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FLAMIN' EIGHT
SHOP OF THE MONTH
by Calu
Photos courtesy of Flamin' Eight
From the July 2008 issue of PRICK Magazine
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 Tattoo by Naresh |
 Tattoo by Ely |
 Tattoo by Harry |
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Situated right in the heart of the rock, goth, and punk hotspot in London’s
Kentish town, Flamin’ Eight couldn’t be in a better location for a bunch
of nutters to come together. Naresh, the owner and one of the artists,
is rapidly approaching 20 years behind the needle. Celebrating their 10th
anniversary this year, Flamin’ Eight has evolved from a grassroots street shop
to a full blown custom studio, working mainly by appointment only.
So, 20 years is a long time tattooing, how do you feel about the
business 20 years later?
Naresh: It seems as though I have barely blinked since I first picked up a
machine, and now find myself at a place in my life that I never dreamed was
achievable. I feel tattooing has been very kind to me, leading me on travels and
adventures (both at home and around the globe), allowing me to experience
tattooing its many forms and cultural contexts.
Do you still enjoy every minute of it?
Naresh: I am still as in love with tattoos today as the day I first got tattooed.
I really enjoy working in a variety of styles...I have never really
specialized, probably as a result of my years in street shops knocking out
flash, and frankly, I enjoy the variety. I rarely draw anything in advance for
clients, preferring the spontaneity of freehand or working with the client
at the time of their appointment to create something fresh and new.
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 Art by Lianne |
 Tattoo by Naresh |
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Has tattooing in London changed over the years?
Naresh: We have seen many changes, for one, the number of people getting
tattooed just seems to keep growing. It is no longer the preserve of
the underground or outsiders. A few weeks ago I was served at the
counter in my local bank by a girl with tattoos on her forearms and an
eyebrow piercing! Many conservative jobs are now held by people with
body mods that only a few years ago would have been shocking to mainstream
society.Also, with the advent of TV shows dedicated to our craft,
people’s expectations have risen dramatically about the time it takes to
create a great tattoo, allowing us to make a seamless transition from
walk in studio to appointment only custom tattoo studio.
You have a new addition, Lianne. How is
that working out?
Naresh: Lianne has been tattooing for just under a
year now but her strong fine art background is
shining through and we expect great things from
her in the coming year watch this space.
There are also three other artists working
at Flamin’ Eight: Harry the newbie,
Bekki, and Ely. So I had some questions
for them, too.
Harry, you’re pretty fresh to this, how
does it feel working in a busy shop?
Harry: I have not been tattooing for that long really,
so things are all pretty new and exciting to me,
and not wanting to be one of those tattooist who
seem desperate to run before they can crawl, I am
instead trying to concentrate on creating clean
visual tattoos that will stand the test of time rather
than being desperate to push my “own style.”
Having said that though I do really enjoy drawing
and painting, so it is great when I get a client who
allows me to merge my art and work practice. I
think it is important to try to keep these two things
separate however, and not get into the habit of
drawing to tattoo if that makes sense. It’s good to
be working with the tattoo artists that have been at
it for a lot longer than me. Even if they do bully me
sometimes.
Bekki, how did you come to work at
Flamin’ Eight?
Bekki: Having worked in tattoo studios since leaving
art college when I was 17, it seemed only natural for
me to start tattooing, looking to artists like Sunny
Buick and Amanda Toy for inspiration. Presently,
along with learning to tattoo under the watchful eye
of Naresh, I also oversee the day-to-day running of
Flamin’ Eight. Just over a year ago I launched F8’s
retail store, Rockets and Roses, which is fast becoming
a full time job of its own.
When I’m not in the studio I spend my time
practicing with the best bunch of roller derby girls I
could hope for, London Rockin’ Rollers. I am also an
enthusiastic cook, baking vegan goodies in my newly
decorated custom built pink kitchen.
Ely you have been there the longest, how
did you get your start?
Ely: Having spent a lot of my life travelling, I have been
settled at Flamin’ Eight for the past five years now. I
had a bit of a dodgy start in tattooing, scratching out
of various squats and kitchens until Jim McAirt, now
of Into You Brighton, took me under his wing and
dragged me out of the gutter turning me into the
consummate professional I am today!
I have been fortunate enough in many shops
around the world and still get a kick out of travelling
and meeting people of all cultures. I consider myself
to be a street tattooer rather than an artist. My
favorite customers are street nutters, obsessive loons
and fine calibre storytellers.
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Flamin' Eight
2 Castle Road
Kentish Town, London
UK, NW1 8PP
For more information, go to www.flamineight.co.uk.
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