Tattoo studio spotlight: Devils Detail Tattoo

Devils Detail Tattoo, an eco-friendly tattoo studio has been open since July 2022. Located at 228 Hornsey Road, N7 7LL, the studio on the diverse and busy street is just a short walk from Finsbury park or Holloway road station tube station.

Tattoo by Karen

The inspiration

Karen always had dreams of opening her own private tattoo studio since she began her career seven years ago. Karen’s partner Shane previously worked in the live event industry where he was unfortunately made redundant due to Covid.

Shane, having spent a lot of time getting tattooed always loved the idea of being involved in the tattoo scene, so he took the opportunity to pursue his dreams of working in a tattoo studio. Together, they decided to turn a negative into a positive and decided to open their own family run tattoo studio which would reflect them as people and have the art of tattooing at its heart.

Tattoo by Mia

The studio

Karen and Shane wanted to create a space that was clean, bright, inspiring and welcoming. The studio has a lot of natural light and the walls are decorated with art work from their resident and guest artists.

People can expect a warm friendly welcome when they arrive, plus a professional and caring experience during your visit. The team also offers complementary hot and cold beverages, and vegan treats for clients to enjoy during their tattoo.

Tattoo by Liam

The ethos

Clean, bright, welcoming and eco-friendly. Devils Detail Tattoo aims to deliver a personal, enjoyable and professional experience. The artists work with and carefully listen to their clients to provide them with a unique, custom tattoo that reflects their personality.

We believe that you should be able to achieve a perfect tattoo no matter your demographic.

All the disposables we use are plastic free, this was an easy but important part of our ethos. We want people to know that they are always welcome to come in to our space, whether it’s an enquiry or simply for some advice. We are always happy to help!

Tattoo by Karen

Eco-friendly

We have a keen interest in doing our part to help the planet and reduce plastic waste. We think there should be more of a focus on eco-friendly products in the tattoo industry, choosing to help the planet over cheaper plastic products.

Safe space

We want to let people know that no matter your race, gender, sexuality, disability or inexperience of being tattooed, we are a very welcoming and non-judgemental studio.

We want all of our clients to feel happy and comfortable in our studio and have the best tattoo experience possible.

Meet the tattoo artists at Devils Detail Tattoo

Karen Buckley @karenbuckleytattoo

Owner and resident artist, Karen specialises in a style she likes to call Geo-trad, a mixture of colour traditional and geometric style tattoos. Karen loves large scale pieces which push her artistic skills to the max, carefully customising a personal tattoo or putting her artistic spin on a design you may have in mind.

Mia Rose @miarosetattoo

Junior artist Mia joined our team when the studio opened in July 2022, Mia previously worked with Karen in central London where she was surrounded by incredibly talented artists which has helped shape her into the super star she is! Mia is a perfectionist in clean lines and awesome shading, specialising in black and grey tattoos including nature based/gothic/witchy style tattoos. 

Liam Collins @liamcollinstattoo

As a fan of music, film and pop culture iconography, Liam enjoys tattooing any and all things that fall under this umbrella in his minimalist, black linework style. Besides this, he is always up for collaborating on bold, bright colour work or designing with geometric elements such as mandalas, sacred geometry and ancient Eastern patterns.

Make sure to follow Devils Detail Tattoo and artists for more shop news and amazing tattoos.

Interview with tattoo artist Sambee

We chat to North London tattooer Sambee about her journey into the tattoo world and her experiences as a woman of colour in the tattoo industry…

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist? To be honest it was never an ambition of mine, even though I had always drawn, been creative and did art at school. I also used to go home after school and watch LA Ink and NY Ink. I thought they were pretty cool shows but I never saw them as a future career.

Saying that, the idea of making things with my hands was attractive to me. It meant I would always have a way of being able to provide for myself without relying on someone to hire me.

How did you become an artist? A friend took a design of mine to a local tattooist and asked if I would go with him to get the tattoo done. Whilst I was there the tattooist talked to me about my designs, he was opening a studio soon and asked if I’d like to be the apprentice.

At the time I was looking to go to university but my parents were surprisingly supportive of me becoming a tattoo apprentice.

Can you tell us about your experiences in the tattoo industry? My apprenticeship started two months before my nineteenth birthday. I’m at the end of my twenties now, so it has been quite an education. It’s been a strange world to navigate through especially when you come into it quite young.

Tattooing is a great expressive art form and there’s always something to learn or a way to challenge yourself. The more you put in the more you’ll get out.

