Meet the Artist: Tracy D

📍Royal Tattoo, Helsingør (Denmark)

@tracydtattoos

 

How long have you been tattooing or painting? 

About 15 years 

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What 5 bands or musicians are in your current rotation? 

Radical Face,  Blackfield,  Iron and Wine,  Orville Peck,  Cowboy Junkies

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What’s your overall perspective on the current state of tattooing, and where do you see it heading in the future?

It's very different from when I started. It’s definitely in a place that I never expected, but that’s life and that’s any industry–especially a creative one. It’s always continuously evolving and moving and changing. Therefore, if you want to be a part of it, you need to change and adapt to some extent. And do this while still holding onto your values and what you believe in– the things that brought you into the industry in the first place.

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Where is your shop based, and what do you love about the location?

The shop I work at is based in Helsingør, Denmark. To me, it feels like a small village but people call it a city here. It’s very quiet and quaint and on the sea. I really do love the fact that it’s so quiet and it’s a small town somewhere. I never thought I would end up here, coming from London. I enjoy the fact that the sea is right there, and the forest too. There is a lot of nature and it seems quite untouched compared to a lot of other places.

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What are your favorite types of designs to draw?

I love traditional lady heads, which would be my number one subject. The past years have led me more towards traditional, which I really enjoy trying to put my spin on. I also love fine line black-and-grey, so any subject matter that can translate nicely into that style. And, of course, I’m a sucker for a pinup, lady head, or anything floral.

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With all the advancements in tattooing technology, which tools or techniques do you rely on, and are there any older methods you still hold onto?

I have switched from using coil machines to using the pen. It’s definitely something that is very convenient for travelling, which I still do a lot of. It’s also hygienic, and easy to handle for my hands and wrists after so many years of tattooing.

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In your opinion, how important is it for artists to evolve their style over time? Is it better to master one niche or explore different paths?

I think that is different for everybody. Sometimes I think I would’ve preferred to master one specific style, but I’m so happy that I’ve had the opportunity to explore many different styles over the years. I think that helps you keep growing and learning and moving forward rather than just focusing on one specific area. But I also admire and respect the people who have focused on one area, and to see how they have been able to completely master it. I think it’s incredible.

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How do you see the relationship between client input and your own artistic freedom when designing tattoos?

I think we are here to provide a service for people, and a lot of people come to us for guidance with regards to the design that they want. Some people are open to your interpretation and other people aren’t. Of course I always try to give my advice and opinion, but at the end of the day you are also there to provide a service. You also have other clients who come to you specifically for your own style because they love what you do, and I think that creates a lot of freedom in the process of designing and tattooing. I’m happy to work with people as much as I can, try to give them my best advice, and do the best tattoo for them. Because, at the end of the day, they are the one's wearing it– not me. Of course, if I have the freedom to put my own spin on it, I couldn’t be happier.

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How do you handle creative blocks or periods where inspiration seems harder to find?

Such is the way of life! Just push through, keep treading water, and eventually you’ll come back to a point where you feel creative again. Don’t be hard on yourself, it’s not worth it.

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What advice would you give to aspiring tattooers or those wanting to get into painting trying to establish themselves in today’s competitive industry?

haha Good Luck! I would have no idea how to even navigate the current tattoo industry if I was a beginner.

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How do you measure success as a tattoo artist? Is it based on personal satisfaction, client feedback, or something else?

I always feel the most success or happiness when, after I’ve done a tattoo for somebody, I watch their reaction when they look in the mirror and I see their eyes light up. To me, that is the most satisfying part of the job. And I feel most successful in that moment as well, because I’ve given somebody something that they wanted– or somethingmore that they didn’t know they wanted. 

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Do you thrive under the pressure of deadlines, or do you prefer having unlimited time to perfect your projects?

I work well with deadlines, generally. Too much time keeps me procrastinating.

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Are there any traditions or practices from tattooing’s past that you wish were still prevalent today?

I wish the younger generation would have more of an understanding of what’s come before them, and the people who paved the way to make tattooing what it is today.

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What’s your take on social media’s impact on the tattooing industry, both positive and negative?

Of course social media has opened up tattooing a lot more for the general public, as well as for tattooers to gain exposure and to showcase their work. I think social media has been an incredible tool for many tattooers up until recently. I think it’s changed a lot, and now it just seems like a game that you have to play– and pay for it.

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What sparked your love for art, and how has that initial spark influenced your career in tattooing?

I’ve always loved art and art history, and I think that is what drew me into tattooing. I have always loved the Pre-Raphaelite era, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau, and those periods of art have definitely influenced my tattooing through the years.

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How do you balance downtime with maintaining creativity and pushing yourself as an artist?

I never used to feel that downtime, away from tattooing, was needed until the past few years. Now, I definitely realize that I have a life aside from tattooing, and when I feed that life in a good, positive way my tattooing thrives. It’s definitely a good thing to have time for yourself, as well as time for tattooing. Life is a balance.

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What hobbies or activities help you recharge and stay inspired when you’re not painting or tattooing?

Spending time with animals, walking on the beach and in the forest, and sitting in my sauna.

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Where do you draw the most creative energy or inspiration from in your day-to-day life?

Most probably from nature. There is so much outside, full of beauty, that it can inspire you in many ways– from a tiny bird sitting in your garden, or a sunset on the beach. You have all the colours in the world available in nature.

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Who were some of your first artistic influences, and have they shaped your personal style? If so, how?

Chris Conn. I loved his artwork from day one, before I was even tattooing. All of his lady heads have influenced me throughout the years, and continue to do so.

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How do you approach balancing technical skill with artistic interpretation in your work?

I’m very lucky to work with an amazing bunch of tattooers at Royal Tattoo that each have a great balance between technical skill and artistic interpretation. We’re very lucky that we can bounce ideas off each other, and help each other with the latest tools and technology, so we can all keep moving forward and bettering ourselves. It helps us all maintain a good, high standard.

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