Artist profile.

Right so here is my very first artist profile, and it is Ashleigh Blake. I am not really uploading any pictures to this entry, mainly because to look at her work like paintings and tattoos click on her name to look at her myspace page.

First experience?

My first real tattoo experience was at 15,
I was in town with my mum having a girly day when she decided to get that dragon tattoo she had been wanting for years
So there we were walking towards Danny’s tattoo studio in Nottingham, me all excited to watch and mum slightly nervous, then it struck me it was my 16th birthday in a few days, what better present was there than a tattoo, so after a severe ear bashing from me mum finally agreed that I could have a tiny one for my present, we went in chose what we wanted and waited for our turn.
I chose a small blue rose……
That was it for me, after feeling the needle for the first time I was hooked.

Have you always been into art?

I was always really arty and after studying hairdressing and hair design I decided to try my hand at what I loved most…..art, and what better than doing my art on people who could wear it everyday.
I got my first proper apprenticeship at 18 and never looked back.

Who has tattooed you?

Some of my work is done by friends and other pieces by artists I admire,
I have a beautiful piece on my face which is of cherry blossoms by artist Kamil Mocet
I also have one of my favourites which is a cupcake in my armpit by artist Endre Szabo.
a lot of my work was done by a very dear friend called Sumo who unfortunately passed away in 09.

Any inspirational artists?

Most artists I admire are the usual bunch who appear in magazines regularly,
Artists such as Mike Devries, Nikko ,Stephane Chaudesaigues, Joshua Carlton, Guy Atchison are to name afew, the list goes on.
Theres so many fantastic people out there who do wonders with skin and ink.

What sort of style are you really interested in?

I have tattooed most styles but my favourite style is realistic, im a fan of flowers and pretty images, butterflys swirly patterns ect..
Lettering is also a big love of mine.

Do you think you have learned everything there is you need to know now?

There is still so much to learn even after the 8 years worth of knowledge I already have.
Tattooing is endless and will always be my big love. I look forward to the new techniques and styles which are constantly changing which makes tattooing so interesting.