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TATTOO TALES

Stef Bastiàn

Go to the roots, not to the fruits.

I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world.

Learn more about my different projects and programs at https://www.stefbastian.com/

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22 episodes
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English

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August 10 · 1 hr 19 min
91. LIL B - From Chicano to Japanese traditional tattooing
Today I sit down with Lil B to trace the global journey, artistic evolution, and mindset shift behind his achievements. From his roots doing graffiti in France and learning fine-line Chicano black-and-gray at the legendary Low Rider Tattoo, to completely reinventing his career in Japan, he shares the grit it takes to start over and establish himself as a respected practitioner of traditional Japanese tattooing and Tebori techniques. In this episode, we dive into: The Pivot to Japanese Style: how he stepped away from fine-line to build a brand-new reputation around bold, classic Japanese. Perfecting the Craft: The challenge of understanding organic background flow, learning traditional techniques, and drawing inspiration from traditional masters. Cultural Shifts & Studio Life: Comparing social norms between France and Japan, plus the unique reality of running a private studio in Okinawa. Hyperproductivity vs. Rest: Unpacking burnout, reducing social media noise, and learning to balance a relentless work ethic with actual life enjoyment. Follow Lil B on Instagram stefbastian.com @stef_bastian
August 5 · 53 min
90. CLEMENS HAHN - American traditional tattooing, diligent practice, creating memories
As the owner of Truly Yours Tattoo in Mannheim, Germany, and organizer of the Truly Yours Tattoo Fest, Clemens is a tattoo artist respected for his bold, powerful, and creative designs. The convention he organizes quickly rose to international fame among artists and audiences alike as one of the best events of its kind. What I admire most about Clemens, besides his solid skills, is the discipline he brings to his daily routine and his innovative mindset. That allows him to spearhead fresh, high-quality initiatives while honoring the foundations of the craft. In this episode, I try to peek inside his head to see how he pulls it all off. Follow Clemens on Instagram trulyyourstattoo.com Truly Yours Tattoo Fest on Instagram stefbastian.com
August 1 · 1 hr
89. RAFA DECRANEO - American traditional tattooing and fun as creative engine
In this open conversation at Chica Pantera, a new landmark for tattooing in Barcelona,I got to know Rafa a bit more. The creative sources he taps in for his countless projects, his progressive view on styles and shop relationship, and his deep sense of organic contribution. I’m sure you’ll leave this conversation as inspired as I did leaving the shop. Follow Rafa on Instagram Chica Pantera Pull Wave Masters stefbastian.com
July 24 · 45 min
88. How to navigate a crisis
Burnout. Loss of spark for what we used to love. Lack of motivation and creativity. I have had this conversation a few times recently, this is what I would recommend to get to the other end of a crisis. Recommended books and videos: Joe Dispenza on YouTube - ‘Manifest a new reality with the power of your mind’ (A powerful explanation of how thoughts influence body and reality) Marisa Peer on Ted Talk (How to rewire your brain) ‘Letting go’ - David R. Hawkins (The one book I would bring to a deserted island) ‘Irresistible’ - Adam Alter (Interesting look at how Social Medias are designed to hijack brain chemistry) ‘Bhagavad Gita’ by Eknath Easwaran (A manual of instruction for your head) ‘The Obstacle is the way’ - Ryan Holiday (Simple and concise introduction to Stoicism) ’Meditations’ - Marcus Aurelius (A cornerstone of Stoicism) ‘Clear thinking’ - Shane Parrish (Understanding of the brain tricks us into bad decisions and how to avoid it) ’The Power of Now’ - Eckart Tolle (A classic to understand the mechanisms of the ego and how to be fully present and aware) ’The heart of the Buddha’s teaching’ - Thich Nhat Hanh (The basic principles of Buddhism) stefbastian.com
July 3 · 47 min
87. AMELIA OSTERUD - The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them
With a master’s degree in History and Library Science, Amelia Klem Osterud is recognized as a leading scholar in tattoo history and 19th-century sideshow performers. Author of The Tattooed Lady: A History and contributor to The World Atlas of Tattoo and Tattoo Histories, Amelia just published a new book: The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them. Her new book is fun, pretty and informative. Beside entertaining with the stories we all like - pirates, circus at the turn of the century, crazy self-proclaimed adventures - it paints the picture of how tattooing came to be what it is today, and how people like Captain George helped shape it. Sit down, relax, and enjoy the tales of a a world of wonders from 100+ years ago. ameliaklemosterud.com Follow Amelia on Instagram Get the book stefbastian.com
June 17 · 49 min
86. ESCODA - A labour of love
Escoda is a third-generation family business and an industry icon, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to true craftsmanship, community, and, above all, a profound love for the craft. Backed by some of the world's finest watercolor artists - such as Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet - the Escoda family continues to strive for excellence and innovation, keeping the people who make it all possible at the very heart of what they do. On a lovely Spanish morning, I sat down with Giovanna and Josep to discuss how every single brush is crafted by hand, how the company was born from one man’s dream, and how innovation thrives within simplicity. escoda.com Follow Escoda on Instagram stefbastian.com
