RITES OF PASSAGE TATOO FESTIVAL // Tatty Slip with Artist Matt Curzon

Award-winning Neo Traditional tattoo artist Matt Curzon will be displaying his artwork at the Rites of Passage Tattoo Festival this weekend in Sydney. The appearance will also feature a one-hour contrast seminar hosted by the man himself, designed to maximise your knowledge in colour tattooing!

HYS: How long have you been a tattoo artist for?
I’ve been tattooing around five years now.

HYS: Who has influenced you the most as an artist?
Probably the guys I’ve worked with over the years, be it at my home studio or when guesting. I’m also lucky to have been influenced by some quality artists that have tattooed me, but I can’t single out one person who I have consciously been influenced by the most.

HYS: What was your first tattooing experience like?
Difficult. I tattooed a scratchy black and grey skull/lotus flower combo on my leg. I certainly found myself tattooing more shallow in the second half of the tattoo than the first half! I still haven’t fixed it up to this day.

HYS: What is the most challenging thing about being a tattoo artist?
I think the biggest challenge is not being able to have a bad day. There’s no tattoo that it’s acceptable to half-arse or be lazy on, either when designing it or tattooing it. There’s definitely an amount of pressure to execute to the highest level you’re capable of every day, week after week and month after month with no exception.

I think the biggest challenge is not being able to have a bad day. There’s no tattoo that it’s acceptable to half-arse or be lazy on, either when designing it or tattooing it.
[Matt Curzon]

HYS: What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
Probably being unaware of the amount of time and work that goes into each tattoo before and after the hours’ clients spend in the studio.

HYS: Do you ever see other artists copying your work stylistically?
I regularly see other artists copy my tattoos directly! Stylistically doesn’t bother me so much. If what I’m doing happens to inspire someone or influence their style then I’m delighted, as long as my client’s original designs are respected.

HYS: How has your large social media following impacted your career?
Social media has helped with exposing my work around the world, which has allowed me to have a client base in different places. It’s also helped me network with different artists and studios, who often times I’ve been able to meet and work with. It’s definitely not something I place huge emphasis on, as different social media platforms are largely uncontrollable and have proven to be fads and phases—but having worldwide exposure for your work is never a bad thing.

HYS: Where has been your favourite place to travel to tattoo?
It’s hard to nominate a particular country, but I enjoy working around Europe. I appreciate all the different experiences I’ve had and all the people I’ve been lucky enough to meet there along the way.

HYS: What has your favourite moment in your career been so far?
Every moment at Empire alongside good friends and radical clients. Especially the days when we have the King of Queens on TV.

HYS: If you could design album art for one band, who would it be?
Every Time I Die. Angry but colourful. Intense but facetious. I think my artwork would suit.

HYS: Have you tattooed any big-name musicians in the past?
Probably not by most people’s standards, but it depends on your point of view! I recently tattooed Rob from Swedish death metal legends The Crown. Crowned in Terror was one of my favourite albums growing up, and when I was playing in a band a few years ago we were lucky enough to tour Japan with The Crown themselves. That’s when I met Rob and he was introduced to my tattoos.

HYS: Do you have any favourite musicians that you like to listen to as you work?
I usually like a very eclectic mix to keep the day interesting. Lately I’ve been spinning a lot of Streetlight Manifesto, Hank Williams III and old Cannibal Corpse in the studio—much to everyone’s delight.

HYS: What advice would you give artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard, support others, respect others and be a good person. Never put any energy into tearing other people down, creating negativity or engaging in industry bitching. Instead put that energy into improving yourself and you’ll be a better tattooer and a happier artist.

HYS: Where do you want your career to be in five years time?
I want to have improved as an artist and tattooist as much as I have in the past five years.

Tickets are available via the Rites of Passage Tattoo Festival official website here.