Tattoo Artist Bio
 

Being born and raised in the Cadoxton area of Barry, taking up my new residence in Vere Street Tattoos recently felt somewhat homely. 

 

From an early age, I was always told I was relatively good at art, but I’d never really considered it a viable skill to have in life; an inevitable outlook when you’re told by the education system that the only successful people in life are those with letters after their name or a bleak office space to call their own. Nevertheless, I was always drawing, on anything and everything, usually “tattooing” myself with a biro after I’d given up wondering when Pythagoras’ theorem would ever be useful to me. 

 

After enduring two years of sixth form, I’d come to the conclusion that I didn’t want a career in I.T., or as a 16th Century playwright- seemingly the sole purpose of my time there. During that time, I’d started noticing how art was everywhere and in everything, how we’re surrounded by it constantly. I loved absorbing it as much as I enjoyed - and still enjoy- making it; surely there’s a way I could make a career of it?

 

After taking a short and refreshing Graphic Design course at Barry college, it was time to find work. Telling myself that tattooing was just an unrealistic pipe-dream, I turned my attention to looking for a job in advertising or printing. A fair few ignored job applications later, I was introduced to Stubob, a local tattooist, who took me on as a general hand for his shop, and eventually, as an apprentice. 

 

The next now-treasured few years would see me working consistently to become more confident- both in myself, and as a tattooist- and meeting some awesome people, who I’ve had the pleasure of tattooing and becoming friends with through our shared love of tattoos and having a laugh together; you guys are f*cking class, and I can never thank you or Stubob enough for enabling me to work my legit dream job. 

 

And so, my next chapter starts here, at Vere Street Tattoos. Meeting Joe a couple of years ago changed my outlook on what it means to be a tattooist, and motivated me to push myself that extra mile in all aspects of my art. I’m excited to soak in all as much knowledge as I can from Joe and all of the sick guest artists that visit.