anthonypaulnoble.com
Info
// Tattoo Ethos
I have always cared from the heart about art and tattooing, and the client's needs. Some colleagues have said i care too much! But obviously what we do is very important to the people involved, and can have a huge impact on our lives. It can be a challenging process to collaborate with clients and create the right magic! - so I always try to go the extra mile to make sure we get the desired result and more.
Patience and freedom with the process is highly beneficial and appreciated... but I also fully understand the need for client input and comfort, so we are always trying to find the right balance. Needs can vary greatly from project to project.
Every tattoo and art piece I do now I try to make special, and I'm aiming high, so always hoping to talk to the client about their likes and dislikes...and then get the support and belief to create something world-class.
Imagination and the possibilities are always shifting & changing in modern tattooing. Going forward I'd like to create more big pieces with impact and soul...and avoid clichés. Art not just with beauty...but character, and truth.
Art - especially the most personal way in which we express it on skin - can be a major therapy and growing experience (for viewers, collectors, and artists)
// Tattoo Procedure & Equipment
As the years go on I continue to strive to improve my procedure, and equipment setup. Client and artist safety is paramount, and no corners are cut.
Many of the tattoo supply companies have worked hard to make tattooing a safer and more efficient process, and make things much easier for us artists. Preperation time & cost can be sizeable however, to do things the right way, and get the best results.
I ofcourse use new cartridges (needles) for each client, from various manufacturers and often many different groupings to achieve the desired results. I use several rotary (almost silent) machines, usually wireless.
I use vegan inks from Dynamic and Eternal, always distilled water and organic medical soap.
I sometimes use protective barrier film ('2nd skin') for suitable tattoos, which is the revolutionary new way to protect & heal the work after the tattoo has been done...some clients however show a reaction to the film (especially if left on longer than advised), so it is upto you on your preference. Aftercare advice will be given either way.
Pain relief is not provided, but I am not against you doing whatever you need to do to get through comfortably (within reason!). Pain relief products can be recommended, and advice
on application given.
I encourage numbing creams or pain relief if you feel you are sensitive to the pain, doing long sessions, or being tattooed in the most painful areas on the body.
Tattoo pain can vary from barely noticeable to almost unbearable! but most people are fine until 3 or 4 hours into it. I tattoo in an efficient way and minimalise pain to the client...although sometimes it is inevitable, and we have to concentrate on doing the job properly ofcourse. First time tattoo clients are usually pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as expected.
It is always beneficial to not fight the pain, or fear it... to accept it and go 'with it'.
Relaxation, lack of resistance, and a calm mood, go a long way.
Tattooing can be a 'surrendering' process for the client, both in terms of that pain, and the final result. Trust and patience is highly beneficial.
Breaks or stopping for whatever reason are fine, and the sessions are always flexible. I hope to help you feel comfortable and unpressured.
// Advice for Tattoo Clients
Before your tattoo, you should research your artist, studio and imagery well. Think in advance about how the tattoo will be placed ofcourse, and always try to take into account your future plans, and future tattoos. Your artist should help give you more perspective with this. Try to communicate your ideas clearly, but also listen to the advice of your respected artist(s) and take time to process it.
On the day of the tattoo, be well rested and eat a good meal before you come. Shave the area in question if you feel comfortable; using shaving foam, being careful not to damage the skin, and keeping it very clean. Shaving beforehand can give the skin time to settle before the tattoo starts. Don't worry at all if you don't do this.
Try not drink alcohol in the 24 hours before the tattoo ;) Being hungover is certainly not advised
At the studio we will make you feel at home. Try not to worry or overthink anything, take your mind off, listen to some good music...whatever works for you!
During the tattoo (or any time!) you should make sure you're well hydrated! Sugar can also help people feel better. I also encourage your favourite music or movies to take your mind off, if neccessary.
