TATTOO TALES

Pascal Bagot is a French journalist who’s been writing for specialized press for twenty years. His passion for Japanese culture led him to get a full backpiece by Horitoshi I and cross paths with other legends such as Horiyoshi III, Gifu Horihide, Horitada and more. 

In 2017 he decided to venture into the world of Akimitsu Takagi, a journey that will eventually take the form of a beautiful book entitled ‘The tattoo Writer’. For all of you out there, enthusiast of Japanese tattooing, those pictures are amazing.

You can find Pascal on Instagram and thetattoowriter.com

See Pascal’s photos on Instagram

House of Culture of Japan, Paris

Musée GUIMET, Paris

stefbastian.com

Rinto celebrated this year his 40 years career. In Holland he’s well known as one of the old timers but, if you met him, you know that his humbleness matches his experience and dedication. 

Natural born storyteller, Rinto shared with us some grounding words, valuable especially to young tattooers in this age where the digital medias shape the distribution of information. Some of those things you can’t learn on your phone, they must be lived in the shop. 

You can find Rinto in Burgum, Netherlands at Rinto Tattoo Shop

You can follow updates on the podcast on Instagram and at stefbastian.com

Like many of you I have been following Timothy’s career for many years, getting lost in his beautiful impossible worlds. I’m naturally fascinated by good draftsmanship, but Tim’s paintings go beyond that.

Apart from the privilege of peeking into his studio, filled with sketches, artworks and painting supplies, I feel grateful for his insights about inspiration and the way we look at things. Observing his work you can really see how his 35 years of tattooing translate on paper his surrealistic vision, suggesting rather than stating, making him an absolute reference in the field. 

You can find Tim on Instagram and on his webshop Three Hours Past Midnight

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Eddy has been part of the tattoo Renaissance in the San Francisco area in the 90’s, together with other key figures like Freddy Corbin, Juan Puente, Scott Sylvia, Marcus Pacheco… it’s because of him that a whole trend started and evolved in countless interpretations.

As the motto of this show says, “Go to the roots, not to the fruits”, we want to honor who paved the way for us. By discovering their stories we not only support them, we can also become more aware, competent and contributive as artists.

Even better?

Book an appointment with him, you’ll bring home a great experience, first hand knowledge and a dope tattoo👌

You can find Eddy at Adventure Tattoo in Nashville and on Instagram

Follow the updates on new episode on Instagram and at Stefbastian.com, together with available classes such as the Seminars and Mentorship Program

If you follow Shane you’re familiar with his work: bold, striking, elegant in its simplicity. His painting a reference in the industry. 
I recommend you to meet him and his crew if you cross them at some convention, you won’t be disappointed. What I like most of Shane is his ethics and his contagious energy, which make his tattooing 100 times better. Today was great to have a laugh with him and a chat about his upbringing, me eating ass sausage in Paris and how to put a stencil with glue. 

Follow Shane on Instagram

You can find him and his crew at feathercloudgallery.com

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Are you interested in tattoo history?
Get your pen and notebook because this episode is packed with goodies.


Once again live at the Aachen’s tattoo convention, I had the pleasure of sharing an afternoon with Michelle Myles from Daredevil Tattoo. 
Her professional journey goes all the way back to the days of New York’s ban on tattooing. As she crossed path with some true legends in the business - she tells us of when she got tattooed by Mike Malone to mention one - she also did live and breathe the true spirit of the city’s tattooing and history with the Bowery as its pulsing heart. 

Michelle is a living encyclopedia, I’m still astonished by the level of detail of her research and memory. I’ll have to listen to this interview a few more times myself to get all the info on the various artists that passed through this area, truly one of the birthplaces of modern tattooing. 

If you’re in the city you can’t miss on the opportunity of taking one of her NYC Tattoo history walking tours, a priceless experience for those who cultivate an interest in the origins of this trade. 

Special thanks go to Andreas Coenen for making this possible and in general to organize one of the best shows on the planet for artists lineup but especially the authenticity of the event. 

