Pro Artist of the month - Tiggy

September 30, 2025 - 2 months ago

For the anime, cartoon and videogame tattoo lovers among you, there's one artist that we're sure you're dying to book in with this spooky season, and it could only be Tiggy!

Owner of the Pokémon-themed studio Mt. Moon Tattoo in Gloucester, Tiggy is a household name when it comes to tattooing your favourite pop culture characters and recently celebrated 12 years in the industry.

We spoke to Tiggy about her unique way of colouring characters, whether Disney or Studio Ghibli reigns supreme, and her surprising views around Halloween.

Can you tell us how you started tattooing and what sparked your interest in it?

I’ve always loved tattoos and anything alternative ever since I was young, but honestly it never crossed my mind that tattooing could actually be something I could do! I floated around trying lots of different things before tattooing. I did fashion design in college, then video game design at university, which eventually led to a ‘proper’ job doing graphics for an online gaming company. By that point, I’d pretty much ruled tattooing out, thinking I was too old to get into it. Career changes are scary when you have rent to pay.

In 2013, Kamil Mocet approached me about an apprenticeship. It was totally out of the blue, my friend had been tattooed by him, mentioned me and put in a good word. So I found out about this opportunity by text from this friend while I was on a train back home to visit my parents. I remember it so well, I was so excited! I basically quit my job that week. I really hated that job anyway, and so I’ve never looked back.

Did you experience any setbacks when starting out, and what helped you move forward?

I’ve actually been really lucky in that everything went pretty smoothly for me in the beginning. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a handful of incredibly talented artists such as Scott Move, Pawel Stroinski, Sebastian Nowacki, Piotr Deadi Dedel, Jairo Carmona, Olive Tats, and many more. Being around these awesome artists daily is really what helped me learn so fast back then.

We’ve had a lot of setbacks since - looking at you COVID pandemic. I’d say my absolute determination to not go back into an office environment kept me moving forward during that trying time. I love tattooing and I’ll do whatever I can to not have to give it up.

Congratulations on 12 years of tattooing! Looking back, what are some of the most meaningful tattoos or standout experiences you’ve had?

Thank you! It’s been an amazing 12 years and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way.

It’s hard to pick just one or two highlights, so much has happened. I’ve tattooed someone who was terminally ill and had always wanted a specific, deeply meaningful piece so it was an honour to be part of that journey, and it will stay with me forever. I’ve worked with a handful of famous folk, which has definitely been interesting. I’ve met so many people, and built some great friendships with regular clients over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of taking on two incredible apprentices, huge shoutout to @leahgalaxytattoo and @louisecolemantattoos, who are both doing amazingly well. I’m so proud of them and it’s been nice to give something back to the industry.

Who or what has shaped your tattooing style the most, and how has it changed over the years?

My style has changed so much over the years. I started out under Kamil, who specialised in colour realism at the time, so my work was a lot softer, with no solid line work, but obviously still heavily inspired by video games and anime. When I opened Briar Rose Tattoo, I was inspired by all of the artists who worked alongside me there and I learned so much from all of them. I think that’s when I began leaning into a more illustrative style, introducing more bold line work and such.

Now I feel like I mix the two approaches together combining solid lines with soft blendy colours which is the bit I love most. I draw inspiration from video games, 2D animation, and nature, and I follow a lot of digital artists as well as tattoo artists as there is a lot to be learned from all types of art!

What made you make the move from London to Gloucester to open your second studio?

I’d been in London at that point for about 15 years and I wanted to move back home - closer to family and away from busy city life. I knew Gloucester might be quieter than London for work, but it has immensely good transport links to other parts of the country, so I felt like it was a good option if people still wanted to travel to get tattooed by me.

Now I get to live out in the countryside, which I absolutely love, and I’m just five minutes from my parents. They’re elderly, and technically I’m meant to be looking after them - but realistically it’s probably the other way around (thanks Mum!). Moving was the best decision I could have made for my mental wellbeing, even if work is a little tougher than before.

Your studio, Mt. Moon Tattoo, hit the three-year milestone in 2025, what makes this space different to your previous one, Briar Rose?

