You can listen to the seventh episode with Tahlia Undarlegt here. Or you can find this interview on YouTube with English subtitles/closed captions here.
NOT JUST A GIRL: Tattoo Podcast
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Season 1, Episode 7: Dark Art of Sunshine
Eddy: Hello, friends and welcome to Not Just A Girl your favorite feminist tattoo podcast. I'm Eddy and I'm back to share with you the thoughts and experiences of some of my favorite people in tattooing. On the seventh episode, we'll be chatting about the social perception of tattoos, being a traveling tattooer and then settling down into a new and slower way of life.
Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are the traditional custodians of this land that was stolen and never ceded. I am honored and grateful to be on the ancestral land of the Awabakal people. And I pay my respects to the Elders past and present and extend that recognition to their descendant.
Today I am so happy to be joined by one of my dear friends Tahlia Undarlegt. Tahlia works at Great White Tattoo in Sydney. Um, and she is known for her unique psychedelic black work. Um, I actually met Tahlia in Melbourne at a convention before she started her apprenticeship and it's been such a joy to watch her grow and to watch her journey through tattooing. Um, she really is an absolute ray of sunshine and I'm so lucky to know her. Thank you so much for joining me today and for being part of the podcast, I'm so excited to chat to you.
Tahlia: Thank you for having me this is awesome.
Eddy: Um, I've seen heaps on your Instagram stories about all the little things you've been up to at the farm. Um, you know, you seem to really be using this time to connect with nature again. What has that been like for you?
Tahlia: Um, it's been really lovely. I mean, like we, like my partner and I, we live part time in the city when we work and then part time here at the farm. So we've just kind of like gotten months worth of stuff done because we usually do two, three days a week down here. Uh, we've got, uh, like a fully sustainable veggie garden and like a big, like, we had some fermenting going with some different foods, but we wanted to get some other stuff done. So we've built ourselves, a chicken coop, but we have chickens and we've been doing like, um, other stuff like the gardens going nuts and lots of animals. Just typical farmer Joe stuff.
Eddy: So many animals like the cats. The cats are such angels.
Tahlia: Yes. I love those guys.
Eddy: And you've been doing heaps of like foraging and hiking and stuff as well. Has that helped you get through the lockdown?
Tahlia: Um, yeah, like we're very lucky. I mean, like we have a giant gorge behind our house and you can like hike down and, you know, there's all kinds of stuff down there. Like you can just, I've been. Looking into a lot more like, um, IDing, different like native plants and stuff, just to be able to kind of work out what's what, a bit more and like, you know, realizing how much like edible and like sustainable kind of things that we can get from around here. I mean, like I'm a big nerd for mushrooms. Like I really love just like, I just think like fungus in general is really interesting. Um, like, I mean, if you look at my work, you'd see in itself, like I'm very inspired by it, but it's kind of fun to finally have enough time to look into it enough to ID stuff to be able to take home and eat and not die from it. So that's good.
Eddy: I mean, that's always a bonus for sure. And um like, obviously your love of nature and mushrooms in particular is really prevalent in your work and the way you use organic shapes. Like, do you think that'll continue to be a big part of your work moving forward after COVID?
Tahlia: Um, definitely like, I think, um, you know, having more time to kind of have my hands in the dirt and not so much on the machines has been like a real nice kind of relief. Like, um, I don't know, like, there's just, it's always been prevalent in my work, but I suppose, like I've learned a lot more, therefore I've gained a lot more inspiration because, you know, I know a lot more plants and different like stuff now that it's like photographic memory that, you know, when I bring it in, um, I don't know, just anytime you do something it influences your work, I don't think it, it can't not influence it.
Eddy: Yeah, I guess your work is just like an extension of yourself really and that's why it's so unique.
Tahlia: Yeah. Just like an amalgamation of everything you find really cool and interesting.
Eddy: I do love that about your work as well, because it is like, it's so unique and it's so instantly recognizable and it, it really does carry a lot of that joy and like fun that I see in you.
Tahlia: Well, thank you. Um, like I, I try my hardest to do that, um, I really like, just like off that, like question that you said, like personally, like when I, like I've often been told I'm way too connected to like the tattoos that I do. And I don't know, like, I think that's a good thing and sometimes a bad thing as well, but, um, I do really love to meet my clients and like, kind of have a rough idea of what I'm going to do for them, or even like, when I email with them, I really love to kind of get an idea of like what they're into, what their kind of vibe is. And, you know, I like, if I can, when I create something kind of, you know, sometimes you don't realize like for me, with like, I suppose I can bring an idea that someone can speak out. I can draw her out, whereas like, you know, the other way round, like, I, I can't always like articulate myself as well, but I can definitely like show it in a different way. So I like in myself, I always want to try and bring that for other people so that, you know, when they get it, it's really something that's like, special to them.
Eddy: Yeah. That's so nice. And it's so important to be able to use like the language of tattooing to express who the client is. Cause then they're going to live with that tattoo much more harmoniously throughout their life.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely. I mean like, um, like for anyone I think like, like everybody does it for a different reason, I suppose, but like personally for myself. I feel like there's so much kind of going on inside of you, that you just want to be like project that onto the world. And it's really nice to be able to kind of put that on you and be like, Hey world, you know, this is me. Like here's what I'm about, you know? And like, it's a good opener for like other people as well, you know, because you meet other people and you kind of see a little bit more about what they're about. And I mean, I'm not even just talking about tattoos, just like in any kind of like modification, whether it's the way you color or cut your hair or the clothes you decide to wear, you know, like you're obviously putting out something that you want to portray to the world, which is like really cool to be able to you know, solidify. I can internalise that for somebody, you know, like you just kind of be like, Oh, okay, this is your vibe. And being able to create something that maybe they couldn't like envision is really cool. You know and you see somebody look in the mirror and you're just like, I mean, I've done it myself, millions of times, like, you know, you get a new tattoo and all of a sudden you're walking past a mirror and you're like yeah who's that like feeling really cool, like that. It's like, you just love. You're just like, wow, this tattoo is way too cool for me and then... come to you. And you're like, yeah this is me.
Eddy: You feel so much more in love with yourself and your body. And like you walk past a shop window and you check your self out and make sure you get a glimpse of the tattoo
Tahlia: And all of a sudden you're buying clothes so that it sits like to suit a certain tattoo that you've got. You're like, I remember the first time I started my sleeve, I don't think I wore a single sleeve for like two years after that like.
Eddy: I used to um like, Oh, I'm wearing a higher neck shirt now, but I never, ever used to expose my chest or cleavage at all. And then when I got my chest tattooed, I was like, I'm going to undo my buttons. I'm going to stop wearing like my buttons done all the way up. I'm going to start buying plunging neck lines. I just want this like to be on display because it's so beautiful.
Tahlia: Yeah. I mean, like one of the ladies that I learnt tattoo off, uh, her name was Ela Pour, Berlin. Um, and also another girl I worked with Laura um, she had this like beautiful tattoo kind of coming around like her, like inner thigh kind of area. And she just like whenever she was, when we'd go to the beach or something, I always look and I'd be like, wow, she's so beautiful. And like, I remember her and Ela telling me like, they're like, Oh, you know, you can dress like that. And I was like, Oh, I can't, you know, like my inner thighs are too fat. You know, like when you're a bit younger, you feel like, like really like self conscious about stuff like that.
