Tat2X Interview with Talented Cardiff Tattoo Artist Alison Baugh
Posted on January 13 2016
SUP DOG TATTOO BY ALI BAUGH
Tat2x: How long have you been involved in the tattoo business?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: About 4 years now, its been such a blur I have to sit and think sometimes to work it out!
Tat2X: What made you decide to become a tattoo artist?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: It was always something I was intrigued by and interested in but it wasn’t something I decided to do until after University. I was always very art driven and I’ve been drawing since I can remember! Mostly dragons, I was obsessed with dragons and dinosaurs growing up and I still am!
All I knew was that I wanted to make art an integral part of my life, I was never happy working a desk job or anything “normal.”
Tat2x: How did you learn the art of tattooing? Did you apprentice?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: I apprenticed for a little while in Birmingham part time whilst I worked full time after University. It was extremely challenging but I was determined to make something of myself and reach my goal. Afterwards I started working part time where I lived; King’s Lynn where I was still growing and learning which lead to me working full time in Cardiff.
SKULL TATTOO BY ALISON BAUGH
Tat2x: Are there any artists tattoos or otherwise that you admire?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: Hmm a tough one, there are so many I look up to style and technique wise but the couple that stand out for me is Clare Reid; beautiful use of colour and space! She inspired me from the very start to evolve my own style and explore it from seeing her way of painting on canvass transported onto skin. Another is the awesome Amanda Wachob, who mixes fine art ideas and theories with the techniques of tattooing. Her work pushed me question imagery more and to think outside of the box within my own practice.
Tat2x: Has any individual in particular influenced your career?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: There hasn’t been one individual in particular. Firstly I’m so grateful to my parents who always supported me and always told me not to waste my talents; through art clubs and arty days with my Mum and sister when I was little to supporting my decisions in my Art education. I’m very lucky to have them love what I do and I’m so happy to have made them proud after all they’ve done for me.
My boyfriend and fellow artist/designer has also been supportive as well as being honest with design work, bouncing ideas off of and pushing me to go for anything I want to try.
CARDIFF TATTOO ARTIST ALISON BAUGH
Tat2x: What would you say is your favorite part of the job?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: That’s a difficult one as there’s a few, one of course is the happiness of the client after the tattoos completion and that they’ll be so happy with the work which they’ll carry on them for the foreseeable future.
The fact that everyday is different, I enjoy being creative and thinking outside the box for every design and working with customers to create something unique and personal to them too.
Tat2x: How would you describe your style?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: I’d say ‘illustrative realism’. Not full blown photographic realism but with a twist of my obsession with details and textures giving it an illustrative hand drawn feel close to my own drawing style.
Tat2x: What’s the most unusual request for a tattoo design you have ever had?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: I get asked this a lot but I can never really think of an answer. Design requests that are ‘unusual’ I guess are always viewed as exciting, interesting and different from the usual.
ALI BAUGH POISONOUS TATTOO
Tat2x: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists tattoo or otherwise?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: For artists in all areas keep going and keep pushing to be better. No one is going to do it for you and hold your hand along the way, so be ready for a lot of hard work and ‘no’s’.
I must say when you do finally get somewhere don’t get comfortable and stagnant, be prepared to keep growing and evolving.
Tat2x: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: It depends on the situation, anything instrumental like Explosions in the Sky is great for chilling out to or drawing, upbeat ska, pop rock or anything from my childhood is great for the shop to work to and laugh about, and for parties and gatherings with friends, well anything goes!
Tat2x: What are your favorite foods?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: ALL FOOD!!!
ALI BAUGH UK TATTOO ARTIST
Tat2x: What do you do to relax when you’re not at the studio?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: Typical things really – watching documentaries and catching up with any series I’m watching, cinema and meals out, drinks with friends, maybe some drawing or gaming. Anything anyone else would do to chill out after work
Tat2x: Is there anything else we should know about you or your studio?
Alison “Ali” Baugh: Custom studio with no flash sheet designs so all designs are made for each and every customer.
Cheery and welcoming and always especially happy when brought in treats and snacks.
More About Cardiff Tattoo Artist Alison Baugh:
To see more of Cardiff tattoo artist Alison Baugh’s inspiring work you can visit:
• Alison Baugh Instagram
• Alison Baugh Pinterest
• Alison Baugh on Tumbler
