A new addition to Light Studios, Ferns & Flow and Old Dotter are behind Tattooed Folk. Blending ritual, ceremony and tradition, their new age studio is redefining the experience of getting a tattoo in today’s culture. 

We caught up with Tattooed Folk to chat about how they're breaking industry norms with their unique approach and new space. 

How would you describe your tattooing styles, and how does hand-poked tattooing allow you to express your creativity differently?

Hand poke tattooing is a beautiful art, going back to the beginning of humans. Folk have always used tattooing to mark moments in time, stories, tribes, to connect and create. To us, tattooing can be sacred and ritualistic - Marking the skin in a way that lasts forever can be a deeply intentional act. But it can also be something that just brings you joy!

Hand poke is achieved by creating a bigger picture, dot by dot. The process is much slower and gentler than machine tattooing. Our styles of tattooing are delicate and detailed, which work wonders with handpoke. Taking inspiration from, foraging, nomadic living, botanicals, symbolism, folklore and the esoteric. Honing our skills over time, between us we have over 10 years of experience in the tattoo world. 

What kind of atmosphere do you aim to create for clients when they step into your studio? 

At Tattooed Folk we have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, somewhere to come to relax and be yourself. Our studio is built of second hand and artisan, giving new life to once loved items. There is a cosy sofa corner with books to flick through while you wait, a tea cupboard with foraged herbs and teas. We want you to feel like you’re in a cosy witches cottage, but in the heart of the city. 

How have you found your time at Light Studios so far? What inspired you to pick the building as the space for your studio?

We have loved our first couple of months at Light Studios. Using the beautiful 1960s bones to create our own unique space. My favourite part of our studio is the wonderful windows which disperse a warm green light across the tattoo stations. We celebrated our opening up on the amazing roof terrace, and filled it with friends and family. This is such a bonus to the space, having a secret garden to look over the city! Also just a few minutes walk you can look out to sea and Drakes Island which is amazing. 

Discover more and book in with Tattooed Folk on their Instagram. 

EWA residents can receive 20% off their bookings with Tattooed Folk by showing their fob upon arrival.