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In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro.   This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindset into his work, as he says “Balance beats perfection”. His insights, matured over a long and successful career, can be very helpful to all the committed artists and tattooers that share the struggles of draftsmanship and the quest to grasp the bigger picture of a culturally and visually rich style such as the Japanese.      Find Pino on Instagram White Fox Gallery   Find out more about Stef’s courses, seminars and projects  

Curious about how to make woodblock prints?   In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago. From his school in the mountains of Karuizawa, Terry breaks down the intricate world of woodblock printing—from the discipline of his apprenticeship in Kyoto to the specialized tools like the baren and cherry wood blocks.   We dive into the striking parallels between the heritage of Japanese printmaking and the tattooing world, exploring how the craft has evolved from the rigid assembly lines of the Edo period to a contemporary "Golden Age" where artists handle every step of the process.   It’s a deep dive into a tactile, timeless and versatile medium that rewards patience and honors the rule of "making it from yourself."   Artists mentioned in the episode: Hiroshi Yoshida (shin hanga) Munakata Shiko (sosaku hanga)   Suppliers: Gwasendo (art supply store in Kyoto) Michihamono (tool maker) Sekaido (Tokyo) Mokuhankan (Tokyo)   Mentioned tattoo-friendly onsen: agri-yu   Learn more about Terry’s courses and residencies   Terry’s school on IG   Stef’s mentorship and projects   Stef’s IG

Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect.  Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi   Mentioned texts:  -Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) -Kōjaku Monogatari-shū -Hira-no-Kōjin Reitaku -Shūi-ōjōden -Tengu Zushi (scrolls)   (mentioned anime about Japanese Hell: HOZUKI’S COOLHEADEDNESS)  

Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration.   Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sustainable, and exciting. It’s an honest, heart-warming conversation with someone who’s carved her own path while staying deeply connected to the joy of creating.   I’m sure her words and priorities resonate with a lot of you and her insights can help you in your own journey as a creative.  Follow Tabby on Instagram Get her prints and find out more about her work Sailors jail Gallery   stefbastian.com      

Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity.   We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career. We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others. We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris.   This is a story about art, healing, and legacy.   Follow Michelle on Instagram Darktales     News, courses and more    

Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community.   This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking.   Follow Bill on Instagram Billcanales.com     Mentorships, Courses and more Follow Stef on Instagram  

Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more.    In this episode, Luke shares insights on commitment, the price of knowledge, the value of the process, and the importance of honoring the clients who allow us to do what we love. His wisdom is the kind that can reshape the way we approach our craft—no matter where we are in our journey.   Luke’s energy is contagious, and talking with him was a real pleasure—something that was felt not just by me, but by everyone in the audience. I hope his words inspire you as much as they inspired me. And if you ever get the chance, make sure to experience the Aachen Tattoo Convention for yourself—it’s truly a well of inspiration and learning from some of the best in the world.   Thank you Andreas Coenen and the whole podcast crew that made this possible.  Checker Demon IG Checker demon website Checker Demon books Aachen Tattoo Convention IG kaiserstadt-tattoo-expo-aachen.com   stefbastian.com    

Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life.   Alex De Francesca and Junior explain the birth and various aspects of this project, in a conversation that dives into topics such as creativity, the importance of presence, inspiration and the power of collaborative projects.   The project’s Instagram Support the project on Kickstarter Alex Instagram Junior Instagram     stefbastian.com

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends.   After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity. Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose.   Follow Kelu on Instagram Kelu’s paintings   stefbastian.com @stef_bastian

Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist.   It’s been fun, heartwarming and inspiring to spend an afternoon talking about creativity, the power of choices, and her own very approach built on the human connection, a foundation of her process. I gotta say, with her bright and positive energy, it couldn’t be easier to talk to her.    Find more about Diamante on Instagram  Book a time with her Minimal ethic tattoo supply Minimal ethic clothing   [The volumes on Japanese mythology mentioned in the episode are part of the series ‘Gods of medieval Japan’ by Bernard Faure]

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese folklore.   Find Isaac on Instagram The Water Margin: PREORDER The Water Margin: EXHIBITION ATAK

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing?   In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano school exemplifying this systematic approach.   The discussion also highlights numi geiko, a proactive pursuit of knowledge beyond formal lessons, exemplified by Kyosai's intense  training and his broad integration of diverse influences.   The examples of these masters can help you integrate training methods in your own practice to improve and sharpen your skills.    stefbastian.com  

Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected. Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney.   What stands out as the main theme, though, is his deep connection with people—a pattern I’ve noticed both in my own journey and in the stories of other seasoned artists. Once you reach certain professional and artistic goals, you realise it all boils down to the most basic, meaningful things: friends, family, people.   Corey’s experience and progressive attitude can inspire us to keep our heads up during turbulent times, overcome obstacles, and honour the responsibility we carry as tattooers. Follow Corey on Instagram  News, mentoring and shop: stefbastian.com    

One of Australia’s top artists, Alex is one half of the iconic Lighthouse Tattoo in Sydney, alongside Ryan Ussher. Well known for his striking large-scale Japanese work, Alex is a highly dedicated and exceptionally productive artist who speaks with intention and clarity about his practice and direction.   In addition to his commitments at the shop and in his artistic practice, Alex is actively involved with the Tattooists Guild, working to positively influence the future of tattooing in Australia.   In this episode, Alex spoke to us about his upbringing in Sydney’s tough environment, shared insights and advice on the technical aspects of his tattooing and painting, and explained the importance of helping shape the future of tattooing regulation.     Find Alex on Instagram Lighthouse Tattoo Australian Tattooists Guild

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods?  Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from?  How all of that relates to tattooing?  We got you covered.      In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, specialized in Japanese ancient myths and literature, we dive into the origins of Japanese mythology and folklore. Shintoism, Buddhism, Chinese influence, philosophical/cultural implications and more. Welcome to the nerd side of tattooing :)     13:43 Overview of Japan’s development 16:46 Religious systems in Japan 23:36 Syncretism of Japan 24:16 Kami and Gods 33:10 Seductivity and danger nature 39:40 Oni 42:07 Differences with Western folklore 44:38 Susanoo and Amaterasu 48:40 Not a definite answer 53:39 Godzilla modern myth 55:28 A fluid religion 1:01:05 Reading recommendations 1:04:30 Mythological names to real animals 1:06:21 Kannon’s example       Joshua’s book: ‘THE JAPANESE MYTHS: A GUIDE TO GODS, HEROES AND SPIRITS’       Stef’s Instagram   stefbastian.com