And I remember them saying, well, just find something you love and tattoo it there and you'll never feel like that conscious about it. I remember we were traveling through Mexico with a friend of ours ...and, um, she was like, let's just tattoo some, like something that you love. So I had to, I got her to tattoo some lavender coming out of there. Like now, whenever I like slight if I've ever felt slightly self conscious about it, I'm kind of like, well I got a sick tattoo there so it doesn't really matter. I've, haven't worn shorts to the beach in a long time, which is like, I think, you know, personally for me, that's something I find really amazing about, you know, what we get to do and that we get to like, collect that ourselves.
Eddy: Yeah. It's such a powerful way to express self-love and like self ownership. It's so beautiful.
Tahlia: Yeah. I mean, it's like pretty much like reclaiming what was already in there, you know? Like, and, and I think sometimes like this can be a little bit misconstrued. Like sometimes people said to me, Oh, did you not love yourself? Like, how come you did that? You know, why didn't you just go to therapy or something? And it's like, well, I think like any kind of mental health I would say, you know, therapy is definitely great and I've been through therapy myself, you know, like, and I think that like, it's just like, like you were saying, it's like reclaiming that, you know, like it's not that you had something missing and this filled the void. It's that, like, you had something that you couldn't express and now all of a sudden like it's like this inner goodness in yourself, you're able to kind of project out and you know, it just adds a, like a, an extra shield of like confidence and like light for yourself.
Eddy: Yeah. And that's another form of language too, because you know what we do to our bodies and how we shape them, it helps attract a certain kind of people to us. I feel like, you know, in the tattoo community, part of why we band together is because we look at each other and see something common in each other.
Tahlia: Definitely. And like, I think that's something that's so like hyper special about the tattoo industry is it's kind of like um, and I say this in like a good term, like, it's like a bunch of wierdos, we're all completely different. We're all kind of slightly outcast. We don't really have a place, but we have this one thing that bonds us together. And, you know, even like our friendship, you know, there's like so many things that make us different to each other, but then, you know, there's like this connection of that. And like, you know, just like. Just, you know, our personalities, you know, you just love each other, you know, you're just like, wow, these people are awesome. These are my people. We might not be the same, but we're just a bunch of weirdos kind of hanging out.
Eddy: It's so good because you know, you start a conversation through tattooing and then you form relationships and you get to know people and just that diversity and, and like learning to accept and love people so different to you. It makes you such a better person. And I feel like it makes your work better too.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely. I mean, like you learn different like views and like different things in life that you can kind of like take from each other and like learn from each other. Like that's, that's amazing.
Eddy: It's so good. Well, you, um, you mentioned before about traveling, you've traveled so much in your career and even like from the get go from when you first started tattooing, like where has that taken you in the world?
Tahlia: Um, I mean, like I've been so, so lucky to be able to travel as much as I can. Um, even like, you know, how I've kind of gotten into tattooing from that like it kind of started as a bit of the creative journey. Like I remember years ago when I used to hang out in tattoo studios, hang out with like, Um, some like friends of mine that, you know, we had a lot of creative endeavors that we'd kind of do together. And I remember this old tattooer, uh, like said to me, like, you need to leave, you need to travel as much as you can. And like, he was kind of saying like, you know, this is the future of tattooing, you know, going out and like, as time went on, I'm like, you know, and I traveled a lot and I got influenced by different things. Like I also saw, I mean, cause especially in Australia with such like a tight knit tattoo community and like, we also like because of our like government suppressing kind of our indigenous culture. We don't have a lot of culture here. You know, we're like an amalgamation of our immigrants and like people that have kind of bought little bits here and there, but it's all been kind of watered down over time, you know?
And then you go to somewhere, like when I lived in Mexico, there's just such a, a vibrant culture. And like that influences the artwork of... people, which then influences like the tattoo culture, you know, and you see like you go there and you go to a place and you bring something back that you like took and then, you know, like all that you learnt from people and then, you know, you show other people and then they take it. And the coolest thing about that is like, every time you see you know, a friend of yours or another tattoo artist, they go overseas they learn something and they take something back, they bring it back here and then other people are like, wow, that's so cool. You know, like, and then they take their own spin on it. And then that kind of like grows into something even bigger and better. And then, you know, like even like in, in Sydney, like in New South Wales, we recently had a, um, Japanese art exhibition at the, um, the museum.
Eddy: That was amazing
Tahlia: Yeah. It's like a lot of artists, like a lot of tattoo artists went there and like all of a sudden you seeing all this really wacky cool, inspired like artwork because obviously everybody's gone they're like whoa, how did I miss this? How did I not see this? Or think of this, you know? And everybody's creating their own versions of it.
Eddy: Yeah
Tahlia: And I mean, you know, especially like, you know, it's just, I don't know. It's just really cool to see, like that's how art kind of progresses and grows you know. And I like becomes its own like things of everything.
Eddy: That's such an important part of tattoo history as well. Like that's how we came to know tattooing through traveling. And obviously colonialism is not in any way, shape or form a good thing at all and it's been toxic, but you know, the, the one good thing, I guess for us is that it did bring tattooing to the Western world and the fact that we continue to travel and sample from different cultures and share ideas and perspectives with each other is what makes tattooing so diverse now.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely. And the amount of times you've kind of like you've had this small snippet of something and somebody is doing something so amazing. And then you go to a place and you realize that they were just this tiny, like subculture of a giant, like main culture of an area, you know, and you just kind of like, wow, this is so cool. Like, I mean, sometimes especially like if I'm feeling a little bit like, um, you know, like stuck for, you know, what kind of creative direction. Cause I mean, personally myself, I always feel like I need to be doing and creating something off there and you know, like growing in some kind of way. And I always find, you know, going back into something all are looking at maybe like a, a culture that you didn't like that you didn't know that much about, you know, and you go back through and you're like, Whoa, like this is insane, you know? Like, and then in yourself I feel like, how the hell is this not like, what's big right now. Like how come, like, everybody doesn't know about this. Like I've watched like, um, I mean, not that I would ever like use anything from there, but like a, a real sacred culture is like the Inuit culture. I mean, in like, um, the Northern parts of America and Alaska and that, and obviously there that we're using like the I think it's like the seal fat. I watched like a documentary on it and they do the threading with the tattoos and it was just amazing. Like it's such a lost culture and it was just like watching that. And I was like, how come? Like nobody. Okay. And I was talking to people about it at the studio the next day. And everybody was like, nah, I didn't know what you talking about. And I was like, Oh, you got to go watch this. Like, it's, it's amazing. You know, now all I think about, I just want to go there and I want to meet this young girl that I watched on this documentary. And I just want to be like, Oh my gosh, like, how do you do this? Not, not even like for myself, but I just, I want to know the history of it. It's, it's amazing. You know, like, and also that was like quite a, like, um, It was like a matriarchal kind of thing. So it was only like really the women that will like, so it's like a coming of age thing as well, which is also really amazing. So just that so
Eddy: I feel like that's really rare in like tattoo history, because I guess, you know, our knowledge of tattoo history has been in predominantly patriarchal societies. So finding out about the Inuit tattooing is so amazing.
