Interview with tattoo artist Elric Gordon
Hello Elric Gordon! Thank you for taking the time to do this
interview. What type of art
outside tattooing you like the most? Do you have any favourite
artists that inspire you?
Outside of tattooing I enjoy oil painting, drawing and
anything encapsulating artistic abilities. Anything creative that I can
learn from and adapt to my artistic field, is the art I like the
most. There are many artists that inspire me. I draw inspiration
from many sources which tend to change alongside my style of
tattooing. I do not confine myself to any particular source as I
prefer to collect concepts and ideas to create an overall new and
authentic style.
Q: Was it hard to learn the
basics? Did anyone help you?
A: In the beginning obtaining an actual tattoo apprenticeship was
the biggest challenge. I knew from a very young age that I would be
a tattooist and I went to extreme lengths to realise my dreams. At
the start I went to every reputable tattoo studio in
Melbourne to try to get an apprenticeship. Constantly, I was denied or
told to consider other options. I persisted with my dream by
crossing state lines and continuing to search of an apprenticeship.
During this time, I drew every single day and worked as a brick
layer. After almost a year of searching, I was fortunate to be taken
on by small studio located in New South Wales. Learning basic skills
was extremely frustrating and tedious. It took a lot of dedication
and time to learn properly. When learning the basics, it often felt
like two steps forward and one step back. Some days I would feel
confident and the next day a new challenge would arise and I questioned
my basic skills. After a considerable amount of time and an array of
tattoos, I managed to cent my fundamental skills in tattooing. Early
on, I was fortunate enough to have help and guidance from some of
Australia’s top artists, such as: Chris Cashmore, Byron Drechsler,
Jutty Stewart and Brad Barko. I am forever thankful for their
guidance.
Q: Do you have one of those moments when you look at some of
your old tattoos and laugh or?
A:
For sure! I think every tattooist have those thoughts. You must
start somewhere. Having a humble approach to tattooing affords the
artist the ability to take on productive criticism, new concepts and
alternative methods of tattooing. If you do not start from the
bottom you will have no room to grow into a reputable artist.
Q: How long have you been tattooing as professional?
?
A: I have been tattooing for almost nine years. I think I am an
incredibly determined and goal orientated tattooist. The idea of
‘pushing’ myself includes continually evolving my style which
enables me the ability to create authentic pieces. I believe that
furthering my skills and education in tattooing will enhance my
ability to remain relevant and competitive in the industry.
Q: How would you call your style?
A: I believe that there are distinct styles in tattooing that can be
labelled. However, my tattooing does not adhere to any one
particular style. Instead I enjoy combining aspects of each style to
create a totally different take on fundamental concepts of multiple
styles.
Q: Only black and white ink… any plans to play with color
inks in the feature?
A: By completing tattoos in all styles, I was able to identify that
my true passion lay within black and grey. I firmly believe that
every artist should attempt to tattoo in all styles so that they can
appropriately select the best style that enhances their personal
advantages. Although I love working with black and grey, tattooing
is my passion. As long as I am tattooing, no matter the style, I am
happy.
Q: Tattoo realism is very popular nowadays, artists take it
even as a challenge to master it, some succeed, others don't. How
long took you to gain confidence?
A: Having confidence in my work revolves around the ability to
adapt, create a unique style and constantly refine my skills. I am
not aiming to master realism, instead, I am aiming to continually
push my tattooing to the next level. The next level can be changing the format of my stencil or even
selecting different needles. For me its about utilising all the
available tools to showcase my individuality in tattooing.
Q: Funniest or weirdest client you’ve had?
A: Over nine years you meet all types of people from all walks of
life. Some you really enjoy tattooing, others, not so much. I have
seen people pass out, vomit, cry and chain smoke to avoid being
tattooed. And I have also had clients that sit well, share common
interests and are a pleasure to tattoo. At the end of the day,
tattooing is an experience. Clients should be
comfortable, enjoy the process and the outcome. When discussing
tattoo ideas with clients I always preface my business interactions
in the same manner. The client can provide reference images, choose
a topic and gather referral images from my portfolio that they like.
I allow people the freedom to choose a theme.
By allowing my artistic interpretation to be used, I can produce a
more refined piece that matches their original idea. In the
beginning of my tattooing career I took on anything and everything.
It was about the experience which now allows
me the freedom to choose my designs.
Q: Awarded artist, of course all deserved! Congratulations!
Do you have any favourite award? Or simply an award that you
consider as a career highlight?
A: The awards to me are a bonus. I am so grateful for every award I
have received. I have never aspired towards them and am instead
driven by my passion, love for the industry and the incredibly
talented people in it. Receiving an award gives an artist the
opportunity to see and congratulate other artists on their
award-winning pieces.
Q: Any
advice for the new artists?
A: The best approach to becoming a professional tattoo artist is to
never give up, work hard and stay humble.