CREW - Tattoos Essex | Urban Ink Tattoos | Tattoo Studios/Tattooist

THE  CREW

BILLY
The Governor

Charlie served his apprenticeship at Leviticus in Peterborough in about 2000.

After moving to London he then worked at Evolution in Camden before helping to open up Urban Ink in 2005.

Renowned for his portraits, realistic work and amazing black and shade, (much of it inspired by Paul Booth), Charlie has built up a customer base country wide. If we ever allow him to have a day off, he also produces some fantastic airbrush work.

Zoe came to see us at Urban Ink shortly after we opened, a brilliant artist wanting an apprenticeship.

All these years later Zoe is truly a gifted all rounder.

Trained by Charlie, Zoe constantly applied herself and has become one of the most talented artists around.

"I came into Urban Ink in January 2008 after my art course at college and was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship at the studio. I soon began learning from both Jon and Charlie, two amazing artists with totally different styles but the same amount of passion for their work.

I enjoy doing both black and grey as well as colour pieces. I like neo-Victorian styled stuff, filigree and ornate patterns, and to my surprise, floral, girly designs (although I still love my horror stuff!).

I hope to keep changing and growing with my artwork and tattoo styles. I'm inspired by the the work of Claire Reid, Lea Nahon, Eckel and Alex De Pase."

"I was taken on as an apprentice by Urban Ink in March 2008. I realised early on how lucky I was to be given this opportunity and, under the instruction of Charlie, have constantly pushed myself.

When Jethro joined us in 2009, with his help I was really able to push myself further as an artist, as well as really expanding my understanding of the technical side of tattooing.

I enjoy all styles of tattooing, but really enjoy putting my own twist and style into the all the work I do as well."

Brad started his apprenticeship at Urban Ink in 2007 and in the next four years has shown himself to be an excellent all rounder. As well as learning the ropes with tattooing, Brad also became an excellent freehand body piercer and shop manager of the Southend branch, becoming a full time tattooist in 2010.

Brad blew us away when he started tattooing, he’s really learnt his trade and is definitely one to watch out for.

After completing her Degree in Illustration at Brighton University, Kayley was talented enough to be offered an apprenticeship with the Urban Ink team in 2009.

With Charlie's wealth of experience and guidance, and a lot of hard work and determination, Kayley was able to quickly progress and is now a full time artist based in the new Urban Ink at Chelmsford.

“I enjoy all aspects of my job, but particularly like custom work and being able to develop artwork from customers' original ideas, making them unique. I thrive working in colour and get a lot of inspiration from artists such as Leah Moule and Tiny Miss Becca. I would like to continue to develop my skills as I feel there is always more to learn within this profession.”

Kayley’s amazing natural ability has made her one of the hottest new artists around.

Kevin Paul was born in Leeds in 1978 where he lived until he was 8 years old, then moved to the midlands. He first got interested in tattooing at the age of 12, then at the age of 13 got his first tattoo. At the age of 14 he did his first tattoo. He spent most his time at Andy's Tattoo Shop in Burton, helping out, doing stencils and designing artwork, it was at this shop he later went on to tattoo until the age of 22. From the age of 22 he frequently did guest spots up and down the country.

In 2006 he set up Monsterz Ink in Burton upon Trent which ran for a year. It was at this time that he won numerous awards. He later sold this business and moved to Derby, where he set up Seventh Day in 2007 which he built to a success. It was while he was at Seventh Day that he attended numerous tattoo conventions and in 2009 worked backstage at Bloodstock open air music festival. There he tattooed Dani Filth, lead singer for Cradle of Filth, Fredrick Anderson the drummer for Amon Amarth and Perttu Kivilaakso for Apocalptica. Later that year he was approached by American band 'Blessed by a Broken Heart' where the bass player Tyler Hoare and the lead singer Tony Gambino wanted Kevin Paul to tattoo them whilst they were on their UK tour. In 2010 he handed over Seventh Day to his apprentice of three years, so he could move down south for new adventures.

Check out Kevin’s work, I’m sure you’ll agree he’s an incredible artist.

"Art has always been my undying passion. Whilst attending Art School at eighteen I started drawing for a studio on a Saturday to gain some practical experience. It was from that moment on that I knew I would only ever feel at home in such an environment. I have spent every day thereafter perfecting my art and learning new skills from those willing to teach. Although I have had some support, I consider myself a self-taught tattoo artist, through personal dedication and perseverance.

I try not to be too heavily influenced by other artists, although I thoroughly admire the works of Valerie Vargas, Jason Butcher, Nick Baxter, Saira Hunjan, Alex De Pase and Mike Devries; the list is endless.

I love all styles of tattooing, in particular Neo-Traditional, Japanese, Realistic, and Portrait work. I thrive on producing quality custom work, whatever the style or design may be.

I moved to Urban Ink in 2010 and look forward to pleasing my customers and allowing my work to flourish further."

"I have recently been given the opportunity to work as a tattoo artist at Urban Ink and now realise how lucky I am to work with such a strong professional team of talented artists.

From a young age I've always had a gift and fascination with art. I attended art college after leaving school, and realised I definitely wanted to do something with my gift. After working as a portrait artist, I got a part time job in a tattoo studio drawing designs and doing basic duties which led to me being offered an apprenticeship. With hard work, guidance and determination I achieved my goal.

I enjoy meeting my clients to get a full understanding of the tattoo or custom design they're looking for and I especially love doing tattoos that involve the effect of realism. I have great admiration for artists such as H.R Giger, Borris, Bob Tyrell, Dan Marshal, Lenu.... the list goes on and I hope to continue to push myself in all aspects of my work and aim to produce the tattoos my clients deserve."