Canterbury People - Frederick Bain -Tattoo Artist
July 24th 2007 08:28
Canterbury People – Frederick Bain, Tattoo Artist, Left Hand Path, Christchurch
Canterbury People is a new online feature which I am developing to showcase Canterbury and its diversity of people.
Through some networking, Frederick agreed to be my first subject and as I had no idea about tattooing, I saw it as a great opportunity for my readers and myself to learn more.
Now never having stepped into a tattoo studio before, I can admit I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised upon entering as all my preconceptions disappeared for it was alot different than I imagined.
I had only just closed the front door when Frederick welcomed me through to where he was creating his latest piece of art.
After checking that I wouldn’t put him of his work, Frederick was happy to answer my questions.
H
What made you decide to be a tattoo artist?
F
I went to uni and studied science and art as these were what I was good at whilst at school, but it didn’t take me too long to realize that science just wasn’t me, so I started to look for something that could make use of my artistic side. Bit of a natural progression really as I started to get into the heavy metal music scene and various friends started to ask me to design their tattoos for them. I then spent 2 years looking for an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist.
H
So what requirements are needed to be a good tattooist?
F
There are a lot of people who want to get into the business, sort of that rock star thing I guess, but really you need good artistic talent, outgoing personality and commitment. Long hours are part of the job as we have been here since 12.30 working on this design and its now 17.30. There has been an increase in tattoos as they become more mainstream. This is due to more public exposure, acceptance and also new technology that allows more realistic designs. But being a tattoo artist is more of a lifestyle choice than a regular 9-5 job.
H
Does it hurt?
F
To be honest it all depends as different people have various pain thresholds and it also depends on where you have it done.
H
So after having a tattoo done, aftercare is important?
F
Yes, aftercare is very important as basically a tattoo is an open wound, so you need to keep it clean and follow our care instructions. Healing time can be anywhere from 6 days to 6 weeks depending on the person and size of design done.
H
How long is the average process?
F
If a big custom job, then a couple of days to draw up the designs, if its something small and straight forward and there is nothing else on, then we can do that on the spot.
H
So are there any laws you have to abide by?
F
Not really, the industry self regulates itself as it isn’t in our interests to cut corners with health and safety concerns.
H
So as a newbie not into the tattoo scene, how would you advise me on the process?
F
First of all, I would try and work out what design you wanted? This can be a long process at times and it’s a case of asking the right questions until we work out what you actually want? Then once a design is decided on, I will ink the design on your skin, almost like a template as very few artists do it without and it also gives you an idea of how it will look.
H
What is the most unusual request you’ve had?
F
I had one customer who wanted a pair of gumboots.
H
Gumboots??
F
Yup and they had to be exactly a certain type but we got there in the end.
H
Anything else?
F
Yeah, had a guy wanted 100% NZ New Beef stamp on his butt!
H
Now that’s something you wouldn't see everyday.
F
Too right.
H
So what motivates you?
F
You know I’m amazed at just how many people stay in a job they hate, just because of the money etc. I just love this job, being artistic, the responsibility of seeing people’s designs through from start to finish and this is something I enjoy with a passion, so I expect I will be doing this for the rest of my life.
H
Anyone who is an inspiration to you?
F
Everyone is an inspiration as everyone has something to teach, tell, show you.
H
Favorite country you would like to visit and why?
F
Japan, as Japanese tattooing is seen as the ultimate, close as to perfection Zen like quality you can get, plus asian girls are hot too.
H
Favorite band?
F
I guess that would be the Swedish band Opeth
Well a big thank you to Frederick for his time and if you have and questions or need a design done then he can be found Tues to Sat at Left Hand Path, 239 A Linwood Ave, Linwood, Christchurch 03-381-6660
www.lefthandpathtattoos.com
Frederick
Words and photography
Heath ling
Canterbury People is a new online feature which I am developing to showcase Canterbury and its diversity of people.
Through some networking, Frederick agreed to be my first subject and as I had no idea about tattooing, I saw it as a great opportunity for my readers and myself to learn more.
Now never having stepped into a tattoo studio before, I can admit I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised upon entering as all my preconceptions disappeared for it was alot different than I imagined.
After checking that I wouldn’t put him of his work, Frederick was happy to answer my questions.
H
What made you decide to be a tattoo artist?
F
I went to uni and studied science and art as these were what I was good at whilst at school, but it didn’t take me too long to realize that science just wasn’t me, so I started to look for something that could make use of my artistic side. Bit of a natural progression really as I started to get into the heavy metal music scene and various friends started to ask me to design their tattoos for them. I then spent 2 years looking for an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist.
H
So what requirements are needed to be a good tattooist?
F
There are a lot of people who want to get into the business, sort of that rock star thing I guess, but really you need good artistic talent, outgoing personality and commitment. Long hours are part of the job as we have been here since 12.30 working on this design and its now 17.30. There has been an increase in tattoos as they become more mainstream. This is due to more public exposure, acceptance and also new technology that allows more realistic designs. But being a tattoo artist is more of a lifestyle choice than a regular 9-5 job.
H
Does it hurt?
F
To be honest it all depends as different people have various pain thresholds and it also depends on where you have it done.
H
So after having a tattoo done, aftercare is important?
F
Yes, aftercare is very important as basically a tattoo is an open wound, so you need to keep it clean and follow our care instructions. Healing time can be anywhere from 6 days to 6 weeks depending on the person and size of design done.
H
How long is the average process?
F
If a big custom job, then a couple of days to draw up the designs, if its something small and straight forward and there is nothing else on, then we can do that on the spot.
H
So are there any laws you have to abide by?
F
Not really, the industry self regulates itself as it isn’t in our interests to cut corners with health and safety concerns.
H
So as a newbie not into the tattoo scene, how would you advise me on the process?
F
First of all, I would try and work out what design you wanted? This can be a long process at times and it’s a case of asking the right questions until we work out what you actually want? Then once a design is decided on, I will ink the design on your skin, almost like a template as very few artists do it without and it also gives you an idea of how it will look.
H
What is the most unusual request you’ve had?
F
I had one customer who wanted a pair of gumboots.
H
Gumboots??
F
Yup and they had to be exactly a certain type but we got there in the end.
H
Anything else?
F
Yeah, had a guy wanted 100% NZ New Beef stamp on his butt!
H
Now that’s something you wouldn't see everyday.
F
Too right.
H
So what motivates you?
F
You know I’m amazed at just how many people stay in a job they hate, just because of the money etc. I just love this job, being artistic, the responsibility of seeing people’s designs through from start to finish and this is something I enjoy with a passion, so I expect I will be doing this for the rest of my life.
H
Anyone who is an inspiration to you?
F
Everyone is an inspiration as everyone has something to teach, tell, show you.
H
Favorite country you would like to visit and why?
F
Japan, as Japanese tattooing is seen as the ultimate, close as to perfection Zen like quality you can get, plus asian girls are hot too.
H
Favorite band?
F
I guess that would be the Swedish band Opeth
Well a big thank you to Frederick for his time and if you have and questions or need a design done then he can be found Tues to Sat at Left Hand Path, 239 A Linwood Ave, Linwood, Christchurch 03-381-6660
www.lefthandpathtattoos.com
Frederick
Words and photography
Heath ling
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