Interview with a Gold Coast Tattoo Artist

By Rory Switzer.

Gold Coast has more skin art than most Maori tribes (did you know that the giant tat on Mike Tyson’s face is a traditional Maori warrior tattoo?). It’s safe to say people are obsessed with them up here. Have you got one? Have you got some? If yes, do you love them or regret them? If no, are you scared? What of? It’s only forever… live a little.

I spoke with a local tattoo artist working in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Tom has just recently opened a tattoo parlour two blocks down the road from QT so I went down and asked him a few ink-related questions.

What got you into tattooing?

I didn’t want a real job…

Are you hiding any tats under your massive beard? I had a teacher in high school with a giant beard and rumour was he had a naked lady tat under his chin…

I wish I had a good answer for that, just chin under here…

Why do you think so many Gold Coasters have tattoos?

I think it has to do with the heat. A lot of people are wearing very little which allows them to show off their ink. There are also heaps of active people on the Goldy with muscles wanting to be shown off. What better way to attract attention to yourself than a giant arm covered in art?

Most bizarre tattoo request?

Young guys at schoolies getting all kinds of random shit tattooed onto themselves. Weirdest was probably the room number.

What, as in the room number of the apartment he was renting for the week?

Yeah, he got his room number on his ass so he wouldn’t lose himself over schoolies.

Who would think to check his ass if they found him?!?! That’s insane!

What does your mother think of all this ink?

She still hates it.

Fair enough. Are you sometimes required to shave hairy dudes down before you can tatt-ewww them?

Yeah man, it’s my favourite part of the gig.

Weird. Thanks Tom!

Check out Tom’s newly opened shop, Gold Coast Tattoos.