I love that you know that because I can never remember how long I’ve been here. Three years has absolutely flown by! Mt. Moon really builds on everything I learned from running Briar Rose. The two spaces share the same heart, but I’ve levelled up on the parts I loved most.

Like Briar Rose, Mt. Moon is private and appointment-only, which keeps the atmosphere super calm and welcoming for both artists and clients. However, the nerdy theme is bigger and bolder at Mt. Moon. Each station has its own Pokémon mural, and with the help of Andy and Leah, we’ve turned the studio into a space that I’d always dreamed of creating, it’s so cosy and cute! We do get a lot of compliments on our shop, and that’s lovely.

Who else works alongside you at Mt. Moon Tattoo?

We have Leah (@leahgalaxytattoo), who started out as my apprentice and is now flying on her own, specialising in incredible pixel tattoos. Andy (@lunarlaserclinic), Leah’s husband, runs the tattoo removal side of things. We’re also joined by Anna (@oddeyes_tattoo), a blackwork and fine line specialist, and our newest team member, Antonia (@barbastelle.piercing), who handles piercing.

We each manage our own bookings, and you’ll find different line-ups of us on different days since we share the space. It’s a really lovely setup, we all get on so well, which is so important for keeping the studio so chill and welcoming.

What steps do you take to make sure your studio feels welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

We do our best to make Mt. Moon as inclusive and welcoming as possible. We tattoo people from all walks of life, so it’s important that everyone feels comfortable and cared for. Communication is key for us. Clients may have questions like where to park or worries about how their tattoo is healing, so our inboxes are always open and we are here to reassure clients from start to finish.

Our studio is designed to feel cosy and private, we are away from the window and the waiting area so you’ll never feel like a stranger is watching you. There’s a TV for gentle distraction, and we love to chat and connect with our clients like we would with friends, creating a calm, relaxed experience from beginning to end.

From initial consultation to finished tattoo, how do you usually work with clients along the way?

From the first message to the final healed tattoo, I try to make the process as easy and reassuring as possible.

For me it starts with the Get Ink enquiry, where we can chat about ideas, placement and budget. From there we book a date and I take a deposit. In the run-up to the appointment, I keep communication clear, I am always happy to answer questions, give prep advice, and make sure clients know things like where to park and what snacks to bring.

I send the design a day or two in advance for you to check over, which also gives me time to make any minor tweaks and edits.

On the day, we’ll chat through size and stencil placement, then settle in for a relaxed session with good chats and something on the TV in the background for you to zone out to.

After the tattoo is done, I’ll go through aftercare and I make it known that I am available for check ins - whether it’s a quick photo to ask if the healing is going ok, or to book a touch-up.

My goal is for my clients to leave with something they love and to have had a nice day where they feel like they’ve been looked after!

How has Get Ink streamlined your booking process?

Ooh I love Get Ink so much! I was initially scared because I don’t always like new technology that I don’t understand (these kids and their new-fangled doodads!) but it has been easy to set up and it’s so great for keeping all of the information I juggle super organised and easy to find. I’m not the most organised person by nature, but this app is definitely user-friendly for us chaotic beings.

What tips would you share with someone preparing for their first tattoo, or with artists thinking of starting out in tattooing?

For people prepping for their first tattoo, research your artist! Making sure that the artist you’ve chosen does tattoos in the style that you’re looking for - I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been approached for black and grey tattoos, I’ve never done them! Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, we’re always happy to talk about tattooing and help educate. No question is a silly question.

For artists thinking of starting out in tattooing, please know that yes, getting an apprenticeship can be tough and yes, it is important to have a great portfolio of artwork, but if a shop says no, don’t take it to heart. We say no for a multitude of reasons – the shop might be at full capacity, or they might not be at a point in their career where they have time or feel comfortable taking on an apprentice, or you may need to work on your art a little longer to get to where you need to be.

You have a unique way of colouring your characters when tattooing, can you explain it?

