Shannon Romijn is a young and very talented self-taught Dutch tattoo artist who, in a relatively short time, made a name for herself within the tattoo community and tattoo convention circuit thanks to her beautiful realistic portraits. I met her for the first time at the 1st Deauville Tattoo Festival in 2017, and her tattooing style immediately caught my attention. After seeing her at a few more tattoo conventions, I was very pleased to welcome her into the World Tattoo Events ProTeam, and below is your chance to learn more about her.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, can you give us a brief introduction to yourself?
I was born 25 years ago in Utrecht (the Netherlands). You can describe me as a passionate and ambitious lady. All though I have health issues due to connective tissue problems, I am very persistent in trying to get the best out of myself, and I will not let it interfere with my motivation to follow my dreams. Even though I have to use a wheelchair for longer distances and have trouble standing for a long period of time, I will never let it get in the way of my passion for tattooing.
How & when did you start tattooing?
All my life, I have been busy with drawing and sketching. When I was around 16 years old, I went to several tattoo shops to become an apprentice. I was either “just” a girl with no tattoos or simply to young, they said. After a while, I bought my first tattoo machine and practiced on oranges, lemons, skin, and later on, my dad and friends. I went to a lot of conventions to talk to other tattoo artists and watch their work. When I was just 21 years old, I started my own tattoo studio, InstInkt in Nieuwegein.
What’s your definition of art?
Art is hard to describe because for every person, it is different. For me, its creating something special, from nothing to a beautiful image or tattoo. Giving expression to someone’s thoughts in an image or picture is what I really like to do.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Realistic with a little arty 😊.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
For me, the inspiration comes from life in general. Sometimes from music or nature, but also from comics or just thoughts running through my mind.
What kind of approach do you have with your customers?
I think I am a very open and direct person. In a friendly conversation, I try to figure out what the best result can be for that individual, so I can have the best result possible for them.
What kind of tattoos or projects do you really enjoy doing at conventions?
I love to do realistic tattoos; portraits or my own designs work for me.
What kind of tattoos do you hate doing at conventions?
I really don’t like to do Maori style and clocks there!
Do you think you make better tattoos at the studio or at a tattoo convention?
That’s hard to say. At a convention, I mostly plan big pieces, so I am busy and concentrated all the time. But I can’t say that its better at the convention or in my studio, to be honest.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you worked at?
YEAH 😊. That was the Dutch Ladies Tattoo Convention in Haarlem.
Is there any particular country or region of the world that you fancy the most when you go to conventions?
At the moment, that’s Finland, because the customers have a very different/funny taste in having tattoos. Last year, someone wanted a combination of a banana and an octopus, which was really fun to do: the banaoctopus.
Did you ever win any contest prizes so far?
Yeah! So far, I won 19 prizes: first place for realistic, best of show, best of day, and best of portraits.
Which prize are you the most proud of?
Best Realism, the portrait of Pennywise from the movie It, was made this year in Jyvaskyla.
What’s your favourite tattoo convention so far? And why?
That was Lubeck Tattoo Convention in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, because it was the second convention I ever attended and the first time I won 2 prices. Besides that, the atmosphere was very nice, and it was very well organised.
What’s the most interesting trend you noticed at tattoo conventions?
It is hard to say because I have only been into this for 5 years now. What I do see more lately is the fact that there is more entertainment for families.
What’s your number one reason to attend a tattoo convention?
It’s very nice to be around other artists and make new friends and connections.
How many tattoo conventions do you visit every year?
As a visitor, I go to 2 or 3, but I work at 5 or 6 a year.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve ever had at a tattoo convention?
At Sinti Ink 2018 I didn’t expect to win anything, and as a complete surprise, I won Best of Show that weekend.
What’s the most annoying side of a tattoo convention?
If there’s really loud music or noise next to my booth, it can be very distracting. This year I was making a portrait while at another booth when suddenly someone started to pop balloons. You can imagine that not knowing this in advance can be very annoying.
What do you think about the contests?
I love to take part in the contests, but I think they have to do only contests for tattoos placed on the convention itself. Besides that, it’s sometimes hard to find the rules and regulations for the contests. That’s something that can be improved a bit.
In terms of convention organization, what’s for you the most important aspect?
For me, that’s enough space in the booth, electricity outlets, water, and rules and regulations for the contests.
What’s the best way to book you for a convention?
Contact them directly by Facebook, mail, or on the convention website.
What are the next tattoo conventions you are going to attend?
Rotterdam, New-York, World Tattoo Festival, Deauville and probably Jyvaskyla Finland. I am also hoping to go to Philadelphia in February!
Do you usually prefer to set an appointment before the convention, or are you open to working on the spot?
I prefer to have an appointment for at least one big piece, and after that, of course, work on the spot. I like to start working when the convention is open, so people can see your work and follow the result. Due to that, you’ll get requests to work on the spot. This is my experience so far.
Do you do any collaboration tattoos?
Yes, I did two of them this year in Moscow with Dim Bukhrov. Dim and I are planning to go to the tattoo convention in Deauville in 2019 together, with the intention of doing a few there.
Who are the people you admire the most in this industry?
I love the work of Julian Siebert.
Does your family support your profession?
Yeah, very much!! My dad even has several tattoos on me.
What are your favorite inks?
World Famous Tattoo Ink!
What are your favorite machines?
FX Products Xion Spectra
What after-care product would you recommend?
Bepanthen
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I hope to be an inspiration for others. Never let anything get in your way of becoming what you want to be. Try to fulfill your dreams, even when life isn’t always easy for you. Try to get everything out of it and live life to the fullest!!
Instinkt Nieuwegein
The Netherlands
Shannon Romijn is undoubtedly a rising star in the tattoo industry. Her talent and dedication have allowed her to make a name for herself in a relatively short period of time.
That’s absolutely the case!! Kudos to Shannon!!