Tat2X Interview with Amazing U.K. Tattoo Artist Kym Munster
Posted on December 10 2015
UK TATTOO ARTIST KYM MUNSTER
Tat2x: How long have you been involved in the tattoo business?
Kym Munster: I have been working as a tattoo artist since 2009.
Tat2X: What made you decide to become a tattoo artist?
Kym Munster: I hadn’t actually set out to be a tattoo artist at all. I had studied Medical
Illustration and Photography for a few years and was intending on getting into
Scenes of Crime or the funeral industry. It was only after meeting a few tattooists
here and there (and there wasn’t that many shops back then) that I thought, you
know, I could do that. The industry itself is so cliquey it is pretty hard to get
anyone to help you out. I was always a bit intimidated by tattooists to be honest.
Tat2x: How did you learn the art of tattooing? Did you apprentice?
Kym Munster: Well, I already had a few tattoos by the time I got into it professionally and I
remember grilling the guy doing my tattoos about how he got into it, what was
this, what did that do. I got offered an apprenticeship when I was working in a bar,
one of the regulars was opening up a studio so I got it. I worked for him for just
over 3 years. It was tough. I don’t actually like the whole apprentice tradition.
POSEIDON TATTOO BY KYM MUNSTER
Tat2x: Are there any artists tattoos or otherwise that you admire?
Kym Munster: There are many great artists out there but my favourites are Joshua Carlton, Xoil,
Bob Tyrrell and Volko Merschky.
Tat2x: Has any individual in particular influenced your career?
Kym Munster: No. I just wanted to do my own thing.
Tat2x: What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Kym Munster: My favourite part is seeing my client’s reaction at the end. People can get very
emotional at times. It’s a very intimate job tattooing someone’s skin. It’s very
personal. I’ve had people burst into tears and give me huge hugs. It’s a wonderful
feeling to know that you have created something for a person and it moves them
that much.
That and the presents. I like getting presents. haha.
ELEPHANT TATTOO BY KYM MUNSTER
Tat2x: How would you describe your style?
Kym Munster: That’s difficult. I’d say illustrative? I like lots of lines, personally, but I dunno.
Abstract? Arty? I give up.
Tat2x: What’s the most unusual request for a tattoo design you have ever had?
Kym Munster: I ‘ve had too many over the years. One guy wanted a pair of eyes tattooed just
above this ass crack with the words ‘It’s rude to stare!’. umm No thank you.
Another time a girl came in wanting some script on her arm, so we went through
the size, the typeface etc and when asked what the actual quote was, she said
‘Oh, I dunno, something meaningful.’
I despair.
Tat2x: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists tattoo or otherwise?
Kym Munster: Any advice I could give would be to be patient. You won’t pick it up overnight. Maybe start off by sketching out some designs and think about posting them online. Instagram would be a good place to start, especially as it is a very visual platform. From there, you can then start building your portfolio, as well as growing your instagram followers. Be
patient, be sensible and be clean. Tattooing isn’t some magical thing. It is a
physical application. Treat skin like another medium. Once you master that, the
possibilities are endless. Be modest, and work hard.
EARTH TATTOO BY KYM MUNSTER
Tat2x: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Kym Munster: I listen to most things. Everything from the 1930’s era to black metal. I have a soft
spot for T Rex and I like a bit of classical too.
Tat2x: What are your favorite foods?
Kym Munster: I’ve been eating a lot of Italian food lately but I suspect that’s because I’ve been
rewatching The Sopranos. Does red wine count as a food?
Tat2x: What do you do to relax when you’re not at the studio?
Kym Munster: I still like to paint when I’m off but I’m usually hanging out with Ross (my
boyfriend) watching stuff like The Wire, GOT or anything serial killer related. I got
an Xbox One this year so killing zombies is a wonderful pastime. I read quite a bit
too.
GLASCOW TATTOO ARTIST KYM MUNSTER
Tat2x: Is there anything else we should know about you or your studio?
Kym Munster: We’re going to be working at the Scottish Tattoo Convention next year so if
you’re going to be there, come and say hello.
More About U.K. Tattoo Artist Kym Munster:
To see more of Glasgow tattoo artist Kym Munster’s inspiring work you can visit:
• Kym Munster’s Instagram (Feline Sick)
• Kym’s Facebook Page
• Kym Munster on Tumbler
