anthonypaulnoble.com
Info
// Tattoo Ethos
I have always cared from the heart about art, and my 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.
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 that I do now, I try to make special. I'm aiming high. I 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 was always part of Anthony's nature. 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 his escapism. From the youngest age creating things was his passion. He would design very intricate layouts on large paper, showing imagination and an ability beyond his years.
Thankfully, Anthony had some good art teachers growing up who encouraged his expression, and by the time he was in his early teens he could draw almost photorealistically. Hollywood cinema, Americana, Japanese culture, Sci-fi, games, hip hop and street culture were his main inspirations in these early years. Imitating existing media and styles is how we often start, but finding ways to create his own content was also important to him early on. Anthony was also lucky enough to have a few close friends that really exposed him to the best which media had to offer.
Moving into adulthood, Anthony mainly focused on fine art and illustration, but also studied graphic design, product design and eventually even games design. After university he was unsure what to specialise in, but knew he didn't want to just use computers. He was drawn to dark art at this time - H.R. Giger was his first beloved artist - but he also preferred the more beautiful or poetic dark arts, with artists such as Luis Royo. This contrast intrigued...
By chance soon after university, Anthony was offered a tattoo apprenticeship (2008) in Preston, North England, based on his art skills. It wasn't a world he was familiar with at the time, but thought it might suit, being more alternative and 'free' - and decided to give it a go. He started in a very different kind of studio to the majority of the ones we see today. This was the tail end of the 'old school' era of tattooing, and he was a part of the new wave which evovled the medium into a finer and more developed art form.
This first studio was far from ideal for his progress in some ways, but he came into tattooing at a time and place which he is very thankful for. He experienced the old ways of doing things, from the foundations up so to speak. Anthony's art interests expanded here, and more intensive practice saw a dramatic improvement in his skills. His professional tattoo career started around 2009, and he quickly built a strong client base and portfolio.
Anthony stayed with this first studio for 4 years, having a large role in redesigning the studio and developing it into the most prominent in the town. Together with his colleague they soon opened a large new premises, and went from strength to strength.
Eventually Anthony moved on to designing and managing a studio of his own - Freedom Tattoo -in a small quiet area, close to nature. Here he began to pursue his own way.
After building a great foundation there and it starting so well, he felt somewhat unfulfilled. He had no idea which direction to travel, but felt as though creative minds are best developed through life experience, and wanted to spread his wings. Drawn to the big city and its creative energy, he set off for London in 2015. With no studio position arranged, and completely going with the flow. He landed on his feet in Fitzrovia, at the now closed Soul Rise (on 'Newman' Street, no less).
The years Anthony lived in London were a whirlwind, experiencing life at several studios and meeting many amazing clients and artists from all walks of life along the way. He has worked with some of London's most well known and respected tattooists, some of whom he used to watch on television or read about in magazines whilst learning - and with several individuals who are considered pioneers of the craft - as well as many talented up-and-coming artists. His life completely changed, and all the amazing cultures and perspectives there rubbed off. He moved around the city and worked in different areas for much of his time there, and a pattern of being somewhat nomadic emerged.
Anthony also lived in Russia for a while, creating art and doing charity work with a very special Russian family, even for a time with Patch Adams and his humanitarian volunteers. Here Anthony also had the pleasure of meeting some very unique artists and minds, for which he is grateful.
After Russia Anthony found himself back in Angel, London; unsure whether to travel or stay. His art style and focus had evolved further, now more influenced by other worlds and colours. Soon after, the Covid pandemic turned the world upside down, and pushed him to live in nature, somewhat 'off-grid'.
As the restrictions lifted and society returned to what it calls normal, he moved to Bristol in the West country of England - an extremely creative city with a rich history, and a strong connection to his interests - where he currently lives and works.
Anthony is left-handed, a deep thinker, a perfectionist, and somewhat of a lone wolf. He truly loves art and all manner of creative outlets... as well as producing & playing music, pursuing truth, cooking, technology, and DIY/woodworking.
He is not motivated by money or social status... but expression, truth and productivity.
Mr. Noble has always had very high standards, and ambition. Looking to the future he hopes to define his style fully - he always believed that he could be one of the best at what he does, and hopes to build something worthwhile and lasting. It's taken a lot of work and perseverence to get to a point where this is possible...but all worthwhile in this ever growing story. He looks forward to contributing more to this quickly developing medium and culture, and it seems as though he has only scratched the surface of his capabilities...
A
.png)
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 pursuit 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:
