Chats & Tatts

The tattoo industry has undergone significant transformations in safety and professionalism since the 1960s and 70s, largely due to the efforts of key advocates for health regulations and training. In those early days, tattooing practices were far from the standards we consider safe and professional today. Artists often worked without gloves, used unsanitary equipment, and operated in environments that lacked basic health standards. For example, it was common for tattoo artists to dip sponges into metal buckets of water to clean the skin—a practice that would be deemed unacceptable by today's standards.
 
In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Cathy Montie, a pivotal figure in this transformation, who shares her experiences from those early years, highlighting the chaotic and often unsafe conditions under which tattoos were performed. She recounted how her husband, Gil Montie, tattooed in their living room and later in a makeshift studio within an oil change shop, illustrating the lack of formal training and regulation at the time.
 
Tune in for an insightful look at tattoo history and the ongoing commitment to safety and professionalism in the industry.
 
Chat Highlights:
 
00:01:06 - Evolution of Tattooing from the 60s to Today
00:01:28 - Importance of Safety in Tattoo Industry
00:02:28 - Challenges of Regulating Tattoo Industry
00:03:31 - Cathy Montie's Bloodborne Pathogen Course
00:06:01 - Moving to Vegas and Tattooing with Doc Dog
00:09:03 - Tattoo Shows and Traveling Lifestyle
00:12:39 - Tattoo Forefathers
00:14:32 - Tattooing on the Carnival Circuit
00:18:14 - Working on the Movie Bound for Honor
00:19:16 - Evolution of Fake Tattoos in Movies
00:20:27 - Influence of Movies on Tattoo Culture
00:22:26 - Early Safety Practices and Needle Sterilization
00:25:01 - Tattooing in the Early 90s in Los Angeles
00:27:14 - Working with Freddy at Ratatatoo
00:29:30 - Leaving Ratatatoo and Moving to Isla Vista
00:32:31 - Opening Absolute Tattoo in San Diego
00:40:13 - Benefits of Retractable Cartridges
00:42:14 - Kathy's Role in Regulatory Changes
00:43:54 - Current Issues with Ink Regulations in Europe and the US
 
Quotes:
 
"How many of you out there would be going into tattoo shops and getting all these tattoos if they were run like they were run in the 60s?"
 
"How crazy is that? Just grabbing someone's bare skin with your hands and cutting into them with a tattoo machine."
 
"All it takes is a handful of really bad shops, somebody gets sick, somebody gets hurt, and now we've got some major problems on many levels."
 
"To enjoy our business. We are in the most amazing business we could be in, working with the public."
 
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 Cathy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cathymontie_bbp

In the tattoo industry, cultivating relationships and fostering a sense of community is essential for artists, as it provides them with support, inspiration, and a platform for growth. This podcast episode highlights the journey of tattoo artist Sebastian Kristen, who initially grappled with insecurities about social interactions and attending conventions. Despite these fears, he discovered that the tattoo community is filled with kind and supportive individuals, ultimately encouraging him to engage more with others in the field.
 
Join host Aaron Della Vedova as he interviews tattoo artists at Mondial du Tatouage tattoo convention in Paris. He introduces listeners to an exciting new artist, Sebastian Kristen, whose incredible work left a lasting impression on him. Tune in for insights into the vibrant world of tattoo art and the connections that make it so special!
 
Chat Highlights:
 
[00:02:22] Self-taught tattooing journey.
 
[00:06:10] Tattoo healing process and techniques.
 
[00:08:18] The client experience.
 
[00:10:23] Tattoo pigment techniques and effects.
 
[00:15:34] Social media's impact on tattooing.
 
[00:19:13] Tattoo history documentation challenges.
 
[00:23:20] Decorative tattoo movement on women.
 
[00:27:53] Future of tattooing trends.
 
[00:32:06] Tattoo artistry and branding.
 
Quotes:
 
"You really have to stick to it and most people can't."
 
"If you put pigment on the left and on the right, and then you put something in between that, the left and the right pigment holds it there."
 
"I was always way too lazy to post a lot and way too scared to go out to conventions."
 
"Since the last 10,000 years, every new generation was worse."
 
"Let's treat the tattoo like a dress."
 
"The sad thing is, I think it will become less interesting before it becomes more interesting."
 
"Social media is breaking us, man."
 
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 Sebastian:
https://www.instagram.com/sebastiankristentattoo
IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinweatherholtz/

Uncogrim, a tattoo artist with a decade of experience, emphasizes the importance of breaking away from traditional tattooing norms, particularly in the realm of Japanese-style tattooing. In a recent podcast episode, he discusses how his unique approach often involves omitting backgrounds in his designs, allowing the human body to become an integral part of the artwork itself.
 