Tahlia: Yeah. And I mean, like also don't take like any of my information as like proper information. I'm so bad at relaying. Like for anyone that is... look it up yourself, you'll learn so much.
Eddy: Yeah, I'm, I'm really bad at remembering historical stuff. I'm very fascinated by history. I read a lot and watch a lot, but my brains a pudding and I have no recall whatsoever.
Tahlia: I think I just get so excited about what I'm reading that I'm just like, Oh, this is so good. And then I'm trying to tell people and my brains like stuttering it out so.
Eddy: But just the excitement that you get over, like reading about another culture or seeing a trick someone uses it doesn't mean that you're necessarily going to use it yourself, but it can inspire just a new way of thinking. And then you adapt that into your work and then it becomes even more unique and more authentic to yourself.
Tahlia: I mean, like for sure also there was like, um, when I first started kind of hanging out in tattoo studios and getting to know tattooers and stuff. I remember like these kind of old school guys that I was working for were like, well, there's this process of tattooing and it's this way. And it's that way. And I mean, like, as I've gone on and I've traveled around the world, like all of a sudden you're like meeting these people and they're like, well, no, like, you know, we get told like, you know, you can't tattoo without like, you know, a solid black line around it, but then you're looking at these like old cultures that are just using like, just like a light blue ink or something, you know, it just like, this is just a tiny example of it, but you know, like you you're told that like a certain way is wrong.
Like same with like, um, when people say to you like, Oh, you know, Like you'll hear some like old school Trad guys sometimes be like, Oh, you know, it has to be Trad because if it's anything else, it doesn't last, you know, it's like, that's how it tattooing is. That's how it's always been. It's like, well no. Like, you know, if you look back on like certain cultures, actually they were doing a lot of fine line stuff then, or like these cultures would just using like, just colors and not like, you know, they weren't really using like a solid kind of base. I mean, definitely there's the technical application that needs to be like, mastered with stuff like that. Like, I'm not saying that everybody should tattoo without lines, but like, you know, like there's, you know, it's there's stuff that's doable and you know, if you're, if you teach yourself right, like, you know, you can, you can experience and like, kind of break a bit of the, the norms and the barriers of what tattooing kind of should be as well.
Eddy: Exactly. It's like, it's important to respect traditions, but also disrupt them like, and to, to push, to push the boundaries and not be gatekeepers. Cause I, you know, I've, I have a, a history of being a little bit gatekeepery with my opinions about what tattooing is and isn't, but then like the older I get and the longer I'm in tattooing, the more I realize that we don't benefit from being that way at all, that the more people push boundaries, the more they try the more they offer different perspectives the better tattooing will be in the long run.
Tahlia: I mean like, um, when I first moved to Europe, when I like really properly started tattooing, um, when I was living, I was living in Berlin at the time. Like, um, I mean, Berlin, as anybody who knows anything about Berlin is such a like forefront on like arts and like, you know, different subcultures. I mean, like there was all kinds of, I mean, Surrealistic like abstract kind of stuff going on. And I remember going there and I was just like, what the hell is this? Like I remember before I left Australia years ago and like lived abroad, I remember seeing someone with a blacked out limb and being like, Whoa, that's so extreme. Like, I don't know if I could ever do that. And I mean, Like years later, I was tattooing and I was just like, Holy shit like, I can totally understand why everybody's pushing these weird barriers, you know? And like you meeting people that are just like, well, you know, and you're like, well, no, it's this way. You know? And it has to be like a pretty picture. And like, I remember being told a lot, like. You know, you can't get this because it's not feminine and you can't do that. Like that's too aggressive. I mean, like, does it make me any less of a woman having a black arm?
Eddy: No.
Tahlia: I don't think so, but you know what I mean? Like, it's just like.
Eddy: You still identify a woman, regardless of what tattoos you have.
Tahlia: Yeah. Like it doesn't matter what you look like. Or, what’s there? Like if, if you're a woman, you're a woman. Like if that's, what if that's what I am, than I am, you know?
Eddy: No one has a right to prescribe anything like that. And yeah, it's like when people say to me, Oh, I really want a tattoo, but it has to be feminine because like, you know, I don't want my parents to judge me and it's just like, well, it doesn't have to be anything. It's just going to be what you like, what imagery do you enjoy? What makes you happy? And you get that because then that's a part of you.
Tahlia: Exactly just to come from, like compliment yourself.
Eddy: Yeah. That's where it can be difficult as well, knowing where to draw the line technically with tattoos, you know, sometimes people will come to me and say, I want this. And I'll be like, Oh, from a technical point of view, I don't feel comfortable making that to tattoo because I know it's not going to last, however, this person's also got the right to say no, but I want that tattoo because that'll make me feel happy. And then if they've been informed of the possible longterm effects, then yeah. That opens up a whole other that's a whole other kettle of fish though.
Tahlia: No, no, no. I mean, I think this is an interesting thing to talk about. Like, I definitely, like I have this a lot, like, um, a lot of my work nowadays has quite like bold lines and solid color. And I have to like often tell people, look, I don't really feel that comfortable making it that small, you know, like, especially with the trend of like micro tattoos and stuff. And this was what I was saying before about like, stuff is not impossible, but technically it has to be done in a certain way. So like, you can't really get a big traditional eagle and make it, this big because I mean, you're going to end up with a blob and I mean, as much as people would say no, no, but that's what I want, that's what I want. I mean, I would love to do that, but I would also hate to think that I would do something that someone would dislike in the future. And I'll be pretty honest with people, you know, because I mean, we've all kind of, especially like. Like as tattoo artists, or if you've been getting tattooed for a very long time, like there's probably stuff you look back on you, like in hindsight, I kind of wish that somebody had kind of guided me a bit better to that, you know?
And I mean, I have plenty of tattoos on myself that I got when I was like a little bit of a ratbag when I was younger. And like, when somebody is like, Oh, well, you know, this would be cool and I show them and I'm like, well, this is what it's going to look like now. And they're kind of like, Oh, that's a bit horrible. It's like, yeah, we do have things like laser and that now. But if you're going to be like spending your time, you might as well do the right thing. And I think, like on the subject of that as well, a lot of the time when people do kind of want stuff like micro or they want it in a way that's not really going to work a lot of the time, it's not so much, like, it's more fear of like, they want to be tattooed, but they're also scared of like the outcome. They don't want it to be because they're worried that they're not going to like it. Or like, you know,
Eddy: What other people will think?
Tahlia: Where someone's like oh my partner won't like it, my parents won't like it, and it's like I dunno. I think if you're going to commit to it, you probably should just like do it the right way straight off the bat, because you know, like if there's one thing I can tell you, like, people like perfect example, like my parents were a little bit like, when I told them I was getting my arm black out they were like, Ooh, I don't know about that. You know? But like, and like, I remember even like my, my stepdad, like he's amazing and he was like, look Tahlia, just, don't get you face, your throat or your hands tattooed. And I mean, as you can see by this, I definitely didn't listen, but I think a lot of older generation, they have this like, perceived thing that will like, you know, bikeys and then like this thing of like the females are like, you know, like we're like somehow controlled by bikeys or like they're going to perceive us in this, like really, you know, that kind of, um, I don't know how to word it properly, but like, you know how to, they think that we're going to be like this biker wife, you know, owned by some kind of gang or we're going to be kind of badass drug dealer if we get it, you know, and then we get it and they're like, Oh, that's beautiful. I love it. You know, I'm like.
