Meet Shane Tan. Singapore’s Tattoo Legend. We dive into his inspiring journey, uncovering what makes his traditional Japanese tattoos so captivating. Discover why Shane is a true icon in the tattoo world.
Can you share a bit about your journey and how you got into tattooing?
I got into tattooing at a very early age, before I turned 16, and that was 24 years ago. Time flies.
Thinking back, I was fortunate enough to experience tattooing before social media. It was a very different scene then.
I got into tattooing because my parents were friends with some OG tattooers in Singapore, and at 13 or 14 I asked them to teach me.
Of course, they declined, and I picked it up myself a few years later.
What inspired you to specialize in traditional Japanese-style tattoos?
My first encounter of a proper image of a Japanese bodysuit was from a book by Australian tattooer Tony Cohen, published in the 80s or 90s, It was a piece done by Horitoshi 1 on Junko Shimada. That image stayed in my mind forever.
After starting my tattoo career and a few years of doing every style that existed during that time, I started to specialize in the Japanese style a bit more. Eventually, at my 8th or 10th year of tattooing, I did my first proper Japanese style back piece.
What was your first tattoo experience like, both as an artist and as a client?
Lots of cigarette smoke mixed with the smell of Dettol. And there were no internet reviews or websites.
What distinguishes your Japanese-style tattoos from other artists?
I really don’t know. I just try to create a background that’s heavily referenced from the early 1900s, but I add a little twist here and there.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you conceptualize and execute a new tattoo design?
Most of my designs come from woodblock prints. I started replicating a lot of woodblock prints and learned as much as I can about the history and meaning behind the subjects being used for tattoos. From this knowledge, I design a concept suited for the client.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Singapore these days?
Pretty vibrant, I guess? I lost track of what’s happening after I returned from living in Zurich for several years.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a tattoo artist today?
Keeping up with technology. I see kids using all kinds of gadgets these days.
How do you handle the physical and mental demands of tattooing large pieces?
I try to work out every morning before I start my day. It helps with the body aches.
But I never really stop thinking about art, though. I’m obsessed. If I’m not tattooing, I’ll be painting.
Can you share a particularly rewarding moment in your career?
It was really rewarding when my book got published.
Can you tell us about your book “Shane Tan’s Complete Collection” and what inspired you to publish it?
I wanted to do a book on solely paintings, but as I created more paintings, I realized I completed several back pieces and bodysuits, so we decided to compile everything into a 452 pages book.
There are paintings, line drawings and photographs of tattoos in the book from late 2014 onwards.
What role do tattoo conventions play in your career?
I think it’s important for me to do at least 1 a year. I love it. I don’t do much anymore, but I try to do Paris convention yearly, and It’s amazing to catch up with old friends. Witness what’s happening in the tattoo scene today.
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists attending their first convention?
Keep your mind open, stay grounded and have lots of fun!
What advice do you have for young artists looking to develop their style?
Do as much research as possible.
Read books and don’t rely fully on YouTube tutorials for knowledge.
Speak to your favorite tattooers doing the style that you like, get tattooed by them. Learn from them if possible.
How important is formal art education for someone pursuing a career in tattooing?
I don’t think a formal art education is important, but it will definitely bring you a few steps forward. I did Graphic Design for a few years, and it helped with photography and some other stuff.
But, I don’t think a formal art education is essential in tattooing.
Can you share some insights on the business side of running a tattoo studio?
I’m the worst at running a business because I think business and art don’t sit well together, even though some might see it as lucrative.
I don’t see tattooing as solely a business, It’s a way of life. I’ve dedicated my entire life to this craft, I don’t have a hobby and I rarely have days off.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in your tattooing career?
Still trying to figure this one out.
What are your future goals and ideas you’re excited about?
To do more bodysuits!
Outside tattooing, what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
My hobbies are painting and tattooing, so I don’t think I have a life outside tattooing.
How do you stay creative and inspired in your day-to-day life?
I’m not always highly creative or inspired, there will be moments where I feel uninspired, and I just try to find some inspiration by looking at books.
The creativity will always come back. But it comes in waves.
I’m never constantly creative.
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