It's nice for me to concentrate and get in the zone (especially at the start of the session)...but also feel free to chat or communicate anything! I usually make conversation myself
After the tattoo, a short cool down period usually happens, where we can clean it up, discuss aftercare and wait for it to settle before taking some pictures. The pain usually subsides quickly, and the tattoo is only usually tender to the touch for a few days at most. This can vary from person or tattoo. Good nutrition, hydration and rest is beneficial post-tattoo, especially after longer sessions.
For aftercare advice, see here.
I tattoo strictly over 18's only (I.D. may be required), and pregnant women are not allowed to be tattooed. If you have any health conditions or diseases, you are required to inform us beforehand, and a questionnaire is always filled out for us and the council before the session.
If you have any questions about my procedure or equipment, please don't hesitate to ask.
// Tattoo & Design Process
Here are notes about the process for those interested, or unfamiliar with aspects of tattooing or art;
My process with custom tattoos is firstly a free consultation, either online or in person. After a personal one, online contact is often beneficial before the day, to discuss the options.
To start any design work or make any appointments, a deposit is always required. This is so we can both fully commit to the project. Deposits range from £50 up to £250 per session, depending on the tattoo. The price of the deposit comes off your tattoo on the day, and design work is often free of charge/included in the tattoo rate.
Deposits are non-refundable but the date can often be moved with some notice without charge. I am easy-going if you have special requirements or requests, or are running late, etc. I feel like the most important thing is that both parties are relaxed and positive.
To focus on projects properly, design work sometimes operates on a week by week basis ...that is to say, I will do the majority of the work for your design or the finalisation of it, in the week leading up to the tattoo. It is natural for cleints to want to see end results beforehand or go over every detail, but avoiding this is often the best way for me as an artist, and I am very accustomed to working on these time frames (or less). A lot of the tattoos in my portfolio are designed 'on the fly', on the day...or even freehanded. For larger projects I may work on the design periodically for months leading to the date, it all depends on the project...
Rest assured all effort and experience is applied to make sure your design and tattoo is successful...patience and belief helps the whole process flow more naturally.
Before this design though, we will talk a lot about your tastes and the options. I'll look at it from different perspectives and try to foresee any possible problems, challenges and opportunities. Balance can be challenging here as your input is vital to the whole thing (sometimes a small input, sometimes large), but then there also needs to be a letting go where I work out the best solutions. Often I will ask for more input or opinion along the way.
Sometimes I will send designs before the appointment date, and for other projects, you may not see the design until the day...to make it much easier to explain all the options/ layers/ designs.
Realistic designs are often done digitally on photoshop, so we can explore more options quicker, and change things easily.
During long tattoo sessions I aim to have short breaks every 1-2 hours to keep up concentration, hydrate and move! Sessions can often start or end late, again patience is highly appreciated as we have a lot to prepare, think of, and carry out. I'm always of the opinion that the most important thing is the end result, and I'm often going the extra mile or sacrificing my own needs or profits to make that happen.
After the session I will apply the neccessary dressing, and give the relevant advice both verbally and via link to this page. Healing can vary greatly, and usually the initial healing takes between 5 days and 2 weeks. Dryness and further skin healing in the area is normal for weeks after the tattoo. For aftercare advice see here.
I am very open and honest, feel free to ask anything. I have a lot of experience in a range
of styles, perspectives and environments, and happy to share my thoughts.
I create my best work with freedom, and I'm always trying to improve. I also value your opinions, and again, they are vital to the process. Also, the more research you put into finding the right reference images or styles, the better.
It is much appreciated if you can send good quality photos
when fully healed, thank you!
(I had a lot of inexperienced clients wondering how it goes... so to summarise, a custom tattoo process might look like the following)
Consultation > Deposit > Date booked > Design > Consult > Tattoo
A quick tattoo timelapse
Timelapse... designing a modern Nordic 'Tree of Life' tattoo
// Aftercare Advice
There are various ways to heal tattoos, and you will often find varying advice between artists. I will give verbal aftercare advice after the tattoo, as well as a printed copy. Following is downloadable aftercare advice, some notes from myself, and a good list of Do's & Dont's.