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: You’re not going to disown you because of a tattoo, they're gonna like eventually get over it. And I mean, if they decide to disown you because you have tattoos, I mean, well, nobody should ever treat you like that. And maybe, you know, you have to realize that that's within themselves and that's nothing to do with you.
Eddy: Exactly. It's really interesting how people like restrict what they can get tattooed because they're so scared of not fitting into this like socially prescribed version of normal and like, you know, studies have been done about how women with tattoos are perceived as being more sexually promiscuous. And then that brings up all these things of like, well, for starters, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being sexually promiscuous. You do you. And then also, how can a tattoo have any impact on a person's like sexual adventures. It's just like, it's so irrelevant and it's so weird that people would restrict how they express themselves on their own skin because of another person, it's sad.
Tahlia: I mean, if I ever have a client come in, regardless of gender or anything, if they say anything to me about, Oh yeah, my partner said, I can't get this. I'm literally like dump them. You don't need that in your life. And people are like, Whoa, that's really harsh. And I'm like, well, no, if anybody has that kind of say over you, then they're probably toxic, you know, like you shouldn't be, I mean, fair enough. If somebody is worried about your like physical safety, you know, or like your mental health, you know, if your partner's like, Oh, you know, I don't think you should get that cause you're not in a good head space. You know, if it's something really gnarly and negative. You know, if they want to get some big curse words or something and you know, their partner's like, Oh, they're not in the best head space. You know, it'd be a little bit like I would also, regardless of if they had a partner or not, I'd probably be like, look, this is a pretty gnarly thing to be getting are you show you're in the right space for this, you know, maybe you should think about it, you know? But like, I mean, if somebody is telling you what to do in that kind of way, that's a very toxic environment to be a part of.
Eddy: A hundred percent.
Tahlia: You know? And then I also think like, from that, I'm like, if they're saying that about your tattoos, what else are they saying? Like, this is probably not good for you.
Eddy: Exactly. I remember many years ago. I tattooed, I outlined a half sleeve on a girl and I found out a couple of weeks later that her partner didn't like it because it reminded him of a tattooer, he didn't like the style that I had done. And he made her get it lasered off. And then he chose the artist who would redo it. And it was just like such a horrifying thought, just so horrifying that somebody like felt they had a right to control because the whole reason that we're attracted to tattooing is because it's our way of reclaiming ourselves. So when somebody else has an input in that, Like I, I certainly would never allow that to happen in my studio again, like wherever possible. I would just be like, no, get out well to the, not to the customer, obviously to the partner, then I'd turn around to the client and say let's do a bigger and on your forearm.
Tahlia: Yeah. I mean, like, um, yeah, I still get a little bit weird about doing partners names.
Eddy: Oh.
Tahlia: Like I've done them, but like, I mean, I'm still so so strange about it. I mean, if you're somebody that wants to get tattooed and you want your partner's name right now, like, listen to me, when I say this, just find an object, something that you both love, you know, get that tattooed, you know, because you never know what's going to happen in the future. You know? Like, and I mean, like, we all think we all want love to last forever. And I mean, sometimes it does, but you know, like sometimes I feel like like from my experience in studios sometimes I feel like it's more of a bad omen than what it is like a good one, you know? So I'm very, very hesitant to do it.
I mean, if I have like an old couple and they're like, yeah, we've been married for this many years, you know, I'm a bit like, ah, okay then, but you know, if you kind of like doing it to prove you love a little bit. I guess so many other things you can do, like get their favorite band lyrics tattooed on you, before you get their name, you know, because
Eddy: Exactly
Tahlia: I know plenty of people that have gotten like partner's names and they've had to like cross them out or do other stuff or you know and it's like, you just don't want that on you.
Eddy: No. Well, I reckon 90% of the partners' names. I've tattooed on people within six months, they've broken up. And I think it's, it's not that the tattoos necessarily jinxed. I think that the reason they've done that was because there was something, there was underlying issues and they were so terrified of losing this relationship because of these ideas that love allegedly has to last forever. So they've gone and done this as this way of like proving it and cementing it and it doesn't work. And, yeah, you can't do that.
Tahlia: Definitely, I mean sometimes like if somebody would tell me like, like I've had people come in before and they're like, I want to win my partner back. I want to get the name tattooed. I'm like, well, how about you go home? And you write a list of things that you could do. Like, you know, there's like, if there is there's problems there maybe address the problem. Not like try and bandaid it with a tattoo.
Eddy: Yep.
Tahlia: That's my advice, you know, and I'm no therapist, I think that, you know, uh, immortalising, something like just, just think about it.
Eddy: Yeah. I usually tell people to get flowers or, you know, some sort of really organic image because you can apply whatever meaning you want to at any particular point in your life. It's so flexible and, you know, words are defined by a very precise meaning and especially a name? So
Tahlia: Well, I think like in general, like talking about words of tattooing and I know I just get on tangents here, but that's like something I think as well, like a lot of people. I mean, like, I've got, like, I've got script on, on here. Some of my favorite like lyrics when I was younger. And I think like when you start to get tattooed, if you not, like, um, sometimes you can't picture exactly what you want all the time. And a lot of people gather a lot of like inspiration off like a quote that they read or like, you know, a song that they hear and they're like, I need that tattooed on me. But the thing is that thats our jobs as artists, like I have people contact me. Sorry, I got flies in the house, in the country house. Um, like sometimes, you know, um, I forgot where I was going with this. Oh yeah. That's right. Um, so like, you know, that's our thing as artist that, um, we need to. You know, we create like what you give us.
Like, I have clients message me like that are like, Oh, this is my favorite band. So I get them to send me the song that they love, you know, and like the kind of lyric that kind of meant something to them. And, you know, if they're comfortable to, you know, like create something off that I will let find out what their kind of images, you know, they're listen to that. What do they kind of see when they hear that? You know, what do they feel? You know? And like, you know, Like created a lot of stuff based off that, and I think that it makes for really cool, unique tattoos. So if you have an idea, contact the artist you like, and kind of explain that to them, you know, because you'd be surprised how many, like artists are actually really looking forward to kind of, you know, just getting a little bit more like creative and it's, it's a challenge.
Eddy: Yeah, that's it, it elevates the tattoo as well. I mean, you know, not all of our clients are creatives, you know, they can't always be expected to take it on themselves to have all the good ideas. And so it, it can be this like working back and forth where they express kind of what they want. But then if they're able to let, like, trust us to decide what to do with that visually, and then. You often end up with such a better tattoo.
Tahlia: Yeah definitely, especially if you're doing the right thing with your tattoos, and you're looking up an artist that you like, I mean, whatever you tell them that they're going to create something you like, you know, or if like, they do an amalgamation of styles, kind of send them the vibe that you like of theirs, you know, the color palette that they use and be like, well, you know, here's this idea I have. And this was what I really loved that you did. And, you know, straightaway your artist is going to be like, Oh, okay. No, I understand what you mean. You know, rather than like, you know, feeling like you have to get it nailed. And I think that sometimes, especially like, you know, contacting artists can be a daunting thing.
