(1/4) Not shy of getting inked, this client approached me for a watercolour piece that expressed her explosive love for books. ๐๐ #NAOHOAstoryโ โ
(2/4) The design process behind this colourful tattoo. #NAOHOAstory
(3/4) Using my trusty Brother thermal printer to print of the tattoo stencil. ๐ช #NAOHOAstory
(4/4) ‘The Magic of Books’ (fresh tattoo), using Kuro Sumi ink and rotary machines by Wayne Taylor and Bishop. Had a lot of fun inking this one! Love the colours. โจ
Feeling Inspired?ย ๐
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A quick announcement to say that, after a fantastic weekend in May, I’ll be at Comic Con again on 22-23rd September at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff.
Pretty much the same deal as last time, where I’ll be around all day to chat to you in person, so feel free to swing by and say hey~ ๐ I’m conscious that there were big queues last time with many of you waiting very patiently, so I think for this one, I’ll suggest booking an appointment with me at the studio for a longer chat (or video call, if you’ll be travelling from afar), to save people waiting for too long. Sound fair?
Unfortunately, I won’t be selling customised portraits this time round, but signed art prints will still be available, and it’ll be the only place where you can buy 2 for ยฃ20 (saving ยฃ5).
Will I finish the Ghibli Tribute in time?ย ๐ฑย With running the business and being in the intense NatWest Accelerator course, I’ll admit, I’m finding it hard to keep everything in check, but I’ll try my best to get the print ready to sell on the day, as many of you were interested last time. If you’d like to follow its progress, Instagram is the best place to find me, as I often share Live Stories of what I’m up to (they’re quicker and easier than arranging posts).
Thanks for reading and I look forward to meeting you soon!
Have you always wanted a tattoo but haven’t a clue how to go about it? Or maybe you’ve been there, done that, but want to know faster ways to get your idea across. Here are some simple tips to prepare for your future ink, along with info on how things work here at NAOHOA.
Do Your Homework
Research
Not just what you want, but WHO you want to do it (…hopefully me ๐). Many artists specialise into certain art styles, so after you’ve figured out what you want, look at their portfolios to see who would be the best match for that style. If you feel the artist is versatile enough to ink a design you’re after, despite not having much evidence on their website of social profiles, ask anyway to see what they think. Personally, I’m game when it comes to switching genres, as I enjoy the challenge. Sure, there are things that aren’t to my taste (such as overtly morbid or sexual images), but you should get a feel for what the artist will and won’t do based on their work.
Make a Mood Board
Why?
It’s the quickest, easiest way for me to understand what look and feel you’re after – especially if you’re unsure on art terms (realistic/stylised/geometric/abstract etc.). It doesn’t have to be a full-blown board – sometimes one or two images suffice – but please send me something so I have a better idea of what’s in your head.
What?
Subject(s) you’d like included and art style, simplez. They don’t have to be restricted to tattoos either – if you like the shape of a sculpture but colours of a graffiti piece, add those to your board and explain it to me. If you want something truly original, looking at other people’s tattoos will only get you so far. At NAOHOA, I design everything for you from scratch – make the most of it.
Where?
Where do you want this tattoo? This doesn’t really need to be in the moodboard, but it’s something I have to know in order to advise and design accordingly. If you have slim arms but you want something similar to what another person got on their back or thigh…chances are it’ll need some adjusting. ๐
How?
One word: Pinterest. It’s fast, easy and eco-friendly (as it saves printing/recycling…and me having to carry it all!). Make a board and start pinning away, then send me a link or add me as a collaborator to the Board. You can add comments to each image to explain what aspect you like and why, so I can get a deeper understanding of what you’re after. Even better, it’s completely free and stays in sync, so if you add to it after sending me a link, I’ll be able to see the new stuff too. ๐
Besides not having to carry print-outs, it also saves me digging through emails or maxing out my inbox. I save all your notes on Trello, so a simple link really is the best for workflow. Of course, I don’t mind if more traditional options are easier for you – I’ll work around them – I’m simply raising awareness here to make my life easier. ๐
What Next?
Get in Touch
You can book an appointment for your Consultation via this online form:
Various studios work differently, but at NAOHOA, face-to-face Consultations are required, as I don’t accept walk-ins. During this sesh, we’ll have a casual chat about your tattooidea until we’re on the same page. You’ll need to fill in a Medical Form and I’ll provide you with a Saniderm Patch Test to check for allergies. This is a chance for me to get to know you and you can ask me any questions that are bubbling to mind.
If you’d like to have your journey documented into a #NAOHOAstory, I’ll take a photo there and then. They’re all anonymous and completely optional.
Design
After a deposit has been paid, I add you to my Trello Board and will design your tattoo when it’s your turn! Currently, I design tattoos in chronological order people see me and pay their deposits, rather than by ease or size, as this is the fairest system I can think of.
