Rab the kelt

Rab, a friend of my mums, is a self taught tattoo artist from Glasgow. I gave him a short interview and below is some of his work.
                                                                                                                     

1. How did you get into tattooing / did you teach yourself?

A. I’ve been an artist for years and a few folk had said I should give tattooing a try, so when a friend offered to buy me a tattoo kit in exchange for a few free tattoos, I jumped at the chance. I practiced on fruit and practice plastic skin for a long time before I done my 1st real tattoo…There is so much you need to know before you start tattooing for real. The hygiene aspect of tattooing is very important. As well as all the techniques and styles .Nothing can prepare you for real living skin....

2. Whats your favorite styles of tattoo / least favourite ?

A. I seem to be working in greyscale or just black at the moment. I would not say I’ve not found any style I don’t enjoy doing. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
3. Do you have the one style of tattoos you do ? Or do you do a variety?

A. My style is to do anything the customer likes, I love celtic art and hope to specialise in that, but in the meantime I’ll do anything that comes along.

4. Do you tattoo yourself ?

A. I have been advised that tattooing yourself is not a good idea, so not at the moment.

5. Where do you get your business from , do you work at home , tattoo parties, shop ... ?

A. I’ve been working on friends and friends of friends…I did advertise on gumtree a few times. I work from home but hope to work in a studio at some time in the future.

6.. Any advice you would give to someone who is wanting to start a career as a tattoo artist?

A. Apart from practicing your drawing shading and colouring, I would say get some tattoos and watch what the artist is doing. Ask questions and let them know you are interested in becoming a tattoo artist.

                                               I love this tattoo by Rab, its gorgeous.

 

Some Celtic inspired designs, including a very detailed Celtic cross

 

Link to site - www.rabthekelt.co.uk