Ah yes! I didn’t realise it was unique to me until you mentioned it. My colour process is a bit like live digital painting. Instead of pre-mixing inks, I blend in real time, inside the needle cartridge, dipping from one pot to another so the colour shifts slightly with each pass. It’s less about strict formulas and more about what feels right in the moment. It’s honestly not something I really think about while I’m doing it – it’s more like what feels right in the moment? So it’s not the easiest thing for me to explain!

What are your go-to tattoo brands and products that you can’t work without?

Well obviously Magnum! As a sponsor, you’ve treated me so well in the time I’ve been with you. It’s really nice to be connected with a company that really shows how much they care.

For machines, in the past my ride or die was Inkjecta, but I have now moved over to the Dragonhawk Fold Pro wireless club, thanks to Magnum actually. You had a really cool gold one in stock which I snapped up a while back. I’ve just now seen that you also have a pink and black version so I’mma need to be getting that now too, kay thanks bye!

What is your favourite section on the Magnum website and why is it our “pink products” collection?

I mean, it was always going to be the pink products collection! I had been saying for about a decade that someone needed to do this and I’m so happy that Magnum understands the needs of their artists! If it ain’t cute, then what is the point? I enjoy how much easier it is to curate a pink set-up now. Thank you Magnum!

What aftercare routine do you suggest, and do you have any guidance to make healing easier?

For my big colour tattoos, I always recommend to keep wrapping the tattoo with cling film for a few days - up to a week after. This method seems to help avoid getting thick scabs which sometimes can pull ink out, leading to a touch-up being needed. Then when it starts to lightly peel, unwrap it and switch to a good cocoa butter to keep it hydrated. I’ve been using this method for my own tattoos for many moons and I don’t get scabs on my tattoos anymore.

I’d always say to listen to your artist for aftercare methods. Not all tattoos require the same aftercare – my method is probably overkill for blackwork or linework style tattoos.

And also don’t be afraid to get in touch with your artist if you’re not sure on anything. We are here to help and are happy to advise if you’re worried or concerned about anything during the healing process.

You once had a goal of tattooing the original 151 Pokémon – do you think you managed to tattoo ‘em all?

In short, no. My reasoning? Because I most likely have some form of ADHD which makes sticking to any long-term projects really difficult as I get distracted by lots of things along the way. I’ll get there one day, maybe! I’ve got a few more years on this earth so there is time.

Would you like one?

You have just beaten the Elite Four, which six Pokémon are in your Hall of Fame team?

I wish I could go back and look at who I did use on my first ever copy of Pokémon Yellow back in 2000, but alas. So for the 2025 edition of Tiggy’s team, I choose Vaporeon, Lapras and Starmie – my all-time faves – then Zapdos, Alakazam and Chansey. I think that’s a pretty good team for the Elite Four without sacrificing my favourites who are all water types… I should go and try it out.

Which games are you enjoying at the minute, and what would you call your all-time favourites?

I’m more of a cosy gamer these days. At the moment, I’ve been playing Planet Zoo and Tiny Glade in my downtime – both of them are so peaceful and help me shut my brain off for a few hours. With friends, I’ve been enjoying playing Peak and Phasmophobia, because they’re both really funny, even if I’m terrible at both.

Then for my all-time favourites, God that’s so hard to choose. I’d say, Fable, Spyro 2, Bomberman Fantasy Race and TimeSplitters 2 would be my picks.

The game I am the best at, however, is Mario Kart 8. You won’t beat me. Probably. I am pretty darn good at it.

We share a love of The Legend of Zelda, so I want to know who your favourite character is to tattoo and who is on your wish list?

I really want to tattoo Tingle. I haven’t played Majora’s Mask, but he did appear in the Gamecube version of Super Smash Bros. Melee with his little balloon, and I always thought he was really funny. I have no other context for his character so maybe he’s a horrendous choice. I absolutely love tattooing the Koroks, they’re probably my favourite, you can do so much with their design and I feel like all Zelda fans love them!

Bonus editor question: How can you call yourself a Zelda fan if you’ve never played Ocarina of Time?!

I’m SORRY!!! Blame my parents? We asked for a Nintendo 64 but we got a PlayStation for Christmas (spoilt brat).

