I Went Back to Swindon (vomit emoji)
I want to start by saying that I wrote this post already, and a cat got into a paper bag, went ballistic and ran over my keyboard, deleting everything. And my first draft was hilarious. This one won’t be as funny.
I went back to the UK in March, this time the whole gang (excluding Jay ‘cos his passport didn’t arrive in time. He’d been on a military passport, but he’s not in the military, so guess what? That’s right, you can’t use a military passport if you’re a civilian…).
I used to hate travelling alone. I’ve grown to hate travelling in a group. But I still love not having to sit next to strangers on the plane.
We did the usual, I looked at shops to put a studio in, went to Nando’s, Warhammer World, went to Nando’s again. You know, shit I’d normally do!
I was back at Hemlock Tattoo Studio in Swindon. Now, as much as I hate Swindon, not because of the Oxford/Swindon rivalry, because of the crackheads, I love working with Ashleigh. I’m safe writing that here because there’s a 0% chance she’ll read my blog.
She’s a horrible host, she makes me lock up, watch her studio, work on her marketing and analyse her artists, but she’s great to work with, inspired, excited, and despite the abuse and cruelty she cares about my work.
Again, she doesn’t get to know these things.
Anyway! I started the visit with a double day on Damien’s leg. He hated it. I think we have two more double days to finish this. We’re tackling the knee a couple of hours at a time, he has a very physical job so he needs to be able to move the leg.
He hates the feeling so much. I’m going to take a 49 mag next time though.
After the first two days were done, I moved onto Callum. He didn’t need a double day, one session and we were done.
I’m going to dedicate a whole post to his tattoo later, but we were just filling what was left of his sleeve. The inner bicep is horrible to tattoo and get tattooed, so I’m sure he was really pleased that we were done fairly quickly and efficiently.
We’re coming to the other sleeve in August (maybe). And I’m really looking forward to it!
All in all a positive trip, the car rental place misplaced the Tesla I rented, I wanted it so I could charge the car at the hotel and fuel is crazy expensive in the UK, and they gave be a Volvo. Safe to say I’m not a Volvo guy. I hate to sound like a fanboy, but give me a Tesla any day.
That being said, I need to track down my Audi… I think I know where it is…
I’ll be back in the UK in a couple of weeks, and again in August. I’m going to steal Hemlock from under Ashleigh’s nose…
Tattoo Guest Spots in Swindon, Oxford & Boston – Book Now
This trip reminded me how much I enjoy working with the right people, even in cities I love to mock. Whether it’s covering an old tattoo, finishing a sleeve on a tight schedule, or collaborating on something surreal and story-driven, I thrive in focused, high-intensity sessions.
If you’re in Swindon, Oxford, or Boston, and want a custom tattoo from someone who brings both artistry and sarcasm, I’m booking select clients for guest spots and full-day sessions. Want your tattoo to actually mean something (or at least look good)? Let’s make that happen. Reach out here.