Local artist profile: AJ Lane

THIS week we chat with local tattoo artist AJ Lane, whose career highlights include taking first place in a worldwide competition for a floral piece he tattooed on a local Bendigo woman.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I was always able to draw, but I avoided tattooing due to not wanting to hurt people and also learning about bloodborne diseases in high school before understanding how the tattoo process is done.

Eventually I was collecting tattoo machines for fun and I received a call from a friend that owned a studio in Melbourne, asking to borrow my machines.

It was that day 20 years ago, he showed me how it was done and how to set up and I’ve been in the industry from that day forward.

How would you describe your style?

Over the years I developed to do nearly every style, as it will enhance not only the creative imagination, but broaden the opportunities for helping more people.

Which other tattoo artists inspire you?

Arlo Dicristina, for his creative mind on morphing realistic objects into each other.

Thom Bulman, for his creativity on making objects into a cartoon style piece, also for his colour work.

Have you had any mentors over your career so far?

Firstly would be my good mate and fellow artist Glenn Millard, who initially started me in this industry.

Secondly is another good mate, fellow artist and employee, Les O’Toole, for motivation and seeing other methods to help create a new upcoming artist/apprentice.

Thirdly would be Thom Bulman from Ink Master, who gave me some honest feedback, and for telling me truthfully how he does things.

What are some highlights from your time following your pursuits so far?

It would have to be me being blessed to have met and worked with everyone that’s sat in my chair.

Seeing the raw emotion of a finished product for a sentimental piece, that alone makes you proud.

I’ve won a few awards but the one I’m still chuffed about would be in 2021.

Going against thousands of other tattoo artists in other countries, I took first place in a worldwide competition for a floral piece I did on a local woman here in Bendigo.

How can people check out your work online?

Instagram @aj_tattoos, or Facebook @AJ Lane Artist.

I also have a studio page on Facebook @Gotham Ink.

Where do you see yourself with your pursuits in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

In a couple of years I would like to see myself having a thriving new studio, which will be the first of its kind.

In 10 years I’d like to see myself not only outgrowing the first studio but to then open a chain of them that run under the Gotham Ink banner.

Having more studios opening means more artists will be looked after, the more money we’ll be able to donate, and more support/housing could be sourced for the homeless.

What would you say to young regional aspiring tattoo artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Look into the reviews and comments about a studio before asking them about apprenticeships.

It’s an expensive industry, so be prepared to not make much/if any money for the first year or more.

You can have a great portfolio and still get turned down by a studio, but don’t give up – keep trying to find a studio that will accept you and your talents.