Fine art course helps tattoo artist

Jack Large (left) and Lawrence Canham (right) outside Monster Ink

Studying fine art helped a former student set up his own successful tattoo studio, ‘Monster Ink’ in Middleton.

Jack Large (22) from Middleton, had always wanted a career in tattooing. He studied fine art at Hopwood Hall College to develop his drawing skills to help in on his way in the industry.

Jack explains: “Understanding line and tone are essential skills for the tattooist. Studying fine art at college gave me confidence in my drawing ability, which I have to have, as with tattooing you only get one chance.

"Thanks to the course I was able to try out working with lots of different materials and surfaces and learn colour theory which has been invaluable to me.

"In fact, using the tattoo ink to shade is just like shading with coloured pencils, the difference now is that my materials are 3D and moving.”

After completing the course, Jack set up Monster Ink in Middleton and with the skills gained at college it has helped him become much more creative in his designs. He continues: “Lots of tattoo studios copy designs from the internet, books and magazines. We can do that but I can also research and draw things that are totally new and fresh, which is what our clients like.”

Joining Jack at his studio is Lawrence Canham, from Rochdale, who also studied fine art at Hopwood Hall College.  

Ian MacKay, fine art lecturer at Hopwood Hall College, and Jack’s former tutor commented: “Although it may not be an obvious career move from fine art, it is certainly one which allows drawing and creativity on a daily basis and it’s great to see how the skills learnt from the course can be adapted.

"I’ve visited Jack and Lawrence at the studio and it’s so good to know former students are doing so well. The quality of their artwork is clear to see from the many pieces of art displayed on the walls.

"I wish Monster Ink every success for the future.”