TATTOO TALES

Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life.   Alex De Francesca and Junior explain the birth and various aspects of this project, in a conversation that dives into topics such as creativity, the importance of presence, inspiration and the power of collaborative projects.   The project’s Instagram Support the project on Kickstarter Alex Instagram Junior Instagram     stefbastian.com

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends.   After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity. Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose.   Follow Kelu on Instagram Kelu’s paintings   stefbastian.com @stef_bastian

Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist.   It’s been fun, heartwarming and inspiring to spend an afternoon talking about creativity, the power of choices, and her own very approach built on the human connection, a foundation of her process. I gotta say, with her bright and positive energy, it couldn’t be easier to talk to her.    Find more about Diamante on Instagram  Book a time with her Minimal ethic tattoo supply Minimal ethic clothing   [The volumes on Japanese mythology mentioned in the episode are part of the series ‘Gods of medieval Japan’ by Bernard Faure]

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese folklore.   Find Isaac on Instagram The Water Margin: PREORDER The Water Margin: EXHIBITION ATAK

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing?   In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano school exemplifying this systematic approach.   The discussion also highlights numi geiko, a proactive pursuit of knowledge beyond formal lessons, exemplified by Kyosai's intense  training and his broad integration of diverse influences.   The examples of these masters can help you integrate training methods in your own practice to improve and sharpen your skills.    stefbastian.com  

Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected. Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney.   What stands out as the main theme, though, is his deep connection with people—a pattern I’ve noticed both in my own journey and in the stories of other seasoned artists. Once you reach certain professional and artistic goals, you realise it all boils down to the most basic, meaningful things: friends, family, people.   Corey’s experience and progressive attitude can inspire us to keep our heads up during turbulent times, overcome obstacles, and honour the responsibility we carry as tattooers. Follow Corey on Instagram  News, mentoring and shop: stefbastian.com    

One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and direction.   In addition to his commitments at the shop and in his artistic practice, Alex is actively involved with the Tattooists Guild, working to positively influence the future of tattooing in Australia.   In this episode, Alex spoke to us about his upbringing in Sydney’s tough environment, shared insights and advice on the technical aspects of his tattooing and painting, and explained the importance of helping shape the future of tattooing regulation.     Find Alex on Instagram Lighthouse Tattoo Australian Tattooists Guild

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods?  Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from?  How all of that relates to tattooing?  We got you covered.      In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, specialized in Japanese ancient myths and literature, we dive into the origins of Japanese mythology and folklore. Shintoism, Buddhism, Chinese influence, philosophical/cultural implications and more. Welcome to the nerd side of tattooing :)     13:43 Overview of Japan’s development 16:46 Religious systems in Japan 23:36 Syncretism of Japan 24:16 Kami and Gods 33:10 Seductivity and danger nature 39:40 Oni 42:07 Differences with Western folklore 44:38 Susanoo and Amaterasu 48:40 Not a definite answer 53:39 Godzilla modern myth 55:28 A fluid religion 1:01:05 Reading recommendations 1:04:30 Mythological names to real animals 1:06:21 Kannon’s example       Joshua’s book: ‘THE JAPANESE MYTHS: A GUIDE TO GODS, HEROES AND SPIRITS’       Stef’s Instagram   stefbastian.com        

Clever doesn’t need much introduction, his career is well known, as his collaborations with artists of the caliber of Juice Wrld, Post Malone and Justin Bieber. In this open-hearted talk we get a glimpse of how music came into his life and topics many of us can relate to. What it means to be a parent for an artist, the responsibility of a creative, his creative process, how to overcome obstacles.  Regardless of the specific fields we apply ourselves to - music, tattooing or anything else for that matter - we all go through the same things, each in our own way. Resistance, inspiration, priorities, identity, contribution. As with all previous guests, Clever’s words can give us a little insight in this thing called life.   Follow Clever on Instagram   Tattoo Mentor Program

Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional Japanese tattooing through the study and respect of the original sources.    In this inspiring talk he shares with us some funny travel stories, the discovery of authentic reference, his experiences with Ivan Szazi and Horikyo and his take on traditions.   Find Mauro on Instagram      

Ryan Ussher is one of Australia’s top artists. Together with Alex Rusty he runs Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, a shop that established itself as a reference in the country. He specializes in large scale Japanese tattooing with emphasis on powerful and evocative imagery.   Beyond craftsmanship he’s considered a reference also for the volume of high quality output, including various collaborations and participation in the Australian Tattooists Guild.  Follow Ryan on Instagram Lighthousetattoo.com Get in touch with Ryan here Follow updates on the podcast, find mentor programs, classes and much more at stefbastian.com

Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the result.   In this talk, which I really enjoyed, he told us about the road that got him to where he is, his process and the roots that shape his vision.  Find Chris on Instagram For updates you can find us on Instagram and stefbastian.com

Tammy Kim is an Australian tattoo artists who worked and lived in Toronto for the last 15 years, and is now transitioning into an exciting new phase of her career. She traveled the world, collaborating with major artists and brands, to shape a vision that is unique to her. Her story is a very inspiring one to all of us trying to connect with a deeper sense of authenticity and striving to constantly reach higher goals.  Find Tammy at tammy-kim.com and Instagram   You can follow updates at stefbastian.com and extra resources such as the free newsletter blog and the mentorship programs.  Stef’s Instagram

Clay has been tattooing for 35 years, crossing path with some of the biggest names in tattooing. His passion for the craft brought him to explore every aspect of the process, witnessing the change that tattooing went through as it opened to a wider audience globally. We talked about these changes, as Clay enters a new phase of his life, having to deal with a sudden visual impairment which brought a change in perspective and deeper insights.  Special thanks to Yushi Horikichi and Jeremy Corns that helped setting this up. 

Paula is an experienced British tattooer that I’m lucky to call a friend. She’s sensitive, intelligent, driven and curious, a beautiful mix. We had many interesting talks, as we share various passions, especially the love for reading, so I thought it would be a shame not to share one of them. Today we touched on many topics, from gender gaps, to psychedelics, to technology and emotional intelligence.  Slow down your day, make yourself a cup of tea and sit down to enjoy an hour with us.  You can find Paula on Instagram and at paulacastle.com   Learn more about my projects, mentor programs and classes at stefbastian.com and Instagram  

Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet. Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori tools, a full renaissance man. With his extensive knowledge regarding traditional Japanese tattooing, which extends to various aspects of this culture, Alex is a well-known and respected master of the craft, a reference for many. My co-host for today is Berto Ramirez, aka Nutz, owner of the Red Temple Tattoo shop in Barcelona, where I work. As always big thanks to Andreas Coenen and his crew for making this possible, and the audience that attended the event.    holyfoxtattoos.de Alex Reinke’s Instagram Nutz Instagram redtempletattoo.com Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo stefbastian.com  

If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one.   Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as maintaining the trees of Hakubai Zen Temple in Boulder - brought him a deeper insight on the philosophical aspects of Horimono.   In this episode we talked about some key concepts and his upcoming book, a great addition to everyone passionate about Japanese tattooing ‘Horimono: a Western Perspective’. This book is the product of a collaboration with AfterLife Press, world renowned for the quality of both content and craftsmanship of their publications, and it has been supported and reviewed by a number of horishi, including Tatsutoshi the First of the Shodai Horitoshi family. Dave’s Instagram AfterLife Press traditiontattooing.com   We would also like to support the upcoming event ‘Skull session’ in NYC by the Lyle Tuttle Collection. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. For more information please visit the link below:   Lyle Tuttle Collection Instagram Skull Session - Tickets lyletuttlecollection.com

I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy.  With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the forefront of everything he does.  I’m happy to introduce him to you and, if you ever pass by him in a show or guest spot, make sure to stop and say hi. You’ll walk away with a smile, a cool tattoo or a great story.    Follow CAPEX on Instagram More info on the podcast, classes, projects at stefbastian.com

Horiten the 1st is a female traditional tattooer from Nara, Japan. In this honest and enlightening talk she shed some light on what creates authentic Irezumi, the qualities that can help in this path and the value of Horikyo’s legacy. Her words are a beautiful manifesto about the way art relates to the core identity of the culture that produced it.   Big thanks to Maur Tattooing for creating the connection.   You can follow Horiten on Instagram and get more information on horiten.net     For news, updates, classes and more please visit stefbastian.com

I love Zac. We met years ago during one of his guest spots and I remember him having the same qualities that characterize him today: well articulate, talented, dedicated, always trying to make every word count. The difference between then and now is that, apart from increasing even more his artistic abilities and experience, he created a publishing company that is a reference in the tattoo world: AFTERLIFE PRESS.  Beautiful books that showcase some of the most influential contemporary artists while sharing the art and philosophy behind these accomplished professionals. All done with exquisite taste and visionary curation.  If you want to not only support true quality and dedication but also learn from the very best, these are the books you need.   Today Zac shared with us his upbringing and what it takes to create something so significant, an example to follow.     AFTERLIFE PRESS Follow Zac on Instagram   Zac’s shop Shrine Tattoo   stefbastian.com Your host Stef Bastiàn