Passion, Pain, and Personal Connections ft. Albert (Zaf) Zafra
In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with renowned tattoo artist Albert Zafra, affectionately known as Zaf. Broadcasting from Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany, Aaron and Zaf delve into the world of tattoo artistry, discussing the significance of personal tattoos over high-value pieces, and the deep connections they forge. With 20 years of experience, Zaf shares insights on his neo-traditional style and his journey from Barcelona, Spain, while contemplating the evolving landscape of the tattoo industry and future opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with passion, creativity, and a love for tattoos! Don’t forget to check out Zaf’s incredible work on Instagram at @ZafTattoo and @AlbertZafra. Chat Breakdown: 00:01:10 - Introducing Albert Zafra 00:02:46 - Longevity in Tattooing 00:03:19 - Passion vs. Experience 00:05:18 - Imposter Syndrome 00:09:09 - Covering Up Tattoos with Bad Energy 00:12:21 - Tattoo Session Duration and Focus 00:15:08 - Tattoo Preparation and Technique 00:16:08 - What Makes a Great Tattoo 00:17:03 - Flow and Composition in Tattoos 00:17:48 - AI in Tattoo Design 00:26:12 - Anesthesia in Tattooing 00:29:24 - Client Interaction and Design Process 00:33:13 - The Future of Tattooing Quotes: "The ones that scare me the most are the ones that think their stuff looks great." "For me, the shitty tattoos sometimes are more important than the millionaire tattoos, you know? Because have a very good role with your friend, you know? Have a crazy energy, you know?" "There is a little piece of me that's kind of embarrassed by it. I'm like, is that me? Or is that a computer?" "The pain makes you strong. You need to embrace the pain. It is part of it." "In 10 years, we're going to have machines that are going to do the tattoos." "You are a fucking number. That's the 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 Zaf: IG: https://www.instagram.com/zaf_tattoos
--------
37:07
--------
37:07
Staying Relevant in a Competitive Tattoo Landscape with Chris Henriksen
In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vadova welcomes esteemed Denmark based tattoo artist Chris Henriksen to the show. Recorded at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany, the conversation highlights Chris's impressive career in tattooing, particularly his mastery of modern Japanese styles. Aaron praises Chris's exceptional skills, especially his smooth shading techniques, and acknowledges the hard work and dedication that have contributed to his success over 16 years in the industry. The episode dives into the challenges tattoo artists face today, including the impact of social media and economic uncertainties, while also celebrating the artistry and inspiration that Chris brings to the tattoo community. Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with passion for the craft and the journey of a talented tattoo artist. Chat Breakdown: 00:01:20 - Chris's Tattooing Journey 00:02:03 - Finding Tattooing 00:05:03 - Old School Tattooing 00:08:07 - Balancing Family and Career 00:12:06 - Improving Drawing Skills 00:15:00 - Cardio Exercise and Creativity 00:16:02 - Thoughts on Color Realism 00:18:18 - Minimalist and Abstract Tattooing 00:20:03 - Tattoos as Pure Decoration 00:23:14 - What Makes a Great Tattoo 00:25:07 - Composition and Simplicity 00:26:26 - Social Media and Tattooing 00:35:39 - Future Plans and Staying Relevant Quotes: "Everything teaches you something. So everything's perfect in some way in the universe." "Your tattoo can just be beautiful. It does not have to always represent your grandmother." "I just do a good job, and if I do a good job, that person tells somebody, and they come see me, and that's it. Simple." "All your followers are just leads." "Be smart with the finances so that in 10 years from now, there's more freedom to do those things that you want." 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/chrishenriksen
--------
37:37
--------
37:37
The Shift in Tattoo Culture ft Jake Danielson
