Hello Ben Kaye! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. It really means a lot having you here. Please start by telling us something about yourself and your beginnings. How long have you been tattooing? I've been tattooing almost 9 years now, it's been a roller coaster of a time. I’ve traveled a lot and met some really cool people. The most challenging part was just getting an apprenticeship. In the end, I had to move to Malaysia to start my apprenticeship. Which came with a few unique challenges of its own.

Q: Having a talent definitely helps a lot when it comes to creative jobs, but is it enough? 
A: It's hard work, late nights, dealing with people's shit and a lot of self-critic but it's amazing. Best job in the world, doesn't get easier but it allowed me to travel the world, meet fantastic people and live the dream. The best advice is to fully commit yourself and roll with the punches.

Q: Why color realism, what do you like the most about this style?
A: Color realism would have to be the style I most enjoy. Realism has no limits as to where it can go. A simple idea can be taken in so many directions, so as a style it really gets the imagination going. It's an exciting style to work. I only do realism tattoos now but I didn’t really choose to specialize in realism, I think my work developed that way and I went with it.

Q: I love the portraits! Many artists say that portrait tattoos are one of the most difficult designs, do you agree?
A: I still find portraits of loved ones the hardest pieces by far. The fact that the client has such a set image of that person in their mind, seeing them every day or at least often. It's a lot of pressure. They are definitely one of the most stressful tattoos to do. I have a sweat on just typing about them. I prefer portraits with a good amount of freedom like fictional characters or my own designs.

Q: Oh the details!
A: Every piece has its own challenges, that's part of the fun of realistic tattooing. I find some skin textures hard to do. If the portrait is of a person with pitted or old worn skin it's so hard to keep a consistent texture but the end result is always a great feeling.

Q: How long does it take to finish a big piece?
A: A sleeve can take me 6-8 days normally depending on how complex it is. Normal day is at least 6-7 hours of tattooing so it adds up.

Q: The longest session?
A: The longest sessions I do are roughly 9-10 hours. I've done a lot full side calf pieces over two days (back to back) in the last few months, each day for those is about 9 - 10 hours.

    

Q: Do you have any specific person you want to tattoo on someone's skin?
A: I have a few portraits all ready on me :) I have a Lana del Rey and Javier Bardem from No Country for Old Men. I was looking at getting a portrait of my mom from when she’s was younger but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

Q: Having the talent you have, ever thought to try different styles?
A: I think my brain just works in a this way. I have worked in other styles in years gone by, but there are always elements of realism that sneak in. Now I stick to the rule that if I think someone else can do that style better I won’t take it on, instead pointing the client in the right direction. I hugely admire anyone that can work in multiple styles to a high level, artists like Yogi Barrett blows my mind!!!

Q: Many kids nowadays watch videos of tattoo artists and go on eBay to buy equipment, thinking that learning tattooing is easy...
A: That's what I did. It didn’t help me to get an apprenticeship. Actually, looking back I think it held me back a lot from getting into a studio especially a good one. If you're serious about getting into the trade going about it in the right way is really important. No one wants to see shit home job tattoos on your legs or mates ass.

Q: Where are you located now?
A: I’m based at Matt Jordan’s Ship Shape Tattoo in Orewa, New Zealand.

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