3 minute read
Brittany Gold Bel Air, MD
SIMON GYLLSTRÖM
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Romantic Owner/Artist
Lund, Sweden Location
Traditional Specialization
simongyllstrom @gmail.com
@simontattooing Instagram
Born and raised in South Sweden; I grew up always drawing and painting graffiti. This paved the way for me to begin tattooing as a teenager. I have owned two tattoo shops. The current one is Romantic in Lund, Sweden. I also had a residency at Sanctum in Stockholm, Sweden. I traveled and did guest spots throughout Europe, where I tattooed alongside people who have inspired me and helped me grow.
How long have you been tattooing?
I started tattooing my friends when I was 15 and have been doing it professionally for over 10 years.
What advice would you give to someone about getting his or her first tattoo? (A tattoo virgin)
Do your research beforehand. When you find a good tattoo artist go into your appointment with trust and in a good mood. If you are not 100% on getting a tattoo, it is okay to book a consultation first. Eating, staying hydrated, and getting a good night’s sleep the night before is really important.
My family has always been my biggest support. I wouldn’t be a tattoo artist today if it weren’t for my friends pushing me and buying me my first supplies.
What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is all the friends I made along the way. Tattooing allows me to be creative, write my own schedule and meet new interesting people every day. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest guy ever.
What is the most important advice you can give someone new to the art of tattooing?
Draw, draw, draw. Find artists that inspire you. Go and get tattooed by the ones that you like most. Surround yourself with people that motivate and encourage you. ✕
I am the manager, artist, and piercer at Iron Ink Tattoo Studio. I was born and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, not far from the tattoo shop. Right out of high school, I worked in marketing and printing, doing graphic design and print work. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a love of art and music. My mother was one of my biggest fans and always supported my passion for doing art! In October of 2012, I started an apprenticeship in tattooing; after finishing my apprenticeship, I worked in a few shops but found myself not wanting to work in your “Typical” Tattoo Shop. In October 2016, I started working for Iron Ink Tattoo, where everyone can feel welcomed and comfortable. Thanks to the support of friends, family, and clients, I continue to grow every day as an artist.
I do not limit myself to just one style, but I do favor doing Neo-Traditional inspired art, lettering, realism, and watercolor style tattooing. Due to my graphic design background, the technical part of tattooing came easy. I also have a love for sneakers, and with that and my artistic ability, I create custom sneakers that are one of a kind. If you feel that your vision meets my style, please contact me so we can work together to make your vision a piece of ART for your personal canvas.
Tattooing is not something I produce; it’s something that produces a change both in myself and my clients. In all my years and thousands of Tattoos later, I have yet to finish a tattoo and not look at the world in a new way. To me, no Tattoo is too small, every tattoo I do has meaning, and every tattoo means something to someone. I love working with my clients and creating custom art for them. Being able to tap into someone’s vision and bring that vision to life makes tattooing my passion! ⸺ Who/ where do you get your inspiration from? My artistic inspiration comes mostly from my own life. I’m busy painting shoes for clients, and that means a lot to me. I try not to please others through my art, but really just express myself ⸺ What did your family and friends think about you getting into the tattoo business? They have always supported me through everything I’ve done, from being a musician to now being a tattoo artist. ✕
DONNIE ANDERSON