You can find Michelle on Instagram and Daredevil Tattoo

Book a NYC tattoo history walking tour here 

Learn more about Stef’s Mentor Program & Webinars

What do podcasts bring to the tattoo world? What to do with haters? Will Andrew produce Nick’s new career into the videoverse? And will I ever try Nick’s power barbecue? 

I sat with Andrew Stortz and Nick Swartz, hosts of the two best tattoo podcasts around, to answer these and other deep philosophical questions. 

Find Nick’s podcast on Instagram and Spotify

Find Andrew’s podcast on Instagram and booksclosedpodcast.com

Learn more about our Tattoo Mentor Program

Learn more about our Webinars

For tattooers and creatives the artistic side is not the only factor in running a successful business and giving life to our vision. Money is often a painful note that can stress us out and rob us of creative and productive energy. Ryan, tattooer and financial advisor, teaches us that it doesn’t have to be.

What I find particularly valuable in Ryan’s approach is how he works on the blocks that subconsciously affect our relationship with finances, especially our rooted feelings about money. A deeper work that in the long run is more powerful than just quick investing hacks.

You can find Ryan on Instagram, at theartfuldollar.com and on his new podcast

Learn more about Stef’s Mentor Program & Webinars

Michael is a Danish abstract painter that has been represented at the Van Gogh Art Gallery and the danish Creative Mind Art&Design.

I’ve know Michael for over ten years, through his previous job managing one of Copenhagen best art supply. 

I’ve always believed that if you really wanna know more about specific paints, brushes and paper you just have to talk with the people at the desk, they’re walking encyclopedias. Michael is one of those, especially as a self taught artist I’ve learned lots from him over the years, stuff you don’t find in books. 

In this interview, originally part of the Food Bank project - a series of Live Zoom talks with various artists to raise money for food banks across the world - we explored different mediums and materials. The goal was to shine some light on some of the most common questions we have as artists, regardless of the level, so to help you understand better at the moment of choosing the right stuff. 

You can find Michael on Instagram

You can read more about the Food Bank projects and all the other charity initiatives here

You can get more info on my painting seminars, where I go into depth on some of these topics here  and on the webstore

Tattooing and everything connected to it changed profoundly in the last years: the rise of social medias; the opening of a once underground world to a wider audience, with a controversial spectrum of consequences; the distribution of information. These and more aspects of this art form are being redefined and one of them is particularly present in today’s modus operandi: technology.

The traditional approach has been disrupted by the advent of iPads and Procreate.

Russ has seen this shift before everybody and created TattooSmart, a company that provides tattooers with digital tools specifically related to tattoo iconography and designs, establishing his company as leader in the field.

Today we talked about how technology and progress are something not to be feared but a helpful tool to optimize process, the evolution of business models, the future of TattooSmart and how to implement know-how from other fields to propell our businesses into a new era.

You can know more about Russ and his projects on:

tattoosmart.com

Inkanddagger.com

Instagram

For this episode we found ourselves in Aachen at the Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo, as always flawlessly organized by Andreas Coenen.

The show opened with a pre-party exhibiting the life work of Bernie Luther, a mind-blowing array of flashes produced over four decades of traveling the world. 
On the following day I had the pleasure of recording this interview in front of a lovely audience, which made the energy of this afternoon very special. 

Bernie shared with us the recollections from  his 40 years tattooing carreer, filled with laughter, priceless anecdotes and with the joyful energy that makes him unique.

You can find Bernie on Instagram

Find the Aachen’s convention on Instagram

There is a reason if everybody likes Freddy Corbin.

His experience and contribution made him well known all over the world but that only doesn’t bring you that type of respect. His kind personality makes him connect joufully with people, instantly making you feel at ease. Even from a brief chat you can sense that he cares.

Needless to say it was an honor and a great pleasure to have him spend an evening with us, to share his story and insights.

If you have the chance don’t miss on visiting his Temple Tattoo in Oakland, a Mecca in the Bay Area’s tattooing.

Find Freddy on Instagram and at Temple Tattoo

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, an initiative to put the spotlight back on flashes as foundation of traditional tattooing. 

Learn more at @stef_bastian_presents

Today’s guests are Nick Colella and Robert Ryan.

Two veterans of traditional tattooing, these artists give us an insightful look on what it means to immerse yourself in the tattoo culture, what makes a design impactful and balanced and share some tattoo history from their respective backgrounds.

