Rebecka talks about growing up in a tattooing family
With a family background in tattooing my earliest memories are growing up within the creative art of tattooing (My mum being the largest tattoo collector of us all) and my brother an artist, their artwork constantly inspired me, which was soon to mould me into the artist I am today. You could call us a trio of creative imagination.
I spent most of my younger years (pre-teen) pestering my mum to take me with her to the studio whilst she got her back piece done, unfortunately tattoo shops aren’t considered the ideal playground for kids. It didn't stop me being intrigued though. Mum used to spend hours flicking through illustration books for ideas way before the days of Pinterest and Instagram! Helping her do this was when I first fell in love with the whole process of creating a tattoo. As the saying goes you could say ' I got it from my mama!'
Fast forward several years and into my teens I was attached to my brothers side, watching him tattoo and picking up any valuable information I could.In school I was forever getting told off for my piercings and variety of different hair colours/ styles but to me this was my expression of who I was and where I wanted to be. Whilst in an isolation room (due to not conforming to school standards) I spent the whole day drawing. I started with opening a Sailor Jerry book, which assisted me in drawing roses, banners and all the fundamentals of traditional tattoos from memory.After my years at high school, I enrolled into my studies at Leeds Art College.
To help me put my portfolio together, I made it my mission to meet as many artists as possible and keep my mind open to all the different styles out there.
The best thing about my job is, it's all subjective to your own individual style. Don't be fooled though, getting into the industry isn't as easy as it seems and YOU will get set backs in this reactive market, take it as a learning curve and never give up on what sparks a light inside of you.
The thing that will separate you from the rest, is to take it on the chin and ask for some advice as to what you could improve on and most importantly keep going!!Every artist/studio owner has completely varying opinions but if you take a little from each person you meet and develop your own way of doing things you won’t go far wrong!
When I got my apprenticeship in 2018 it was originally just for work experience which I was over joyed with.
I was still drawing every second I had the chance, until eventually the studio decided to train me up and the rest as they say is history!
What do I love about tattooing?
They have the power to tell a story.
They will follow you for the rest of your life.
I believe they benefit society by enriching it whilst introducing new art to the general public and making it more accepted.
Personally I also like that others start up the conversation with you about your art -meeting new people that would never usually come and talk to you.
On thing in tattooing I would change if would is that Increased popularity in getting inked, also leads to a rise in untrained artists. This can be a discredit to us who have trained hard to get where we are today.
People often think it’s a rock star lifestyle, go out and buy their eBay kits and are teaching themselves how to tattoo in their own home. This isn't bad as such, so long as it isn't on human skin.
It can cause so many issues medically and it’s just not worth the risk. It can also be open to under age people tattooing as well.
There are many little things that the public doesn’t notice that we do to keep you guys safe when you’re getting a tattoo. Proper understanding of hygiene in tattooing is essential to make sure you don't get infections.
Cross-contamination is the most important issue that untrained tattooists do not understand .