Where were you born and where are you from?
I was born in a town called Dover, Kent which is on the
southeast coast of the UK. I lived there until I was 17. I currently live and
work in Guildford, Surrey, UK.
How did you get introduced to the tattoo culture?
I first took an interest in tattoos when I was about 15. At
that time two of my favourite bands were My Ruin and The Distillers, both
fronted by tattooed women. I idolized the singers, Tairrie B and Brody Dalle,
and was fascinated with how they looked so cool and tough, yet super hot! Basically,
I wanted to look just like them. Having always been artistic, it wasn’t long
before I started considering tattooing as a career and I started buying tattoo
reference books and drawing in more of a traditional tattoo style. My cousin
and I got our first tattoos together in 2003. We both got a matching tattoo of
our Grandmother’s name, who had recently passed away. A few months later we
both went back for another, after which my cousin stopped, and I just carried
on. I initially had a plan to get a lower back piece and two half sleeves and
stop there, but I got hooked and that plan went out the window.
When did you get started?
2005.
Do you remember the first tattoo that you did?
Yes, it was a rose, just the outline and shading on my boyfriend’s
leg. It’s still there now and it doesn’t look too bad!
How would you describe your style of tattooing?
I try not to define my style too much, but I suppose it’s
mostly of a traditional theme. I do a little bit of Japanese influenced work
and black and grey as well, as I think it’s important to be a good all-rounder
while specializing in one style. But most people come to me for my bold colour
work and that’s what I like to do best. I am currently enjoying doing work with
more detail and experimenting with colours. I feel my style is constantly
maturing and developing whilst remaining recognizable as my own. Who knows what
my style may look like in another 6 years time!
What were you doing before you got into the tattoo business,
and what made you change?
I was fortunate enough to get into the tattoo business quite
young, I was 20. I studied Art full time until I was 19 and then worked in
retail while I figured out what to do next. I tried various office/hospitality jobs
which were all my idea of hell. I was incredibly lucky to land an
apprenticeship with Jon Nott in 2005. Many people try for years and years to
get into the business. Tattooing was the only thing I wanted to do since the
age of 16, so I didn’t have to wait too long for my dream opportunity and not a
day goes by when I don’t marvel at how lucky I am.
What influences your artwork?
I am influenced by allsorts. Like most artists my feelings,
emotions, experiences and my imagination inspire me to do something creative. At
the moment I also take a lot of influence from nature/animals, the female form,
the Victorian era, kitsch art, gothic art, the macabre, antiques, taxidermy…so
much! I find tattoo conventions incredibly inspiring too, and I always come
home with a new level of passion for my work. Artists whose work I currently
find inspiring include Christopher Conn Askew, Stefan Johsson and Rose Hardy to
name a few.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get their first tattoo?
First of all, don’t go to the first person who gives you the cheapest
price and can fit you in immediately! Research artists based on their
portfolios, and remember that it’ll be on your body for the rest of your life,
so it’s worth paying for a good job and waiting for an appointment if necessary.
And possibly most importantly, find an artist you trust.
Do you see yourself doing anything other than tattooing?
Well, assuming tattooing remains as popular as it is today,
then no I don’t see myself doing anything else. I love my job and I am so lucky
to be doing it every day. Tattoos are more widely accepted and more popular
than ever before, but hopefully tattooing hasn’t yet reached its peak. Having a
young daughter I often find myself wondering if her generation will get
tattooed on the same scale as my generation, or if they will find other ways to
rebel against their tattooed parents! I think there are bigger and better
things to come, but I endeavor not to take tattooing for granted.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"In societies where men are truly confident of their
own worth, women are not merely tolerated but valued." Aung San Suu Kyi
Anything else you would like to add?
Find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aimeeloutattoo
Tumblr: www.aimeeloutattoo.tumblr.com
Bigcartel: www.aimeeloutattoo.bigcartel.com
E-mail: aimeeloutattoo@hotmail.co.uk
Shop: Bespoke Tattoo Company, 127-129 Manor Road, Guildford,
GU2 9NR, UK
Telephone: 01483 533339
Thanks to Jon Nott, Ade Stacey, Becs Holley and Pete
Kinsella for their help/advice/support.