I still remember when I first got tattooed. Going into a studio. I mean, it's changing, you know, with studios like yours, with like, you know what we have at Great White, you know, it's a little bit more inviting environments, but you know, like the, the whole culture of tattooing used to be quite a daunting one to walk into a studio, you know? And it's, it's like, You know, a lot of people have kind of heard those experiences. So when they reach out to artists to, you know, get, get some work done and stuff, they, they feel like they have to have like a million notes in order, you know, and bring it in and have everything to the precise point, you know? And it's like, it is cool when we have an idea to run off. But you know, if you like allow a little bit of creative freedom, like everybody, everything works better. Yeah, it just has that organic flow then.
Eddy: Absolutely. And I, I still now get people going and paying a designer to do a tattoo for them who aren't tattooers and who don't understand the complexity of complexities of how a tattoo design works. Then they bring that design they've paid for to me. And I'm like, I actually have to change it because it's not tattooable. And they've wasted all this time because you know, they've not been tattooed before or they've had really bad experiences and didn't understand that it's actually my job to do that for you. And to make sure it's the best possible version of that you can get.
Tahlia: Well, that is also, I like for clients why, why are you paying a deposit for stuff. You're paying because you know, we're going to create something we're going to spend a lot of time. And this is another thing with tattoos. That like, I think a lot of people don't realize is most of the time we're spending so many hours, like the week or the day before, you know, to kind of create something like this up, you know, you have that security, you've given that idea and we're going to sit down with all these, like, things that you've given us and we're going to be like, okay, what can I do to make this the best that I can make it?
You know? And I, I think, unfortunately I've seen, especially a lot more lately, like, um, with like, you know, the rise of being able to pay for sponsored ads and stuff on social media, you have a lot of, um, maybe like creatives that aren't able to kind of make a viable income off like their, their thing. And they're kind of um profiting a little bit and like targeting their marketing towards, you know, making people feel like, you know, that it's part of like the tattoo process, you know, they kind of selling it and like, I don't know, packaging it in a way that like, you know, this is actually a thing you need to have your stuff like predone, you know, and this is what I do. This is what I specialize in. Then, like you said, you know, that's, that's part of our, like what we do, but, you know, we you know, we're tattooers we don't really have like a, it's not like you look up and there's a job title on want a tattooer does. So
Eddy: [Yeah. There's all sorts. Like there's some who literally just tattoo images off Google and that makes them happy and they see themselves more as tradespeople. Then there's those of us who are really only interested in doing custom pieces in our particular style and then everything in between.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely. I mean, like, I think, um, like any, anybody that tattoos it's important to know the technical side of things, but I think that whole, I mean, it used to be like the kind of Western like style of tattooing used to be walking to a studio would usually be like a pretty scary place. You know, like you see all the old films and old bikies sitting in the chair. I mean, it hasn't always been like that
Eddy: Ciggies, carpet on the ground.
Tahlia: It's just a majority of the places. Yeah. Like, you know, and it used to be picked out, they get the old stencil, they stick it on, you know, and like these days is it's way more of an experience. So like live it up, you know, like do it, like use, use your artists, like as you can, you know, work with them and you know, you're also, you're going to enjoy it a lot more, you know, like, um, like. You're gonna enjoy your artist is going to really enjoy it. And it's something that you connect on then, you know, by the time you come in to get tattooed, your artist is so stoked on it. Like the amount of times, like people send me really cool ideas and they're like, just do what you want. You know, I just want something like this and I'm just like, I'm writing them I'm like, yeah, this is so rad, I'm so excited. This is going to be awesome. And then I'm like, Oh, thats right I'm also, I have to be slightly professional. A lot of the time they come in, I feel like we're best mates from way back when, you know, and I'm like, Yeah, so what are we doing now? You know? And like, they leave. And from there, it's like, you know, you, you're friends, like, that's it, you know, like you see them in the street it's just like, how's it going? I'm like, what's going on? You know, it's really cool. Like what other, what other kind of job can you do where like that's, that's your day to day?
Eddy: Yeah, you almost, um, become a part of their lives, even if you don't necessarily ever connect again after the tattoo, you've still had this like intimate and unique interaction that has marked their body and they will remember every time they look at it and yeah, the impact of that goes beyond even, even that initial tattoo experience. But yeah, we're so lucky.
Tahlia: Definitely.
Eddy: I did want to ask you actually, um, How you, how you got into tattooing. Cause I mentioned that before that I met you, um, when, before you even started your apprenticeship, like, and you've been tattooing for, what would it be like six years, five or six is now
Tahlia: I think it's about five, I mean, it's so like, it was such a weird coming into it. I mean, like, I, I didn't...tattooing so it looks like lets wind it right back. So it all kind of started, I mean, I was always like into creative stuff, but, um, I, I had a trade I quit that and I was working part time for a freak show. So it was like a performance, um, like agency and these guys are like, nowadays they're all just my best mates. Um, you know, and like, That was like my first kind of, I liked tattoos and I'd had a few tattoos, but this was like, I met all these really like creative, weird people. And they like had all these really weird tattoos and I was just like, this is awesome. And because of the shows that we were doing was so like, um, niche underground, kind of like, it was more like, um, I did a lot of like fire stuff and like grotesque, burlesque kind of stuff.
Eddy: That's awesome.
Tahlia: And like, therefore, like a lot of people we met were other creators. So at these events that we were doing I'd meet other tattooers. So from there I was like, Hey, can I come and like, hang out at the studio and paint and draw. So I just would like hang out with people. And then I just, I ended up like helping run like front counters sometimes and someone would go away for the week. Um, I just like when friends would, so when we met in Melbourne, um, friends of mine would like work the convention and they'd be like, Hey, do you want to come across? And they'd let me sell my artwork in return for working in the booth for them for the weekend, you know? And I'd just like, get my flights and go out and hang out with everyone just cause.
Like I just idolized. I was like, this is the greatest job in the world. And I mean, I, I created a lot, but I also, I had a lot of like self pressure where I was like, okay, tattooers are like up here. Their work is up here and my artwork has to be up there. So, I mean, I have moved away to Europe and then I was kind of still hanging out in studios, but not really doing a lot. And I had done a couple of tattoos. I was living in Brighton at the time. Um just at some friend's studios there just on like a few friends that I knew in the area. And I was just trying to like get out there, but I mean, it was good, but it was bad. Like, unfortunately and fortunately, I worked in like private studios when I did kind of like when I hung out, I was always in private studios. So it wasn't like they could be like, you're an apprentice. You can do some walk-ins or you can do that. So it's like, I kind of got to teach myself and watch other people use machines, but I was like, you know, they were like, if you want to learn, you can tattoo yourself or tattoo a friend. So, I mean
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: I'd done a couple. And then I moved to Berlin and I was trying to see if it was like, you know, at this point I just caught the bug. I was like, I w I want to do this. I want to do it seriously. And I was able to, um, score a job at a studio called Pechschwarz Tattoo in...which is like, um a darkwork studio and the artists there were just so high caliber and amazing, and really friendly and lovely. And I mean, I was pretty honest about stuff. Like I was like, look, I don't really know what I'm doing. Like I just want to apprentice. And they already had an apprentice and they were kinda like, look you just tattoo here. You do your jobs here. And they will like and, you know, you just work as an artist, but you just travel as much as you can. You travel and you like learn off everybody you can you take as much knowledge as you can? And it was until then I went to work within like the first month or two of kind of tattooing I was able to go and work a convention in Kassel, in central Germany, where I met friends from a studio called Green Pearl, which is in Braunschweig in Germany.
