NICK HORN

Hi Nick, can you just introduce yourself and let us know where you work?

Hi, I’m Nick Horn and I work at the amazing Good Times Tattoo in Shoreditch in East London.

When did you first become aware of tattoos?

I don’t really have a clear memory but it wasn’t when I was that young. None of my family or friend’s families were tattooed so I wasn’t exposed from a very young age. I’m pretty sure it was mostly through being into Punk Rock when I was teenager - most of those bands were tattooed so that must be how it got into my head.

Can you remember the first tattoo you got and who did it?

Of course, it’s a devils head on my leg. I drew a version of a Vince Ray design I saw - I must have redrawn it ten times before taking it to my local tattooist who proceeded to do truly shit job of it. I learnt so much in that first tattoo session, mostly about how not to treat customers and how actually people really care about the tattoo they’re getting so make a bloody effort. And you know, folks really like it when their tattoos are put on straight. Thank you Terry Oldham, lesson learnt.

What drew you to tattooing as a career?

Pretty much every feature of tattooing drew me to it and still does. I get to make stuff that looks beautiful every day while spending time with really interesting people. Throw in travel and a ridiculous level of freedom and it’s pretty much the best job going….. unless NASA called. Then I’d quit.

Did you serve a traditional apprenticeship?

Not at all. I was sold some tattooing equipment and tattooed a lot of friends from my bedroom before blagging a job at a shop. Then I worked my arse off to learn as much as possible through personal study. Lots of reading, lots of studying photographs and lots of getting tattooed. I think I know more tattooists that got into it that way than through an apprenticeship so maybe it’s actually the more traditional option. 

Tell us about Good Times Tattoo – how did you end up working there and what is it you like about being there?

Good Times is hands down the nicest tattoo studio I’ve ever had the pleasure of working in. It’s huge and has about a million windows which we can have wide open because it’s on the first floor so it’s good and private from prying eyes. I had met Nikole a couple of times very briefly when we’d both had a few too many at conventions so we didn’t really know each other before I started there. I was in Sydney when I called Nikole looking for a job. I’d gone there for a break after leaving the studio I was at previously after a catastrophic failure. She and I had a nice but brief chat and I started work there soon after I got back to London. I seriously couldn’t be happier with where I’m working, so I’m really looking forward to being there for a long while.

Is there any particular style you prefer to work in?

I tend to lean towards Oriental inspired work, heavily Japanese influenced but I’m also a fan of Chinese art too so that creeps in. I also really enjoy doing traditional western motifs but not specifically American or English - just whatever looks cool. 

How would you describe your own style of tattooing?

Probably really inaccurately.

Which tattooers do you feel have had the most impact on you in terms of style and design?

Seriously loads. Pretty much every tattoo I look at has some sort of influence on how I think about design.

Outside of tattooing, what other artists inspire you?

Pink Floyd? I’m lucky to have a lot of very creative friends so I get inspired from all angles.

When you’re not tattooing how do you like to spend your time?

Just doing normal things, I love to cook and spend time with my girlfriend. Who can only cook spag bol so that arrangement works well. I’ve been rebuilding a 1955 Pontiac for the past few years so there’s always something to think about on that. I’m a huge fan of motorcycles too so we like to go for rides as much as possible. Hanging out with friends and family, as I say just normal things really. 

Finally, how do you see yourself progressing as a tattooer? Are there any aspects of the work that you feel you’d still like to achieve?

I don’t really think about it to be honest. So far my career development has been pretty organic and I’m very happy with my life so far. I feel very positive and I’m really looking forward to a long tattooing career ahead of me.

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