Above all, they set an example of humility.
Humility towards the timeless designs and who came before us but especially towards the most important element in this dynamic: the people that get tattooed. 

Find Nick on Instagram, at @chicagotattoohistory and at Great Lakes Tattoo in Chicago

Find Robert on Instagram and Electric Tattoo

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, an initiative to put the spotlight back on flashes as foundation of traditional tattooing. 

Learn more at @stef_bastian_presents

In these interviews we talk with Omar and Bobeus about their own personal approach and experience and how to make the most of flashes in the learning process. 
We mention tattooers that influenced the art form deeply(like Greg Irons, Bob Shaw and JD Crowe); the importance of Purpose behind every line; the purity of folk art and much more. 

Find Omar on Instagram

Find Bobeus on Instagram

This episode is part of the OFF THE WALL project, a new art project within the tattoo community to celebrate the flash as foundation of traditional tattooing, while raising money for those families affected by the war in Ukraine.

In this series of short interviews we ask our guests a little bit about tattoo history and the origin of the flash, what it means for them and how to make the best use of it today. 

We sat down with Lal Hardy, British tattoo legend, and Dr. Ole Wittmann, tattoo historian. In these chats you will find a great deal of information on english and German tattooing, insightful views on the relationship tattooer-artwork-customer and more. 

A special thanks to tattoo museums and private collectors for providing vintage flashes for the project, in particular:

Dana Brunson

Paul Ramsbottom(Rambo)

Derin Bray

Lal Hardy

Dr. Ole Wittmann

Andreas Coenen

Jason Brooks

Gabriele Donnini

Ahren Bloomquist

Find Lal on Instagram

Find Ole on Instagram

More info on current and previous projects on @stef_bastian_presents  and stefbastian.com

David Speed is the co-host of the Creative Rebels podcast. His rich personal experience in the creative world(David has tattooed for a few years and has been a graffiti artists for two decades) enabled him to understand what it takes to build the best version of yourself and your business, often one being a reflection of the other. 

What gave birth to the successful CREATIVE REBELS podcast is the willing to share these insights and build a community around some of the most accomplished creatives, to deliver value to the listeners and their journey. 

In this episode we talked about the formula for success, the importance of consistency, David’s relationship with failure and much more.

You can find the CREATIVE REBELS podcast of all major platforms and David on Instagram

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If you like the show, it would mean the world if you could help us reaching more people by leaving a 5 star review on Spotify/ITunes and share your favourite episodes on social medias ❤️

Today I want to introduce you to a new series that I’m incorporating in what we normally do in the podcast. This series of extra episodes is called PANEL, and it will feature multiple guests at once, breaking down a specific topic. Each artist with their own unique experience and perspective.

For the first panel, I sat down with four of the most inspired and experienced artists, Holly Ellis, Chad Koeplinger, Robert Ryan and Andreas Coenen, to talk about something they excel at: American Traditional.

What does “Traditional” mean for them; where do they draw inspiration from; what’s their unique process and approach.

I believe that multiple perspectives can foster originality, the pinnacle of creativity, and hopefully these points of view can inspire you and your vision.

After two years of restrictions, cancelled conventions and trips, it’s been beautiful to sit down with them, even if virtually, to share an honest moment about something we all love. At least for me it’s been the closest thing to those shows and dinners we all love, made of friendship, technical talks and laughs. I want to thank these artists for sharing their insights, giving me a lot to think about.

If you find value in these episodes and would like to help me create more, I’d be very grateful if you could give the show a 5 star rating and a review on ITunes and Spotify. And if you are listening to it now, why not taking a screenshot and share it on your social medias. 
It doesn’t cost you anything and it makes a big difference in helping the show reach more people.

Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy the episode 😊

———

Holly

Chad

Robert

Andreas

Follow updates on the show on Instagram

Shotsie Gorman is a character larger than life. One of those old timers that, you know, “they just don’t make them anymore”.

Behind his 4+ decades of tattooing there is a deeply routed drive for Art, with capital A, and perhaps a la even deeper appreciation for Life and the people he crossed path with. 

