Chats & Tatts

What role do tattoos play when life gets impossibly dark? Live from the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena, Aaron Della Vedova sits down with tattoo collector and mental health advocate Koichi to share an deeply moving story of survival and transformation. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22, Koichi faced severe mental health battles before turning to tattooing as a way to physically rebuild his...

What happens when an experienced henna artist and documentary filmmaker steps into custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Portland-based artist Erika Ryn (Living Ritual Body Arts) to explore the deep connections between ancient body adornment and modern ornamental tattooing. Erika breaks down the sacred history of natural henna, her documentary trips through India and Morocco, the dar...

Are client-prompted AI designs taking over custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Australian tattooer, shop owner, and podcast host Jake Straat (Rats Get Fat Podcast) to break down the global state of tattooing. From navigating the post-COVID economy to handling clients who run artist flash through ChatGPT, Jake and Aaron discuss the fine line between technical execution and true arti...

In Episode 121 of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Kirk Nilsen—a pioneer of medieval, woodcut, and architectural ornamental tattooing. In this episode, we discuss: • The early days of ornamental blackwork and overcoming industry backlash • Horror stories from 2000s-era apprenticeships (drug dealers, fake papers, and Sink-or-Swim moments) • The trap of defining your personal id...

In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with world-renowned tattoo artist Julian Siebert from Munich, Germany. Known globally for his incredible large-scale bodysuits, Julian shares his 21-year journey in tattooing, having completed over 200 backpieces and 100 frontpieces.   Together, they dive deep into the mindset of high-level tattooing, the controversy surrounding n...

In this electric episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with comedian, former directional driller, and internet powerhouse Uncle Laser. Transitioning from high-stakes $500,000-a-year oil rig operations in 120-degree heat to stepping onto the Kill Tony stage for his very first stand-up set ever, Laser shares a raw, unfiltered look into his explosive journey. The conversation di...

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...

  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...

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 Ve...

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...

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. I...

Authenticity and passion in tattooing are essential for long-term fulfillment and success, especially in today's saturated market. In a recent podcast episode, Aimee Cornwell emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and drawing inspiration from what genuinely excites the artist. This approach not only keeps the work enjoyable but also allows for the creation of unique pieces that reflect...

The evolution of tattooing has been profoundly shaped by social media, which has both broadened exposure for artists and contributed to the homogenization of styles within the industry.   In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes a special guest, Justin Weathreholtz, a talented tattoo artist from New York known for his incredible work that embodies the spirit of traditio...

In today's fast-paced world, where productivity and technology dominate our daily lives, boredom is often viewed negatively. However, a recent podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Jee Saya highlights the significant value of allowing oneself to experience the essential role of downtime in fostering creativity and self-discovery. 'Chats and Tatts' host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Jee at th...

In a recent episode of the podcast "Chats and Tatts," host Aaron Della Vedova sat down with renowned tattoo artist Ching, also known as 'Orient Ching", celebrated for his exceptional work in traditional Japanese tattooing. Their conversation explored Ching's deep commitment and passion for his craft, shedding light on what it takes to excel in the tattoo industry.   Recorded in Paris at Mondial du...

The tattoo industry is currently experiencing a renaissance, marked by a remarkable surge in both technical skill and creativity among artists. This transformation is particularly evident at conventions like the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, where hundreds of talented tattoo artists showcase their work, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tattoo art.  In this episode of "Chats and Tatts,...

In this recent podcast episode featuring Ghis Melou, a seasoned tattoo artist and owner of Half Wolf Tattoo, the significance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life emerges as a central theme, along with the challenges that come with creating large-scale body art.  Host Aaron De La Vedova sits down with Ghis Melou, the owner of Half Wolf Tattoo, live from the Mondial du Tatouage i...

The therapeutic aspect of tattooing is a profound theme explored in the podcast episode featuring Aaron Della Vedova and tattoo artist Marty Early. Throughout their conversation, they delve into how tattoos can serve as powerful tools for healing and personal transformation, particularly for individuals coping with trauma. In this and upcoming episodes of "Chats and Tatts," Aaron takes us to the v...

Pain management is a vital component of the tattooing process that can significantly influence both the client experience and the quality of the final artwork. As discussed in the podcast episode, effective pain management not only helps clients endure longer sessions but also enables tattoo artists to work more efficiently and produce superior results. This week's guest is renowned tattoo artist...

From South Africa to the global tattoo stage, Oliver Kenton didn't follow a straight line — he followed geometry. In this episode of Chats & Tatts with host Aaron Della Vedova, we sit down with Oliver to talk about the long road behind his unmistakable geometric and ornamental tattoo work. What started as an obsession with pattern, structure, and precision became a way of making sense of movement,...

Creating a comfortable and empathetic environment for clients during tattoo sessions is essential for enhancing their overall experience and effectively managing pain. In a recent podcast episode featuring tattoo artist Jen Tonic, several strategies were discussed to achieve this goal. Host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Jen from Lüneburg, Germany. Jen's unique style blends neo-traditional and large-...

Sal Leon has developed a niche in traditional tattooing with an erotic gay flair, setting him apart from other artists in San Diego. This distinctiveness not only attracts a loyal client base but also fosters a sense of community among those who resonate with that particular style. Sal shares his journey through the tattooing world, highlighting the unique intersection of his identity as a gay man...

Freddy Jay's journey into tattooing is a captivating story of unexpected beginnings and unwavering commitment. At the age of 19, he found himself at a crossroads in life, having once aspired to become a pilot due to his love for surfing and the freedom it represented. However, as he matured, he realized that the life of a pilot was not meant for him. Instead, he began to explore his creative side,...

The belief in separation is a fundamental issue that contributes to ignorance and suffering. Recognizing our interconnectedness could lead to a more harmonious existence. This idea is deeply explored in the podcast episode featuring host Aaron Della Vedova and guest Dillon Forte, who discuss the implications of viewing reality through the lens of separation versus interconnectedness. Dillon is a r...