May 22 · 1 hr 16 min
85. ECKEL - Neotraditional tattooing and the artistic journey
Eckel’s name speaks for itself. Over the years he inspired countless artists with his drawings, tattoos, and paintings, establishing himself as a main reference in the neotraditional style. In this fun, honest and inspiring talk we discussed the importance of the artistic journey, the evolution of style, and some details on his personal approach to process, reference and inspiration. Follow Eckel on Instagram stefbastian.com
May 15 · 1 hr 5 min
84. JASON KUNDELL - The elusive mastery of Japanese tattooing
Today we sit down with Jason Kundell, a veteran tattoo artist with an inspiring 30-year career. We trace his journey from his roots in Southern California’s skateboarding and graffiti scenes to his foundational years in the Bay Area, with the influence of artists of the caliber of Eddie Deutsche, Marcus Pacheco, Grime and many more. Jason breaks down the philosophy behind his work, drawing fascinating parallels between his decades of training in judo and jiu-jitsu and his approach to tattooing—focusing on movement, composition, and the discipline required to achieve true mastery. Follow Jason on Instagram artworkrebels.com
April 13 · 51 min
83. MANAMI OKAZAKI - Japan’s tattoo underworld and artisanal heritage
Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki. In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from the expertly curated pages of traditional magazines to the fast-paced landscape of social media. Manami eloquently explains how the profound, artisanal essence of this craft is often distorted by modern online trends, where popularity rarely reflects true skill and young artists frequently copy designs without understanding their culturally deep source material. Drawing from over two decades of experience, she shares her incredible stories of documenting Japan's vibrant tattoo boom, navigating a complex underworld of shifting characters. Our conversation delves into the deeply rooted philosophy of downtown Tokyo’s artisans. We discuss the intense atmosphere of local celebrations like the Torigoe Matsuri and the vital, living connections between traditional Wabori, religious practices, and seasonal folklore. Manami also offers a refreshing and fascinating perspective on cultural exchange. Finally, we explore the rich historical context of her work, including her books "Tattoo in Japan" and her newest "Fights and Fires of the Flowers of Edo." She unpacks the transient, high-spirited nature of Edo-period firefighters, carpenters, and Yakuza, highlighting a culture historically intertwined with the constant consciousness of death. This conversation is a vital and humbling reflection on what it takes to truly preserve the heritage, depth, and community spirit of Japanese artisanal tattooing well beyond mere visual appeal. Follow Manami on Instagram maki23.com Manami’s new book ‘The Japanese Tattoo’ stefbastian.com
April 13 · 1 hr 9 min
82. ‘HORIBUDO I’ ROBERTO BORSI - Traditional Japanese Tattooing, Tebori, and Lifelong Mastery
Step into a humbling reflection on dedication that echoes the slow, deliberate rhythm of the traditional Tebori techniques we discuss. In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Borsi, a traditional Japanese tattoo artist based in Milan, to explore what it truly means to submit to an ancient craft. Roberto breaks down why tattooing is not just a profession, but an immersive lifestyle akin to a martial art that demands lifelong, continuous study. Our conversation traces Roberto's fascinating journey, starting from his childhood awe of sailors' shark and mermaid tattoos to experimenting with homemade machines in the late 1970s. He shares his experience studying art at the Academy of Brera in Milan, where he became one of the first to bring tattooing into an Italian academic setting, relying on imported books long before the internet made reference materials easily accessible. Roberto, as a member of the Horitoshi I family, explains to us the value and uniqueness of the Tebori technique he practices, and the absolute necessity of respecting seasonal rules, mythology, and correct color combinations rooted in folklore to maintain the integrity of the art form. Those are the words of an experienced and extremely committed artist that bring incredible value to the journey of every tattooer interested in this style. Follow Roberto on Instagram Primordial Pain Tattoo stefbastian.com
February 20 · 1 hr 7 min
81. RUETHLESS IRONS - How corporations are taking over tattooing
Today, I’m sitting down with Rue from Ruethless Irons for a conversation that gets right to the heart of things. Rue has been in the game since the late 90s, coming up in San Francisco and Amsterdam before finding his true calling in machine building. But we aren't just talking history. This episode is a wake-up call about the current state of tattooing. We get into the quiet corporate takeover happening right under our noses, as private equity firms buy up our supply chains to strip and consolidate them. We talk about the absolute necessity of voting with our dollars, ditching the convenience of corporate monopolies, and throwing our support behind independent, tattooer-owned brands. We also touch on the real why behind machine building and how smaller, tattoo-focused conventions are keeping the real community alive. Tattooing has given us everything, and this conversation is all about how we protect it. Follow Rue on Instagram ruethless-irons.com stefbastian.com
January 26 · 57 min
80. PINO CAFARO - Struggle, balance and the importance of letting go in Japanese tattooing