And, um, I used to go out there and I used to just like, that was my first experience of doing walk-ins, which was like, you know, at this point I was a bit fake it till you make it. So like I'm there and they're just throwing me all these walk ins. And I'm with all these amazing tattooers, and I was just like sweating and like, Oh my God, am I going to do this? Okay. People are coming over. I'm waiting for them to be like, Oh, this is shit. But they're like, Oh cool, man. Like awesome. You know, everybody was just so friendly and nice. And then, I mean, I was just, I dunno, I like, from there, I just met so many people just going to different places. So I was just like, okay, anytime somebody invites me somewhere, I would just go there. And then from there, I just ended up being able to like, I got invited to the Nepal tattoo convention and I tattooed around Nepal. I ended up working at Parliament Tattoo in London. I got invited to work there with a friend. I worked in Brighton a lot. Um, worked in, um, Krakow in Poland. I worked at a couple of conventions there. I worked in Italy and Spain a lot. I did a lot of work in Spain. Um, I think I'm forgetting a few places.
Eddy: It's like, initiation by fire.
Tahlia: Oh yeah. Like I was way out of my depth. Like, and I was just like so grateful and I mean, I was also like, I can't, I felt like I couldn't turn down the opportunities because, you know, I was like, if I tell them no, like, I'm not really ready then like, would I have that opportunity again? And like, I just got to, like, everybody was just so lovely. I mean like sometimes I think like, people, like I've said before, they, they build up tattoo is like, they're these scary things, you know? And then you meet them and they're just so awesome. And I mean, when I would go there, I would end up getting to talk to the people and I'd be like, Oh, you know, actually I haven't been tattooing long and they're just like, yeah, good on you. You know, this is awesome. And you know, they'd give you constructive criticism. And I mean, like, As long as you were nice to everyone, I mean, I'd just walk around and be like, how did you do that? That's amazing. You know, they would just stoked to share it. They're like, Oh, you think that's really cool? Like, well, I think this is cool. You know, you're just bouncing off one another. And I think that was the difference. Like
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: It was just like really lucky.
Eddy: Yeah. I love that there's different ways to enter tattooing because like, if we all had the exact same like apprenticeship situation or whatever things wouldn't be as diverse or interesting. Like the fact that you've got to travel the world learning along the way is what makes your work yours.
Tahlia: Oh, thank you. I mean, I think also like, like I said, I was very lucky. I had some very good mentors. Um, like some of the places I would hang out, like I got offered, um, a lot of apprenticeships before I left Australia. And I remember a few of the older guys that I worked with and that like mentored me. Um, they kind of said like, you know, you don't like because of this underlying in a few of the studios, especially like at that point in time, on the West coast of Australia, unless you were an amazing artist straight away, like you kind of, your only choice from there was to work in these like kind of misogynistic, kind of sexist like underlying places, you know? And they were like, you know, you don't want to work somewhere you're a little bit owned by the studio. Like in, you know, there was this a lot of kind of dodgy stuff going on and, you know, I wanted to tattoo so bad, but I'm really glad I had good like mentors around that were like get out while you can, you know, like, you know, and I'm kind of like, but this is the wrong way to do it.
And they're like, that's when I had people, like, not like you do it, however you do it, you know? Kind of like get in there. I mean, and I'm not an advocate, like when I'm telling my story, I'm not an advocate for like, you know, tattoo at home and do this. Like, I never did any of that. Like, you know, I mean, like I'm not. I still believed in a safe practice. I went and did my occupational health and safety before I started tattooing. And I've only ever like tattooed in studios, you know, or in like a safe environment like that. Like I, I think sometimes there's a little bit of a blurred line with people when they're like, you know, when they say, Oh, you know, you don't need to have a traditional kind of apprenticeship, like I totally agree with that. But I also would say like, you know, you have to make sure that you're having a safe practice. And at the end of the day, like, you know, there is, there is definitely a technical application that you need to learn.
Eddy: You do need a mentor.
Tahlia: Like everybody learns in their own different way, but yeah, like there is like, there is some technical stuff you have to learn. I mean, like I learned that pretty quick that like, just because I could draw something on paper didn't mean I could tattoo it. Like, and, and even now, like sometimes I feel like when I tattoo for a long time and I don't have a lot of time to draw. Sometimes I feel like my tattooing abilities surpasses my drawing ability. And you know, you've got to kind of notch it back together. Like, because at the end of the day, it is two different crafts it's like it's like doing like, you know, drawing sketching with a pencil and then painting with oils and expecting to be an amazing oil painter cause you good with pencils, you know, it's like it's two different things.
Eddy: Absolutely. That's what, um, you know, like I've mentioned in previous interviews, how, you know, we're so privileged, like will those of us who are comfortable, like to be able to actually use this time to practice those skills again and kind of, you know, when we go back to tattooing, we'll have like being able to build other skills up to a point where, you know, everything's a bit more balanced.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely like, um, I think that, you know, it's, it's important to keep, like I think I see it with a lot of people. I did it a lot myself as well. Like I was lucky enough to kind of get, um, like I kind of, I was drawing all the time. I was painting all the time and I was so much like involved in my art. And then I started tattooing and I felt like that was maybe after a year or two of tattooing. I felt like my work was kind of becoming a little bit repetitive, like for my own liking, but I think a lot of it was to do with like, more of, I just wasn't taking the time to draw anymore. Like I was just so excited to tattoo that all I did was tattoo to the point that like I think then I had like a little while where I was like, Oh, well, what do I draw now? You know, because I'd just gotten so into this process of like what I would do to do a tattoo that when I got to sit down in front of a piece of paper, my brain was up. It's just like, nah you've used all that up now.
Eddy: Yeah, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well to like, do everything perfectly and it's not really realistic. And, uh, you know, we've, we've talked about many times about like all of these like external pressures that we put on ourselves and how, you know, we're all ending up getting really burnt out and tattoo. Like I know so many tattooers who have been like, Oh, I've just been so burnt out lately. Like almost thankful that lockdown happened. And like, do, were you feeling that way as well?
Tahlia: Um, definitely like I think, um, I mean, I I've had like moments of, uh, I think now I'm able to kind of better adjust to that. Like, I feel like I had my moment where I burnt out a bit and then I had the kind of go wait and like reel it back a bit. I mean, I think there's the co like there's, there's different pressures. So there's like the personal pressure, like the, you know, we want to be able to do, because we have to create all the time. There's this kind of thing to create on demand, you know? And like, sometimes you can't do that. Sometimes you have a bit of a creative block. It doesn't mean that what you create, isn't going to be amazing for somebody, but it just means like, as far as you creating something new and innovative, You're just maybe like a little bit, you just need to relax and like take some time whether what it is that relaxes you whether you take a ride on your motorbike, or you go out to nature for a bit, you know, something that just kind of resets and takes you out of the studio, you know, and like, um, you know, there's also this like, this social pressure. I mean, with like social media these days, especially like Instagram, I mean personally myself with all this like COVID stuff, like I'm looking online and like, I mean, I've gotten my gardens going. I've been looking after all the farm animals. Yeah. I've done lots of stuff. But then I was finding myself, hopping on Instagram and I'm like, Oh, everybody's painting.
