The evolution of tattooing from a taboo, underground culture to a widely accepted art form has significantly transformed the industry's dynamics, impacting both artists and clients in various ways. In the early days of tattooing, particularly in the 1990s, the culture was largely underground and associated with rebellion.

In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova takes a unique approach by conducting the first-ever remote podcast on the show, reaching out to guests who are unable to join in person. He welcomes tattoo artist Heather McLean, known on Instagram as Hyphaea, who specializes in large-format, decorative, illustrative black and gray tattoos. Aaron encourages listeners to check out Heather’s stunning work in real-time while they listen. The conversation dives into the intricacies of tattoo artistry, the creative process, and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self in the industry, despite external opinions.

The conversation also touches on the challenges and perceptions of women in the tattoo industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion that fuses creativity and personal insights that celebrate artistic expression and individuality.

Chat Breakdown:

03:37 Tattoo inspiration from grandpa.

10:01 Women in the tattooing industry.

15:18 Tattoo culture's underground origins.

19:52 Judgment among tattoo artists.

39:34 Emotional connection through tattooing.

49:03 Tattoo energy and emotional impact.

1:04:54 Nature as a spiritual escape.

01:10:19 Human perspective vs. AI creativity.

1:25:44 Nature conservation and personal responsibility.

Quotes:

"In 1999, a girl saying, I'm going to become a tattoo artist. She was like, that's the equivalent of saying I'm going to run away and join the circus."

"Being professional is great, but being fake is not something that I really have enjoyed ever."

"I have a goal, I'm here, I'm getting to here, either you're helping me get there or you're in the way."

"No one's asking me for my fucking opinion and I don't want to engage in a troll war online."

"Tattooing has turned from a thing where it used to be more about ego and now it's more about service."

"I've got a lot of extra energy today to share, because I'm feeling great. Your cup is very empty, and I swear to that process, they almost leave more filled up."

"I think it's okay to be like, yes, I'm a tattooer, but I'm also holding space for you when this difficult thing is happening."

"It's like being haunted almost. There are ghosts to every experience."

"The most enlightened people... just want to help. It's just completely egoless at that point."

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 Hyphaea:

IG:https://www.instagram.com/hyphaea

The evolution of tattooing has been profoundly shaped by artistic trends and public perception, particularly in recent years. As discussed in the podcast episode featuring one of the world's most prolific and respected tattoo artists, Filip Leu, there has been a significant shift towards realism in tattoo art, which has gained popularity among both artists and clients.

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."

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 Patrick:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/henning_royaltattoo/