111: The Tattoo Icons Episode

The evolution of tattooing is a captivating journey that showcases a delicate balance between traditional techniques and modern innovations. Throughout the podcast episode, four icons of the tattoo wrold, Filip Leu, Kari Barba, Luke Atkinson, and Junii Diamond engage in a thoughtful discussion with host Aaron Della Vedova about how tattooing has transformed over the years while still honoring its roots.

Aaron sits down with this group of tattoo legends at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, where they all took the stage as the shows judges. The conversation explores the rich history of tattooing, particularly the enduring nature of traditional styles like Japanese and old school tattoos, which continue to thrive despite contemporary adaptations. The group discusses their personal experiences, the evolution of tattoo art, and the importance of preserving traditional techniques while embracing innovation. With a combined wealth of knowledge spanning nearly 200 years, they all share insights and stories that celebrate the artistry and cultural significance of tattoos.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that honors the past while looking towards the future of tattoo culture.

Chat Highlights:

[00:00:20] Traditional vs. modern tattooing.

[00:06:21] Tattoo conventions and experiences.

[00:10:27] Judging tattoo artistry collaboratively.

[00:15:54] Design harmony in tattoo art.

[00:19:21] Novelty in tattoo design.

[00:24:09] Tattoo healing and aesthetics.

[00:26:10] Tattooing techniques and skin adaptation.

[00:30:06] Tattooing on different skin types.

[00:36:04] Evolution of tattoo design.

[00:39:35] Tattoo color saturation techniques.

[00:43:41] AI's impact on creativity.

[00:45:23] Art and technology in tattoos.

[00:52:19] Women in tattooing industry.

[00:56:11-00:56:21] Women in tattooing culture.

[00:57:43] Artists and consumers equality.

[01:02:06] Tattooing as a personal experience.

[01:05:15] Tattooing as a personal memory.

[01:08:11] Tattoo clientele evolution over time.

[01:14:20] Tattooing as a life passion.

[01:18:06] Decorative tattooing trends.

[01:20:50] Photorealism in tattoo art.

Quotes:

"Tattooing's easier. Three days of solid tattooing is easier than breathing, than judging."

"Every time I go home from here, I suffer."

"It's the idea of working with the skin rather than on the skin."

"The loss of the apprenticeship is also to blame, because an apprenticeship was more geared towards teaching you what not to do rather than what you ought to do."

"A human is still going to have to come up with that new brilliant idea that's never been thought of."

"I think what's happening out there right now would have crushed me."

"I want the shop to be clean I want it look more like a salon, you know, I want it to have a kid area and I wanted a little toy area."

"The fact that the women have come into this space and brought feminine energy into this creative space, it's awesome."

"But anybody that got tattooed by Bill will remember him their whole life."

"I think tattooing is not just a job, it's a life. You have to love it."

"Learn the basics first. Style comes later."

"It's always nice to be surprised after all these years."

Stay Connected:

Chats & Tatts:

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com

Connect with the Icons:

IG:

Filip Leu (@theleufamilysfamilyiron)

Kari Barba (@karibarbatattoo)

Luke Atkinson (@checkerdemontattoos)

Junko Shimada (Junii Diamond) (@junii_diamond)