interview with saga anderson
Hello Saga Anderson!
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by
telling us something about yourself and your beginnings.
There was definitely a tough learning curve when I first started. The first few years at a shop required a lot of
self-directed learning and countless drawing hours. Learning the
realism technique and the specific requirements of this style versus
other styles was a second learning step I decided to take, and
required even more time and patience. My
natural drawing style is cartoon/illustrative, so it was quite a
shift for me after 3 decades of drawing with lines.
Q: Did anyone help
you?
A: I didn't do an apprenticeship though, after hanging out in a shop
in the late 2000s where my girlfriend at the time was tattooing, I
got my first sense of how the process worked. I was lucky enough to
have taught myself enough basic skills while practicing on myself
and friends over the next few years while studying in university to
get into a shop afterwards and really start honing my skills. I
definitely don't recommend this route into the industry for anyone
thinking of becoming a tattoo artist. I think I was one of the lucky
few who found success in this industry without a mentor.
Q: Your tattoo style is very unique! How it changed over the years?
A: Thank you so much! I really try to incorporate elements of color. I find contrast and depth with values
crucial to making a vibrant tattoo that isn't flat or washed out on
the skin. You might not guess it now but color was one of the things
I always struggled with, and was always fascinated by how simple
color transitions can transform a tattoo from flat to visually
vibrant. Over the years my style went from focusing on line weights,
black and grey, geometric elements, and many small details, to no
lines, the full color spectrum, and the focus on large-scale, less
detailed painterly work. I tell myself over and over to reduce
detail, to simplify my designs, to be more unique, to find more ways
to incorporate contrasting elements clearly and to make my work
look more like a piece of fine art on skin rather than a
tattoo...these are the guiding principles that I use to continue to
develop my style.
Q: Tell me about the 3D technique.
A: For me techniques that enhance depth and give the illusions of 3
dimensions require correct use of color value, and it's nearly
impossible to achieve a 3 dimensional illusion on a 2 dimensional
surface without the use of both highlights and 'lowlights'. This
applies to both color and black and grey work. Without the judicious use of
the lightest and darkest values everything ends up midtones and
there is a lack of depth.
Q: I can see some really cool designs, like portraits
and Cosmo inspired elements. Are those designs your own
creations or your clients are super creative?
A: Haha yes I've definitely had some interesting cosmic mash-ups, so
much fun! For me the cosmic theme can be applied to anything one can
think of, so I'm super open when clients suggest adding into a pet
portrait or landscape. I usually leave it to my clients to choose
the style of background. They'd prefer, whether cosmic,
painterly, nature, out of focus elements, heavy black, water,
electricity, etc. So normally we'd have a piece booked and the
client will come in and say, "I know we were going to do my dog's
portrait but your space work just grabbed me, can we put a helmet on
him and put him in space?" I'm always up for it! Space is infinite
and there are an infinite ways to create it artistically.
Q: The cosmos and its beautiful chaotic
creations. I guess no one can do better, cooler Cosmo inspired
tattoos than you. Do you use refference images?
A: Too kind! Space, science and the universe are some of my main
passions and inspirations, so I'm always super happy when I get to
tattoo cosmic work. I create the basis for all my work digitally,
combining many references into one unique composition, which I do on the day of the
session using guidance from the client and the shape
of their body, which is paramount. Realism works better if it fits
the body as it moves, so I need my clients with me as I design to
ensure a custom fit. Once I see the body part, an image comes into
my head and I create the design based around my vision. I'm lucky enough to have clients that
trust my approach and let me do what I want with their project, feel
pretty lucky!
Q: Do you have any favorite ink brands, or the magic is in
the technique?
A: Color tattoos are my passion! While I do enjoy working on
monochromatic pieces occasionally my focus is definitely on color, I
find there is so much more I can express using the the myriad colors. Knowledge of color is an essential requirement
for doing color tattoos. There are many unique challenges that don't
occur in B&G work, so any artist doing color work needs to know what
makes it different and the steps needed to achieve a strong color
piece. I use Fusion ink exclusively, both their muted and bright
tones are perfect for my style.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I'm currently based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at Boss Tattoos,
a rad collective of independent tattoo artists. Calgary is in the
Canadian West at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I do
conventions and travel much of the year so I'm on the road a lot
across Canada, the US and Europe. The best way to reach to me is
through my website at www.inkbysaga.com or by email at
rollingbass@hotmail.com.
Q: Your work is super recognizable. Since you have a unique
style, would you try experimenting
with a different style?
A: Yes I hear that a lot! Everyone says they can spot one of mine
tattoos out in a crowd, definitely something I'm always happy to hear. With
so many amazing artists out there these days, for people to choose
from it's always a benefit for every artist to try to develop their
own unique style. I started off my first few years at a busy street
shop, so used to tackle every style to some degree, but after falling
in love with the realism I slowly dropped other styles,
focusing solely on realism now and into the future. I feel I have so
much to learn in realism and color theory that it will keep me
occupied for years to come.
Q: What are some of the most important things that every
artist must know?
A: Keep learning and trying new techniques and products! We live in an
exciting time. The tattoo industry is growing a lot. Finallyt we're getting companies to make products and equipment specifically for
us instead of borrowing everything from other fields. It's easier
now than ever to use the internet to find info and see the latest
techniques and work from around the world, to do conventions, to
visit museums, to seek out new artists that know
more than us to learn from. Use these resources!