TATTOO TALES

70. ISAAC NICHOLS - The Water Margin: 108 heroes

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting.

We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese folklore.

 

Find Isaac on Instagram

The Water Margin: PREORDER

The Water Margin: EXHIBITION

ATAK

69. Learn to draw and paint like a Japanese master: the Kanō school method

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing?

 

In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano school exemplifying this systematic approach.

 

The discussion also highlights numi geiko, a proactive pursuit of knowledge beyond formal lessons, exemplified by Kyosai's intense  training and his broad integration of diverse influences.

 

The examples of these masters can help you integrate training methods in your own practice to improve and sharpen your skills. 

 

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68. COREY MILLER - We’re all glorified carnies

Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected.

Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney.

 

What stands out as the main theme, though, is his deep connection with people—a pattern I’ve noticed both in my own journey and in the stories of other seasoned artists.

Once you reach certain professional and artistic goals, you realise it all boils down to the most basic, meaningful things: friends, family, people.

 

Corey’s experience and progressive attitude can inspire us to keep our heads up during turbulent times, overcome obstacles, and honour the responsibility we carry as tattooers.

Follow Corey on Instagram 

News, mentoring and shop: stefbastian.com

 

 

67. ALEX RUSTY - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 2)

One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and direction.

 

In addition to his commitments at the shop and in his artistic practice, Alex is actively involved with the Tattooists Guild, working to positively influence the future of tattooing in Australia.

 

In this episode, Alex spoke to us about his upbringing in Sydney’s tough environment, shared insights and advice on the technical aspects of his tattooing and painting, and explained the importance of helping shape the future of tattooing regulation.

 

 

Find Alex on Instagram

Lighthouse Tattoo

Australian Tattooists Guild

66. JOSHUA FRYDMAN - Japanese mythology and folklore

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods? 

Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from? 

How all of that relates to tattooing? 

We got you covered. 

 

 

In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, specialized in Japanese ancient myths and literature, we dive into the origins of Japanese mythology and folklore. Shintoism, Buddhism, Chinese influence, philosophical/cultural implications and more.

Welcome to the nerd side of tattooing :)

 

 

13:43 Overview of Japan’s development

16:46 Religious systems in Japan

23:36 Syncretism of Japan

24:16 Kami and Gods

33:10 Seductivity and danger nature

39:40 Oni

42:07 Differences with Western folklore

44:38 Susanoo and Amaterasu

48:40 Not a definite answer

53:39 Godzilla modern myth

55:28 A fluid religion

1:01:05 Reading recommendations

1:04:30 Mythological names to real animals

1:06:21 Kannon’s example

 

 

 

Joshua’s book:

‘THE JAPANESE MYTHS: A GUIDE TO GODS, HEROES AND SPIRITS’

 

 

 

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stefbastian.com

 

 

 

 

65. CLEVER - Focus on what matters

Clever doesn’t need much introduction, his career is well known, as his collaborations with artists of the caliber of Juice Wrld, Post Malone and Justin Bieber.
In this open-hearted talk we get a glimpse of how music came into his life and topics many of us can relate to. What it means to be a parent for an artist, the responsibility of a creative, his creative process, how to overcome obstacles. 

Regardless of the specific fields we apply ourselves to - music, tattooing or anything else for that matter - we all go through the same things, each in our own way. Resistance, inspiration, priorities, identity, contribution.

As with all previous guests, Clever’s words can give us a little insight in this thing called life.

 

Follow Clever on Instagram

 

Tattoo Mentor Program

64. MAURO CARDOSO - Honoring Japanese tradition

Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional Japanese tattooing through the study and respect of the original sources. 

 

In this inspiring talk he shares with us some funny travel stories, the discovery of authentic reference, his experiences with Ivan Szazi and Horikyo and his take on traditions.

 

Find Mauro on Instagram

 

 

 

63. RYAN USSHER - Japanese tattooing at Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney (part 1)

Ryan Ussher is one of Australia’s top artists. Together with Alex Rusty he runs Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, a shop that established itself as a reference in the country. He specializes in large scale Japanese tattooing with emphasis on powerful and evocative imagery.

 

Beyond craftsmanship he’s considered a reference also for the volume of high quality output, including various collaborations and participation in the Australian Tattooists Guild. 

Follow Ryan on Instagram

Lighthousetattoo.com

Get in touch with Ryan here

Follow updates on the podcast, find mentor programs, classes and much more at stefbastian.com

62. CHRIS FERNANDEZ - American Traditional in NY

Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the result.

 

In this talk, which I really enjoyed, he told us about the road that got him to where he is, his process and the roots that shape his vision. 

Find Chris on Instagram

For updates you can find us on Instagram and stefbastian.com

61. TAMMY KIM - True to yourself

Tammy Kim is an Australian tattoo artists who worked and lived in Toronto for the last 15 years, and is now transitioning into an exciting new phase of her career.

She traveled the world, collaborating with major artists and brands, to shape a vision that is unique to her. Her story is a very inspiring one to all of us trying to connect with a deeper sense of authenticity and striving to constantly reach higher goals. 

Find Tammy at tammy-kim.com and Instagram

 

You can follow updates at stefbastian.com and extra resources such as the free newsletter blog and the mentorship programs. 

Stef’s Instagram