Tattoo You, published by Phaidon Press / 15 February 2024

I was honoured to be commissioned by Phaidon to write the 3,000 word introductory essay to this cutting-edge illustrated survey of 75 contemporary tattoo artists from around the world. It features those who are pushing the boundaries of their art form, those who’ve only just entered the industry but are already reinventing it in some way, transcending boundaries and bringing a new kind of energy.

With nearly 700 images, Tattoo You: A New Generation of Artists showcases 75 rising stars who are redefining the industry. The artists featured in the book were selected through a nomination process – of which I was also part of. Experts who’ve bore witness to the changes of the last decade have been gathered – old school tattooers who’ve been in the world for years; academics and historians who’ve studied tattooing from artistic, sociological and even legal perspectives; and journalists and storytellers who’ve got inside the minds of the artists and workings of the industry.

Each artist is accompanied by a selection of images illustrating their work, alongside an in-depth profile (I was honoured to write ten of them) that delves into their influences, creative process, and how they are transforming the tattoo world. From minimal, blackwork, and neo-traditional tattoos to stick-and-poke and cultural and Indigenous practices, Tattoo You spans all styles and techniques, offering an inside look into how artists work today, while simultaneously providing glimpses of tattooing’s future as an innovative, accessible and revolutionary art form.

Find out more at phaidon.com