We meet Erin Larkin, owner and tattoo artist at Temperance Tattoo.

When did you open Temperance Tattoo?

I opened Temperance Tattoo late September which timed perfectly with the Autumnal season. I was inspired by Autumnal colour palettes which inspired the theme of the shop.

How long have you been a tattoo artist and what made you decide to become one?

I have been tattooing since May 2015. I received my apprenticeship when I was 18 years old; a great time for the transformation of the industry. It has grown incredibly. I have wanted to be a Tattoo Artist since I was 12/13 years old. I remember buying my first Tattoo magezine when I was 13; I was purely mesmerized by the Human body becoming a walking Art canvas. I have been an Artist my entire life; always painting and drawing while knowing Art was what I wanted as a career. I think the idea of a piece of art living your life with you is an incredible concept.

How would you describe your style?

I'm very inspired by the movement of Romanticism Art; including the Pre Raphaelites, Renaissance Art while moving in to the Botanical and Art Nouveau styles. I believe nature is the definition of beauty which I capture in my work. I use a lot of warm colour palettes, flowers with botanical structure, as well as a hint of magical/folklore subjects, such as Tarot, to capture the piece for the individual. Each piece will be completely individual and custom designed for each client.

Why did you decide to open in Glastonbury?

I visited Glastonbury in 2018 and instantly loved the influence of Art and Legend around the town. you can spot imagery of Pre Raphaelite artwork around various places In Glastonbury. I knew, then, I would be here to live and work at some point of my life (who knew it would be so soon). Since being here, I have created even more artwork in my sketchbooks because I am constantly influenced by my surroundings.

What do you like most about Glastonbury?

The magic!!! My entire life I have been in awe of Magic, Myth, Legend and Folklore. Growing up watching films like Harry Potter, and being interested in the practice of Witchcraft since as long as I can remember, I felt like I had fallen in to a fairytale when setting foot here for the first time. And now to be a part of Glastonbury, to bave my business and home here is a dream come true.

How many tattoos do you have and do you have a favourite?

Oh my goodness, I have lost count but I have a wonderful collection of musical, art, family and magical themed tattoos by various incredible artists. I definitely have favourites but my most sentimental tattoo is my smallest tattoo, which, is a little linework robin that Heidi Hyom did for me. I have worked alongside Heidi since the start of my career and is a huge inspiration of my own. My Granny and her mother would draw this little robin in our birthday and Christmas cards. Most women in my family have this little tattoo and is almost like a family crest for us all.

What should people consider when they are deciding what design to have as a tattoo?

There are a few things to consider when getting tattooed. The first is knowing what exactly it is that you would like. I'd recommend a subject that is special to you. Then, I'd recommend looking at the style that you would like your tattoo to be in. There is a wide range of styles you can have such as Colour, Black and Grey, Realism, Neo-Traditional, Botanical etc. There are many artists with different styles, so finding the right artist for you is crucial. Allow the artist to create something special for you and you are sure to receive a great result. Also, do not rush! No matter what your age (from 18 years old, of course) do not rush the process of your tattoo. The more patient with your tattoo process, the better the results will be.

Please feel free to pop by Temperance Tattoo for more advice about your tattoo. And if you're in the mood for a spooky tattoo, please come by and attend out Halloween event on October 29th from 9:30am.

A speical flash walk in event is being held at Temperance Tattoo on Saturday (October 29). Find out more HERE