THE WAVE INK: AUGUST '18

Phill Myatt
@tattoophill
How long have you been a tattoo artist?
I have only been tattooing full time for about 4 years.
That time has gone nowhere and I still feel like I’m learning
as much now as I did when I started.
Do you remember the first tattoo that you ever done?
Haha, the first tattoo I ever did was on my own leg. I was
shitting myself. I didn’t really know what I was doing or
how it was going to look. It wasn’t brilliant and unfortunately
I see it every day. A lot of people tend to see it as I
get asked the question quite often. However, I don’t mind
as it reminds me of where I started and I would never
remove or cover it.
How would you describe your tattooing style?
My tattooing style, if I had to categorize it I would say
black and grey realism. I tend to do a lot of portraits so
naturally I try to get them looking as close to the reference
photograph as possible. Capturing personality is
what I think makes a good portrait. When doing designs
I like to layer imagery, adding different elements, and
where possible, I like to tell a story through the design.
What is the secret to achieving such detail in your tattoos?
Patience. Most of my tattoos take around six to seven
hours and often my work has quite a lot of detail, so I try
to take my time and make sure I get all the details that
need to be there. I find contrast and saturation just as important
in my work. I think the balance of light and dark
is what I look at the most when tattooing.
Where is the most difficult place for you to tattoo someone?
It really depends on the person, their skin, and what they
are wanting in that area, but in general, I find just below
the ribs on the side a particularly difficult spot as the skin
is so stretchy. Same with backs. It’s such a good large area
but I never think the skin tattoos that well. Give me lower,
inner forearm, or lower leg any day and I’d be a happy
man :)
How may tattoos do you currently have?
Not enough! I currently have all my arms, most of my
legs and chest done. However, I’m always looking to get
tattooed, as I now look at the blank spaces as opposed to
what I’ve got tattooed.
Did you do any of them yourself?
As I mentioned before, the first tattoo I did was on myself.
I’ve tattooed myself twice now but I don’t any more
as I’d rather let other people tattoo me. I enjoy spending
time with the people who tattoo me. I enjoy the whole
process of it. From seeing how people put designs together,
to their process of tattooing. There is always something
to learn, so it’s a win win.
Do your friends let you tattoo them for practice?
My friends and family were awesome when I started
tattooing. They trusted me to get near them with my machines,
which was brave on their part. I learned a lot from
tattooing my friends and family. They give you honest
feedback and it’s good to be able to follow the healing
process. I’m very grateful to everyone who lets me tattoo
them, especially those who trusted me in the earlier days
of tattooing.
Should people get tattoos while intoxicated?
Nope! However it’s always nice towards the end of the day
when you’ve had an awesome client in to crack a beer and
see the day out right ;)
What has been the most bizarre tattoo you have ever done
on someone?
I think the whole idea of getting a permanent image on
your body is bizarre.
Words of advice for anyone that wants to become a tattoo
artist?
Tattooists always answer this question the same way but
it’s true; draw and keep drawing, get an apprenticeship!
Simple…
It’s not easy to get into this game. I found it hard. It took
a while. The best advice I would say is draw lots, play
around with composition and contrast whether it be with
drawing, photography or digital artwork, and build a
strong portfolio. I found it hard to get an apprenticeship.
Studios didn’t really want to know, even though I studied
art at college and university… so, I didn’t end up going
down that route. I got tired of getting turned away from
studios, I am mostly self taught, but you’ve got to do what
you’ve got to do! I would definitely recommend getting
an apprenticeship though, as you learn a lot of valuable
lessons and improve much quicker.
Where can we get inked by you and see more of your work?
I am currently working out of my studio @blackhausgallery
in Leek Staffordshire UK. I will be working at various
conventions next year. To see more of my work head on
over to my Instagram @tattoophill or my Facebook page
@phillmyatttattoo
Cheers guys :)
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