TATTOO TALES
by Stef Bastiàn
Go to the roots, not to the fruits. I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world.Learn more about my different projects and classes at https://www.stefbastian.com/
Episodes
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93. RACHI BLACK THRONE - Powerful tattoos from Australia
Rachel has been tattooing for over 20 years, and she’s one of those people I really enjoy talking tattooing with. She has a lot of experience, a strong point of view, and at the same time a very relaxed, unpretentious way of looking at the craft. In this episode we talk about her beginnings in...
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92. ALEJANDRO MONEA - Japanese tattooing, the importance of draftsmanship, navigating the spectrum as an artist
Alejandro Monea is an incredibly talented artist, a prolific painter, a great draftsman, and, on top of all that, a very sweet human and a friend. I’ve always had a lot of admiration for people who can really draw, and Alejandro is definitely one of those artists who keeps me motivated to get...
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91. LIL B - From Chicano to Japanese traditional tattooing
Today I sit down with Lil B to trace the global journey, artistic evolution, and mindset shift behind his achievements. From his roots doing graffiti in France and learning fine-line Chicano black-and-gray at the legendary Low Rider Tattoo, to completely reinventing his career in Japan, he shares...
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90. CLEMENS HAHN - American traditional tattooing, diligent practice, creating memories
As the owner of Truly Yours Tattoo in Mannheim, Germany, and organizer of the Truly Yours Tattoo Fest, Clemens is a tattoo artist respected for his bold, powerful, and creative designs. The convention he organizes quickly rose to international fame among artists and audiences alike as one of the...
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89. RAFA DECRANEO - American traditional tattooing and fun as creative engine
In this open conversation at Chica Pantera, a new landmark for tattooing in Barcelona,I got to know Rafa a bit more. The creative sources he taps in for his countless projects, his progressive view on styles and shop relationship, and his deep sense of organic contribution. I’m sure you’ll leave...
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88. How to navigate a crisis
Burnout. Loss of spark for what we used to love. Lack of motivation and creativity. I have had this conversation a few times recently, this is what I would recommend to get to the other end of a crisis. Recommended books and videos: Joe Dispenza on YouTube - ‘Manifest a new reality with the power...
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87. AMELIA OSTERUD - The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them
With a master’s degree in History and Library Science, Amelia Klem Osterud is recognized as a leading scholar in tattoo history and 19th-century sideshow performers. Author of The Tattooed Lady: A History and contributor to The World Atlas of Tattoo and Tattoo Histories, Amelia just published a…
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86. ESCODA - A labour of love
Escoda is a third-generation family business and an industry icon, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to true craftsmanship, community, and, above all, a profound love for the craft. Backed by some of the world's finest watercolor artists - such as Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro…
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85. ECKEL - Neotraditional tattooing and the artistic journey
Eckel’s name speaks for itself. Over the years he inspired countless artists with his drawings, tattoos, and paintings, establishing himself as a main reference in the neotraditional style. In this fun, honest and inspiring talk we discussed the importance of the artistic journey, the evolution…
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84. JASON KUNDELL - The elusive mastery of Japanese tattooing
Today we sit down with Jason Kundell, a veteran tattoo artist with an inspiring 30-year career. We trace his journey from his roots in Southern California’s skateboarding and graffiti scenes to his foundational years in the Bay Area, with the influence of artists of the caliber of Eddie Deutsche,...
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83. MANAMI OKAZAKI - Japan’s tattoo underworld and artisanal heritage
Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki. In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from the expertly curated pages of traditional...
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82. ‘HORIBUDO I’ ROBERTO BORSI - Traditional Japanese Tattooing, Tebori, and Lifelong Mastery
Step into a humbling reflection on dedication that echoes the slow, deliberate rhythm of the traditional Tebori techniques we discuss. In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Borsi, a traditional Japanese tattoo artist based in Milan, to explore what it truly means to submit to an ancient craft....
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81. RUETHLESS IRONS - How corporations are taking over tattooing
Today, I’m sitting down with Rue from Ruethless Irons for a conversation that gets right to the heart of things. Rue has been in the game since the late 90s, coming up in San Francisco and Amsterdam before finding his true calling in machine building. But we aren't just talking history. This...
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80. PINO CAFARO - Struggle, balance and the importance of letting go in Japanese tattooing
In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro. This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindset into his work, as he says “Balance beats...
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79. TERRY MCKENNA - The Karuizawa Mokuhanga School of woodblock printing
Curious about how to make woodblock prints? In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago. From his school in the mountains of...
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78. The Seven Tengu scrolls
Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect. Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi Mentioned texts: -Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan)...
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77. TABBY BOOTH - Create for the sake of creating
Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration. Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating…
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76. MICHELLE VESTERGÅRD - Art, healing, and legacy
Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity. We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and…
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75. BILL CANALES - Challenge yourself
Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on...
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74. LUKE ATKINSON - Japanese tattooing at its finest
Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time,...
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73. PRIMORDIAL MAGAZINE - A new project in the tattoo community
Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas...
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72. PAUL SIMO ‘KELU’ - Go to the roots, not to the fruits
Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also...
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71. DIAMANTE MURRU - Meaningful connections
Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist. It’s been fun,...
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70. ISAAC NICHOLS - The Water Margin: 108 heroes
Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one…
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69. Learn to draw and paint like a Japanese master: the Kanō school method
Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing? In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into...
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68. COREY MILLER - We’re all glorified carnies
Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected. Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James...
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67. ALEX RUSTY - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 2)
One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and...
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66. JOSHUA FRYDMAN - Japanese mythology and folklore
Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods? Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from? How all of that relates to tattooing? We got you covered. In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate...
