The American Who Become Scotland’s Premier Tattoo Artist

PAUL Slifer decided to take a voyage to the world after leaving Massachusetts 19 years ago, however, he quickly fell in love with Edinburgh and opened Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo. Cover his entire journey with us!

“I firmly believe tattooing is a craft and not art. It takes a certain level of skill to produce a tattoo that has the hallmarks of a well-executed tattoo; these being clean, sharp lines, smooth shading, and solid, saturated color. I'm not putting any ideas of my own into the work. I'm not trying to convey a part of my soul into the tattoo! I think that's the difference between art and craft. The crafts person works with their hands and head while the artist works with their hands, head and try's to communicate a personal message to the viewer. Tattooing doesn't work like that. Someone comes into my shop, says they want a dragon for example, and I give them the dragon they want, in the colors they want. I'm not going to tattoo an expression of the refuge crisis in Syria on them because I've decided I'm an artist!” says Paul Slifer - one of the most successful American Tattoo Artist working in Scotland.
You might be wondering, how an American can be a tattoo artist in Scotland? Here’s his story.

The Making Of A Tattoo Legend

PAUL Slifer runs his tattoo business in a shop called Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo on Brougham Place, Edinburgh. He is originally from Massachusetts in the U.S.A.
Slifer was an evolving tattoo artist who worked in Providence, Rhode Island in 1997. At this time, he decided to travel to the UK with the purpose of working for three months and then heading back to the Continent to experience more countries.
Hence, he started his journey in Scotland – Edinburgh. It was also the place where he met his future wife not long after arriving and he never left. About the meeting, Slifer that the in the beginning h felt like it was a fateful meeting to put an end to the idea that he would be a rambling tattooist traveling the globe. However, soon he realized that he has landed where he belongs.

Slifer and a number of other tattooists have been working at Red, Hot and Blue Tattoo, at their trade and building on a reputation for quality craftsmanship and beautiful work. Slifer has recently written a children’s book entitled “A is for Anchor” which teaches the Alphabet in letters using the tattooist style to demonstrate it.
Married to Clare and father of two beautiful daughters, an architect and a part-time teacher at Edinburgh University and Napier University, Scotland today caught up Paul at his home in Edinburgh.

When asked about how the changes have taken place since settling in Scotland 19 years ago, Slifer says,

“When I first arrived here 18 years ago, I (in my ignorance) viewed Scotland as more of a province of the UK rather than its own country. I know people from elsewhere in the United Kingdom have those sentiments as well, but as my time here went on my idea of Scotland changed. It's a country with its own language, customs and shared values. I can't forget to mention food and drink as well. I am now an avid porridge eater, (cooked in water and salt only!) and have been known to appreciate a single-malt on occasion.
Coming from the States, one of the things that I really like about Scotland is this idea that we're all in this together. I heard a saying when I first moved here "that we're all Jock Tamson's bairns". I love that and it's probably the thing I like most about Scottish people. 
I think that Massachusetts, where I am from, and the USA could do well to embrace some of those values.”

Tattoo Etiquette And Tips For The New Artists!

Do you like that particular ‘tattoo artist’ in the parlor who behaves rudely with the other artists, managers, piercers, and above all the customers? Obviously, NO! If you are new to the tattoo world, you need to learn that criticizing the other tattooist’s design, haggling for a lower price, etc. are of no use. Here is something you must follow. Read on.

When it comes to a perfect tattoo, it is often said, finding a good tattoo artist is half the job done…

And this might be the biggest reason, why people who love to get a tattoo search for the most professional and experienced artist. Whenever a person plans for a tattoo design, they first decide about the artist and the appropriate studio. For this, they ask a friend or relative for their opinion, might be they have some good or bad experience with some local tattoo shops. But, this is not all.  The customers today take more than that. Yes, they prefer making a deeper research for choosing the proper tattoo studio. Here are some major points what people look for:

• Whether the artist they are considering at the parlor has taken a course designed for tattoo artists? Is the area clean? Does the furniture in the parlor has the water proof barrier to prevent infections?  

• Are they using proper needles? Is the needle packing opened in front of you and disposed of after every client job is done? What about the ink quality? Is it poured into individual cups before use, and then discarded late?

• A licensed parlor and artist is enough to allure clients. As you are new to the field, start with your homework and find out what those regulations are. You can also ask for help from some studios to get the license.

• Is the artist you are considering is cooperative and friendly? Do you feel comfortable enough with him? As you need to communicate with the artist before and after the tattoo job, if something makes you uncomfortable or you are unable to talk, it might be stressful for you. Obviously, customers don’t want to enter a studio where the artist talking to them acts like a stranger. 

• Another thing customers check on priority is the portfolio. Often parlors display their work to the customers. And from here the clients get idea of their work and expect the same level from the artist. Hence, to attract more number of clientele, make sure the work meets the standards.

• You need to understand that people don’t really want to pick the cheapest place. As they look for good quality artwork to be done and if a place seems a lot cheaper as compared to others in the market, this can turn cutting corners somewhere. But, this never means you need to keep a hefty price list.

• As you are a newbie in the market, there might be some who advise you to start at home. But, this is a fact that people don’t count on someone who tattoos out of their home. It is not a good deal because it puts your career and the customer’s health at risk. The biggest reason is that sterility cannot be guaranteed, which is highly significant for tattooing.

• The aftercare matters a lot. Just getting the tattoo job done is not all. Customers expect a sense of affection. So, how you take care of their tattoo later is a great way to attract customers. Keep a good communication level with them, suggest them a good body lotion or help them in wrapping the tattoo with plastic wrap for an extended period. Providing basic first aid can help.

In the end, make sure you don’t show any kind of behavior that causes distraction or kills the vibe of the shop. Provide the best tattoo designs following the best shop etiquette!