In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I sit down with a man who has spent over three decades navigating the deep waters of our craft with utmost dedication: Pino Cafaro. This talk felt very inspiring as Pino brings both tradition and a progressive mindset into his work, as he says “Balance beats perfection”. His insights, matured over a long and successful career, can be very helpful to all the committed artists and tattooers that share the struggles of draftsmanship and the quest to grasp the bigger picture of a culturally and visually rich style such as the Japanese. Find Pino on Instagram White Fox Gallery Find out more about Stef’s courses, seminars and projects
January 14 · 54 min
79. TERRY MCKENNA - The Karuizawa Mokuhanga School of woodblock printing
Curious about how to make woodblock prints? In this episode of Tattoo Tales, I’m joined by Australian artist Terry McKenna, known by his artist name Toraku ("Fun Knife"), who traded oil paints for the traditional Japanese art of Mokuhanga over twenty years ago. From his school in the mountains of Karuizawa, Terry breaks down the intricate world of woodblock printing—from the discipline of his apprenticeship in Kyoto to the specialized tools like the baren and cherry wood blocks. We dive into the striking parallels between the heritage of Japanese printmaking and the tattooing world, exploring how the craft has evolved from the rigid assembly lines of the Edo period to a contemporary "Golden Age" where artists handle every step of the process. It’s a deep dive into a tactile, timeless and versatile medium that rewards patience and honors the rule of "making it from yourself." Artists mentioned in the episode: Hiroshi Yoshida (shin hanga) Munakata Shiko (sosaku hanga) Suppliers: Gwasendo (art supply store in Kyoto) Michihamono (tool maker) Sekaido (Tokyo) Mokuhankan (Tokyo) Mentioned tattoo-friendly onsen: agri-yu Learn more about Terry’s courses and residencies Terry’s school on IG Stef’s mentorship and projects Stef’s IG
Dec 9, 2025 · 31 min
78. The Seven Tengu scrolls
Get ready for another very nerdy episode into Japanese Folklore. This time we explore the figure of the Tengu, as portrayed in medieval chronicles and scrolls. Not what you’d expect. Source: The Seven Tengu Scrolls, by Haruko Wakabayashi Mentioned texts: -Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) -Kōjaku Monogatari-shū -Hira-no-Kōjin Reitaku -Shūi-ōjōden -Tengu Zushi (scrolls) (mentioned anime about Japanese Hell: HOZUKI’S COOLHEADEDNESS)
Nov 21, 2025 · 51 min
77. TABBY BOOTH - Create for the sake of creating
Today I sit down with the wonderful artist Tabby Booth to pick her brain on her evolution as an artist, how she balances creativity with parenthood, and the intuitive way she approaches illustration, painting, and inspiration. Tabby shares openly about finding her style, navigating collaborations, and building a life around art that feels true, sustainable, and exciting. It’s an honest, heart-warming conversation with someone who’s carved her own path while staying deeply connected to the joy of creating. I’m sure her words and priorities resonate with a lot of you and her insights can help you in your own journey as a creative. Follow Tabby on Instagram Get her prints and find out more about her work Sailors jail Gallery stefbastian.com
Nov 5, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
76. MICHELLE VESTERGÅRD - Art, healing, and legacy
Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity. We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career. We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others. We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris. This is a story about art, healing, and legacy. Follow Michelle on Instagram Darktales News, courses and more
Nov 1, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
75. BILL CANALES - Challenge yourself
Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community. This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking. Follow Bill on Instagram Billcanales.com Mentorships, Courses and more Follow Stef on Instagram
Sep 23, 2025 · 52 min
74. LUKE ATKINSON - Japanese tattooing at its finest
Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more. In this episode, Luke shares insights on commitment, the price of knowledge, the value of the process, and the importance of honoring the clients who allow us to do what we love. His wisdom is the kind that can reshape the way we approach our craft—no matter where we are in our journey. Luke’s energy is contagious, and talking with him was a real pleasure—something that was felt not just by me, but by everyone in the audience. I hope his words inspire you as much as they inspired me. And if you ever get the chance, make sure to experience the Aachen Tattoo Convention for yourself—it’s truly a well of inspiration and learning from some of the best in the world. Thank you Andreas Coenen and the whole podcast crew that made this possible. Checker Demon IG Checker demon website Checker Demon books Aachen Tattoo Convention IG kaiserstadt-tattoo-expo-aachen.com stefbastian.com
Sep 2, 2025 · 57 min
73. PRIMORDIAL MAGAZINE - A new project in the tattoo community
Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life. Alex De Francesca and Junior explain the birth and various aspects of this project, in a conversation that dives into topics such as creativity, the importance of presence, inspiration and the power of collaborative projects. The project’s Instagram Support the project on Kickstarter Alex Instagram Junior Instagram stefbastian.com
Aug 23, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
72. PAUL SIMO ‘KELU’ - Go to the roots, not to the fruits
Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends. After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity. Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose. Follow Kelu on Instagram Kelu’s paintings stefbastian.com @stef_bastian

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