artistically. How has your work developed over the years?
A: As above he he he and the passion I have for art - its my life. All I can say is every tattoo I create or drawing I do I want it to be better than the last otherwise I feel as though I’m not progressing.

Q: I can see a lot of custom tattoos. In which designs you find most creative freedom?
A: All of them nowadays! My clients give me a concept and I develop it in my own style.

 

Q: I can see a lot of face-expression in almost every tattoo. Seems like portraits are your specialty. Do you consider this type of work as your specialty or simply something you enjoy the most?
A: The human emotion is something that is the hardest to express not only in words but also in art. I love that people believe my work has an element of emotion to it.  I enjoy portraits because normally they are very important to the person whether it’s their children or someone they have lost. It is a very emotional thing in itself, but I would have to say that dark fantasy and the dark recesses in the sexual side of the human soul is my favorite thing to create.

                      

Q: Seeing Sabina Kelley on someone's skin makes me want to get a tattoo. (laugh) The tattoo is more than awesome! Are you always "the main" creator in someone's tattoo idea?
A: I create every piece on the day of the appointment there is about a 30-45 min prep time and it evolves on its own as I tattoo. My clients trust me which is awesome, if I feel I’m being too boxed in I refuse to tattoo them but I don't really get that problem.

  

Q: Any strange requests, or there are no such?
A: Are there any normal ones? haha! Love it.

     

Q: What kind of tattoos people like the most?
A: Mainly I get what I specialize in so is pretty broad but for me I do a lot of ladies! And portraits.

Q: Would you say that there are some tattoo trends out there?
A: For sure, people like a comfort zone and if everyone is doing it, it must be ok. But in the same token they're getting it because there are some images that are timeless e.g. roses, women, religious art, script.

                

Q: To be a good-looking tattoo artist, I guess is a great start to be well know, or I'm wrong? (laugh) How people react on you?
A: I don’t believe I’m good looking lol the ladies that work for me now they're good looking! But we are just a bunch of bogans loving life and enjoy having a laugh. lol

Q: What are the most interesting experiences with the customers?
A: Meeting them and all the different life experiences I hear about.

  

Q: In the past few years, there are many tattoo artists trying to develop a unique style that will describe their art, ideas etc etc. What people could expect from you?
A: Not to sure. I’ve always had my style tweaking and changing as I progress but soon I thing I’m going to come back to my roots the more creative freedom my clients give me the closer I get to creeping in my creepy side he he I’m a pervert!

Q: Art could be a great influence on someone's personality. What is the best lesson that you've learned from your tattoo journey?
A: Everything!

Q: In a few words, what are the most important things that every single artist should know in order to become successful and respected artist?
A: Never really thought of myself in that category, but if I could say the way I've walked my career so far is be open to learn, be open to fuck up and take criticism. I never not listen to criticism being picked on as an artist from every angle has been a big part of what makes me grow; I want to fix what they perceive is my weakness. Always grow, always learning, forever being inspired and creating new friends. Travel. And never take the fact that you have the best job in the world for granted! Hard work and dedication. I could go on and on oh and eat chicken salt everyday!

Please feel free to share your feature plans about your work and your work info(web site).
Olivia - Garage Ink Management
Web: www.garageink.com.au
FB: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Teneile-Napoli-Garage-Ink/121997151174180
Ph: (07) 3800 6669
Address: Shop 9/40 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains, QLD, 4118.
Mail: PO BOX 94, Browns Plains, QLD, 4118.