In this episode we talk about his start in tattooing with Mike Bakaty, the crazy characters he met along the way, his love for Italy and what it means to be a tattooer. 

You can find Shotsie on Instagram and at Tarot Art Tattoo

You can follow the updates on new episode on Instagram

I could introduce Dana Brunson mentioning all his accomplishments and all the majorly influential artists he crossed path with in his 50 years tattooing, Huck Spaulding, Paul Rogers, Cliff Raven, Don Nolan, Crazy Eddie… but we won’t do that.

The aspect that I feel best describes Dana is his wonderful heart and genuine love for tattooing and the people he meets along the way.

The wisdom that comes from a lifetime of dedicated appreciation is priceless and I am extremely grateful for hearing these words directly from him. They inspire us to not only aim at being better tattooers but better and more connected human beings.

You can find Dana on Instagram

Follow the updates about new episodes on @tattootalespodcast

Charlie Cartwright is a living legend.

Crossing paths with some of the most influential American tattoo artists(Bert Grimm and Owen Jensen, to name a few), he’s been tattooing for six decades now.

Together with Jack Rudy and his team of artists, he developed in the 70’s what we call today “fine line”, bringing tattooing from 3-6 needles to just one, mimicking and refining a style that was developing amongst the Hispanic community within the Los Angeles prison system. 

Today Charlie is working on the non-profit “Tattoo Heritage Project”, with the goal of establishing a large scale Tattoo History Museum in Long Beach, CA. 

To support the project and learn about tattoo history, you can head to tattooheritageproject.org

Find Charlie on instagram

Check out the project on instagram

Frank Rosenkilde is a walking piece of Danish tattooing history. From a country with a very rich tradition, Frank has been tattooing for over four decades, crossing paths with some of the most significant tattooers of his time. Tato Ole, Mike Malone, Tato Svend and Henning Jorgensen, to name a few. 
His passion, burning today as forty years ago, made him collect memorabilia from all over Scandinavia, to the point that he created the Danish Tattoo Museum with the intention of preserving this craft’s history. 
History that, in his words, is important to form a more conscious new generation of tattooers. 
Frank is also committed, with the Danish Tattooers Association, in shaping a better industry in his country.  

You can find Frank at BEL AIR TATTOO in Copenhagen and on Instagram

Follow the updates on the podcast at Stefbastian.com and on Instagram

Tamara is a talented and respected member of the tattoo community. There’s much more than what meets the eye tho.
Artist, Anarchist, Teacher… a spirit that transcends and breaks the boundaries of one specific field. Tamara’s work in the field of social justice highlights the potential that tattooing carries with the concept of trauma-informed care and enriches this world with unique compassion and vision. 

Please find these amazingly valuable resources at santibaneztattoo.com

Find Tamara on Instagram at @tamarasantibanez

When Kari talks about tattooing, a rare quality strikes you right away. The fresh sparkle in her eyes tells you, better than a thousand words, that her 42 years in the business haven’t diminished her passion. If anything they distilled it into a deep, humble appreciation for what this represents. Personal growth, meaningful friendships, craftsmanship and dedication. 


Her personal trajectory crossed with some of the most significant tattooers in history -Ed Hardy, Jack Rudy, Paul Rogers, Horiyoshi II to mention some- and just listening to her recollections is a reward on its own. 

I hope that her words will make you feel inspired and humbled as I do. 

Stef Bastiàn

You can find Kari at outerlimitstattoo.com

C.W. developed a passion for tattooing very early on. His service in the Navy in the 60’s brought him across the world, collecting tattoos in exotic parlors like Pinky Yun’s in Hong Kong.
After getting tattooed by Ed Hardy he got offered the opportunity of learning tattooing and from there he crossed paths with pillars of modern tattooing. Paul Jeffries, Good times Charlie, Jack Rudy, Jerry Swallow to name some. 

Since 1980 he has been promoting the history of tattooing through research and education, founding The Tattoo Archive and, together with Alan Govenar, D.E. Hardy and Henk Schiffmacher, the non profit “Paul Rogers Tattoo Research Center”. 

