We thought we should do a proper introduction to our new team member Sophie Gibbons who is a Tattoo Artist based in Plymouth.  Check out her team page here.

How long have you been a tattooist?
Just over 2 years.

What were you doing before tattooing?
I was studying a Fine art and Art history degree.

When did you first take notice of tattoos as an art form?
When I was a little girl, all my family had tattoos so I have always been interested. When I was about 11 I watched my Aunt getting a huge dragon tattooed on her leg and I thought it was awesome.

When did you get your first work done and what was it?
When I was 15, I got a tribal thing at the bottom of my back. Needless to say I don’t like it anymore, oops.

When did you decide you wanted to become a tattooist? Did you do an apprenticeship or are you self taught?
Being a tattooist always seemed out of reach to me. One of those ‘dream jobs’ that I could never be lucky enough to have. During the second year of my degree my fine art practise was closely related to tattoo design. As I got more and more into it, I was drawing and painting every day, I realised how much I enjoyed the imagery and didn’t want to stop. I was lucky enough to know an awesome traditional tattooist Neil Pengilley. Who gave me a chance and has taught me all I know to this day, to which I am eternally grateful – cheers Boss. However I don’t think I will ever stop learning and progressing.

Do you remember the fist tattoo you ever did, what was it and who was it on? How successful was the attempt?
The very first tattoo I did on a person was a tiny heart on my good friend Stef Nurding, brave girl. The experience was hilarious! But the first proper design was on my lovely husband Dan….. on his bum. It’s a skull and cross bones and it turned out surprisingly well, it still makes me laugh every time I see it!

What is it about tattooing that you love?
Everything.

What else inspires you?
Everything around me, my friends and family, the people I meet and the people I work with.

What style of tattooing do you prefer?
At the moment I suppose it would have to be traditional, and Japanese, but I really like to add a girly touch to whatever I do.

Is there a certain tattooist that you would like to get work from?
Inma at magnum opus, Valarie Vargas, Sandi Calistro, Tomas Tomas.

Okay, so you happy inflicting pain on other people, but how about tattooing yourself? How do you find it?
Tattooing myself was a weird one, it actually hurt way less because you have to concentrate more.

What are you plans for the future?
To draw, paint and tattoo as much as possible and get better and better.

Where are you working at the moment?
I am working at Dust n’ Bones Tattoo in Plymouth.

To contact Sophie please email: soph_gibbons@btinternet.com

Sophie’s Blog: http://sophgibbonstattoo.wordpress.com

You can also find Sophie on facebook: www.facebook.com/soph.gibbons.tattoo

Also check out: www.dustnbonestattoo.com

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