Interview with tattoo artist Kyle Warwick
Hello Kyle Warwick! Thank you so
much for taking the time to do this interview.
Please start by telling us something about yourself and your
background. How it all started? I was the weird kid in the corner of class drawing comic sketches in
the back of my maths book. I lacked interest in educational art at
the time - I found myself painting graffiti in my teenage years
which led me to visiting a tattoo shop that offered my first
apprenticeship.
Q: Did you have any help or you are a self taught artist?
A: As an artist I'm certainly self taught - keen observation is key
and consistently focused application. I've seen many artists draw
fantastic portraits yet, can't seem to pull a clean line after 3
years of tattooing. Tattooing is a craft and artistry is artistry,
if you can combine the two. Bingo!
Q: When did you do your first tattoo? What was it?
A: In 2016 I think it was a birdcage for my sister. It wasn't very
good.. it still isn't!
Q: How long it took you to gain confidence and
regular customers?
A:
I gained confidence within a year as my seniors were fairly
neglectful of my progress, but only now in hindsight can I see a
truer performance and confidence in my methods.
Q: Your style is really interesting. I like how you combine
many different images into one cool design. Very creative. It's like
graphic design in a way, but cool way! How would you call your
style?
A: I haven't yet thought of something catchy, but if it is anything
it is: abstract-realism with elements of graffiti and
new-school/illustration.
Q: I love the color tattoos. Vibrant and detailed. The
graffiti vibe is nicely implemented. Bravo! Tell me more about
the creative process.
A: I try to keep a process that flows and feels natural. I
basically do what I know! I find the right portrait then I add in
extra light sources and starting doodling graffiti and cartoons
until it feels ready. My style is pretty recognisable and
consistent so most will know what to generally expect.
Q: Have you ever refused to do a design simply because you
didn't like it?
A: Yes. Not that I feel above particular tattoo choices, however if
I'm not feeling it at that particular moment then I won't do it -
equally, if customers are being difficult and won't listen to my
advice then I am not the right artist for them. I still enjoy doing
small flash tattoos from time to time, I am a tattooist after all.
Q: How important is to be open for ideas but also maintain a
"signature" style as an artist?
A: Absolutely necessary. If you stay open to new ideas you can grow
as an artist. Simultaneously, if you stray too far you may not be
what you envisaged - which isn't always bad. That being said, I
think most great styles aren't curated with intention, usually
they're formed and find themselves over time, but once you've found
it, it's good to repeat the formula.
Q: What's more fun to do, tattoos or graffiti?
A: It depends, but generally graffiti is way more fun. Graffiti is
pure freedom, you move at your own pace and it is a full body craft.
It comes through your feet and legs and to your wrist in swift
movements. Small tattoos can be just as fun with heavy linework and
whipshading but generally large tattoos are a labour, a labour of
love.
Q: Are you an indipended graffiti artist or do you have a
crew?
A: I'm a part of a crew that isn't very active currently - life gets
in the way and a hardcore graffiti lifestyle has consequences and
sacrifices. I now enjoy painting graffiti for the joy and socialism
- not the thrill and reputation. Although, I'm a bit of a lone wolf
in most things I do.
Q: Tell me about the UK tattoo scene. Do you see progress?
What do you think we the media should be doing more in order to
promote new artists and support each other?
A: I love the UK tattoo scene, it is strong and there are a lot of
incredible artists, a lot! We seem to be particularly well rounded
in black & grey, linework/dotwork, mandalas etc. That doesn't really
interest me though, I like to see a bit more risk in people's work.
I've always preferred the scenes in USA, Spain and Russia for
example - they have far more abstract artists, graffiti influences,
bold colours and tend to be more intuitive and progressive with
their work, most of my influences are from these regions. It makes
it a little tricky to be an artist of unusual styles in the UK as
most people go for black and grey.
Q:
Any advice for the new artists?
A: No shortcuts, no bullshit. Do it because you care about what
you're creating. Perfect your craft, not your image. Unless you have
something outstanding to add, leave the industry how you found it.
You are not above tattooing - people have done this far longer than
you. Respect your clients but do not undersell yourself, your time
will come. Respect your peers, but tradition is always the way -
take some risks. Enjoy it, it's the best job in the world!