Your love of Disney and Studio Ghibli is well documented, but if you had to pick one, which would it be and why?

That’s such a tough question! I’m a Disney kid at heart, my very first word on this earth was “Mouse,” as in Mickey. So the nostalgia runs deep. But I absolutely adore Studio Ghibli too. Their films are breathtaking and inspire me so much artistically, especially when it comes to tattoo ideas. Disney is nostalgic, while Ghibli feeds my creative side. Do I have to choose? If I really must, I think Disney wins… mostly because Studio Ghibli doesn’t have a Disneyland or Disney World. Sorry, Ghibli!

What’s on your go-to playlist when you’re tattooing, in your headphones or around the studio?

Our go to playlist at Mt. Moon is 90 Day Fiancé and Catfish. We have a little TV with access to Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. I usually let my clients pick the programme but if Leah is in then we get the best trash TV. We’ve converted a lot of people to 90 Day Fiancé… maybe they should also sponsor us.

Is it fair to say your dog Bambi is the heart and soul of Mt. Moon Tattoo?

Once upon a time, he absolutely was. I think people booked in to come hang out with Bambi and getting the tattoo was just an extra. These days, Bambi has been living his best life outside of the shop with his new doggy friend group and our dog walker Terri (shoutout to @caninecompanionsdw). With his social activities, he no longer has time in his diary to make it into the shop these days. I’d say he misses us, but he doesn’t. He lives a life of luxury and we wouldn’t want it any other way!

Early best wishes for your upcoming birthday this month! What would be the perfect present someone could get you?

Thank you so much! I’m definitely turning 27 again this year and I’ll hear of nothing to the contrary! As for the perfect present… well, there’s some woodlands for sale about five minutes walk from my house, would that be too much to ask for? Bambi would like it too!

With Halloween around the corner, what are your favourite movies or TV shows that get you in the mood for spooky season?

I think I’m the only tattoo artist who doesn’t get into the Halloween spirit actually. My birthday is two days before and so therefore it is birthday week. Not Halloween. I’m sorry, I feel like I’m the worst artist to do your October edition of this!

I’d probably watch something like The Crow. It’s one of my favourite movies, and also a great one to get oneself into the spooky season mood. Fire it up!!!

Do you have a favourite Halloween tradition, either at home or in the studio?

Yes! My tradition is that I don’t work that week and everyone has to treat me like royalty…

I’ve never worked on my birthday except for one time I did do a Halloween flash day, which was cute, but I’ve decided that it was a one-time only ultra limited event.

If you could design the ultimate spooky flash sheet, what would be on it?

I’ve just had a vision of doing some spooky Snoopy tattoos with ‘The Great Pumpkin’ and Snoopy dressed up as a vampire, or something like that. Do you think that would sell?

Are you working any conventions in the remainder of 2025 or in 2026?

I am working the first ever Gloucester ‘Twice the Magic’ tattoo convention this year in December. It’s taking place in Gloucester Prison which is the coolest venue ever, I love it in there - I’ve been on multiple ghost hunts around the prison and it’s very spooky at 2am!

Leah and I will be sharing a prison cell together, tattooing and selling prints and things we’ve made. I may even bring some of my ghost hunting equipment… it would be rude not to.

What is next for Tiggy and Mt. Moon Tattoo?

What’s next! Well, next year I believe Leah and I will be looking at doing a couple of guest spots around the country together, to spread the good word of Mt. Moon and hopefully make some friends along the way. I’d love it if we could all attend a convention together as a shop, rather than just me as an individual!

My own personal tattooing goal this year, is to find an ink sponsorship – I feel it is time. And colour is my main thing, right? So maybe! Fingers crossed.

But mainly, continue on as we are – I love the set-up we have now, and I hope we get to keep doing what we do for a long time.

A massive thank you to Tiggy for not only agreeing to take part in what turned out to be our longest Pro Artist of the month interview to-date, but giving such detailed answers! Make sure to keep up to date with her latest adventures and side quests on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok – all @tiggytattoos - as well as checking out Tiggy's website.