Tim Croke of Second Skin Tattoo (UK)

Tim Croke - Second Skin Tattoo Studio We caught up with Tim Croke from Second Skin Tattoo in Derby to shoot the breeze on all things Tattoos!

1) Tell us a quick story about how you got your first tattoo?
My first tattoo was a Donald Duck on my arse, not cool I know but it seemed a good idea at the time! A few of us had just got back from a holiday in Spain and kind of dared each other to get something done!

(2) When did you first think about becoming a Tattoo artist?
I had always wanted to be a tattoo artist. I was drawing up flash sheets when I was about 11 or 12. I had sneaked into the local tattoo shop, Curlys, and before I got kicked out I studied the smoke stained hand drawn designs that were available at the time. Although it was an old fashioned kind of place, no gloves, same ink pot, same needle for that matter, it held a fascination for me that drew me back!

(3) What was the first tattoo that you did?

A samurai chick on my thigh, a comic book character called Shi!

(4) What was the most recent piece of ink you’ve done?
I tattoo pretty much every day so do you mean the nicest thing I`ve done recently. Probably a Jesus portrait on a guy called Billy. He's getting mad feedback on it and loves it to bits!

(5) What’s your favourite style?
Black and grey, as realistic as I can get it, but love the oriental style also!

(6) Is there any part of your body you wouldn’t get tattooed?
I am not a heavily tattooed person at all, I just don`t get much time for my own projects. I want a ton of work from various artist but I don`t think I`ll be getting much on my face or neck. I know I`m a tattooist and its sort of expected but I don`t think I could get away with it with the missus!

(7) Who or what are your biggest influences?
Artistically! Leonardo to Dali, Michelangelo and Raphael to Henry Moore. As for tattoo influences, Kore Flatmo has made the biggest impression on me, just love how he combines different elements! But there are tons of guys whose work inspires and forces you to reavaluate your own artwork, Shige, Mike Devries, Bob Tyrell, Rob Hernandez, Victor Portugal, Jess Yen, Boris, Stillian Smokov, Filip Leu, Tim Hendricks, I`m sorry but I could be here all day!

(8) Who would you absolutely love to get tattooed by?
Any and all of the above, but I am trying to sort something out with Kore at the moment!

(9) What’s the most bizarre tattoo you’ve had done?
Not bizarre but I suppose the little skull I had done by my son is a bit random compared to my other stuff! I love it tho as it was his first tattoo, how cool is that?

(10) What do you think of the “Miami Ink” effect, Tattooists suddenly getting the same level of celebrity idolization as rock stars or actors, for example?
I think its crazy but cool at the same time. I suppose as an art form it's getting a lot of exposure right now, certainly not a bad thing, double edge sword scenario! Every Tom Dick and Numpty wants to be a tattoo artist right now! Can`t blame them, its a cool job but there are those that have no business being on the end of a tattoo machine and we are seeing the results all the time!

(11) What’s the most Bizarre Tattoo that you’ve ever done?
To many to mention, after this long your perception of whats bizarre gets blurred!

(12) Ever had any horrific clients or people you’ve just had to turn down?
Of course, I`m sure everyone has, its the same in all jobs you get folk you just can`t get on with. Normally I just pass them on to Ben, the guy who works with me, he can get on with anyone cos he`s always the most mental one in the room! But failing that you just have to be honest and say you don`t want to tattoo them. If people are snotty with me or just rude I won`t tattoo them.

(13) What’s the best story you’ve ever had from a client as to why they’re getting a particular tattoo from you?
I can`t tell that on here, I`d tell you at the shop but no way on here, ha ha!

(14) “It’s easier to make a serious profit as a tattooist than it is to work as a painter.” Agree, Disagree?
Its not about profit, well maybe it is a bit but for me I love the job.