Pro Artist of the month - Charl Davies

March 03, 2026 - 4 months ago

Valentine’s Day may be long over, but we’re continuing to share the love to our Pro Artists, with our focus on the wonderful Charl Davies.

A queen of the small screen, Charl is the creator of some of the finest realism work in the UK, all from her private studio in Ebbw Vale, Wales.

We spoke to Charl about her first foray into television, adapting to an autism diagnosis, and why The Legend of Zelda remains her favourite gaming series.

What inspired you to pursue a full-time career as a tattoo artist?

I never actually considered tattooing would ever become a full-time job, especially when other people - my tutors included - weren’t that supportive. But it just happened and I do really feel like it was meant to be.

For me, tattooing became a hyper-fixation. After spending years practicing drawing and finding different methods to apply myself… painting, drawing, sculpting… Tattooing is just another tool used to express myself artistically! It’s just so happens to be the best job ever too!

I honestly just enjoyed it so much and focused on the art and the rest fell into place and I haven’t looked back!

Did you face any challenges at the start of your career, and if so, how did you overcome them?

Oh, SO many. When I look back, I see how naive I was in the beginning. I failed more than one apprenticeship. I was promised the world and devastated more than once and honestly… it’s a time in my life that should have been exciting but was heartbreaking. I was undiagnosed ADHD, autistic, had illness and life felt… harder than it should’ve been. It was confusing and honestly, my career has been the one thing that’s driven me and distracted me throughout everything and has been one of my only constants in life, giving me stability and that’s what’s carried me through. It’s been the best therapy.

How has your style evolved since your early days as a tattoo artist?

Well, I knew from the get-go that I wanted to do realism. But let’s be honest… that was wishful thinking when I couldn’t even hold a machine properly at first let alone achieve anything else! My early work was… questionable! We all start somewhere though, and my old mentor loves to remind me about this really dodgy skull I tattooed on him. It was pretty bad! I think I’ve tried all styles along the way… but naturally I moved in the direction of realism after learning the technical aspect and then just applied my artistic skills.

Have you always preferred black and grey to colour, and how does your approach to them differ?

I actually really love tattooing in colour. I paint in oils in full colour! I think black and grey is more of a preference with my clientele. With colour I have to think more about my undertones, base layers building it up in stages. I find it similar in principle to painting which is what I truly enjoy.

I think black and grey is classic though especially when adding some opaques to really make it stand out.

Are there any artists or studios that shaped how you work or think about tattooing?

I am hugely inspired by the work of Victoria Lee Tattoo. Her work is unreal and she often posts unedited pictures of her incredible work. I really respect her authenticity and her passion. It makes me want to keep learning and focus on improving my intricacy regardless of how long a piece would take.

How did you come to join Just Tattoo of Us, and how did it impact your career?

Honestly, It’s quite a bizarre story! I had multiple messages from different social media platforms, a few missed calls and honestly… I thought they were just cold-callers trying to sell me something and completely ignored it at first. I complained to mam about it and after googling we realised that this was pretty serious!

I come from a little Welsh valley… these things just don’t happen every day!

Do you have plans for any more TV show appearances in the future, or have you moved on from that?

Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds. I don’t currently have anything in the pipeline but if I ever had the chance, I’d love to have my own show where I interview people and ask about their incredible life stories whilst tattooing them. I meet so many incredible and inspiring people in my job and I think that would make a great premise for a show. Or maybe something to raise awareness for neurodiversity and how it affects my life as a tattooist! I’m never one to turn down a good opportunity if it arises!

You have been very open about your struggles with autism – how did a late diagnosis affect you?

I didn’t know I was autistic until I was diagnosed at 25 during filming for MTV. I had SO many autistic meltdowns on set.

I knew I was “different” in terms of how I think, behave and respond to the world and I have always felt discomfort in the presence of other people. I think my life would have been very different had I been diagnosed as a child.

But instead, I spent most of my life developing coping mechanisms and learning to mask which became detrimental to my health and by 19 I struggled massively.

A diagnosis is a key that opens doors to access help and understanding. It’s validation and my life finally made sense when I was diagnosed. Now that I understand it, I can manage much better.

How have you adapted your working space or daily routine since your diagnosis?

I know my capacities and when to say no instead of pushing myself to please others which has helped massively. I often let my clients know I am autistic and this takes the social pressure off whilst I’m tattooing.

I also only do one appointment a day and have a routine that I like to stick to despite it being almost impossible when you have ADHD too! I’ll be honest, it’s a miracle I made it this far, but I’m just enjoying the experience.

What led you to opening your own studio?

I needed to accommodate my disabilities. I needed my own space… and control over the music! I wanted a home from home. Something I could be proud of and call my own.

From initial consultation to finished tattoo, what is your process for working with clients?

At the risk of sounding totally unprofessional, my mornings are spent trying to locate my keys, phone, iPad, etc. Some days are more challenging than others because of my health conditions, (Endometriosis, Dysautonomia), so I’m pretty open about how I’m feeling on the day. Most of my clients are my regulars who’ve gotten to know me which alleviates a lot of pressure… they know me and what to expect and it’s nice to be real around people.