You meet all types of people, some sweet and some more savoury, but that’s like all industries. It’s nice to see more women and women of colour coming up in the industry.

Can you tell us more about the experiences you have had as a woman and a woman of colour in the industry? I’ve had some awkward moments. I think the frustrating thing about being a woman in a male dominated industry is that you can feel obliged to not create what’s sometimes perceived as ‘trouble’, or perhaps what used to be perceived that way. 

Even now, I initially felt like I had to answer this question by downplaying or lightly glossing over experiences.

If I were to mention every little moment where race or gender felt to me like a disadvantage or something I’ve had to speak out to defend against, it would be a long list. 

Toward the end of my apprenticeship, I was being tattooed by someone (who my mentor invited to the studio). I can’t remember how the subject of race was brought up, but somehow we got talking about it and mid tattoo session, with my limb in the tattooists’ hand, he says the words “ya know, I don’t actually believe in ‘mix raced’.”

My ears perked up, my heart rate rose and I had to control my facial expression. I just thought, let me make it to the end of the tattoo session and then I won’t have to listen to any more ignorance. 

I’ve also heard clients say they don’t believe in racism, casually, while I’m tattooing them. I’ve also seen someone point out the window at a person in a wheelchair and say the words “look, that’s a n*gger in a wheeelchair”. I was in that room. 

Are there any female artists and women of colour artists you’d like our readers to know about? Hell yeah there is! There’s lots of women that I know and follow on social media that make me proud to be in this job, at this time, because it has come such a long way since I started. 

My colleagues Trang and Chanelle are so talented, focused, driven and kind hearted. I used to work with Jade and we both had the ambition to get into tattooing. She’s got a beautiful heart and does beautiful tattoos. 

People should also follow:

The list goes on!

What attracted you to black and grey tattooing? I’m not sure why I was more interested in black and grey. I appreciate all styles, but when it came to doing them I found that black and grey made more sense. It feels more straightforward.

Have you always tattooed like you do now? I started out doing anything and everything and then slowly just narrowed it down to black and grey realism.

I’m sure in another 10 years my style will change, but I can’t see it changing too drastically. That’s the thing within any creative industry the only limits are what you put on yourself. It’s sometimes scary to change because it’s new to you and you obviously lack experience. Also you’re beginning the process all over again and that creates more self doubt.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? Sure! There’s not too much to it, my client would have given me images or a description through an email enquiry. With that information I search and source photos relevant to the idea and begin putting that into a composition to suit whichever area the tattoo is going. I tend to do image sourcing the night before and then put together designs in the morning showing a few options.

What inspires you? Other artists, not just artists who do black and grey. Or seeing people who have older tattoos and wondering how can I do my work to a standard that will hold and look sick as it ages.

It would be cool when my clients are in nursing homes and still feel excited about their tattoos or getting compliments.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I really enjoy tattooing animals. Anything fluffy! I’d love to do more iconic portraits too. I’ve done a few civil rights projects and I loved those! Also any Marvel/DC characters would be a dream!

Are you a tattoo collector? I’ve got a few cats! I wouldn’t say I’m a collector maybe just an enthusiast, I’m definitely not at that level by any means.

I’ve enjoyed getting pieces so far from my talented colleague Matt Lunn and the awesome Anrijs, Ash Higham and Edgar Ivanov.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? Working my first convention felt quite pivotal. There’s a lot of anticipation for that moment, so much preparation and it can feel like a big hurdle when you build it up in your head. But it was a lot of fun!

I’m currently at a big transitional moment in my career. I’m joining my friends in making our own artist led studio. I cannot wait for it to be finished! This will definitely be the proudest moment in my career once it’s up and running.

Make sure to follow Sambee for more amazing realism tattoos and updates on her new studio.

Interview with Tattoo Artist: Amanda Rodriguez

Originally from New York, tattoo artist Amanda Rodriguez creates stunningly beautiful nature-inspired floral tattoos. Now based in Brixton, London, we welcomed Amanda to the city by catching up with her to chat all things tattooing…

Amanda_tattoo

You mentioned that you were living in New York, what drew you to London? I grew up in NYC and lived there most of my life. It’s changed quite a bit and the hustle of it grew old for me. I’ve been in love with English culture since I was young. As a teenager I fell in love with Brit-pop. I identify better with English culture, with my sense of humour and interests. I’m also a huge football fan. I’ve visited many times and always wanted to live here but the timing was never right. Over the last year, it became something that had to happen and now I’m here and very happy to be here.

Where can people find you? I’m currently in Brixton but the best way to get tattooed by me is to email me via my website. I generally do all my consultations via email.

