Photography: Danny Evans
Whether you’re into patchwork ink, gothic sleeves or Celtic patterns, you’re bound to find a style you love at the Jersey Tattoo Convention. Held annually, the convention brings together around forty local tattoo artists who perform their craft live on the day. This year, the event is in support of the Danny Cram Foundation – a cause that upholds young adults with mental health challenges, set up in memory of Danny after his passing. Whether you’re going down to get some ink or simply want to watch out of curiosity for the craft, it promises to be a fun day out, with DJs, food vendors, haircuts, graffiti walls and chilli-eating contests.
In the run-up to the event, we spoke to some well-known faces in Jersey’s tattoo scene and put together this shoot to celebrate their individual styles. Pictured alongside them is one of their clients – a walking canvas for the original pieces each artist has created. It’s the perfect teaser for what’s to come at the convention.
Jersey Tattoo Convention – August 30th and 31st, Radisson Blu
Travis Cracknell | Seven Tides Tattoo | www.seventidestattoo.com
Travis’s process always begins with a conversation. He genuinely enjoys connecting with his clientele, and more often than not, those conversations lay the foundation for real friendships. For Travis, tattooing is more than just putting ink on skin – it’s a permanent, meaningful exchange between him and his client’s. After all, they’re trusting him to create something they’ll carry for life. He deeply values the unique bond between artist and client, and that connection directly influences the energy, style, and outcome of each piece he creates.
Travis believes that to do this work meaningfully, you have to be in it for the art. He understands the transformative power tattoos can have – how they help people reclaim their bodies, tell their stories, or mark a personal evolution. “Tattooing is about self-identity,” he says. “It’s a way of saying, ‘This is who I am. This is how I want the world to see me.’”
“I used to find getting tattoos stressful due to unwelcoming, cliquey studios, which put me off getting more. A close friend recommended Travis at Seven Tides, and from the first meeting, he was incredibly accommodating. His studio is warm and inviting, with a relaxed atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. He walked me through the design and tattooing process in detail, making everything clear and comfortable. I’ve been going to him for years now – he’s professional, talented, and makes the experience enjoyable. I highly recommend him!” Netta Robertson
Ash Lewis | Unit 3 Tattoo | @ashlewistattoo
Ash Lewis specialises in black and grey realism, dealing with portraits of people and animals at Unit 3 Tattoo. He’s been honing his craft for 13 years – “this style is what comes easiest to me,” he said. “If I was doing a painting, or any sort of artwork, it takes on this realistic form.”
“I grew up surrounded by tattoo culture, so with tattoos being permanent, choosing the right artist was key. Ash’s reputation, incredible realism style, and ability to blend various techniques made him the clear choice. He is not just a tattooist, but a true artist and a master of his craft. Beyond the quality of his work, he’s become a friend, making the whole experience even more meaningful.”
Fliquet Renouf | Unit 3 Tattoo | @body.illustration
Fliquet Renouf has been tattooing for 15 years, focusing on blackwork illustration of flora and fauna, often with a dark, grungy twist. Incorporating dot work, stippling and contrasted texturing, she creates custom botanical and animal designs that stand the test of time.
“Fliq is an amazing artist, and her style really draws me in due to my love of animals and creatures. She’s great with consultations, and suggesting ideas to create a piece that’s even better than I had imagined. As a client, the whole experience feels comfortable and easy – we have the best time!” Ayla Wilton
Gareth Thomas | Monsters Ink | @gareththomastattoo
Gareth is open to all kinds of requests, being amenable to many different styles. “I have a very eclectic taste,” he said. “Whether it’s music or art, I like to carry that through to my practice.” He loves the variety of working with different types of design throughout the week, from black and grey, to neo-traditional, to Japanese.
“Gareth’s creative style is what made me trust him with my tattoos. Every time I give him an idea I know that he will add his personal touch and the outcome will be awesome. I’m already looking forward to getting my leg done – the vibe in the shop makes the time fly while getting tattooed.” Ben Saussey
Sarah Wall | Sarah Wall Tattoos | @cre8_ting
Sarah Wall’s style is rooted in the beauty of nature, with a focus on fine lines and intricate, ornamental details. She loves creating designs that flow with the body’s natural contours, capturing the elegance of plants, animals and organic forms. Each of her pieces is meant to feel soft, timeless and deeply connected to the world around us.
“Sarah’s work carries the same soft, angelic energy she does. I was drawn to her soulful fine line style – and she’s just a truly lovely person to be tattooed by.” Leah Bohea
Tim Hardenberg | Sunda Tattooer | @sunda_tattooer
Tim Hardenberg is known as Sunda Tattooer, a name that originates from the Sunda Islands in Indonesia. Sulawesi, one of the four Greater Sunda Islands, is where his family is from. The tattoos he makes are inspired by traditional Indonesian woodcarvings and batik fabrics, which he transforms into his own ornamental and dot work style. He likes the use of masks, birds and flowers, emboldened by high contrast lines of various thicknesses. His aim is to create a unique piece of art for every client.
“I initially found Tim’s page by chance and it was exactly the style I was looking for at the time. Since then he has created multiple unique pieces of art for me which I am super grateful for. He is a really multi-faceted, talented artist with the ability to see and create on different levels. I think what stands out about his work is that he really engages with the art personally. You can tell he is passionate about the heritage of the design, and individual inspiration that encompasses each project.” Jasmin Taylor
Silvia Kereki | Beneath the Surface Tattoos | @kerekisilviatattoo
Silvia Kereki’s tattoo journey started on the island in 2018. Even before starting this career, she was in love with realistic drawings and paintings, inspiring her to lean towards black and grey realistic tattoos – in particular, female portraits. Expect her to encourage you towards originality when discussing your tattoo ideas, leaning away from just copying a design you found on Pinterest. “There’s always a place for improvement,” said Silvia. “That’s what I’m working on everyday – become a better tattoo artist and make my clients happy with the artwork I put on their skin.”
“I met Silvia when I was around 17 or 18, when I went in for an arm tattoo. She was just starting her career, and she created a small tattoo for me. A few years later I wanted to start to cover my whole body, and I knew she was the right person for it – she’s grown so much as an artist since I first met her, and she’s so talented. She’s so specific about every detail – I have full trust in her, and she trusts me too. It’s always exciting because we get on well, and she enjoys the projects I bring to her.” Bruno Da Silva
