Episodes
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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 changes, as Clay enters a new phase of his life, having to deal with a sudden visual impairment which brought a change in perspective and deeper insights.
Special thanks to Yushi Horikichi and Jeremy Corns that helped setting this up.
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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.
Today we touched on many topics, from gender gaps, to psychedelics, to technology and emotional intelligence.
Slow down your day, make yourself a cup of tea and sit down to enjoy an hour with us. You can find Paula on Instagram and at paulacastle.com
Learn more about my projects, mentor programs and classes at stefbastian.com and Instagram
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Missing episodes?
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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 also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori tools, a full renaissance man.
With his extensive knowledge regarding traditional Japanese tattooing, which extends to various aspects of this culture, Alex is a well-known and respected master of the craft, a reference for many.My co-host for today is Berto Ramirez, aka Nutz, owner of the Red Temple Tattoo shop in Barcelona, where I work.
As always big thanks to Andreas Coenen and his crew for making this possible, and the audience that attended the event.
holyfoxtattoos.de
Alex Reinke’s Instagram
Nutz Instagram
redtempletattoo.com
Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo
stefbastian.com
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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 their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as maintaining the trees of Hakubai Zen Temple in Boulder - brought him a deeper insight on the philosophical aspects of Horimono.
In this episode we talked about some key concepts and his upcoming book, a great addition to everyone passionate about Japanese tattooing ‘Horimono: a Western Perspective’. This book is the product of a collaboration with AfterLife Press, world renowned for the quality of both content and craftsmanship of their publications, and it has been supported and reviewed by a number of horishi, including Tatsutoshi the First of the Shodai Horitoshi family.
Dave’s Instagram
AfterLife Press
traditiontattooing.com
We would also like to support the upcoming event ‘Skull session’ in NYC by the Lyle Tuttle Collection. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. For more information please visit the link below:
Lyle Tuttle Collection Instagram
Skull Session - Tickets
lyletuttlecollection.com
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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 forefront of everything he does. I’m happy to introduce him to you and, if you ever pass by him in a show or guest spot, make sure to stop and say hi. You’ll walk away with a smile, a cool tattoo or a great story.
Follow CAPEX on Instagram
More info on the podcast, classes, projects at stefbastian.com
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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 to the core identity of the culture that produced it.
Big thanks to Maur Tattooing for creating the connection.
You can follow Horiten on Instagram and get more information on horiten.net
For news, updates, classes and more please visit stefbastian.com
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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 artistic abilities and experience, he created a publishing company that is a reference in the tattoo world: AFTERLIFE PRESS.
Beautiful books that showcase some of the most influential contemporary artists while sharing the art and philosophy behind these accomplished professionals. All done with exquisite taste and visionary curation.
If you want to not only support true quality and dedication but also learn from the very best, these are the books you need.
Today Zac shared with us his upbringing and what it takes to create something so significant, an example to follow.
AFTERLIFE PRESS
Follow Zac on Instagram
Zac’s shop Shrine Tattoo
stefbastian.com
Your host Stef Bastiàn
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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, and perhaps more importantly, the human connection.
You can find Big Meas on Instagram and at bigmeas.com
News and updates at stefbastian.com
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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 December afternoon we talked about what shaped him into the man he’s today; ethics within tattooing; how to hone your skills; the necessity of critical thinking and feedback; the importance of being open to progress.
The voice of people like Crez carries the weight of lived experiences, I hope you might find his words as inspiring as I did.
Follow Crez on Instagram
Adrenalink’s Instagram
Adrenalink YouTube channel(Italian)
Stefbastian.com
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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, resolve and dedication are the foundations of her success, the same stuff greatness is made of.
Recorded once again Live at the Kaiserstadt convention in Aachen, I’d like to personally thank Andreas Coenen for putting together my favourite show on the planet.
Follow Claudia on Instagram
redpointtattoo.com
@red_point_tattoo
Aachen Tattoo Convention
stefbastian.com
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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. Together with the spiritual practice she inherited growing up, she has been exposed from a young age to sacred symbols and rituals that reflects into her own art.
I admire her work not only for the craftsmanship, creativity and dedication behind it but also and especially for the spirit with which she infuses it. A strong work ethic where the personal relationship with customers is a priority and gratitude is foundation on which her work stands.
