The wonder years - I just want to sell out my funeral
How would you describe your style of tattooing? Have you always been attracted to colour?
Bright, bold and colourful! I’ve been lucky enough to tattoo bubblegum traditional/kawaii and pop culture tattoos from the start of my career and I was always the kid that wanted to use all the crayons in the box so colour tattoos were always inevitable which is perfect for my style!
How did you get into the industry?
I’d been going to tattoo conventions and getting tattooed since I was 16 because I knew it’s what I wanted to do. I spent a long time building relationships, watching and learning, buying tattoo magazines and books and drawing and painting. I used to counter at Vic Market Tattoos on weekends after spending every week there getting tattooed and that’s where I met Craig and Ally Riley who later went on to open Dangerzone Tattoo. I was initially the studio manager at Dangerzone and after a few years and probably lots of ball breaking on my end I had the chance to apprentice under them both which I am beyond grateful for. I worked at Dangerzone for 10 years (including my managing time) and left to open Tutti Frutti in 2020.
5 random facts about yourself we don't know ?
- My first true love was Michelangelo the Ninja Turtle and I was convinced when I was 5 that we were going to get married and live in a house with New Kids on the Block (clearly showing my age here)
- I’m a massive Disney Dork! I collect Disney Ears (the headbands) and have over 170 pairs, popcorn buckets and Paris is the last park I have to cross off my list 💕
- The only sport I follow is ice hockey! (NHL) Let’s go Rangers!! But that’s ultimately from watching the Mighty Ducks movies growing up
- Vegan baking is my love language. I’ve been known to do secret cookie club boxes at Melbourne Expos - you can’t ask to join the club- it’s invite only
- My favourite video game is street fighter and I will forever play Cammy!
Heading to any expos soon?
Iron Gate in Sydney in November, New Plymouth in New Zealand at the end of November, Melbourne Expo in December and Inked Expo in Melbourne in March!
Your favourite products from The Tattoo Warehouse?
Bev Robinson (Cindy Ray) for paving the way for female tattooers and being such an integral part of not only Australian tattoo history but representing females in tattooing. Also the fairy god mother of bubblegum traditional and someone I am so lucky to call my friend Mimsy Gleeson (@staycuteordie) who essentially pushed the girly trad/kawaii style before it even existed in tattooing- she has always been so head of her time and pushed and created a style I have dedicated my entire career to. An incredible tattooer, artist and human.
Tell us about Tutti Frutti tattoo!
It’s my dream come true! Tutti Frutti is my private studio in South Yarra just out of the Melbourne cbd- it’s a little pink paradise filled with art and plants and trinkets and I am lucky enough to not only have some of Australia’s best tattooers working alongside me, but phenomenal guest artists constantly popping in and out. We have drinks, snacks, blankets, a life size Michael Bublè cut out and the divorced dad rock playlist to serenade our clients playing on Spotify
Any advice to a younger self getting into tattooing?
There will be amazing times and bad times and super quiet times- save your pennies for the quiet times, keep drawing and painting for yourself and not just your clients, and know that it’s the best job in the world and everything it takes to get here is worth it. Your clients and the relationships you build are everything- a tiny tattoo deserves the same respect and dedication and giving 110% as a sleeve or a back piece. Without clients we have no industry so be sure to give them a great experience and tattoo they’ll take with them forever
Whats the best snack to have when getting tattooed?
One of my vegan home baked cookies if you come into the studio on the right day!
Biggest Thanks to Shell for this months sticker design!
Please be aware that The Tattoo Warehouse only sell to Professionals
We sell restricted products, so you won't be permitted to purchase INK and NEEDLES from our store. We do sell cleaning and aftercare to everyone. Looking for a Tattoo school? Find it here : Tattoo School