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65. CLEVER - Focus on what matters
Clever doesn’t need much introduction, his career is well known, as his collaborations with artists of the caliber of Juice Wrld, Post Malone and Justin Bieber. In this open-hearted talk we get a glimpse of how music came into his life and topics many of us can relate to. What it means to be a...
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64. MAURO CARDOSO - Honoring Japanese tradition
Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional...
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63. RYAN USSHER - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 1)
Ryan Ussher is one of Australia’s top artists. Together with Alex Rusty he runs Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, a shop that established itself as a reference in the country. He specializes in large scale Japanese tattooing with emphasis on powerful and evocative imagery. Beyond craftsmanship he’s...
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62. CHRIS FERNANDEZ - American Traditional in NY
Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the…
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61. TAMMY KIM - True to yourself
Tammy Kim is an Australian tattoo artists who worked and lived in Toronto for the last 15 years, and is now transitioning into an exciting new phase of her career. She traveled the world, collaborating with major artists and brands, to shape a vision that is unique to her. Her story is a very...
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60. CLAY DECKER - The death of a craft, the birth of an industry.
Clay has been tattooing for 35 years, crossing path with some of the biggest names in tattooing. His passion for the craft brought him to explore every aspect of the process, witnessing the change that tattooing went through as it opened to a wider audience globally. We talked about these…
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59. PAULA CASTLE - Simplifying everything is the way forward
Paula is an experienced British tattooer that I’m lucky to call a friend. She’s sensitive, intelligent, driven and curious, a beautiful mix. We had many interesting talks, as we share various passions, especially the love for reading, so I thought it would be a shame not to share one of them.…
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58. ALEX ’KŌSEI’ REINKE - The Kokoro spirit
Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet. Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He...
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57. DAVE REGAN - Horimono
If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one. Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating...
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56. CAPEX - Never give up
I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy. With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the...
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55. HORITEN - Living by the Bushido
Horiten the 1st is a female traditional tattooer from Nara, Japan. In this honest and enlightening talk she shed some light on what creates authentic Irezumi, the qualities that can help in this path and the value of Horikyo’s legacy. Her words are a beautiful manifesto about the way art relates…
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54. ZAC SCHEINBAUM - The magic of books
I love Zac. We met years ago during one of his guest spots and I remember him having the same qualities that characterize him today: well articulate, talented, dedicated, always trying to make every word count. The difference between then and now is that, apart from increasing even more his...
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53. BIG MEAS - Lettering and work ethic
What makes up a successful career? It takes vision, courage, confidence and a few more ingredients. Today Big Meas, a global reference in the world of lettering, shares with us what brought him where he is today. He talks about the importance of cultivating not only the tecnical aspect but also,...
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52. CREZ - Japanese tattooing
With 30 years of tattooing under his belt and an intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, Crez is a reference in Italy for Japanese tattooing. What I like about him the most, beside his expertise, is his genuine honesty and coherence, uncommon values that I personally treasure. In this cozy…
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51. CLAUDIA DE SABE - The fight is within
It’s been a privilege to sit down with Claudia De Sabe in this beautiful autumn afternoon to listen to her story and pick her brain on her own process. Over the course of this interview we learn how the beautiful work we all love her for is second only to her mindset. Unweavering work ethic,...
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50. SWASTHIK IYENGAR - Indian tradition meets western tattooing
I’m really happy to have had the chance to chat with Swasthik, she is such a beautiful presence in the tattoo world. Known as gunga_ma, for Swasthik tattooing runs deep in her blood. Her grandma, called Paccai Kutta Ma (tattoo mama), has been sticking and poking tattoos for over 40 years.…
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49. Dr. SOPHIE MORT - Taking care of your mental health
Have you ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy? Self-doubt? Do you set impossible standards that bring anxiety when unmet? Dr. Sophie Mort is here to help. Sophie is a clinical psychologist with a master’s in neuroscience, Her work with the science of habit has helped many understand the...
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48. MARCUS PACHECO - Inventing Newschool
“Influential. “Pioneer”. “Contribution”. These are the words that you see most commonly associated with Marcus’ name in books, magazines and when talking to veteran tattooers. A great influence, Marcus started experimenting in the 90’s, with a few others, to find a new take on subject and…
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47. LORENA MORATO - Connecting with your roots
Lorena Morato is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in neotraditional. Well known not only for her tattoos but also her beautiful paintings, Lorena shares with us how she came to reinvent herself, rediscovering a new sense of authenticity which is well transmitted in her art. I have personally…
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46. JORDAN SIGNORELLI - How to deal with pain from tattooing
Have you ever had problems with your neck, lower back, tingling fingers that lose sensitivity, wrist or elbow? Especially as tattooers we all had to deal with some of these at some point and in the worst cases we have been forced to take time off due to the pain. As with many other things,...
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45. KELLY ANNE POWERS - Learn to paint
Do you like to paint? Have you ever struggled with any part of the process and wish you had some sort of guidance? This week’s episode features Kelly Anne Powers, third generation artist and host of the Learn to Paint podcast. In her show Kelly talks to some of the best painters in the world,...
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44. PASCAL BAGOT- The Tattoo Writer: Akimitsu Takagi
Pascal Bagot is a French journalist who’s been writing for specialized press for twenty years. His passion for Japanese culture led him to get a full backpiece by Horitoshi I and cross paths with other legends such as Horiyoshi III, Gifu Horihide, Horitada and more. In 2017 he decided to venture...
About this show
Go to the roots, not to the fruits. I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world.Learn more about my different projects and classes at https://www.stefbastian.com/
Hosted by
Stef Bastiàn