Mel Noir

I'm going to ho off the fence into Ed Hardy's corner, here. I get what you're saying, though I think Ed Hardy's been a lot more influential. From my perspective, anyway. I don't own a TV (I'll admit I've seen one episode of Miami Ink.. maybe two of LA Ink?), yet adore tattoos to the point where I'm making a living writing about them. Furthermore, I could look at a tattoo from Ed Hardy and know it's by him straight away- can't say the same thing for Ami James. I'm fairly sure I'm not the only person with this perspective.

Ursula, when you remember could you share the name, please? I really like what you do, so it'd be cool to see some more!

There's also a page where you can licence his work to put on jeans, or mobile phone covers or crap like that. My heart sank, but I'll refrain from judgement unless he says it's all about money.

Yeah, definitely not as tattoo flash, haha. I just don't really like it, myself. I can see it's definitely better than the crap I can do, don't get me wrong, but I guess I just don't like it as a personal preference thing. At the minute, I've realised that it's kind of a rare thing to see something that's "tattoo inspired" that's actually good, though. Loads of people out there are just drawing crappy copies of old flash and putting it in artwork, clothes and jewellery- a very small percentage is stuff I'd actually give my money to.

I can totally get on board with everything Ursula's saying, especially as someone who also makes their money from tattooing without being a tattooer myself. I think it's a respect thing, more than anything. I know a lot of tattoo artists who have helped me along the way, and I plan to get work from every one of them as soon as I either have money or decent transport. They've helped me put food in my mouth, why not help them in a small way, too? I'm not pretending it's selfless- I'm well aware I'll still be gaining great tattoos in the process, haha. But, the point is, I don't understand why you wouldn't want to add to the industry that's given you so much. How much can you really care about it if you're not interested in getting tattooed, and buying paintings, books and even donating to the charity box at conventions (you're just a bell end if you don't do that last one!), among other things? I'll admit I go overboard at times (the room I'm in is full of prints and flash, it's kind of a joke, haha), but I can't really imagine doing what I do without having such a keen interest. Otherwise I'd just be some mug who writes words, the same way Mitch O'Connell is just some mug who draws lines (artist my bum hole). I have a Mitch O'Connell book, by the way. It's fucking terrible!

Will do, son! I'm having a massive email session later on (not by choice, haha) so I'll drop you a line before the day's through. My best mate is a producer, and a bloody good one, so today may just be a good day for you, haha :) Speak to you soon!

Thanks Rory! Yeah, I agree about Skin Deep- a friend of mine told me about an editorial in there from a couple of months ago where the editor was comparing tattooing to an episode of Dr Who, as well. He said it was pretty terrible, haha. I wonder if they sacked the guy who used to do the design or something.

This all sounds pretty interesting :) I don't have any, but if you need any help, send me a message- my best mates are either producers, directors or tattooers, so no one would mind lending a hand if you need anything.

My last tattoo is a beautiful traditional horse from Charlie Roberts. I'll post a picture when I'm not so sleepy! Booked myself in with Thomas Morgan from my next- I live thousands of miles away from the Spotlight studio. I love guest spots.

I used to say I'd only ever get black and grey tattoos. One of my favourite artists said I'd change my mind in no time. She was right. That being said though, I do love to see other people's black and grey tattoos- I think as long as they're wonderfully executed, it doesn't matter too much.

I seriously could not agree more with this statement. Even if it means my paychecks are barely seen from putting the money straight back into tattoos and art, haha.

I have no idea on pricing, but I'm joining MsRad in the "it looks pretty rad" corner!

I've had two people ask me that on separate occasions, my good man! I don't know why, but I like the idea of it. Maybe just because I think it's really silly.

In my opinion, I don't think it'd loose its "cred" at all as long as it's a good piece of work :) You do what you want, it's your artwork!

Do it! :) Though, if you do, NEVER date someone else who has it. I've made that mistake, and actually considered a cover-up after the horrid break up. Glad I didn't cover it up though, I think it rocks.

Why didn't I see this before? I love literary tattoos! I love your wolf head, it's cool when people get actual pictures instead of massive phrases- that's what tattoos are supposed to be, right? I have one myself, actually, though now it'll sound silly since I said I prefer tattoos to be pictures: got the word "Nevermore" tattooed across the front of my shoulder (or the side of my chest? It's a tricky place to describe), from The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. I love Poe's work, he was incredible. To be honest, I'm surprised I've seen only a few Sylvia Plath tattoos, has anyone seen any?

That's all pretty interesting, mate. I don't really know what to think of that, though- I don't fit into that, really, so I might not really be able to relate because I'm one of those odd people you spoke about who haven't had too much shit. I mean, I have really, but I don't really let things get to me in any way. Maybe tattoos are a subconscious thing for me, then! Either way, I like the idea of tattoos being like armour. I also like the strange idea non- tattooed people have that tattoos keep your skin warm. If only! I have a feeling this will keep me thinking for the rest of the day...

I had just turned 18 and knew jack about tattoos- ended up with a really crap pointed heart from the Alkaline Trio logo on my wrist. Upside down on my wrist, no less. The guy who did the tattoo had done my mam's, and she insisted I went to him for my first. Thankfully, a few months later I stopped being an irresponsible jackass, learned more about tattooing and managed to get it fixed, adding a traditional banner on it so it looks a little better (why thank you, Hayley Parkin!). I don't think I'd do it any differently if I had the chance though, to be honest. In fact, a year or two later I got an upside down Smashing Pumpkins heart on the other wrist, just to remind myself that I don't exactly make the best fucking decisions sometimes. Every time I have to sign something or make a big decision, I look at those first, haha. Thankfully, my other tattoos are far better (and they're not cheesy band logos!).

Well Stewart, I hope you weren't offended! Doubtful you care about my little opinions anyway if you have cool t shirts to wear, haha. Aerosmith wear their own t shirts too, and they rock- I just think it's kind of funny. I'm probably in the minority about that. Not that any of that makes a difference if whoever you're looking at is actually putting out great work- like everyone else has said, that's what's important. Y'know, I think the problem with uniforms and things like this is that they're usually one person's (usually the boss) idea of what's professional- everyone else working in that one place may have different opinions about what's professional, it's a pretty subjective thing. I think people are professional judging by what they do at work, not what they wear.

Wow! I'm in awe, you've got some real skillz ;)

To be totally honest, I always thought it was cheesy to wear a t shirt with your own tattoo studio's name on it. It's like bands who wear their own merch, I just think it's kind of lame (well, except those bands who are so broke they have no choice by the end of their tour, haha!). A few of the tattoo artists I see regularly actually wear other studio's t shirts on them, and I always thought that was a really cool, and sort of humble thing to do. I'd much prefer that if you're going to be wearing any studio related shirt.

Hmm, I'm not too sure what you mean about the silence of the lambs thing- do you mean the actual moth in the poster, or the tattoos some people have where a butterfly has a human skull for a head? If it's the moth in the poster for Silence of the Lambs, look really closely at it- the skull is actually a picture of naked wimmins!

I don't have my thighs done yet, but I definitely think you should go big. It's such a good area to get a big piece compared to your arms, since they're skinnier, why waste it? When it comes to covering my legs, I'm totally getting a gazelle on one thigh.

You're welcome mate! I'm sure it doesn't really matter you posted it in the wrong section, the guys can probably move it over for you. :)

For the right tattoo artist, I'd go to the other end of the world, definitely. Well, in theory I would- money stops this being a reality, haha. I also think people should check what's right on their doorstep too, of course, because there could be an amazing tattooer right near you who people just don't know about yet. All depends on who or what you want, I guess! :)