The evolution of tattooing has profoundly transformed the landscape of body art, leading to greater acceptance of diverse styles and allowing artists to explore and create without the necessity of specific meanings behind each tattoo. This shift can be traced back to several key developments in the industry, particularly the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and the influence of tattoo-related television shows. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with renowned tattoo artist Jake Danielson at Gods of Ink in Frankfurt, Germany. The discussion kicks off with reflections on the future of tattooing, particularly the challenge of maintaining the integrity and longevity of tattoos over time. Aaron shares his fascination with how current artists push boundaries while also wondering if they can ensure their work stands the test of time. With a shared background in illustrative tattooing, Aaron expresses his admiration for Jake's artistry, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about their craft, techniques, and the evolving landscape of tattoo artistry. Tune in for insights and inspiration from two passionate tattoo artists! Chat Breakdown: 00:00:32 - The Future of Tattoo Longevity 00:02:01 - Early Tattoo Influences 00:03:06 - Challenges in Large-Scale Tattoos 00:08:08 - Early Tattoo Career and Work Ethic 00:11:25 - The Role of Instagram in Tattooing 00:15:16 - Global Tattoo Community 00:20:10 - Future of Tattoo Techniques 00:21:48 - Traditional vs. Hyper-Realism 00:29:57 - Shift in Tattoo Priorities 00:33:09 - Custom vs. Flash Tattoos 00:35:10 - Specialization in Modern Tattooing 00:37:07 - Black Work Movement 00:39:03 - Tattoos as Body Decoration 00:42:43 - Dream Tattoo Projects Quotes: "I'd be interested to see if whatever crazy stuff people are producing now, if they find ways to maneuver what's possible and maintain its long life and integrity of the tether." "I fucking scroll through your Instagram and I'm like, what the fuck is going on here?" "I've been pretty blessed with the people that I've surrounded myself with for my whole career that I rarely ever feel like I'm the hardest worker in the room." "I think this fucking rocket ship increase in radness is going to, it is going to go a little like this." “How it lives on the person for the next like the rest of their life is so much more important than the Instagram photo" "It's much more important to focus on the quality of your craft and longevity of the tattoo." "I almost don't even want to tattoo subject matter anymore. I'm just like, can I just decorate you, please?" "You're embedding some sort of energy into them, exchanging energy with them." "Work hard, draw a lot, pay attention to what those before you have done." 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 Jake: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jaketattoos
--------
1:02:25
--------
1:02:25
Tattooing, Painting, and Japanese Culture: A Conversation with Senju
In the podcast episode featuring tattoo artist and painter Senju, a fascinating narrative unfolds about the interconnectedness of tattooing and painting, particularly within the context of Japanese art. Senju's journey illustrates how these two forms of expression can influence and inspire one another, creating a cyclical relationship that enriches the artist's work. Senju's story begins with his initial foray into tattooing, which he describes as a pivotal moment in his life. Growing up in the punk scene in Sweden, he was initially drawn to tattooing through friends who had tattoos. His first experience with a tattoo—a simple abstract eye—sparked a realization of the permanence and beauty of body art. This moment marked the beginning of his journey into the world of tattooing, which he pursued passionately for over three decades. Senju's journey from tattooing to painting and back again illustrates the interconnectedness of different art forms. His story highlights the importance of cultural exploration and the willingness to adapt and evolve as an artist. By embracing both tattooing and painting, and utilizing modern digital tools, Senju not only honors the rich traditions of Japanese art but also paves the way for future generations of artists to explore the boundaries of creativity. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of art, creativity, and the interconnectedness of different mediums. Chat Breakdown: 00:01:16 - Gods of Ink Convention 00:02:08 - Meeting Senju 00:03:11 - Tattooing in Sweden 00:05:18 - Early Tattoo Influences 00:07:22 - Apprenticeship and Learning 00:09:08 - Discovering Japanese Culture 00:10:22 - Transition to Painting 00:12:03 - Return to Tattooing 00:14:45 - Painting vs. Tattooing 00:17:06 - Shunga: Japanese Erotic Art 00:19:48 - Japanese Cultural Attitudes 00:22:47 - Kinbaku and Shibari 00:25:42 - Work-Life Balance 00:28:28 - Creative Process and Meditation 00:32:01 - Retirement and Lifelong Creativity 00:35:28 - Digital Art Techniques 00:40:16 - Analog vs. Digital Debate 00:44:51 - Acceptance of Digital Art in the Community Quotes: "I started to paint Shunga, which is like Edo period porn... I was painting porn but it looked nice, you know, beautiful." "Because they didn't have Christianity, there was no taboo around sexuality." "They adapted to a more Christian way of viewing sexuality in the human body, and this has kind of dragged on into the common, to now, you know, contemporary times." "Yes, this is more, maybe more, seems nicer than ordinary S&M." "You're 100% in the now. There is only right now happening." "We are the outliers. We are the outcasts, supposedly. We're the ones that were, I thought, saying to each other, do whatever you want. Live a happy life. And now we're turning on each other?" "In our minds, change is a tiger coming, you know?" "Because all art forms are just different expressions of the same thing, you know." 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 Senju: IG: https://www.instagram.com/senjushunga
