TATTOO TALES

Today, I’m sitting down with Rue from Ruethless Irons for a conversation that gets right to the heart of things. Rue has been in the game since the late 90s, coming up in San Francisco and Amsterdam before finding his true calling in machine building. But we aren't just talking history. This episode is a wake-up call about the current state of tattooing. We get into the quiet corporate takeover happening right under our noses, as private equity firms buy up our supply chains to strip and consolidate them. We talk about the absolute necessity of voting with our dollars, ditching the convenience of corporate monopolies, and throwing our support behind independent, tattooer-owned brands. We also touch on the real why behind machine building and how smaller, tattoo-focused conventions are keeping the real community alive. Tattooing has given us everything, and this conversation is all about how we protect it. Follow Rue on Instagram ruethless-irons.com stefbastian.com

In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro. This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindset into his work, as he says “Balance beats perfection”. His insights, matured over a long and successful career, can be very helpful to all the committed artists and tattooers that share the struggles of draftsmanship and the quest to grasp the bigger picture of a culturally and visually rich style such as the Japanese. Find Pino on Instagram White Fox Gallery Find out more about Stef’s courses, seminars and projects

Curious about how to make woodblock prints? In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago. From his school in the mountains of Karuizawa, Terry breaks down the intricate world of woodblock printing—from the discipline of his apprenticeship in Kyoto to the specialized tools like the baren and cherry wood blocks. We dive into the striking parallels between the heritage of Japanese printmaking and the tattooing world, exploring how the craft has evolved from the rigid assembly lines of the Edo period to a contemporary "Golden Age" where artists handle every step of the process. It’s a deep dive into a tactile, timeless and versatile medium that rewards patience and honors the rule of "making it from yourself." Artists mentioned in the episode: Hiroshi Yoshida (shin hanga) Munakata Shiko (sosaku hanga) Suppliers: Gwasendo (art supply store in Kyoto) Michihamono (tool maker) Sekaido (Tokyo) Mokuhankan (Tokyo) Mentioned tattoo-friendly onsen: agri-yu Learn more about Terry’s courses and residencies Terry’s school on IG Stef’s mentorship and projects Stef’s IG

Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect. Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi Mentioned texts: -Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) -Kōjaku Monogatari-shū -Hira-no-Kōjin Reitaku -Shūi-ōjōden -Tengu Zushi (scrolls) (mentioned anime about Japanese Hell: HOZUKI’S COOLHEADEDNESS)

Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration. Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sustainable, and exciting. It’s an honest, heart-warming conversation with someone who’s carved her own path while staying deeply connected to the joy of creating. I’m sure her words and priorities resonate with a lot of you and her insights can help you in your own journey as a creative. Follow Tabby on Instagram Get her prints and find out more about her work Sailors jail Gallery stefbastian.com

Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity. We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career. We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others. We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris. This is a story about art, healing, and legacy. Follow Michelle on Instagram Darktales News, courses and more

Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community. This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking. Follow Bill on Instagram Billcanales.com Mentorships, Courses and more Follow Stef on Instagram

Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more. In this episode, Luke shares insights on commitment, the price of knowledge, the value of the process, and the importance of honoring the clients who allow us to do what we love. His wisdom is the kind that can reshape the way we approach our craft—no matter where we are in our journey. Luke’s energy is contagious, and talking with him was a real pleasure—something that was felt not just by me, but by everyone in the audience. I hope his words inspire you as much as they inspired me. And if you ever get the chance, make sure to experience the Aachen Tattoo Convention for yourself—it’s truly a well of inspiration and learning from some of the best in the world. Thank you Andreas Coenen and the whole podcast crew that made this possible. Checker Demon IG Checker demon website Checker Demon books Aachen Tattoo Convention IG kaiserstadt-tattoo-expo-aachen.com stefbastian.com

Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life. Alex De Francesca and Junior explain the birth and various aspects of this project, in a conversation that dives into topics such as creativity, the importance of presence, inspiration and the power of collaborative projects. The project’s Instagram Support the project on Kickstarter Alex Instagram Junior Instagram stefbastian.com

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends. After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity. Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose. Follow Kelu on Instagram Kelu’s paintings stefbastian.com @stef_bastian