Tat2X Interview with British Tattoo Artist Mike Stockings
Posted on February 11 2016
MIKE STOCKINGS TATTOO ARTIST
Tat2x: How long have you been involved in the tattoo business?
Mike Stockings: I have been involved in the tattoo industry for about 5 years now.
Tat2X: What made you decide to become a tattoo artist?
Mike Stockings: I noticed tattoos a lot more as I got older… Influence from music and artists I looked up too people wearing them.
Tat2x: How did you learn the art of tattooing? Did you apprentice?
Mike Stockings: I didn’t have a traditional apprenticeship… A lot of my techniques are self taught.
Tat2x: Are there any artists tattoos or otherwise that you admire?
Mike Stockings: Dave Tevenal because of his hard work and approach to the life that tattooing brings. Mike Rubendall because of his attitude and dedication.
FOX TATTOO BY MIKE STOCKINGS
Tat2x: Has any individual in particular influenced your career?
Mike Stockings: Chris Stockings, my brother because he reminds me of myself when I started tattooing.
Tat2x: What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Mike Stockings: The amount of people that travel from all over the world just to get tattooed… To me that is a massive deal.. To come to my small town and experience a part of my life… And the excited look on their face when they get their tattoo… I also share that feeling of excitement going into tattoo shops in other places.
Tat2x: How would you describe your style?
Mike Stockings: I would say neo-traditional. I also enjoy Japanese inspired art and I enjoy studying the forms and flow of art on the body.
OWL TATTOO BY MIKE STOCKINGS
Tat2x: What’s the most unusual request for a tattoo design you have ever had?
Mike Stockings: There’s a couple …a cherub wearing a balaclava holding a shotgun …another was an octopus bouncing a basketball.
Tat2x: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists tattoo or otherwise?
Mike Stockings: Don’t just take inspiration from your craft whether it be graffiti, tattoo art or sculpting.. Inspiration is all around you.. It doesn’t even have to be visual.
Tat2x: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Mike Stockings: Any… mostly pop music that everyone hates… And Shania Twain.
SHOULDER PIECE BY MIKE STOCKINGS
Tat2x: What are your favorite foods?
Mike Stockings: Sushi!!!!!
Tat2x: What do you do to relax when you’re not at the studio?
Mike Stockings: Hanging out with my soul mates and my cats.
Tat2x: Is there anything else we should know about you or your studio?
I like to think I’m pretty normal and laid back… Don’t take life too seriously!
More About British Tattoo Artist Mike Stockings:
Mike Stockings: I like to think I’m pretty normal and laid back… Don’t take life too seriously! To see more of Haverhill tattoo artist Mike Stockings inspiring work you can visit:
BOB FETT TATTOO BY MIKE STOCKINGS