Find and support his work on Instagram and at tattooarchive.com

Alex Binnie needs no introduction. Founder of the legendary Into You in London and unanimously considered one of the most influential artists for more than one generation of tattooers, Alex shares his invaluable take on art, the creative process and the unique relationship between artist and client. 

  

Find Alex on Instagram  

@abinniepaperandskin @1770tattoo

Follow the updates on the latest episodes on Instagram @tattootalespodcast and Stefbastian.com

40 years tattooing and going strong.

That’s the word that I think can describe Deb best, Strong.

She’s well known in the community for her kindness, authenticity and genuine love for tattooing. That type of old school lifelong love, matured in times when you often had to swallow your pride to belong to this world, especially as a woman. Beside that, Deb’s path hasn’t been an easy one. The obstacles she faced would have been enough to sink the toughest of us but not her.

In this interview she stoically shines a light into the darkness of her abuse and sets an example for that type of courage that sometimes, only a woman can have. The courage to keep your heart open despite all.

Find Deb on Instagram and at Eagle River Tattoo

You can follow the last updates on the podcast on Instagram and stefbastian.com

Thanks for listening 😊

Tony has been tattooing for over 50 years, longer than many of us have been alive. Just for that he deserves huge respect.  

A tattoo godfather in Australia, he’s well known in the community worldwide, crossing paths over his long career with institutions of this craft such as Lyle Tuttle, Cliff Raven, George Bone, Lal Hardy, Doc Price, Terry Wrigley and the list goes on and on. 

Listening to him recollecting the magic of other times with a passion that hasn’t changed a bit in over half century is an absolute gift. 

I hope you’ll enjoy this short but precious talk as I did, in the words of old timers we find tattooing in its purest form.

Follow Tony on Instagram

The illustrated man

Follow updates and new episodes on Tattoo Tales and Stefbastian.com

I have a lot in common with Jason, most of all a restless spirit that brought us both to travel the world for years in search of that ”something” we couldn’t name. 

Years down the line Jason is a more mature man and artist with a newly found sense of purpose. With this interview I wanted to get you to see what I see in him, that special sensitivity that sets him apart, a sensitivity that finds expression in his art and his words.

I feel lucky for having him opening up for us and sharing some personal struggles and insights that go way beyond tattooing. Insights that perhaps can help us reflect on how we can live a healthier emotional life and love ourselves a little more. 

SPOILER: A few very good book recommendations in the end by the avid reader such as Jason is 👌🏼

Find Jason on Instagram

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In New York the name Bakaty and Tattooing are two sides of the same coin and the city knows it well. 

A second generation tattooer, Mehai watched his father Mike, respected and loved legend in the Lower East Side, practicing the craft since he was four years old. At the age of 11 he was making needles for the family business that operated underground throughout the long ban that made tattooing illegal in NY for over 30 years. 
Surrounded by the most iconic figures in the history of the Bowery, Mehai absorbed and still embodies that true spirit of craftsmanship, connection and respect of traditional values that are getting more and more rare to find. 

His shop FINELINE as today is the longest running studio in the city and that alone speaks volumes. 

It was an absolute honor to share an afternoon with a truly dedicated and grounded gentleman, representing the best side of tattooing. 

Find Mehai on Instagram

Follow the shop on Instagram and at finelinetattoo.com

Follow the latest updates on new episodes on Instagram  and stefbastian.com

When you lose yourself into different cultures of distant countries you re-emerge with a newly found appreciation for the people you met and for all the beautiful nuances that characterize them. A deeper sense of wonder and acceptance. This is the difference between a traveler and a tourist. As a consequence your daily reality takes on a different light, without the need for moving away from it.
With 77 countries visited(tattooed in 34 of them and in all 50 states) Chad is one of the most traveled tattooers I know, to whom I relate deeply with my 10 years spent on the road. 
His experience and relevance in the world of American traditional is well known, shaped by the connection with some of the most significant artists worldwide. 

In this honest chat I got to peek into what makes him who he is and how his creative process defines his aesthetics. An insightful approach towards flow and authenticity of expression which I hope you’ll find as inspiring and entertaining as I did. 