In the last years she has been progressively reconnecting more with her roots, especially the warrior women of the First Nation. In her words: “The women who bless me, guide me, show me strength. In our tradition, Women are Devi, women carry life, carry pain, carry compassion and carry wisdom.”
Follow Swasthik on Instagram
Stay up to date with new releases Instagram
You can check out the other projects and classes at stefbastian.com
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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 patterns of behaviour that get you in your own way. In this episode packed with practical tips, she shreds a light on how we can achieve our full potential and, especially, build a happier life.
Read more about her work at drsoph.com
Get a copy of A Manual for Being Human
Get a copy of (Un)Stuck
Follow her on Instagram
Stefbastian.com
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“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 tecnique in tattooing. And so, Newschool was born. An innovative approach to color, design, composition, light sources that shaped the generations to come. Marcus Pacheco is definitely a name that we need to know as tattooers because is thanks to people like him that today we can do certain things in a certain way.
“Go to the roots, not to the fruits” they say, let’s give credit to those who deserve it.
To contact Marcus: [email protected]
Stefbastian.com
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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 found great value in her journey and I’m sure you can derive a sense of direction, especially in relation to developing your own style. Plus, she’s a lovely human being.
You can find Lorena on Instagram and at her shop Golden times atelier in Cologne, Germany
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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, knowledge is power. If we want to keep doing what we love for a long time it’s better that we know the causes of these issues and the best practices to avoid or fix them. In this episode we talk with Jordan Signorelli, therapist specialized in conditions associated to tattooing. Make sure to check out the wealth of free resources he shares on his channels to achieve a long and pain-free career.
Find Jordan on Instagram
Inked Ergonomics
Tattooer Health Club
Stefbastian.com
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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, sharing with her audience their process, systems and insights, fruit of decades of practice.
I have really enjoyed this conversation and I believe you can find value in Kelly’s words, particularly when she explains the difference between skills and style and the importance of habit over inspiration.
You can find Kelly’s podcast at Learntopaintpodcast.com and on all major platforms
Learn to paint podcast Instagram
Kelly’s Instagram
stefbastian.com
Tattoo tales Instagram
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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 into the world of Akimitsu Takagi, a journey that will eventually take the form of a beautiful book entitled ‘The tattoo Writer’. For all of you out there, enthusiast of Japanese tattooing, those pictures are amazing.
You can find Pascal on Instagram and thetattoowriter.com
See Pascal’s photos on Instagram
House of Culture of Japan, Paris
Musée GUIMET, Paris
stefbastian.com
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Rinto celebrated this year his 40 years career. In Holland he’s well known as one of the old timers but, if you met him, you know that his humbleness matches his experience and dedication.
Natural born storyteller, Rinto shared with us some grounding words, valuable especially to young tattooers in this age where the digital medias shape the distribution of information. Some of those things you can’t learn on your phone, they must be lived in the shop.
You can find Rinto in Burgum, Netherlands at Rinto Tattoo Shop
You can follow updates on the podcast on Instagram and at stefbastian.com
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Like many of you I have been following Timothy’s career for many years, getting lost in his beautiful impossible worlds. I’m naturally fascinated by good draftsmanship, but Tim’s paintings go beyond that.
Apart from the privilege of peeking into his studio, filled with sketches, artworks and painting supplies, I feel grateful for his insights about inspiration and the way we look at things. Observing his work you can really see how his 35 years of tattooing translate on paper his surrealistic vision, suggesting rather than stating, making him an absolute reference in the field.
You can find Tim on Instagram and on his webshop Three Hours Past Midnight
Follow the updates on the podcast on Instagram
Learn more about Stef’s Mentor Program and Webinars here
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Eddy has been part of the tattoo Renaissance in the San Francisco area in the 90’s, together with other key figures like Freddy Corbin, Juan Puente, Scott Sylvia, Marcus Pacheco… it’s because of him that a whole trend started and evolved in countless interpretations.
As the motto of this show says, “Go to the roots, not to the fruits”, we want to honor who paved the way for us. By discovering their stories we not only support them, we can also become more aware, competent and contributive as artists.
Even better?
Book an appointment with him, you’ll bring home a great experience, first hand knowledge and a dope tattoo👌
You can find Eddy at Adventure Tattoo in Nashville and on Instagram
Follow the updates on new episode on Instagram and at Stefbastian.com, together with available classes such as the Seminars and Mentorship Program
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