MURKADO

What was your very first tattoo and what motivated you to get it done? 

• I got my first tattoos on a whim while on a trip to New Orleans in 2019. I’ve always wanted tattoos and was into the fine art type of tattoo (though this has changed over the years), but never found time or money set aside for it.

• I ended up getting a symbol from Bon Iver’s 22, A Million album art that looked like the 1/0 undefined equation (a solemn reminder to the math degree I somehow completed - I absolutely suck at math and don’t know what compelled me to take it in university) and a simple line around my arm cause I thought it looked cute. 

How many tattoos do you currently have? Which one was the most recent? 

• I currently have 8 tattoos - all on my upper body. The most recent was a one-off flash design of a sea dragon by Mel (@hellmouthtattoo on Instagram). 

What have been some of the inspirations behind the other tattoos that you have? Do you typically have an idea in mind before reaching out to a tattoo artist to get work done? 

•  I’m really into what is deemed as “filth” art, as well as mecha sci-fi and medieval art. If it looks like it belongs on a metal album cover, a hellish sigil, or a goth club, I’m down.

What type of tattoo styles have you gotten done and what do you like about those particular styles? 

• I like the blackwork and trad styles! I don’t know that I’m a person that would be into coloured tattoos (let alone one to pull it off), so I am more particular to blackwork! It also appeases my inner goth/emo kid so it’s a win-win in that case. As for trad style, it’s classic and timeless. 

Do any of your tattoos hold any personal meaning to you that you’d like to share? 

• The one of my cat Gus is definitely a personal favorite of mine. One of the tattoo artists (@emy.noemie.tattoo) I follow on Instagram saw a story I posted of Gus and ended up messaging me saying that their partner Sean, who is also a tattoo artist (@plantboys.tattoo) wanted to use my cat as a muse for their upcoming flash series. Naturally, I said yes cause Gus deserves all the recognition. Not sure if he still has any Gus flash available, but it’s worth it to check out his work. 

• Aside from my Gus tattoo, my favorite is the spiky scorpion by Alix (@remember_the_tooth). Most of her work is drawn on so this scorpion felt particularly special and unique because of that reason.  

What were some of the most painful spots to get tattooed for you? 

• The ribs! Surprisingly, the fingers were fine - the ribs are next level pain. 

 How do you prefer to pass the time while getting a tattoo done?

• I like to peruse Instagram and look at cats, memes, or read LoTR, one of my favorite series ever - I gotta keep it close cause it’s just so damn good so I have a digital copy of the trilogy readily available on my phone.