Local artist profile: Charlotte Daniel

THIS week we chat with emerging Bendigo tattoo artist Charlotte Daniel.

What initially motivated you to become a tattoo artist?

I have always loved art and have been creating art in some form all of my life.

I spent my childhood drawing and painting, then studied visual arts at La Trobe University. I taught art and ceramics at a local secondary college for 15 years before establishing my own business working as a commission-based artist, drawing realistic pet portraits.

My interest in tattoos was sparked in the early 2000s whilst watching the Miami Ink series. I have since admired the work of tattoo artists, marvelling at their ability to create such amazing works on the skin. As an artist, there is no greater honour than helping people celebrate and express their authentic selves with an artwork that lasts forever.

How would you describe your usual tattooing style?

Each different tattoo I create allows me to develop my application of lines and shading. I am really looking forward to delving further into the world of realism. I am a realist artist by nature having spent the past six years working as a portrait artist.

I think one of the interesting aspects of being a tattoo artist is the flexibility. We work closely with the clients to birth their ideas into reality, therefore we work in different styles to match that.

Each day is unique; as is each client and the tattoo they desire.

Which other tattoo artists inspire you and why is that?

I am blessed to be working alongside the most incredible and talented artists at The Gallery Tattoo Studio. The work of Samara Belz, Damon Myers and Dani Gray inspire me daily and I am in absolute awe of their immense talent.

I also follow so many amazing artists on Instagram. I enjoy the realism of timo_tattoo_cs, Chris Kiyoharu Hirakawa, samtatoos7 and the cute little pet portraits of Melbourne artist Sarah Tavilla.

Some Neo Trad Artists I follow are; Jen Tonic, Saskia Tabea and Sophie Fiset.

I have spent many a while watching the satisfying videos that Aston Reynolds posts too. We have the world of inspiration at our fingertips thanks to technology.

What are some highlights or fond memories you have from your budding career so far?

I love meeting the clients and working with them, creating a little artwork that expresses or celebrates who they are. I also like it when a tattoo is completed – something that was not there before, now exists on the body – it’s like magic!

Obviously, a huge memory would have to be the first tattoo I did on real skin. I think the size of the bullets I was sweating as well as the feeling in my stomach shall remain with me forever! I’ll never forget the generosity of that amazing client who gave me her calf to work on. A true modern-day saint!!

In all honesty though, each client, each tattoo, each day is a highlight.

As an artist, being able to create a living piece of art that lasts forever is the most incredible honour. The fact that people place their trust in my artwork is such a blessing.

How can people check out your work and, most importantly, make an appointment?

You can follow the journey on Instagram and facebook @charlotte_daniel_tattoo. Appointments can be made @the_gallery_tattoo_studio, or phone 54424942.