Clay has been tattooing for 35 years, crossing path with some of the biggest names in tattooing. His passion for the craft brought him to explore every aspect of the process, witnessing the change that tattooing went through as it opened to a wider audience globally.

We talked about these changes, as Clay enters a new phase of his life, having to deal with a sudden visual impairment which brought a change in perspective and deeper insights. 

Special thanks to Yushi Horikichi and Jeremy Corns that helped setting this up. 

Paula is an experienced British tattooer that I’m lucky to call a friend. She’s sensitive, intelligent, driven and curious, a beautiful mix. We had many interesting talks, as we share various passions, especially the love for reading, so I thought it would be a shame not to share one of them.

Today we touched on many topics, from gender gaps, to psychedelics, to technology and emotional intelligence. 

Slow down your day, make yourself a cup of tea and sit down to enjoy an hour with us. 

You can find Paula on Instagram and at paulacastle.com

Learn more about my projects, mentor programs and classes at stefbastian.com and Instagram

Another great live episode from the Aachen Tattoo convention, one of the best shows on the planet.

Today’s guest is Alex Reinke: Horiyoshi III former apprentice; exhibitions curator; owner of the iconic publishing company Kofuu Senju Publications (now KŌSEI publications) and zen practitioner. He also creates beautiful ceramics and handmade Tebori tools, a full renaissance man.

With his extensive knowledge regarding traditional Japanese tattooing, which extends to various aspects of this culture, Alex is a well-known and respected master of the craft, a reference for many.

My co-host for today is Berto Ramirez, aka Nutz, owner of the Red Temple Tattoo shop in Barcelona, where I work.

As always big thanks to Andreas Coenen and his crew for making this possible, and the audience that attended the event. 

holyfoxtattoos.de

Alex Reinke’s Instagram

Nutz Instagram

redtempletattoo.com

Kaiserstadt Tattoo Expo

stefbastian.com

If you’re into Japanese tattooing, especially in relation to its cultural connotations, you’re gonna love this one.

Dave is a tattooer specialized in Americana and Japanese with extensive international experience. His passion for gardening - he works with the Denver Botanic Garden on cultivating their renowned Japanese garden program, as well as maintaining the trees of Hakubai Zen Temple in Boulder - brought him a deeper insight on the philosophical aspects of Horimono.

In this episode we talked about some key concepts and his upcoming book, a great addition to everyone passionate about Japanese tattooing ‘Horimono: a Western Perspective’. This book is the product of a collaboration with AfterLife Press, world renowned for the quality of both content and craftsmanship of their publications, and it has been supported and reviewed by a number of horishi, including Tatsutoshi the First of the Shodai Horitoshi family.

Dave’s Instagram

AfterLife Press

traditiontattooing.com

We would also like to support the upcoming event ‘Skull session’ in NYC by the Lyle Tuttle Collection. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. For more information please visit the link below:

Lyle Tuttle Collection Instagram

Skull Session - Tickets

lyletuttlecollection.com

I have know Capex for about 15 years now, we clicked right away at a show in Finland, as we come from the same place in Italy. 
With his 30+ years of experience he’s one of those characters from a different time in tattooing, with working ethics, humor, resilience and love for the craft at the forefront of everything he does. 


I’m happy to introduce him to you and, if you ever pass by him in a show or guest spot, make sure to stop and say hi. You’ll walk away with a smile, a cool tattoo or a great story. 

Follow CAPEX on Instagram

More info on the podcast, classes, projects at stefbastian.com

Horiten the 1st is a female traditional tattooer from Nara, Japan. In this honest and enlightening talk she shed some light on what creates authentic Irezumi, the qualities that can help in this path and the value of Horikyo’s legacy.

Her words are a beautiful manifesto about the way art relates to the core identity of the culture that produced it.

Big thanks to Maur Tattooing for creating the connection.

You can follow Horiten on Instagram and get more information on horiten.net

For news, updates, classes and more please visit stefbastian.com

I love Zac. We met years ago during one of his guest spots and I remember him having the same qualities that characterize him today: well articulate, talented, dedicated, always trying to make every word count. The difference between then and now is that, apart from increasing even more his artistic abilities and experience, he created a publishing company that is a reference in the tattoo world: AFTERLIFE PRESS. 

Beautiful books that showcase some of the most influential contemporary artists while sharing the art and philosophy behind these accomplished professionals. All done with exquisite taste and visionary curation. 

If you want to not only support true quality and dedication but also learn from the very best, these are the books you need.

Today Zac shared with us his upbringing and what it takes to create something so significant, an example to follow.

AFTERLIFE PRESS

Follow Zac on Instagram

Zac’s shop Shrine Tattoo

stefbastian.com

Your host Stef Bastiàn

What makes up a successful career?
It takes vision, courage, confidence and a few more ingredients. Today Big Meas, a global reference in the world of lettering, shares with us what brought him where he is today. He talks about the importance of cultivating not only the tecnical aspect but also, and perhaps more importantly, the human connection.

You can find Big Meas on Instagram and at bigmeas.com

News and updates at stefbastian.com

With 30 years of tattooing under his belt and an intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, Crez is a reference in Italy for Japanese tattooing. 

What I like about him the most, beside his expertise, is his genuine honesty and coherence, uncommon values that I personally treasure.

In this cozy December afternoon we talked about what shaped him into the man he’s today; ethics within tattooing; how to hone your skills; the necessity of critical thinking and feedback; the importance of being open to progress. 

The voice of people like Crez carries the weight of lived experiences, I hope you might find his words as inspiring as I did.

Follow Crez on Instagram

Adrenalink’s Instagram

Adrenalink YouTube channel(Italian)

Stefbastian.com

It’s been a privilege to sit down with Claudia De Sabe in this beautiful autumn afternoon to listen to her story and pick her brain on her own process. Over the course of this interview we learn how the beautiful work we all love her for is second only to her mindset. Unweavering work ethic, resolve and dedication are the foundations of her success, the same stuff greatness is made of. 

Recorded once again Live at the Kaiserstadt convention in Aachen, I’d like to personally thank Andreas Coenen for putting together my favourite show on the planet. 

Follow Claudia on Instagram

redpointtattoo.com

@red_point_tattoo

Aachen Tattoo Convention

stefbastian.com

I’m really happy to have had the chance to chat with Swasthik, she is such a beautiful presence in the tattoo world. Known as gunga_ma, for Swasthik tattooing runs deep in her blood. Her grandma, called Paccai Kutta Ma (tattoo mama), has been sticking and poking tattoos for over 40 years. Together with the spiritual practice she inherited growing up, she has been exposed from a young age to sacred symbols and rituals that reflects into her own art.

I admire her work not only for the craftsmanship, creativity and dedication behind it but also and especially for the spirit with which she infuses it. A strong work ethic where the personal relationship with customers is a priority and gratitude is foundation on which her work stands.

In the last years she has been progressively reconnecting more with her roots, especially the warrior women of the First Nation. In her words: “The women who bless me, guide me, show me strength. In our tradition, Women are Devi, women carry life, carry pain, carry compassion and carry wisdom.”

Follow Swasthik on Instagram

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You can check out the other projects and classes at stefbastian.com