Everybody's like selling like originals. And they're doing all of this amazing stuff. And I'm sitting here going well, how come like, you know, I managed to get up and make lunch today and like sort the garden out. And then I'm like, Oh, I need to leave my garden and I need to paint. I should be doing my greatest work right now. You know? And like you find yourself, like even though you don't mean to you're like comparing yourself to other people and I mean like, back when I first started tattooing Instagram was like pretty like, it was like prevalent, but it wasn't like huge. And I mean, you know, nowadays, like, like you used to know the artists because they were the artists in your area, in your city, you'd read tattoo magazines. And that's how you'd find cool people. Whereas these days, literally, if I want to hop on my phone right now, I'm just like, exposed to the greatest tattoo artists in the world, the greatest artists in the world. So you just, you're looking and you're like, Oh my God. You know, and everybody's doing their own individual thing, but you're not seeing that.
You're just seeing an amalgamation of like amazing, different everything, you know? And you're like, Oh God, like, why am I no good at this? You know? And like, we also have, like, it's more of like an old school mentality, but there's like this thing of like, Um, like, it's kind of cool to overwork yourself when your tattoo, like, if you talk to artists that like, when like tattoo conventions are the perfect example of what you know, we'll tattoo for 12 to 14 hours straight, we do it for three days. And I mean, that's fun when you work at convention. Sometimes it's fun to burn yourself out a little bit, you know, but like, you know, people are just. They just take the work because it's there, you know, and they're just working and working, working, you know, and like they're burning themselves out. They're not like eating properly. They're not like, you know, a lot of the time, you know, they're kind of like going out and having a few drinks and like dinner with friends afterwards, you know? And they're like, They kind of like get some weird satisfaction from it, because somewhere along the line, some old school guys told us, you know, if you're not working, like, you know, then like, like for some reason, like we're made to feel guilty.
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: If we decide that we need to take a day off a week, because we want to like, you know, get something else going. Or like, you know, if you're like, well, I'm working way too much, you know, like I, I took a day off a week so that I could you know, do my drawings to the best of my ability, because I feel like if I take that extra time, then like, you know, I create something better than if I'm just like putting it on, on the morning of like the thing, you know, but I don't know. It's just, it's this weird thing. And it's like, Nobody talks about it. Like nobody's really gonna make you feel bad about it, but you kind of have this weird guilt sometimes when you're like, Oh, you know, I need to work a little less than sometimes, you know, you're like, Oh, is everybody going to look down on me or think I'm weak because I need to take a bit of time to create.
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: But I think also like a lot of people that do over work. They work in studios where they're doing a lot of walk-ins and like, they're not really like thinking about the stuff that they're creating a lot of stuff. So maybe they do like one of their own flash pieces. But for the rest of the week, they're doing like, you know, somebody that comes in and says, I want this picture. I want this. So they're doing that after like one after the other. And I mean that still can burn you out. But I mean, when you're doing what you do, what I do, what a lot of artists do, where you're like putting a bit of yourself into everything you create for somebody you just like mentally and physically cannot spend all your time doing that. Like if I'm working seven days a week doing three or four tattoos a day, Like by like Saturday, Sunday, how am I going to make the best work that I can? Because all I'm thinking is I need a good sleep.
Eddy: Yep.
Tahlia: I need to get out of the studio. Like I've traveled when I first started tattooing, I took that on board so hard and I just wanted to work so much that like for a while there, when I was traveling, like I did a three month trip with my friend, Laura, that I was working in Berlin with and we went to Italy, we went to Spain. Um, Where else, there was somewhere else we went, but there was like a few places that we traveled to. And then the three months, I didn't see anything. The first time I went to Spain, I spent most of my time in Barcelona. I hadn't even seen the beach.
Eddy: Oh my god.
Tahlia: Like we literally just stayed in a studio the whole time. I went Milan. All I can tell you about Milan is I went to. Well, I was lucky enough, actually, I got to go to some fashion shows in the nighttime, but we'd just been so busy that like, by the time we went there, I was so burnt out. I couldn't take in the fact that I was in fashion week. Like with you know, at an exclusive like NIKE and ADIDAS party, like, you know, all I was thinking was I just need to sleep. I need to draw these jobs for tomorrow and I need to work. Like know, I can't like you couldn't be. And at some point, and I think that also prompted, you know, when I moved to Mexico for a while, Like, it's a very slow, relaxed kind of lifestyle. And I think that's what, like drew me to it when I was living in Europe, I was like, so fast paced and tattooing all the time.
And everybody I worked with was so heavily into that, that I like was so into this place where I was like, wow, everybody just wakes up. They go and do a little bit of work and then they relax. They take a lunch break, you know, like, and nowadays I think like, You know, I try and I think maybe I went from like so fast paced to so relaxed and I feel like coming back here was a little bit more of like, okay, let's like work is like, To the best of our abilities and then, you know, go home and like, relax and enjoy like, you know, our family, our pets, our garden, our plant babies, whatever we want, you know, take the time to really enjoy stuff like that.
Eddy: Absolutely. It's so important to get that balance. Like I burnt myself out so hard and I always had these like ideas in my head that I had to be here for the studio to make sure that all the artists who work here were happy and that I was doing everything I could for them. And then I had to be there for my clients to make sure I was doing the best work for them. And I had to do all of these things and I had to do a lot of it to please everyone. And that I forgot about myself. And then I kind of realized like, what's the point of living if you're in, you're not enjoying it. What's the point of creating art if, if you're not able to actually put any thing of value into it, and then like, what's the point of, you know, being there for, you know, my colleagues, if I'm just angry and tired, like it's just, it's crazy. And tattooing is.
...
Yeah, and it's, it's such a strange thing that tattooers have developed that attitude because it's such a capitalist attitude and we're meant to be pirates. It doesn't make sense.
Tahlia: Yeah, I mean, not like how many, like as soon as we got put into lockdown how many tattooers was stressed about not working and do you know what that was? I mean, go back. Like a year. I was like, I'm in, I'd say like, I've made some of my biggest changes to that in the last year. I mean, I would be having a full mental breakdown if you go back a year or two, not being able to have work because you know, like it got to the point that, I mean, I love tattooing with all my heart and soul, and I always have like, and just like creating, but I mean, it got to the point where I had no life besides tattooing. Like my life was going to work early and then being the last one to leave because, you know, I just stay and paint. Like, I, I didn't bother with like relationships. I didn't like bother like everything.
Like my friends were everybody I tattooed with. I didn't bother having a partner because I didn't want the time for it. Like, I I've always wanted pets. But I didn't have pets because I was like, Oh, well, I don't want to have to look after them because I want to be able to go and tattoo. I'd have a day off and I'd go into the studio and the guys at work all would be like, well, what are you doing? I'd be like, just in the area because I had nothing else to do, you know? Everything that I could. It's like, I feel for people that have done that to their life, because now that we're not tattooing, like, you know, you have to take a that's what happened to me? Like you have to take a hard, look at yourself and be like, wow, like, you know, this is something that I've like invested so much in my life in that, like, I don't have anything besides that, you know?
