interview with tattoo artist Ross Irvine
Hello Ross Irvine! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this
interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself and
your beginnings.
I’ve always been interested in art, since a very young age. Kids my
age would go out and play football or ride bikes but I preferred to
stay in and draw. I’d typically draw things from movies coming out
at that time like Godzilla (the crappy Broderick one), Jurassic
Parks and James Bond flicks. My mum dated all of my drawings so it
was good to check them out years later.
My journey started in 2015 when I was given the opportunity to learn
how to do tattoos. It was something I had thought about in the past
regarding my drawing and future career, but also something I didn’t
think would actually happen. I’d tried my hand at multiple jobs,
milkman, bartending, stacking shelves. Those were good jobs and
taught me loads of valuable things, but I always felt like something
was missing. So when I got offered the apprenticeship, I jumped at
it.
Q: How long have you been tattooing?
A: I’ve been tattooing since 2016, the studio I had my
apprenticeship in had 5 artists so I had 5 different artists each
teaching me their own way on how they tattoo. Some had similar
styles, others not so much, so it was good to be able to sponge off as
much information to fuel my own learning. Since then I’ve worked
alongside so many amazing artists who all bring something new to the
table and I’m grateful for their teachings and guidance. Everyday is
a school day, in regards to learning new techniques and progressing
as an artist. It’s good to be open to trying different things that
help become better at what I do.
Q: What was the most challenging part in the beginning? What
kept you motivated?
A: The most challenging part in the beginning was probably finding
time to juggle my paying job, with my apprenticeship. I was lucky
enough to be in a job where I started at 6am and finished at 3pm.
I’d then rush home, get myself sorted, and then straight to the
studio to learn. I’d stay until late to learn as much as I could
then head back home. Rinse and repeat. I wouldn’t say it was a hard
apprenticeship as I’ve heard horror stories from other artists about
their own. I’d say I had it pretty easy. My motivation was seeing
myself doing something I loved as a job. That was enough for me.
Q: What type of art outside tattooing you like the most?
A: I’ve always had a taken a liking for classic movie posters,
particularly by Al Kallis , Richard Amsel & Drew Struzan. Something
about just the way they encapsulate the vibe and feel of that movie,
and the poster itself, instantly iconic.
Q: How would you call your style?
A: I’m not sure how I would classify my own work, to me contrast
plays a big role, and balancing that contrast with details really
matter. I hate seeing something that look very flat unless it’s
intentional. As I’ve progressed, I’ve learned to go a little darker
on pieces that I might have been wary to do so in the past. If I had
to label it something, I’d probably call it Dark Realism.
Q: Would you explore different styles?
A: A lot of my work is mainly black and grey so any opportunity to
delve into color is exciting and invigorating. I think it’s
necessary for all artists to have that strive to learn and to grow
to improve in all aspects, and not pigeon hole themselves into one
style. As I was heading forward into my career, I felt like I had
found my feet with black and grey, just because I was getting asked
a lot for it. That said, I’m always keen to try different areas of
tattooing. For the times that I do color, it feels refreshing and
something new, which is exciting and I thank my clients for
that.
Q: Any favourite person you would like to tattoo on someone's
skin? : )
A: I’d say I’ve been pretty lucky so far with the portraits that
I’ve had the chance to do. If I had to pick any that I’ve not had
the chance to do yet, I’d probably pick Slash, Walt Disney & Quint
from Jaws.
Q: It is important to have good energy in the studio and
with the clients, any weird ones?
A: We offer consultations to clients who are unsure of ideas or
design. I sit down with them discuss ideas to come up with something
that the client is happy with. It’s always important to make sure
the client is 100% happy with the design before moving forward. I’m
easy listening and take on board what the client wants with the
tattoo and I throw in some of my ideas or thoughts I have and
together we make the perfect tattoo design for that particular
client. I do have some other clients who are plain crazy and either
let me decide on what we’re doing, which is fun/terrifying,
or some clients who come in with the hilarious, maddest conceived
ideas for a fun tattoo that I just can’t say no to!
Q: Tattoo conventions, guest spots can be a great
opportunity to learn and meet new people, what's your opinion?
A: I’ve only really started doing the convention circuit a couple of
years ago. It was terrifying stepping into it but I absolutely love
it. I plan to do more conventions in the future as they are a good
way to meet new artists and widen communications between artists and
the general public. My latest experience with a convention was a
real fond memory, as I walked away with the Best Small Black and
Grey award at The Big North Tattoo Show which was amazing! So that
gave me a bit of self esteem boost and makes me more confident that
I’m going in the right direction with my work.
Q: What would you do if you were starting today?
A: I don’t think I’d do things too differently to be honest.
Hindsight is a great thing but I don’t think I would change too
much. I’d still strive to be the best I can.