Artist Spotlight: Nathan from Artful Ink Perth
Meet Nathan, a tattoo artist based at Artful Ink Perth in Morley, whose work blends Japanese traditional influences with anime, cartoons, and animation. Tattooing for just over a year, Nathan’s journey into the industry has been anything but boring — and definitely not short on character.
Before tattooing, Nathan spent a decade working as a freelance illustrator and designer. Like many creatives, he hit a point of burnout while juggling freelance work alongside a full-time job. Approaching the end of his twenties, he found himself at a crossroads: step away from the creative dream, or go all in on a spark of an idea that just wouldn’t leave him alone.
That spark turned into tattooing — with a big push from Isaac (@tat2thebone), whose transition from illustration into tattooing inspired Nathan to take the leap. After putting together a portfolio and chasing the opportunity, Nathan found himself living the dream… including mopping up vomit from fainting clients. Rock and roll 🤘😎
Style, Inspiration & Creative Life
Nathan’s tattoo style reflects his background in illustration, drawing heavily from traditional Japanese tattooing, anime, cartoons, and animation. He cites Yasuke Hamamoto as a major inspiration — admiring his passion, creativity, relentless flash production, and bonsai collection. He also gives a tongue-in-cheek nod to his mentor Paul Murphy (@paulmurphytattoos), who he admits is “okay,” though he’s still undecided about Paul’s apprentices 😉
One of Nathan’s biggest career milestones so far was tattooing his mentor Paul — a moment that marked a huge step forward during his apprenticeship and one he still considers his favourite tattoo to date.
Outside the studio, Nathan keeps things simple. Spare time is mostly spent “dilly dallying,” and when lunchtime rolls around in Morley, Bite My Banh Mi is the undisputed 10/10 choice. His current song on repeat? Bad Romance by Lady Gaga — blasting as soon as the day’s done, perfect for hyping up or even brushing your teeth to.
Life in the Studio
What does Nathan love most about tattooing? Surprisingly, the calm. Despite the reality of “stabbing someone repeatedly with their consent for hours,” he finds the process therapeutic and relaxing — a strange kind of peace that only tattooing seems to offer.
As for crazy stories, the wild Morley locals keep things entertaining enough that it’s hard to keep count. Recently, a pigeon nesting in a drain near the studio and a family of local bin chickens (who occasionally receive offerings) have become part of the daily scenery. Never a dull day.
Nathan has been tattooed the most by Paul (@bambino.tattoos) — though he admits he’s overdue for another booking.
Stickers, Supplies & Shoutouts
For this month’s sticker design, Nathan wanted to create a fun take on his “inked wombat” persona. The idea evolved into fusing a wombat with a tanuki, complete with finger flames. A suggestion from Mae to work in “TTW” sealed the deal — a certified big-brain move.
When it comes to supplies, Nathan’s standout favourite from The Tattoo Warehouse is The Goat Stencil Glue — goated, indeed.
He also sends love to a long list of industry friends:
@agungtattoo, @pixiestartats, @smitty.tattoos, @the.copperdog, @teabox.tattoo, @goontat2, @kelseypierotti_tattoos, @desmaytal.tattoos, @qhrio_ink, and @kid_kenny_tattoos.
Booking & What’s Next
Clients can book in with Nathan by DM’ing @inkedwombat on Instagram or contacting @artfulink.perth directly. He’s open to flash, custom pieces, and walk-in requests.
And if tattooing wasn’t the path? Nathan would love to be illustrating children’s picture books — filling pages with playful, nonsensical critters for kids. Honestly, that checks out.