Floral_thigh_tattoo

How would you describe your style? I’m terrible with genres but I would say my style is illustrative. I am heavily influenced by both nature and traditional tattooing technique. I love bold linework and muted colours.

What do you love to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I love tattooing roses and peonies because I’m a total flower nerd but I love anything in nature. I love bugs, especially moths. I’m actually terrified of bugs but I love to tattoo them. So I’d love to do more of that. I would also like to do more lady faces, I grew up drawing portraits and I think they make really lovely tattoos.

Amanda_grey_tattoo

What inspires you? Nature inspires me, which is kind of funny if you know me because I’m not too keen on being outdoors. I just love seeing all the amazing beautiful things that exist in the world. Like a completely black moth that is the size of your head but dies within a week because it has no mouth, and orchids that look like monkey’s faces. I’ve also always been interested in animal bones. I find them to be incredibly beautiful and fascinating objects and it’s amazing to think you only see them after death and decomposition. That’s the kind of stuff that interests me.

Amanda_moth_tattoo

Are there any artists that you admire? There are a ton of artists I admire, too many to really list in full, but in particular I love Tiny Miss Becca (@s6girl). I had the honour of having her tattoo my entire back and I love it immensely. She is so incredibly talented but on top of that she is really lovely and generous.

Have you noticed any differences between the tattoo scene in the UK and the US? Yes, and these are some of the things that made me want to move. For one, tattoo collectors here seem to understand that a tattoo is a luxury and if they want a big one they will take the day off work. Tattoo parlours here tend to have more normal working hours, and the tattoo artists themselves are very down to earth. In the US, I never felt like I fit in with the ‘scene’ as I don’t listen to metal and own a motorcycle or leather jacket. Also, and this may just be NYC culture, but everyone wants to be tattooed on nights and weekends. It got to the point where it completely drained me and I had to turn people down. Overall it’s more laid back here.

Amanda_tattooing

Give Amanda a follow on Insta @amandatattoos and welcome her to London.

Brighton Tattoo Convention: Street Style

We adore tattoo conventions: everyone united by their passion under one roof, that buzz of tattoo needles and endless inked skin. We love stopping people to have a chat to find out more about their style and what they love about tattoos. Here’s who we chatted to at Brighton Tattoo Convention a couple of weeks ago… 

Photos by Amber Carnegie

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Anna Harvey Williams @wonderlander
Job: MUA
Tattoos by Antony Flemming, Kate Selkie, Vicky Morgan
Star sign: Aquarius
“I am at the convention because my tattoo artist Antony has moved to Canada and he is back in the UK for this!”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Lizzie Guy @lizzytotaltattoomag
Job: Editor Total Tattoo
Tattoos by Jon Longstaff and Enzo Barbareschi at Black Dog Norwich and Alex Binnie
“This bag is made from an old bouncy castle, by Wyatt and Jack

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Grace Reed @_gracereed
Job: Tattooer at No Friends Tattoo Club in Brighton
Tattoos by James Grave and Jane Rose
“I had to use my straighteners on my tee this morning because I didn’t have an iron!”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Lydia Amor @lydiaamor_tattoo
Job: Tattooer, Black Market, Leicester
Scorpion tattoo by  Vinny Garcia
“I love lamps”

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Louise Henesy 
Job: photographer and business owner
Tattoo by Valerie Vargas
“Babe Cave started three years ago. I wanted my own little brand as a side hustle.”

Hopefully see you all at some more conventions this year? Let us know which ones you’ll be going to #thingsandink

The Circle: International Women’s Day 2019 Exhibition

iwdfinalfinal

Head to The Circle, London on International Women’s Day Friday 8th March 2019 to view an exhibition of works from a group of seven female artists:

Athena Anastasiou
Pang
Heleena Mistry
Laura Callaghan
Sally Hewett
Linzie Elliott
Catriona Faulkner

Sally Hewett

Art by Sally Hewett

Their work ranges from collage to paintings to assemblage to textiles. Rather than prescribe a theme, the organisers decided to ask each artist to simply create pieces which celebrated womanhood and what this means to them. Their work will be on display in the ground floor gallery space.

Screen Shot 2019-02-12 at 19.03.00

Art by Linzie Elliott

Meanwhile downstairs in The Circle’s basement, tattoo artists Paula J DaveyKenzie  and Liz Clements will be holding a tattoo flash event, tattooing pre-drawn designs from £50 for the evening. All proceeds from the flash will go to the charity Refuge.

Don’t forget to register for IWD at The Circle here