--------
57:00
--------
57:00
Breaking Cultural Barriers: The Evolution of Tattooing in Hong Kong with Derek Yip
The journey into tattooing can often be unconventional, as exemplified by Derek Yip's unique transition from graphic design to becoming a tattoo artist. Derek's story underscores how unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers in the tattoo industry. In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Derek at the prestigious Gods of Ink tattoo convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Aaron expresses his excitement about the gathering of some of the world's greatest tattoo artists, setting the stage for an inspiring conversation. Derek shares his journey into the world of tattooing, reflecting on how he discovered his passion for the art form and the travels that shaped his career over the past 13 years. The episode dives into the creative process and the importance of innovation in the tattoo industry, as both Aaron and Derek share insights into how tattooing has become a significant part of life and explore the creative challenges of bringing something new to the art form. Tune in to discover Derek's inspiring story and the passion that fuels his artistry. Chat Breakdown: 00:01:29 - Derek Yip's Tattoo Journey 00:03:31 - Hard Work and Self-Discipline 00:05:11 - Cultural Stigma of Tattoos in Hong Kong 00:06:00 - Moving to London and Studying Graphic Design 00:06:56 - Getting First Tattoo from Ching 00:07:57 - Becoming Ching's Assistant 00:09:29 - Transition to Tattooing and Self-Teaching 00:10:51 - Moving to Taiwan to Work with Ching 00:12:52 - COVID-19 Impact and Moving to Hong Kong 00:14:06 - Tattoo Culture in Hong Kong 00:19:19 - Educating Clients and Building Trust 00:25:18 - Transition from Coil to Rotary Machines 00:34:49 - Obsession with Tattooing and Future Goals 00:40:41 - Derek's Personal Tattoo Journey with Filip Leu and Ching 00:48:02 - Future Goals: Full Bodysuit in One Design Quotes: "I need to really stress myself, work harder, spend every single minute to get better." "But it's also your mindset as well. You want to do tattoo for money or you want to do tattoo for the love of it?" "I want to promote this culture in Hong Kong to let people know, you know, Japanese style, this is what you need to do, you know." "That's my excuse when I look at my own. 33 years and I look at you, I'm like, how the fuck is this guy got more shit than me?" "The goal of the artist is to get the thing that's in my brain to you, so someone else can see this thing." "Tattooing is a form of meditation in its own way because you can't think about the future when you're tattooing." "To have a craft, to make something that demands all of your attention right now is beautiful." "Either I end up divorced and my fucking financial life falls apart or I learn to do this." "It also changes what you know to be possible. That's the big thing I find in life is we limit ourselves based on what we think is possible." Stay Connected: 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 Derek: IG:https://www.instagram.com/derekyipttattoo
Chats & Tatts host, Aaron Della Vedova, is known for pushing the creative boundaries with every artistic medium he works in. However, his full coverage back pieces, rib to legs, and torso tattoos are definitely his specialty. With long hours tattooing well known musicians, athletes, public figures, influencers and many others, Aaron knows that tattooing heavily involves building a relationship, a bond, with his clients. On Chats & Tatts, he dives into those relationships with his clients, helping tell their stories, share their crazy pasts and path, and many times sharing a glimpse into his guests getting a tattoo on the show. Tune in to get a behind the curtain peek at the world of high level artistic tattooing and those who express themselves through this fascinating, diverse medium while radically redefining the art of modern tattooing.
Listen to Chats & Tatts, The Psychology Of Money: Timeless Lessons On Wealth, Greed, And Happiness, Book Summary, Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
South Africa