Say the word tattoo and no doubt you’ve already got a preconceived idea.

Maybe it is of an artist in a darkened studio or bikers with menacing tattoos on their arms and faces.

Aaron Clarke admits the word and the work get a bad rap.

But the former stonemason is hoping to change the perceptions around tattoos and tattoo artists.

First off he hosted an exhibition showcasing the work of his fellow tattooists.

Now he is set to launch a Youtube channel giving a behind the scenes look at the art form.

Aaron, 36, runs Monumental Ink studio in Peartree Road, Stanway. He set up the studio in 2012 and has big ambitions to expand across the region.

“Tattoo art has evolved, rightfully, so it is fast becoming recognised as a true art form,” he said.

“Skin proves to be the ultimate canvas, it has a human attached to it, so it moves, it breathes and it throws up a plethora of challenges but it also has a quality that lends itself to accepting the most beautiful tones, contrasts and textures. Every canvas is as unique as the next.”

Gazette:

  • Picture by: Marcus from i-photography.co.uk

But Aaron believes tattooing needs to change as the public begins to expect more.

He said: “From my own experience in visiting tattoo studios I saw a gap in the market. I was faced with bad attitudes, bad to no service and minimal professionalism.

“I can see how a bad stigma is attached to tattooing, there are many rebellious tattooers out there no doubt, but equally nowadays there are many great tattoo artists balancing the equilibrium.

“Being from a business background I saw things from a client’s perspective, so I set out to design a business which was professional with service above and beyond what people expected.

“People want an experience and they want to be looked after.”

He hopes giving an insight into the world of tattoos will help people understand the work better.

“Many councils focus on health and hygiene, I don’t believe that’s the biggest issue,” he said.

“I have personally never read or heard of anyone contracting a disease from tattooing but the number of bad tattoos scaring people for life are in the millions.

“My aim is to open up the industry, to bring clarity and high standards.

“I find the tattoo industry to be closed, it is like being back at school, it is like you have to tick a bad boy box to be accepted.”

Gazette:

  • Picture by: Marcus from i-photography.co.uk

Holding an art exhibition at the Minories Gallery in Colchester was the first step to changing perceptions.

The Monumental Living Arts Event took place earlier this month and coincided with a rebrand of the business.

He said: “We welcome all.We aim to humanise and stop judgement. I am proud to boast we had a rocket scientist in recently, we have many people in from all walks of life not just the dark and criminal worlds. Genuine, good people seeking great artwork to wear on their skin.

“I don’t have my tattoos on show - that is my decision - because people will judge.

“When I tell people what I do they go ‘Oh really’.

“The event was massively successful and seeing all of our artists’ work hanging on the wall left me lost for words.

“It was a real testament to how far we have come with accepting these new times.”

The Youtube channel will have new episodes every two weeks.

Aaron said: “This is a behind the scenes look at what we do and how we are as tattoo artists.

“It is not like any other tattoo reality TV show where they rely on drama to get viewers, as much as some of these shows have helped the industry progress many continue to give tattoo artists bad stigma. We are turning this business into a brand.”