Before my medication starts to work, I forget what I’m doing constantly, get flustered easily, get distracted. When the absolute chaos of setting up is over… I sit down and relax and fully immerse myself into tattooing. Literally nothing else exists in that moment. I have the most hilarious clients who just enjoy having a break from work and their daily routine! We laugh, share the craziest stories and some days are like therapy sessions! I put my heart and soul into my work and that’s what matters to me most. I make real connections with people because I’m able to be myself.

I love that I get to tattoo something different every day!

What tips would you give an apprentice starting out, and for someone getting their first tattoo?

For someone wanting to start out, practice drawing as much as you can. Work on understanding form, and eventually you’ll start to notice patterns. I see the golden ratio in everything now! I always used to practice drawing with ballpoint pens – there is very little room for error.

Not every tattoo artist will turn you away especially if you’re willing to show that you are very eager to learn and put solid effort into a portfolio.

What really stands out to me is tenacity. You reap what you sow, so you have to really work at it. Tattoo artists make tattooing look easy, but it’s far from it. Respect that it isn’t something that can be learned overnight watching YouTube videos or doing courses.

Your main focus shouldn’t be money, that will come in time if improving skill is your main focus.

Be willing to advance with technology or get left behind. Utilise tools that are there to help you.

For someone getting their first tattoo the first thing I would say is research.

Are they reputable? Do they have a strong portfolio? If someone’s selling point is quantity over quality, I would question what you’re looking for. Rushed work won’t age well and quality work lasts.

Is the studio clean?

Make sure to stay hydrated and eat breakfast and it’s okay to ask for breaks.

It’s good to remember that a tattoo is a wound so treat it as such. The key to a well healed tattoo isn’t just the artist’s execution, it’s the effort you put into taking care of it.

It’s always good to educate yourself on infection risks too.

Enjoy the tattoo experience and speak up if you are unsure or want clarification.

What tattoo brands and products can you not work without?

Tattoo Spray – absolute game changer for aftercare!

I also really love Empire Whitewash, especially for portraits – it gives like a milky undertone and softens features, reducing redness.

What aftercare routine do you recommend, and what are your tips for healing tattoos more easily?

Tattoo Spray is a product that you spray on the fresh tattoo that forms a breathable barrier film and alleviates unnecessary touching. Spray it on once in the morning after washing and get on with the rest of your day without worrying. Then change to a scent free and gentle moisturiser a few days later. Works a treat!

What does being part of the tattoo community mean to you at this time?

It’s a strange time to be part of the tattoo community. In the space of 10 years, everything has changed so much. Tattooing wasn’t as mainstream when I first started, and now we’re also navigating rapid technological shifts, including AI. It can feel hard to keep up at times, but maintaining creativity and human artistry in an increasingly automated world feels more important than ever not just to me, but to the industry as a whole.

What was your favourite moment of 2025, either in work or outside of it?

Honestly, being able to return to work properly after finally receiving treatment for Dysautonomia. After a difficult period with my health, being able to create again and reconnect with my clients and my craft meant a lot to me. It reminded me how important art and tattooing are to my identity.

What helps you unwind and relax after a long day of tattooing?

After a long day of tattooing, I really value slowing things down. I love spending time with my two chihuahuas, they have huge personalities and always make me switch off from work. I’m also a big gamer, especially a fan of Zelda (I even have Zelda tattoos myself), and I enjoy reading about health and wellbeing. Sometimes the perfect way to unwind is simply getting cosy and watching a classic Disney film like The Lion King or Hercules.

Last month was the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda – you’ve mentioned you’re a huge fan, but which title is your favourite and why?

Ocarina of Time! It's a masterpiece. It’s a game I return to because it feels familiar, comforting, and inspiring every time. I just love everything about it.

To me, it’s nostalgic. It reminds me of a time when my dad was alive and I was just a kid, so playing it brings back a feeling of safety and simplicity. There is something truly magical about how the music evokes so much emotion in me and I feel it every single time.

When you’re tattooing, what music is playing in your headphones or out the studio speakers?

I can’t get enough of Bring Me the Horizon at the moment. My music taste is pretty eclectic, it ranges from System of a Down, My Chemical Romance and Korn, all the way to Justin Bieber or a cheeky 90’s band like the Backstreet Boys. If I can vibe to it while I’m working, I’m happy. Music really helps set the atmosphere in the studio and keeps my energy flowing throughout the day.

Do you have any conventions booked for this year?

At the moment, my main focus is finalising my US visa, which is a huge step for me professionally this year. Because of that, I haven’t committed to conventions just yet, but attending and working conventions internationally is definitely something I’m planning for the future.

What’s next for Charl Davies?

America! I have a studio lined up called Oculus in Missouri, run by Austin, who I’ve known for over a decade. I had a great experience working there when I visited in 2024, so returning feels like a natural next step. Alongside that, I’m really excited to continue developing my work by translating my painting style into tattooing and focusing more on colour realism.

A massive thank you to Charl for taking part in our interview! Make sure to follow her tattooing journey on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok – all @charldaviestattoos.