Don
Don got in to the tattoo industry in 2002, at the tender age of 18, working a traditional style apprenticeship in his hometown of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. He spent 10 years there developing his skills, as well as working conventions, and travelling to work in places like India, and Cambodia. In 2013 he made the move to London, and came to work at Kids love Ink where he stayed for the next 7 years whilst continuing to work guest spots, conventions, and extra days at other studios such as Kids Love Ink East, and Avinit in Orpington. In 2020, Kids Love Ink founder Marcus offered Don the opportunity to take the helm at Kids Love Ink, which he enthusiastically took, now splitting his time between tattooing and managing the studio.
Years of hard work in street shops have given Don the skills to take on any kind of work, and he enjoys all aspects of tattooing. His main styles are detailed illustrative blackwork and linework, and his own take on Japanese and traditional imagery, as well as his distinctive Simpsons tattoos. His influences range from Japanese woodblock printing, medieval engravings, to 80s and 90s comic art, as well as being inspired by a huge variety of contemporary tattoo artists.
A big fan of the great outdoors, when not working, Don loves getting out of the city with his dog hiking and camping in his van. Being a big music fan, and occasional drummer, he also enjoys taking in as much of London’s live music and art scene as he can. He also enjoys linocut printing, as you may see in the studio.