And I think it's important to have that balance, you know, because. It did get to that like, my inspiration was all just tattoo inspiration. And then, you know, when I took a step back and I went back to doing the things I enjoy doing, like going for long hikes, you know, like I started taking Mondays off and I called Mondays adventure Mondays. And every Monday I'd go for a big hike by the time I'd go to work on Tuesday, I'd be physically exhausted, but I would also just be like, Oh, I did this and I saw that and like, it just got me out of that, like that habit, like I saw something different and I was like just fresh perspective. Like all of a sudden my work started going in like different directions and yeah, it's just, it's, it's very important.
Eddy: Oh, that's so awesome. Yeah. Well if, to any of our listeners who are tattooers, who've been in that kind of situation, where their, they've invested all of their self worth in tattooing, what, what would you suggest if anything?
Tahlia: I mean, everybody's got the different things. I mean, like, obviously we have like hobbies and passions besides tattooing like, even if it's something as simple as if you still want to do something creative, like go and do a life drawing course, or like, you know, an extra art course or something, something away from it find like a different medium, or like, you know, another thing I've like, I've done, which I enjoyed is like just volunteer work at places, go and volunteer somewhere. Obviously, you know, you're tattooing that much. You don't need to go and hustle and make money off something. And I think that that's something that like, you know, being self employed, kind of, you can get into that bubble of feeling like you need a hustle all the time, you know, and like make money off every creative endeavor, but go and do something that you can't make money off.
Eddy: Yeah.
Tahlia: You know like going like knit or paint, like go and ask someone if they got a free wall and go and paint their wall for them or something, you know, like just do something that breaks you out of the cycle of like, you know, It being so much of work, you know, or like, you know, go on a date. It's not going to kill you. I mean, like, I definitely, it was like, I was afraid of people, like, you know, I was like, Oh, I can't get close to anyone because you know, work is everything, you know, and like, You just go and treat yourself, take yourself out for a nice dinner. Like one of my really good friends, like I rang her up and she was in Scotland and I was like, what are you doing? And she's like, just taking myself for a date, you know? And you know, it's like, she took a day off work, took herself for a day and made herself feel better. And I was like, Oh God, I've never done that. Like, I never would think of that. You know? So like, just think of like, Think of someone you really love and if they were like, if they needed a break, what would you do for them? And then just do that for yourself.
Eddy: That's a really good point. Yeah. That's awesome. I love that. I'm going to do that. I'm going to take myself for a date tomorrow.
Tahlia: It's so good. I mean like also another thing I love to do when I take myself for a day, Is when I sit down, I like table for one, I'm like, Oh no table for two, please. I'm just waiting on my date and then seeing their face and like, Oh, they just didn't show up...it's a horrible thing to do.
Eddy: Hey, you got to take the joy where you can.
Tahlia: Yeah.
Eddy: Well, before we finish up today, is there anything else you wanted to touch on?
Tahlia: Um, I don't know, I could ramble on for a million years. I'm in like, I've already expressed for this my love for you guys as well. Um.
Eddy: I love you.
Tahlia: I mean, for anyone. Well, I can't wait till I can come visit you guys.
Eddy: Aww, I miss you so much.
Tahlia: But I mean like, with like tattooing, I mean, I'm just like, I can't wait to go back I like, I'm just super excited to like, you know, see my clients again, meet new people, travel more, you know, like it's been such a wild ride to get to here.
I'm super excited to see kind of what the future of tattooing holds. And there's just that many amazing artists out there. And like, you know, I, I have the absolute pleasure to say that a lot of those amazing people are my friends as well. You know, like I I feel really, really, really blessed to be able to be inspired by the people that come and eat dinner at my house with me, and like, you know, meet up for coffee. You know like, it's, it's pretty awesome. And like, you know, it's the people that like are collecting tattoos and let like contact us and that really dig our art, like I just like I just pinch myself every day and I'm like, wow, people actually like what I'm doing. I'm so so I stoked on that and I'm stoked that a lot of people share that same kind of vibe as me, you know, and just like, appreciate everything about it.
Eddy: We are the luckiest people on the planet, I think, in the universe, even
Tahlia: Yeah and like, if anybody, if anybody ever sees this and they want to like reach out and chat about art, about tattooing like I kind of, I swear I'm not a scary person. Sometimes it might take me a few days to answer, but I do love like, hearing and seeing art projects. Like, I love when like, you know, people that follow me on Instagram, they like message me and like, Hey, I drew this, what do you think of that? Like, and I just love that. Like, I love like supporting people, like if you're creating in any kind of for yourself or if you're pursuing to be a tattooer. Like just support as many people as you can support local artists, support, local business, you know, like
Eddy: Absolutely
Tahlia: That kind of thing. You know, like there there's no room for hate there's enough, like hate out there. So just like just bugger it off, you know, just find things you like. And if you find something really nice, like if you like something, don't just scroll past it, you know, make the effort to tell somebody because you know, like for like, as artists we're so self-critical like, you know, someone writing something really nice to us, or like commenting on something, you know, that could be what makes our day. That could be what, you know, you saying that you like, that could inspire us to create more of that. You know, like if you're not engaging with us and we're not really sure what you're into. So like, be like, you know, be more engaging with us and like, we can bring you exactly what you want. Like tell us what you want to see, like go for it.
Eddy: That's awesome. Yeah. That's that is such a good thing to do. And it's so true about the whole, like, just being kind and spreading love it like that kind of optimism is really going to be what makes the world a better place moving forward.
Tahlia: Yeah, definitely. And I really hope all of this time that we've had at home has kind of like sparked that, you know, it's definitely made me realize like how much you can get into doing it everyday life. And then you kind of like take for granted the fact that you know, like I drive two hours and I can be with you guys and hanging out, you know? And you kind of like, you know, even with family and any kind of friends, you know, you kind of take that for granted. And then something like this happens. You're like, Oh, I miss everyone. I really appreciate having those people in my life. And all of a sudden you're like, as soon as this is over, I'm going to go hug every single person and tell them how much I love them.
Eddy: So many hugs after this. Oh my God.
Tahlia: Although I feel like our pets will be very upset when we all return to work.
Eddy: Yeah. The cats are going to be devastated. Like my, my exotic short hair, my little squish face boy, he like, he spends hours just sitting on Aaron's lap, staring into Aaron's eyes, just full of love. And he's so happy Aaron's home all the time now.
Tahlia: So good though, I mean, if there's anyone, that's like not hating COVID. It's definitely our pets.
Eddy: Yeah. All the doggos in the world having the best time going for walks every day.
Tahlia: Oh, yeah, they're all just like yeah best day ever.
Eddy: Aww, little angels. Well, for, for our listeners, um, if you'd like to watch the footage of this chat, you can head over to our YouTube and follow us on Instagram at not just a girl underscore tattoo for regular updates. I'll be sure to link Tahlia's information if you want to contact her, um, and follow her. And um, any other information in the show notes, um, make sure you subscribe and follow and share and spread the love of tattooing. Um, thank you so much for joining me Tahlia. It's been so amazing and thank you so much to all of our listeners. Um, I hope everyone has a wonderful day if they can and get out there and spread the love and be kind and don't take anything for the granted.
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