The aftercare depends on which dressing is used; either with Protective sticky Tattoo film (Second Skin), or with the usual cling film (general tattoo aftercare):
Click the image to see the download link
Protective Tattoo Film (second skin)
Not to be confused with cling film, this new protective film is latex free, breathable, and self-adhesive. It protects against dirt, germs, and friction from clothes. It's not ideal to use it for every tattoo, but it is a great aid when possible. Again, follow the relevant advice above depending on whether the protective film is used or not
Use as pure and chemical-free a soap as possible, in small amounts...and warm-hot water (depending on how hot you'd like to bear)
Always apply cream in small amounts, rubbing fully into the skin and not leaving excess on the surface. There are various creams which are suitable...
I recommend:
TattooMed products
Hustle butter
Organic coconut oil
I don't recommend bepanthen, and you certainly shouldn't use savlon.
Coconut oil can also be used after the tattoo is healed, to moisturise and make the tattoo look more fresh.
The tattoo healing varies a lot depending on the person. It usually takes 1 - 2 weeks for most of the healing to take place, and further weeks for all of the dry skin to fully heal. After the first week, the tattoo should be much easier to maintain, and harder to damage.. but you should still be mindful for a month (and beyond) after the tattoo has been done.
In my opinion the best way to heal your tattoo is to be well rested and hydrated, avoid sunlight, and to not irritate it (e.g. touching it too much or picking it), and avoid its exposure to chemicals and bacteria.
Certain aspects of the healing can be confusing or worrying sometimes. If you have any questions, dont hesitate to contact me
DO
- Listen to the artist's advice!
- Keep your tattoo clean!
- Protect it from damage
- Drink lots of water!
- Get good rest
- Use a pure, chemical-free soap
- Use a specially formulated tattoo cream, or organic coconut oil
- Use clean hands and towels
DON'T
- Don't Pick, scratch, rub, itch, or touch it!
- Don't Allow into contact with pets
- Don't Swim (for 2 - 3 weeks+)
- Don't do too much strenuous physical activity or training (ideally for 1 - 2 weeks+ if possible!)
- Don't put too much cream on or too often
- Don't worry if the tattoo is a bit swollen, tender, or leaking some body fluids
- Don't allow into contact with dirt, chemicals, bacteria, or raw meat
- Don't expose to direct sunlight
// Biography
rt and design always came naturally to me. Born on Michaelangelo's birthday in 1984, adopted as a baby, and moved to a quiet place on the outskirts of Manchester UK...art was definitely part of the escapism. From the youngest age creating things was my passion, and almost always with a pencil. I would design very intricate things on huge paper, and later recreate my favourite characters or scenes; showing an ability beyond my years.
I had a few decent art teachers growing up who encouraged my expression, and by the time I was in my early teens I could draw almost photorealistically. Hollywood cinema, Americana, Japanese culture, Sci-fi, games, hip hop and street culture were my main inspirations in these early years. I was always trying to create my own content too, not just consume the rest. I was also lucky enough to have a close friend or two that really exposed me to the best which media had to offer.
Moving into adulthood I mainly focused on fine art and illustration, but also studied graphic design, product design and eventually even games design. After university I didnt know what to do except that I'd rather not just be using computers, or being dictated to. I loved dark art at this time - H.R. Giger was my first really beloved artist - but I also preferred the more beautiful or poetic dark arts, with artists such as Luis Royo. This contrast intrigued me...
By chance soon after university I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship in 2008, in Preston (Priest town) North England, based on my art skills. It wasn't a world I was used to at the time, but I thought it might suit me, being more alternative and 'free', and decided to give it a go. I wasn't part of the wave of tattooers who pursued it specifically, and started in a very different kind of studio to the majority of the ones we see today. On my first day i was shown how to take apart a machine and put it back together... And the 2nd day i had to tattoo myself with it. It would be the first of many.
