Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Boyd.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was brought up in a small village in the Hampshire countryside, England. The house was filled with cubist, abstract and expressionism artwork. My mother is an extremely talented textile artist, specializing in sewing and my dad is an incredible draftsman. They always supported my creative side, even when I got into graffiti and was out late at night hitting trains in the south of England.
I don’t know if it was the environment I grew up in, but I was always fascinated by the art from Europe at the turn of the 20th century. I remember studying the history of art at school and seeing a piece by Franz Marc titled “The blue horse” I believe and it blew me away. Since then my work always had a nod to those artists pushing the boundaries at the beginning of the 20th century.
After graduating from university, like most, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was working two jobs, one in a nightclub and the other as front desk in a tattoo studio. Tattoos always fascinated me, as soon as I turned 18 I got my first one. The idea that it was permanent and a statement really appealed to me. There are not many things you can buy nowadays that will last the rest of your life. The longer I worked at the tattoo studio, the more I saw this as a career that excited me. Soon enough I started my apprenticeship, and by September 2009 I did my first paid tattoo. It was a terrifying and exciting experience, a small black and grey turtle on a ladies wrist.
Nine years on, and this career has taken me all over the world and has introduced me to some of the most intriguing people I have ever met. I have developed my own style over the years, which is a combination of cubism and futurism. There is a handful of us around the globe doing a similar thing, which to me is great. I’ve never liked the mainstream or pop culture. I’ve always chosen the “other” route to others, which has rewarded me with being an international award-winning tattoo artist. As I’ve tattooed longer the more fascinated by this art form, I’ve become. The heritage behind it and the varying cultures is truly inspiring, I feel honored to be a part of such a diverse and underground art form.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a traveling tattooist based in central London, England. I specialize in a form of cubism/abstract/street art tattoos. I don’t tend to think too much about a message with my tattoos/artwork. To me, it’s about the aesthetic if it looks good and is filled with bright colors I will usually like it. I wanted to create artwork on people that stood out from the usual tattoos people see. I use bold lines and bright colors to create shock value to bystanders. My inspiration stems from my upbringing in a house filled with art from the early 20th century. Also, my travels definitely influence my work, seeing how other cultures value and execute tattooing has definitely affected my work. When people see my work, I want them to be taken aback by how bold and bright it is.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Tattooing is a very social job, and I am very lucky to be outgoing and chatty. I like to talk to people in the industry that I can learn something from. Traveling can be quite lonely, but once I’m at a convention or doing a guest spot at another tattoo shop, I’ll usually be seen chatting to other artists and smiling. My advice would be just say hello to people, it is always good to meet new people.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a website (www.mikeboydtattoos.com), I am also on Instagram (@mikeboydtattoos).
Contact Info:
- Address: Mike Boyd
The Circle
21 Noel street
London
W1F 8GP - Website: www.mikeboydtattoos.com
- Phone: 020 77343499
- Email: info@mikeboydtattoos.com
- Instagram: @mikeboydtattoos
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