Find Chad on Instagram

Learn more about Stef’s Mentor Program & Webinars

Two creative souls that found each other, this is the beautiful story of Virginia and Stephanie. 

They both gained their reputation through years of hard work and dedication at the highest levels of this profession, shoulder to shoulder with the best. 
What sets them apart tho is their unique sensitivity, perhaps matured overcoming all the obstacles that life put on their way, and their caring. Caring for their industry; caring for issues that might trouble others, being social, cultural or personal; caring for the person in front of them. Beautiful qualities that can only be amplified by their relationship.

Their kind, spirited and grateful approach to life is what touched me during this enriching afternoon’s talk. I hope you appreciate as I did those two beautiful souls opening up for us. 

Find Virginia and Stephanie on Instagram

You can find all the latest updates on new episodes on Instagram and on Stefbastian.com

Some people keep traditions alive, some people push boundaries, others implement their own vision in within a well understood and processed style.
Robert is one of the latter.
He absorbed the foundations of American Traditional over a long career, crossing paths with some icons such as Dan Higgs and Scott Harrison, translating that beautiful codified language of symbols into a mirror facing inward.

His own spiritual practice reflects in his illustrations with the raw power typical of Outsider art and Expressionism, a way to represent reality that goes beyond reality itself. 

With many interests and viewpoints in common, the chat with Robert couldn’t have been but awesome. In this episode we touched many topics, from the basics of traditional tattoooing to the implications of spirituality in Robert’s work and life lessons from a seasoned contract killer. 

I hope you enjoy :)

Stef Bastiàn

Find Robert on Instagram

You can give us some love on our IG pages Tattoo Tales 

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I remember how I used to look at Shawn’s paintings 10yrs ago, amazed by his masterful use of color, composition and personal interpretation of the subject. A fresh voice in the tattoo world. It’s beautiful to have witnessed his personal artistic trajectory which reflects his own journey of growth and self discovery.

Today Shawn is a mature artist with a sensitive look on life, reflected through his brushes, and a strong voice in the art and tattoo community. It’s been an absolute pleasure to pick the brain of a painter to see how the world looks through his colored spectacles. 

Follow Shawn on Instagram and on sdbarber.com

Interview by Stef Bastiàn

Why is important to learn about the past? Studying where we come from allows us to understand where we’re at today, to develop appreciation for what we have and to treat it with respect, going beyond short-sighted personal interests in the eyes of a bigger picture.  
 
Today we have Terry Manton, a retired tattooer from Glasgow that took on the mission of organically searching on Scottish tattooing history and its most influential representatives from the end of 19th century onward. His investigative work is nothing short than impressive, beaten only by his computer-like memory. 

I hope you enjoy this 45’ traveling back in time, I surely did. 

Find more on Terry’s work on Instagram and Princevallar.co.uk

Tattooer, punk rocker, bank robber, surfer, musician... it’s hard to put Shane in a box.

His life could be a movie, a good one, made of passion, defeat, revelations and love. Love for what life is, for the good and for the bad.
In his words there is the honest portrait of a man who learned the most precious lessons the hard way and that is never afraid of being real.

It’s been a privilege to listen to his stories and peek into his big heart. 

Find Shane on Instagram

Get his record at Outrorecords

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Host Stef Bastiàn

This episode is a bit different from what you’re used to. Dense and informative, it shines a light on a new publication, “The science of tattooing”, and those questions not many of us are really able to answer to. 

The author Hannah Wolf is an American tattooer with almost two decades of experience who took on the task of answering those questions. Her new book wants to be a tool for professional tattooers to be better equipped when facing the growing presence of the government in this industry and help shape the future guidelines that will define it. 

It’s no mistery the fact that who writes legislations for tattooing has often no specific qualifications and understanding of the business from within nor its best interest at heart. Behind the allegedly public’s safety too often there are economic profits.

It’s up to us to take this matters back in our hands as businesses if we want to avoid being swallowed up by bureaucrats and multinationals. How? Educating ourselves and getting involved. 

As Hannah says, knowledge is power.

Find Hannah on Instagram 

Find Hannah’s book on thescienceoftattooing.com

Contact: [email protected]

European Society of Tattoo and Pigment Research: estpresearch.org

Estp book here

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Host Stef Bastiàn

On a beautiful New Zealand summer night in Tapua, with the background of the crickets chirping, I had the pleasure of having a nice chat with Yushi.

