Studio Information

Heading out of town on Oxford Road, pass the BBC on the left hand side, look for 'Parting of the Waves', then up 3 flights of stairs. Once on Oxford Road, at street level, there is just the entrance doorway painted with the studio name. Inside the doorway there is a selection of past work to reassure newcomers and for regulars to see their work on display.?Come in, take a deep breath and climb the stairs. We are at the top, so follow the flames. Laurence Stogsdill; it?s a bit of a mouthful but he says no-one ever thought of a nickname he wanted to hear twice. He got his art degree at Manchester Metropolitan University just 300 yards from where he works today. He?s always had an unhealthy interest in Tattoos, but didn?t really get started until he met his much tattooed significant other. He began doing henna tattoos in his Affleck?s Palace shop, saved up and spent it on his own skin. A few years later decided the time was right when offered an apprenticeship in a local studio. LOVED IT! He took on the Oxford Road studio, renamed it RED SEA TATTOO at the beginning of 2000 - who says no-one had a life changing experience over the Millenium. All the Gallery pics are work done at RED SEA TATTOO. Oh?. And he likes gardening, reading, drawing and staying in! In the waiting room / reception are a large number of tattoo magazines - as an educational tool they are invaluable. So many people just have not been exposed to the huge range of possibilities, both in terms of content and placement. Flicking through a mag also gives a potential customer time to relax in the studio and and to decide if the vibe is right for them. Music is part of this, although it is focused on whoever is being tattooed at the time. Getting a Tattoo should not be torture, and distraction helps. Attention to detail is not just in the drawing, we want this to be a positive experience for all involved. Tattooing is done in the next room, through the swing doors. Various levels of privacy are possible. In general the screen is open to stop direct spectating and protect modesty. The doors can be closed if complete privacy is required. Some level of nudity is often required during tattooing, so consider in advance what you will wear. Past the swing doors you get the full impact of the drawing area. It may look a mess, but nothing is ever lost ?.. promise! Ongoing work, past work and new possibilities litter the walls. Throughout art education one is encouraged to do this and old habits die hard. This room also stores reference books. Historical & contemporary tattoos are represented as well as various completely unrelated areas of art and design. Fresh ideas come from a broad base of research. All this stuff serves to stop the area from feeling clinical, but it definitely is and Manchester Environmental Health were very impressed. The guy even said he?d ?want to come to a place like this himself?. Yet another convert to the idea that Tattoo Studios do not have to be scary! Finally, no matter where you go or what you get done - be true to no-one but yourself. Live long and be happily TATTOOED!

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