Building a Legacy: Henning Jorgensen on Tattooing and Community

The significance of physical and mental well-being for tattoo artists cannot be overstated, especially given the demanding nature of the profession. Tattooing requires not only artistic skill but also physical endurance and mental resilience. In the podcast episode, both Henning Jorgensen and host Aaron Della Vedova emphasize the importance of maintaining one's body and mind to ensure a long and successful career in tattooing.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, Aaron welcomes the legendary tattoo artist Henning Jorgensen at the renowned Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron expresses his admiration for Henning, describing him as a significant figure in tattoo history, someone he has looked up to since his early days in the industry. The conversation delves into the dynamics of tattoo conventions, the evolution of tattoo art, and the personal connections that bring artists together.

Join them for an insightful discussion that celebrates the art of tattooing and the legacy of its pioneers.

01:53 - Convention Experiences
03:37 - Maintaining Health and Longevity
05:08 - Yoga and Physical Well-being
09:00 - Early Tattoo Experiences
00:10:33 - Starting to Tattoo
14:28 - Learning from Legends
22:21 - Learning from Paul Rogers
23:44 - Establishing Royal Tattoo
25:03 - Japanese and Traditional Tattoos
28:04 - The Meaning of Tattooing
32:28 - Evolution of Tattoo Portfolios
36:34 - Industry Changes and Challenges
41:05 - Balancing Personal Life and Tattooing
42:28 - The Artist's Life and Obsession
43:12 - Tattoo Schools vs. Traditional Apprenticeships
44:26 - Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists

Quotes:

"I am in a new chapter of my life where I want to come out and be a part of the tattoo world in a bigger way than I have been before."

"But Henry was kind enough to show me and teach me how to, you know, dip your needles in hexol, you know, so they didn't rust."

"Well, nobody knows history is being made when you're in the middle of being made."

"But you certainly aren't going to end up where guys like us end up. And that's the most beautiful gift of it all."

"You've got to do things legitimately, authentically."

"You are not going to survive like that anymore. You have to be a top-performing tattooer."

"To be great as a musician, a sculptor, any of these things, to be not even great, just good... you have to become a little bit consumed, obsessed."

"If you love it enough, you don't need a tattoo school."

"This space, this world we live in, the tattoo world, is a much better place with you in it."

"I count my blessings every day. And I wouldn't be without it now, for sure."

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