The studio was far from ideal for my progress in some ways, but I came into tattooing at a time and place which I'm very thankful for. To have seen a lot of the old-school way of doing things, from the foundations up so to speak. My art interests developed, and I saw a dramatic improvement in my skills with the more intensive practice. I started tattooing around 2009 and quickly built a decent client base and portfolio.
I stayed with this first studio for 4 years, with my colleague buying the business and us designing it all our own way. We later opened a new premises and went from strength to strength. I had a lot of input and also learnt a lot here about the industry and clients, eventually moving on and designing and managing a studio of my own, Freedom tattoo...in a small quiet town close to nature. Here I really began to pursue my own way. My art style was being solidified...and I was more interested now in combining my usual realistic style, with abstract elements (but still focused on greyscale art).
After building a great foundation there and it starting so well, I was unfulfilled. I really felt like it was time to spread my wings. I had no idea which direction to travel, but I think creative minds are best developed through life experience, and it seemed like I had to push myself if I was ever going to get close to where I wanted to be, or have the experiences I hoped for. I'd always thought about moving to a big city with lots of creative energy...so I set off for london in 2015, with no set accommodation or job, completely going with the flow. I landed on my feet in Fitzrovia central London, at the now closed Soul Rise. (on 'Newman' Street no less)
The years I lived in London (until Covid began) were a whirlwind, experiencing life at several studios and meeting many amazing clients and artists from all walks of life along the way. I've worked with some of London's most well known and respected artists, people I watched on television when I was learning, and at some prestigious studios. My life completely changed and all the amazing cultures and perspectives here rubbed off. I kept moving around the city, in part to keep learning, and to avoid the stagnation that I used to hate so much when I was younger.
I lived in Russia for just over a year, living, working and doing charity work with a very special Russian family, and briefly Patch Adams and the humanitarian volunteers. Here I also had the pleasure of meeting some unique artists and minds. I'm very grateful for the people I've met and wisdom Ive learnt over the years.
After Russia I started again from scratch(!), unsure whether to travel or stay. My art style and focus had evolved. Now more influenced by other worlds, and colours. I found my home for a while at Santo Cuervo, in a quiet but very creative area of London, before moving on a couple of years later to a more rural life, in light of the new government restrictions and changing society.
I am left handed, a deep thinker, a perfectionist, and somewhat of a lone wolf. I have one daughter, and currently live close to nature in South West England. I enjoy my work and all manner of creative outlets... as well as producing and playing music, pursuing truth, cooking, digital design, and DIY/woodworking.
I am not motivated by money or social status... but expression, truth and productivity
I've always had very high standards, and ambition. Looking to the future I hope to define my style fully and finally amalgamate my favourite styles and features. I always wanted and believed that I could be one of the best at what I do, and build something worthwhile, including producing more fine art. It's taken a lot of work and perseverence to get to a point where this was possible and I was in a good place...but all worthwhile in this ever growing story. Hoping to contribute a lot to this quickly-changing medium and culture, I feel like I have only scratched the surface of my capabilities...
A
Influences, Inspirations & Interests
Realistic art, hyperrealism, Gothic art, Japanese and eastern art, Neoclassicism
H. R Giger, Luis Royo, Albrecht Duhrer, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bernini, Gustave Doré
Trash polka art, Volko Merschky, Niko Hurtado, Jeff Gogue, Joshua Carlton, Thomas Carli Jarlier...Jeremy Geddes
Contemporary art, street art, graffiti, murals, stencil art, Banksy, Jean Basquiat,
Joos van Barneveld, Mashkow Wildo, Dominic Spears
Phillip k Dick, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, Terry Gilliam
Cinema, urban culture, technology, sci-fi, and often dark or gritty subject matter.
History, nature of reality, symbolism, psychology, sociology, the subconcious, truth
Preferred Art Style / Subjects
My preferred tattoo & art style is hyperrealism combined with abstract elements - often geometry, ink splashes and watercolour or painterly effects.
