From Product Design to Tattoos: An Unexpected Journey
Teej, a 36-year-old tattoo artist from the small town of Ilkley, just outside Leeds in the UK, has had an unconventional path to success. Though he originally earned a bachelor’s degree in Product Design, he felt even during his studies that this wasn’t the direction he wanted to pursue. “My fascination with tattoos started at a young age,” Teej recalls. “The music and skateboarders I admired were heavily tattooed. It wasn’t about the specific tattoos they had, but the aesthetic—the rebellious nature of it all. The idea of taking control of your body and image really spoke to me.”
His passion for tattooing was ignited when he got his first tattoo at 17. “From that moment, I knew this was something I would dedicate my life to,” he says. What began as a personal interest eventually evolved into a thriving career as a tattoo artist.
The Beginning of His Career in London
In 2014, Teej decided to take a leap and moved to London, where he secured a traditional tattoo apprenticeship under Henry Hate at Prick Tattoos in Shoreditch. “It was hard work,” Teej recalls. “I was the first one in and the last one out every day. I did whatever Henry asked, from cleaning the studio to running errands. It was a learning process, and I had to prove myself daily.”
This rigorous apprenticeship shaped Teej into the artist he is today. “I wasn’t allowed to touch the tattoo machine for the first six months,” he explains. “When I finally started, it was all about line work, which is the foundation of every tattoo. Before shading or coloring, you need to master the basics.” Teej learned not only the technical aspects of tattooing but also the history and relevance of different styles over time.
The Evolution of His Tattoo Style
Though it took time to find his artistic direction, Teej eventually discovered his specialty: heavy blackwork and Full Black Tattoos. “In the early years, you want to try everything, but over time, I found my way with blackwork. It wasn’t something I planned, but it came naturally. I always preferred working with black ink, and about five years ago, I started doing blackout tattoos. After posting my first blackout piece online, I quickly got more bookings, and it’s grown organically ever since.”
Teej’s style is characterized by flowing patterns and a balance between bold blackwork and the body’s natural forms. “I always aim to create designs that fit with the client’s body shape. The tattoo should feel natural and harmonize with the contours of the skin.”
Technical Challenges and the Importance of Learning
Despite his expertise today, Teej admits that the learning process was full of challenges. “The hardest technique for me to master was working with skin as the canvas,” he says. “Every client’s skin is different. Most of my clients come to me for blackout tattoos to cover older tattoos, and those old tattoos vary in style, age, and quality. Every session brings new challenges.”
Achieving perfect black coverage requires extreme precision. “You’re dealing with scars, faded ink, and the difficulty of getting everything smooth. It’s always a challenge to create a consistent field of black.”
The Satisfaction in Tattooing
For Teej, the most satisfying part of the tattooing process is the actual application. “I find laying down large fields of black to be almost meditative. It takes complete focus and dedication. For my clients, though, the most satisfying part is often the completion. Many come to me because they want a clean slate, a way to cover up old tattoos and start fresh.”
Future Growth as an Artist
Teej is constantly evolving and growing as an artist. “In the coming years, I see myself pushing the boundaries of my craft,” he says with excitement. “I want to continue experimenting with new styles, techniques, and designs to take my work to the next level.” His curiosity and love for the art drive him to keep evolving, always striving for innovation and excellence.
The Future
With over a decade of experience in the tattoo industry and a passion for heavy blackwork, Teej is an artist who continues to grow and innovate. His journey from a young boy fascinated by tattoos to an established tattoo artist is a story of hard work, dedication, and creativity.