He’s on a world tour with his beautiful family and for a coincidence(is there such a thing?) we happened to meet at Gordon Toi’s house, sharing insights on his over 20yrs career and Japanese working ethics. ⁣

At the end of the interview I share my 2 cents on how to make the most of this time where we’re globally in lockdown. ⁣

I hope you’re all safe and enjoy this talk⁣

Take care :)⁣
⁣

Stef Bastiàn ⁣
⁣

Find YUSHI on Instagram 

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Host Stef Bastiàn

I’ve been really looking forward to this episode. This year I came back to New Zealand and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to interview a tattooer truly representating the local indigenous culture: the Maori.

Gordon Toi is the man. Over his quarter of a century long career he fought to give Moko back the dignity it deserves, after seeing an involution due to British colonization.

Through the course of this interview I learned about the pride and connection Maori people have with their art forms, their families and their land. Their tattooing can’t be separated from this context, each and every aspect contributes to shape their core identity.
If you want to understand their tattooing, you need to understand their traditions.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did and you bring home a little bit of Gordon and his people’s spirit and passion.

You can follow Gordon on Instagram and on   Facebook

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Host Stef Bastiàn

At the other very end of the world, Auckland New Zealand, I’ve met with Dean for an honest, refreshing chat.

Dean is one of the finest tattooers this country ever produced and he influenced a whole generation with his incredible Japanese large scale work. His competence and talent are surpassed only by his humbleness, which amplifies his achievements and it’s a trait which sets him apart.

I hope you enjoy the experience and the understanding of a man who navigated this business for 25 years at the highest levels. 

You can find Dean on Instagram and at sacredtattooshop.com

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Host Stef Bastiàn

An honest talk with a dedicated man who found his purpose over a long career and puts his heart in front of every decision he makes. This is Andreas in a nutshell. Committed, inspired, concerned about giving back to the very trade he dedicated his life to and most of all honest, to himself above everything. 

I really enjoyed this afternoon spent with him in his house in Aachen, Germany, surrounded by his impressive artworks collection and his never ending projects. 

Find Andreas on Instagram and The Sinner and The Saint

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Host Stef Bastiàn

This time I ended up in Manchester to meet up with local legend Rambo, owner of what has become one of the city’s landmarks, the historical RAMBO’S TATTOO PARLOUR.

Recorded in the pub he owns next door, this talk was another beautiful journey in the history of British tattooing by one of its most iconic and knowledged characters. Rambo describes his upbringing in days where tattooing was very much different, walking us through his tattoo memorabilia collection(one of the most complete and prestigious in the world) and sharing priceless insights from his 35 years long career. 

I apologize for the quality of the audio but this as well is the beauty of being on the road, sometimes you end recording in an English pub and it can’t get more authentic than that :)

Find Rambo on Instagram 

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Host Stef Bastiàn

For this episode I ended up in Montpellier, France, where I’ve met the colorful American duo Scott Ellis and Omar Edmison. In between croissants and cheap whiskies they shared with me the 50+years of tattooing in between the two of them, where they crossed paths with some legendary characters. 

Find Omar and Scott on Instagram

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Henk Schiffmacher is the true living legend of Dutch tattooing. Over his 40+ years career he represented the true spirit of this craft, once belonged to pirates, outcasts and rebels, with adventure, humor and dare. In this episode recorded in his house in Amsterdam, Henk brings back tattooing to what it is in its purest form: passion, connection and communication.

More about Henk on hankypankytattoo.nl and on Instagram

Follow the podcast’s updates on Instagram

Host Stef Bastiàn

Natural born storyteller, living encyclopedia of tattooing history, unique character with a big heart. There couldn’t have been a more appropriate figure to start my podcast with. Lal embodies the true spirit of this new brand series of inspiring and entertaining talks. My afternoon spent with him at his house in London has been one of those moments you treasure and remember.  

You can find Lal on Instagram and on newwavetattoo.co.uk

Learn more about Stef’s Mentor Program & Webinars