interview with tattoo artist Owen Paulls

 Hello Owen Paulls! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself, how long have you been tattooing? What inspired you? I’ve been tattooing a little over four years now. When I started my apprenticeship, I had been playing music and designing artwork for various bands, with a lot of those being influenced from the tattoo world. I think it really was just a matter of time before I made the transition to tattooing as a career.

Q: Was it hard to learn? What do you think about tattoo apprenticeship?
A: Apprenticeships are great, as long as your mentor has your best interests at heart! There’s far too many shop owners now who are looking for free labor. Finding an artist who agrees to teach you is one thing, but finding an artist who has the ability to teach is much more valuable. A little more searching perhaps but in the long run, it will pay off.

Q: I love your style, it's very unique. Would you define it?
A: Thank you so much! I’m happy to be tattooing in this style, it’s a bonus for me that is appreciated! I feel like it is important to have an identity. I’ve always just called myself a realism artist. I love doing both the Disney pieces and realism work, I’d hate to have to choose one or the other. Disney realistic black and grey? I guess that would be too much of a mouthful, so let’s just say Disneyism?!

Q: Tattooing is not an easy skill to learn. Do you also learn about skin tones and skin reaction? How important is that?
A: Having a good knowledge of what is achievable on each type of skin tone definitely helps me in my preparation for a tattoo. I know that the darker the skin tone, the higher the contrast has to be. Any flat grey tones I want to use may not last the test of time, so I try to use skin gaps in these areas for darker skin. Being English, I tend to tattoo a lot more lighter skin tone, but I believe everybody has the right to get a tattoo, as long as I feel I can execute it well.

Q: How do you feel about the tattoo scene now? Do you see progress? What are some of the new techniques you implement?
A: Tattooing is definitely in its romantic period right now. So many artists experimenting and creating beautiful pieces. I like to design my tattoos straight onto a photo of the arm so that it fits the space the best. I also adjust for the wrap of the arm slightly. This helps the design to stay level on a curved surface. It’s not a new technique but one I think overlooked at the moment. The other thing I think helps my pieces is the details. Using both a hard and soft edge for foreground and background.

Q: How important is to experiment?
A: I did experiment a little the first couple of years. It took a while for me to feel comfortable in realistic tattooing, so in the beginning I’d take what I could from traditional styles and painters that I liked, to try to recreate my digital work on skin etc. I wanted to have a good knowledge of tattooing, no matter how basic, before I pushed into the realistic Disney world. I’m so glad I took my time.

Q: How important is the good communication with the clients?
A: It's very important. Being primarily a Disney or cartoon artist, I get to know a lot more happy stories behind the tattoos than unhappy. They mostly involve customers commemorating a happy time in their childhood or a moment shared with their families. Of course there is the occasional story of commemorating a lost loved one, but I feel like the time has passed for just a name and a date tattoo. I want to try and discuss imagery that provokes a positive emotion with my customer and help to turn a sad memory into a celebration of life. No matter the reason, every customer is treated with the same level of respect and patience.

Q: What do you like the most about your job?
A: I think what I cherish most is having a job where artistic license is the name of the game! I try to focus purely on the positives when they happen and not to dwell too much on the negative. It can be easy to forget to enjoy life, because otherwise, why are we here?!

Q: Winter is probably the best time to get a tattoo, but many want to book in the summer. Your advice?
A: SUN LOTION. SUN SCREEN. NO FAKE TAN!!!!

There are times when a customer will have just got back from or are just about to go on holiday somewhere hot and I'll have to reschedule their appointment. Unfortunately sun damaged skin can look normal on the surface, or a little darker than usual, but I like to make my customers aware that is still damaged under the surface. This means that when the tan fades, usually this can mean a faded tattoo. Look after your skin people!!!

Q: What would you say to someone who want to start tattooing?
A: I'm a goal oriented person. It’s how I work best. My advice would be make a 5, 10 and 15 year goal list and stick to it! It’s not impossible to get exactly where you need to get to. As long as you are willing to take the rough with the smooth and really study your craft. I feel like I still have a long way to go before I’m happy with my goal list but I’m on track to make my 5 year and I can’t wait for the 10 year mark!