The ink on Alex Williams


Alex Williams

Where did you grow up?
Derby, England. 

How was it growing up there, would you say that it influenced you?
It was a good place to grow up in, it’s a mixture of different cultures. Both good and bad areas, so it opened my eyes. 

When did you start getting tattoos?
first tattoo was at 16. Soon to be laser removed and recovered.

How would you describe your style?
Quirky and funky, Innovate don't imitate.

Do you consider tattoos as a serious art form?
Yes most definitely.

How do you see the tattoo culture right now?
People don't know what they want until they get in the chair, they should have what they want in their head and should not to be told. 

What has been your inspiration for getting them?
For me it was weird, because clothes and haircuts just couldn't make me different. But my tattoos are mine and no one else has exactly the same ones.

What’s your favorite piece?
I would say that it is the piece that I have not had done yet, as it is going to be the statement for all to see. I’m getting my neck and hand tattooed.

Do you catch people starring at you because of your ink?
Yes all the time, I get asked a lot of questions.

In your opinion, do your tattoos change your mood often?
I think that sometimes when I feel like conforming to what people see as normal, I look at my ink and think, “yeah that’s me”. It makes me not care about what other people think of me and makes me see myself as I am.

What’s your most significant tattoo and why?
Definitely my worst tattoo, soon to be removed. But I look at and it reminds me that you have to think about every decision you make, as it stays with you. 

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get their first tattoo?
Just think why you’re getting the tattoo in the first place, and if that’s a good enough reason then do it.

Will you be getting anymore?
Yes, I just got new ink last week on my lower arm. In 7 weeks I will be getting the gap on the side filled, and then my neck and hand with be last. 

What’s your biggest inspiration, what keeps you going?
I see it as art and it makes me an individual.

What is one thing that life has taught you?
No matter what you have, you can lose it. And once you have lost it, you can rebuild it.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Never judge a book by its cover”. I know it’s common, but I get perceived to a way that I am not, because I’m a confident man with ink.

Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I think that tattoos on women are amazing! The bigger and more edgy the better!

Photographer Credit: Alex Wightman