Host Aaron Della Vedova interviews Uncogrim (Hoon Kim) at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris. Aaron expresses his admiration for the  exquisite detail and composition of Uncogrim's large piece work. Uncogrim shares insights about his journey as a tattoo artist, and despite the relatively short time, his impressive body of work suggests a deep commitment to his craft. Tune in to hear about his artistic inspirations and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of tattooing. For visuals of his incredible work, check out his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/uncogrim
 
Chat Highlights:
 
00:00:00 - Extreme Tattoo Sessions
00:01:59 - Uncogrim's Tattooing Journey
00:04:24 - The Concept of No Background in Tattoos
00:05:04 - Artistic Choices and Inspirations
00:07:02 - Breaking Traditional Tattoo Norms
00:10:35 - Tattooing Legality in South Korea
00:12:23 - Uncogrim's Path to Becoming a Tattoo Artist
00:14:12 - Mentorship and Studio Challenges
00:16:00 - Emotional Connection to Tattooing
00:17:23 - Pain Management in Tattooing
00:20:25 - Tattoo Session Structure
00:21:00 - Numbing Cream and Pain Relief
00:23:33 - Anesthesia in Tattooing
00:29:50 - Inspiration and Acknowledgements
 
Quotes:
 
"You don't stop until I die like this."
 
"It's fun for me to see people breaking tradition."
 
"If you can make another person happy with your art, what more do you need to get up every morning and love what you do?"
 
"One of my big dreams, tattoo convention, because, you know, in South Korea, tattoo culture really closed and underground culture."
 
"Your specific artistic aesthetic in the art of tattooing is wildly impressive to me."
 
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 Uncogrim:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/uncogrim

Gianluca, a talented tattoo artist from Italy, shares a profound philosophy about the journey of tattooing that emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and exploration. He believes that artists should never feel they have fully reached their peak; instead, they should always strive to improve and innovate. This mindset is crucial in an ever-evolving art form like tattooing, where trends and techniques are constantly changing.
 
In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova connects with Gianluca at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris. With over 420 artists in attendance, Gianluca stands out for his stunning neo-Japanese and illustrative tattoo work, combining vibrant colors with black and gray elements. Aaron and Gianluca discuss his roots in northeastern Italy near Torino, where he continues to work in his hometown. Listeners can expect insights into Gianluca's artistic process and the vibrant tattoo culture at one of the world's premier tattoo conventions. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of high-quality tattoo artistry!
 
Chat Highlights:
 
04:10 First tattoo experience.
05:30 Self-taught tattooing experiences.
11:34 Tattooing as a personal journey.
17:10 Japanese tattooing and innovation.
18:55 Merging tattoo styles creatively.
25:14 Numbing cream for tattoo pain.
29:46 Tattoo machine efficiency debate.
34:06 Tattoo industry changes and challenges.
40:46 Tattoo artist advice.
42:00 Biomechanical Japanese Tattoo.
 
Quotes:
 
"I like art and every kind linked to art from when I was a child."
 
"If you're going to take the time to mark somebody's body, you should probably have done it to yourself first."
 
"I think the memory's already there. I want something new. Fuck it. Who cares?"
 
"It's not only the session. It's the journey."
 
"Maybe my goal is never have a goal."
 
"If you really want to take your art to the very, very top of the pyramid, you might want to avoid that as long as possible because it does slow you down."
 
"To see these AI generators that are creating things that are quite interesting to look at, it really hurt my heart a lot because I felt like what I am was taken from me."
 
"You only have to be yourself and do it in the best way you can."
 
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 Gianluca
IG: https://www.instagram.com/gdc_tattoo

Dakota Weik, a tattoo ethnographer, has embarked on a remarkable journey that transitions him from showcasing tattoo artists around the world through his popular show "Inked Abroad" to becoming a tattoo apprentice in Germany. This shift not only reflects his deep passion for tattooing but also underscores the importance of mastering traditional techniques before advancing to more complex styles.
In this episode of "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova takes us on a journey to the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, a renowned tattoo convention filled with some of the best tattoo artists in the world. Aaron sits down with Dakota as he shares insights into his mission of discovering and showcasing exceptional tattoo artists globally, highlighting the artistry and significance behind their work. With Dakota's show gaining viral popularity, boasting half a million followers and millions of views, the conversation dives into the evolving landscape of tattoo culture and the challenges of keeping up with emerging talents. 
Tune in to learn about the intersection of art and culture in the world of tattooing!
Chat Highlights:
00:00:00 - Apprenticeship B00:01:00 - Inked Abroad
00:02:14 - The Origin of Inked Abroad
00:03:56 - Transition to Tattoo Apprenticeship
00:05:28 - the 3 day Tattoo Sessions
00:07:07 - The Mental Battle of Enduring Large Scale Tattoos
00:08:23 - Documenting the Apprenticeship Journey
00:10:08 - Discovering Artistic Talent Later in Life
00:12:22 - The Support and Pressure from the Tattoo Community
00:14:19 - The Importance of Realism in Tattooing
00:16:11 - The Global Tattoo Community and Travel Restrictions
00:17:28 - Passion for Preserving Tattoo Craft
00:18:53 - The Impact of tattooing on Personal Relationships
00:19:00 - Continuing Inked Abroad and Future Plans
Quotes:
"What if I make documentaries on the world's greatest tattoo artists?"
"You're probably going to usher in another 10,000 tattooers because of it."
"That shows you've got something deep in you. You've got a warrior spirit."
"That's a cool new concept, like learning how to draw realism and using it as a backbone for almost anything else you do."
"I just became so passionate about what I do, learning about it, and then just trying to protect and make sure this craft lives forever."
"Keep bringing me the sickest tattoos in the world."
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 Dakota:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/inkedabroad