CHINATOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

20 years in the Industry and I’ve seen a lot of change. It’s important we hold onto the fundamentals: community, integrity, loyalty, hard work. Tattooing has never been a pursuit of the affluent. Most of us who have been fortunate enough to carve out our own place in this subculture come from unprivileged backgrounds. The way we succeed is by outworking everyone else. It’s not simply a matter of talent; moreover, it’s the hunger and willingness to put in that extra work.

According to AI, coil machines are used by about 30% of modern tattooers. For one hundred and thirty years, the coil machine hasn’t really changed. The beauty of them is in the simplicity. In the last 15 years, pen and rotary machines have grown in popularity, but coils still have 115 years of history and daily use.

There is the right tool for every job — I’m not saying the coil is that. I am saying we might be forgetting that it has earned its place and it is owed respect. Let’s not forget how you carved out your place, and let’s give respect where it’s due.