How did you end up as a tattoo artist?
I always wanted to become a tattoo artist. From a very young age, I had an affinity towards tattooing. I got my first one when I was 13. Very illegal, yeah! Hahaha!
When I was 16, I ended up tattooing friends at home. Often after punk shows as a hobby and a fun thing to do. I’ve always been good at drawing, and I loved combining it with tattooing. I continued with this until I reached the age of 25. In that period, I never worked professionally but my passion grew even more – it became a lifestyle for me.
Eventually, I had this epiphany where I was like “I really need to take it seriously”, so I set up a studio at home. It worked out well; I had lots of people wanting to get tattooed by me. On that basis, I started walking into tattoo shops in Copenhagen and asked for a station. I ended up working at Heart of Hearts studio and my professional career took off.
Today I’m part of a studio called “Whore House Studio”, and you can find me on Studiestræde 30A on the 2nd floor.
What do you love the most about being a tattoo artist?
For me, it is the ongoing quest of being able to learn about myself and others. As a tattooer, you work very closely with people. You have to get to know your client at some level. This is important to be able to help them express what they want. In that way, you build a special bond with the client.
A lot of people come to confirm something about themselves. Tattooing is so expressive. I think a lot of it has to do with the need to claim autonomy over themselves. I feel humble to be a part of that.
Also, drawing and tattooing simply is a true passion for me. I know it sounds corny, but it is a lifestyle for me. Not just a job. Or a hobby.
What’s the first thing you do when arriving at the studio?
I bless the space with Palo Santo (holy wood), lighten-up candles and turn on some music. The combination of the scent from the smoked wood, the candlelights, and the calm music creates a nice atmosphere for both me as well as my clients.
Actually, I make playlists specifically for work every month. I try to make a mix of genres so that everybody that comes in hears something that they like.
What about your job would surprise people the most?
I guess it might be how time-consuming tattooing is. It takes up most of my days – or I could even say my life, as I build my life around it; I get up and I draw and then I go to the studio. Then I work. I also do a bit of social media or painting or answer e-mails. Then at home, I will paint for the whole evening. At least most days. All in all, most hours revolve around tattooing.
And yes, I like it that way.
What’s your favorite tool? And why?
I have a tattoo machine that is made by a tattooer from LA. He works at the Mid Town Tattoo Shop. I like his style, and it works with mine. Therefore, I asked him if he could build a machine for me. And so he did. It’s a coil machine. Others use Rotary machines or pen machines. I always work with coil machines.
I would say that it is my favorite tool because I use that machine every day.
I was so lucky that I met him two years ago – years after I bought the machine from him. It was really cool to meet him and ask him about the machine and his ideas behind it.
How important is clothing when being a tattoo artist? And why?
Style-wise, clothing is really important to me. I like to dress up for work. Actually, I like to express myself through clothing in general – not only for work. I guess it goes well hand in hand with the fact that I also express myself with tattoos.
Therefore, I use the same wardrobe for work and private life. I am okay with some ink splatters on my clothing. Actually, I think all items in my wardrobe have ink stains on them. Hahaha! But it’s okay. Ink is part of my personality.
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