I love when the image/form/'order', comes out of 'chaos'...
"I saw the angel in the marble, and carved until I set him free"
I love portraits, figures, statues, architecture, nature, symbolism, and thought-provoking, controversial or spiritual themes..and tattoos with impact.
Portraiture & figures
Statues & sculpture
Contemporary Japanese
Watercolour tattoos
Enjoying colour work more and more
// Notes
Photo Editing
Photos are edited slightly to bring out the tattoo detail and make the photo look more like it does in person. I tend to keep editing natural and to a minimum. My general photo editing process is as follows...
- Saturation reduction to take away some red skin
- Sharpening and Gamma to show the details more like in person
- Sometimes a vignette (darker corners of the photo) for presentation, to focus on the tattoo more
The tattoos often look more impressive in person on the day than on photos, and the editing tries to reflect that. It can also be difficult to get good photos of tattoos with light glare, oils on the skin and swelling! Again, later sending over some good quality photos of the healed tattoos is greatly appreciated, if we're not able ot meet and take them in person.
Pricing
Tattoos are usually based on around £100 an hour and around £500 - 600 per day, for high-quality work at reputable studios. I often go below this though and try to make a good deal for clients, especially for large projects (which make up the majority of my work)
The price includes any design work and preparation, the (increasingly costly) equipment... plus our time, skill & experience... and ofcourse the finished tattoo, as well as any neccessary support afterwards. A lot of resources have and do go into carrying out my work to a high standard.. and I often sacrifice my own time, or be generous with pricing, in the name of good results.
I offer a very competitive day-session rate...as well as sizeable discounts for large projects, regular customers, and desired pieces. The rate varies depending on the project, difficulty and timescale. I am always open to compromising or working to a budget, or discussing options.
Payment of several sessions in advance for multiple sessions recieves a discount.
Commitment to the work is neccessary from both sides (client and artist) for the best results.
Deposits vary in price and are non-refundable, but the date can be moved with notice (preferably before the chair rent is paid :)
// Resources
Some links and video resources for clients
Pinterest (especially photography)
established free image resource with millions of pictures, and the ability to save and share folders
Tumblr (esp. photography & art)
another established site with a young following but some unique and quality content
Instagram (for various subjects)
the most popular place for images in the digital world, with an awkward square format but
some of the best tattoo inspiration
Deviantart (esp. photography and artwork)
one of the old favourites of the web, with a great collection of photography (for
some subjects more than others) and digital art
Artstation (for contemporary art)
the home of some of the most cutting edge art on the planet. I think digital paintings are
superb inspiration for art and tattoo...especially their imagination, use of colour,
and layout/ composition skills.
Graphic novels & Animations
visual art. Personally I love Eastern influences. 'print screen' to copy/capture frames on digital videos
Advertising & Graphic Design
modern masters of composition and symbolism
Image Libraries & Stock Photos
established ones such as getty images, shutterstock etc...plus growing numbers of new resources, some specifically for tattoo reference. Pay for the best content
Always contact the relevant photographers for permission if you
plan on using their images as reference.
It is also ofcourse about who you follow on these sites, and where you look within them...time should be taken to properly look at as much inspiration as possible. The best inspiration comes from real life though ofcourse! Experiences, synchronicities, moments...places and people. Anchors and triggers. Things that make you feel emotions....
Instead of trying to force ideas...we can bear them in mind and the solutions often present themselves and fit into place over time.
The above list is just for inspiration ofcourse. We can create something unique together based on our preferences, which no one else will have. Ideally I learn what you are truly trying to express, and then produce a new piece of art to define and not just decorate.
Feel free to make me a 'mood board'....thank you in advance!
"Rather than love, than money, than fame, (or even happiness)...give me truth"
Henry David Thoreau
Here is a video from industry veteran Jeff Gogue on the surrendering process of tattoos, which I think is useful for all clients and artists:
