interview with tattoo artist ben kaye
Hello Ben Kaye! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this
interview. It really means a lot having you here. Please start by
telling us something about yourself and your beginnings. How long
have you been tattooing? I've been tattooing almost 9 years
now, it's been a roller coaster of a time. I’ve traveled a lot and
met some really cool
people. The most challenging part was just getting an
apprenticeship. In the end, I had to move to Malaysia to start my
apprenticeship. Which came with a few unique challenges of its own.
Q: Having a talent definitely helps a lot when it comes to
creative jobs, but is it enough?
A: It's hard work, late nights, dealing with people's shit and a lot
of self-critic but it's amazing. Best job in the world, doesn't get
easier but it allowed me to travel the world, meet fantastic
people and live the dream.
The best advice is to fully commit yourself and roll with the
punches.
Q: Why color realism, what do you like the most about this
style?
A: Color realism would have to be the style I most enjoy. Realism
has no limits as to where it can go. A simple idea can be taken in
so many directions, so as a style it really gets the imagination
going. It's an exciting style to work. I only do realism tattoos now
but I didn’t really choose to specialize in realism, I think my work
developed that way and I went with it.
Q: I love the portraits! Many artists say that portrait tattoos are one of the
most difficult designs, do you agree?
A: I still find portraits of loved ones the hardest pieces by
far. The fact that the client has such a set image of that
person in their mind, seeing them every day or at least often.
It's a lot of pressure. They are definitely one of the most
stressful tattoos to do. I have a sweat on just typing about
them. I prefer portraits with a good amount of freedom like
fictional characters or my own designs.
Q: Oh the details!
A: Every piece has its own challenges, that's part of the fun of
realistic tattooing. I find some skin textures hard to do. If
the portrait is of a person with pitted or old worn skin it's so
hard to keep a consistent texture but the end result is always a
great feeling.
Q: How long does it take to finish a big piece?
A: A sleeve can take me 6-8 days normally depending on how
complex it is. Normal day is at least 6-7 hours of tattooing so
it adds up.
Q: The longest session?
A:
The longest sessions I do are roughly 9-10 hours. I've done a
lot full side calf pieces over two days (back to back) in the
last few months, each day for those is about 9 - 10 hours.
Q: Do you have any specific
person you want to tattoo on
someone's skin?
A:
I have a few portraits all ready on me :)
I have a Lana del Rey and Javier Bardem from No Country for Old
Men. I was looking at getting a portrait of my mom from when
she’s was younger but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Q: Having the talent you have, ever thought to try
different styles?
A: I think my brain just works in a this way. I have worked
in other styles in years gone by, but there are always elements
of realism that sneak in. Now I stick to the rule that if I
think someone else can do that style better I won’t take it on,
instead pointing the client in the right direction. I hugely
admire anyone that can work in multiple styles to a high level,
artists like Yogi Barrett blows my mind!!!
Q: Many kids nowadays watch videos of tattoo artists and
go on eBay to buy equipment, thinking that learning
tattooing is easy...
A: That's what I did. It didn’t help me to get an apprenticeship.
Actually, looking back I think it held me back a lot from
getting into a studio especially a good one. If you're serious
about getting into the trade going about it in the right way is
really important. No one wants to see shit home job tattoos on
your legs or mates ass.
Q: Where are you located now?
A: I’m based at Matt Jordan’s Ship Shape Tattoo in Orewa, New
Zealand.
www.dbkaye.com
@dbkaye
Benkayetattoos@gmail.com
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