Hello, Tat souls!
In our first post in the Interview series we are bringing you an artist and a tattoo afficionado Frankie Frieri from Three Roses Studio.
He is the owner of a beautiful studio in Fairfield and not your regular tattoo artist.
Besides tattooing, Frankie creates art in other forms. He paints on canvas, sneakers and skateboards as well.
He responded intriguing questions like ¨is tipping a tattoo artist OK?¨ and shared some advice for people looking to get their first tattoo and for other tattoo artists as well.
Grab a drink and join us!
Q: Frankie, how do you find the inspiration for your tattoos?
I find inspiration in almost everything. I am a huge art and art history lover – I have an extremely intense art book collection and do alot of research.
But, provided I own a custom tattoo studio, my inspiration comes from my clients and their stories behind their tattoos.
Q: What is your #1 advice for tattooers?
Be humble, trust in your abilities and draw, draw, draw.
In this day and age there are too many tattoo artists who are in it for the wrong reasons, I believe.
If you want to be in this profession for the long-haul you can’t think about anything except creating and redefining your ability. Always put your clients first because, after all, they are the reason why we do what we do.
It’s one of the few professions still left that cannot be done by a machine and your clients are simply … everything to you.
Q: And your #1 advice for tattoo beginners?
I’d say… Believe in yourself and your ability and always stay humble.
Q: How do you help your client with figuring out the tattoo placement?
Placement is a highly personal decision. I could help by giving my advice but, at the end of the day, it has to be their decision because they are the ones that going to be wearing it for the rest of their lives.
Q: Important advice for a small tattoo?
Don’t move because there’s no room for errors… LOL. No, just basically, concentrate on your breathing. And, for other artists, just practice.
Q: Important advice for a large tattoo?
Patience is a virtue. It can be an extremely long and (sometimes) painful process but in the end it is always well worth it.
Q: What about preparing for the tattoo?
Q: What about preparing for the tattoo?
I always tell my clients that getting tattooed is extremely spiritual and it’s nothing to be intimidated or scared about.
Don’t look at it like you are getting a root canal or a wisdom tooth pulled out. My studio is a private, intimate, laid-back setting and is extremely comfortable so I also try to make it a part of the experience.
Don’t look at it like you are getting a root canal or a wisdom tooth pulled out. My studio is a private, intimate, laid-back setting and is extremely comfortable so I also try to make it a part of the experience.
Q: What is considered copycatting other people’s work? How do you go about using other tattoos as groundwork for original pieces?
Unfortunately, in today’s day and age you can’t stop copying peoples work or people copying your work.
The only thing an artist could do if they do have to use people’s work is to modify it as much as possible to create your own style.
Like the famous Michelangelo said: ¨every artist copies from one another, just make sure you’re copying from the best¨.
The only thing an artist could do if they do have to use people’s work is to modify it as much as possible to create your own style.
Like the famous Michelangelo said: ¨every artist copies from one another, just make sure you’re copying from the best¨.
Q: What are some tattoos that you would rather not do or even refuse?
I guess I wouldn’t tattoo anything racist, anything lowlife biker related and anything visible (which I do not do in my studio: hands, necks or faces).
Also, any tattoo without a meaning behind it, just to get something for the fact of getting it.
Also, any tattoo without a meaning behind it, just to get something for the fact of getting it.
In general, I enjoy doing every single tattoo because sometimes it’s not just the tattoo itself but also the stories and the clients behind it.
I’m extremely lucky because I am a one-man show and a private studio so I pick and choose who and what I want to tattoo.
I can’t stress enough how my studio is completely different from other tattoo studios since it is also an art gallery… I am an artist before I am a tattoo artist or a tattooer.
Q: What are some of tattoo aftercare tips you always follow and give your clients?
Basically just treat it like an open wound. Also, avoid the sun, salt and chlorine water during the healing time.
Q: Biggest pet peeve as tattoo artist?
Clients not taking your advice with the healing instructions. As a result, they try to blame you if it didn’t heal up the way it should.
Q: And finally, the most controversial question of getting a tattoo… Tipping a tattoo artist is OK or a big No-No?
If you are happy with the artist, the work and how the artist made you feel during the process, then it’s fine.
Did you enjoy this interview or have anyone to recommend to us?
We are always on the hunt for interesting tattoo artists and stories they can share with the community.
If you have anyone to recommend, just shoot as an email to [email protected].
If you are looking to get a custom tattoo design done by a professional tattoo artist and have it delivered to your email ready to ink – shoot us an email to [email protected].
Talk soon! ❤️
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