Pro Artist of the month - James Taylor

Bearded, buff, and bloody good at body art… it can only describe one man in the Magnum Pro Team, and that’s our good friend James Taylor.

Based down south in the cathedral city of Truro, James is a whizz when it comes to both colour realism and black and grey work – he really can do it all!

We spoke to James about his love for the gym (and how much he can bench!), how he’s getting on with his brand new machine purchase from Magnum, and his advice for aspiring apprentices.

How did you get into tattooing and where did you find inspiration to pursue it as a full-time job?

I started out the usual way, begging and banging on doors. I finally met a couple of tattoo artists who took an interest, so I quickly got given drawings to do, stencils to make tracings and did the standard desk work. 

I was working at McDonald’s at the time, working over nights and then working in the daytime at the studio.

Making drunk people double cheeseburgers while listening to their best singing was my inspiration to get out of a hard job.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your style of tattooing?

Gosh, there’s a few. The best, and worst, part of social media is the ability to find so much influence and see how other artists are creating work. 

At first, I’d say it was artists like Chris Jones, David Corden, Nikko Hurtado, Mat Lapping, Jeff Gogue and Ray Hunt. 

How has your style evolved since the beginning?

I started off with new school designs. Zombie hands holding neo trad roses, new school Star Wars cartoons. They were pretty rubbish in today’s standards probably. Now I tend to do a lot of black and grey realism, and colour realism. 

Are there any subjects or styles you would like to try or do more of?

I have always loved neo trad, the combination of neo trad and ornamental is just incredible to look at.

What studio do you work at and what made you make the move to it?

I’m currently at No Divide in Truro, Cornwall. I live within walking distance and I like the crew there! 

What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo or thinking about a career in tattooing?

First tattoo advice from me usually is, pick a style or tattoo you like and research the art of that style. Find some great reference material and then work on putting together a piece that suits the needs and stays original to the client. 

Getting into the industry, approach a high-quality study that practices great hygiene, first and foremost. One that has a great reputation and doesn’t see a lot of artists coming and going. 

A studio that has a good amount of great work coming out of it is usually the best way.

Do it because you love the art form, not to make money or become famous with a huge following.

What are your go-to tattoo brands and products that you swear by?

Anything from Magnum of course! I’ve used most of them really, but I’m currently using carts from Radiant, Kwadron. Ink from Radiant and Empire. Checkmate for my Vaseline substitute. 

You have recently treated yourself to an InkMachines Cobra, how has it improved your work?

I have! I wish I’d found it sooner; I’ve not tried all of the combinations on it yet but I am enjoying how easy it’s making it. It’s super smooth, the weight is all at the top, so it feels really nice and balanced well. I love the app to control the functions. Really decent bit of kit this. Probably the most advanced machine I’ve owned.

What aftercare method do you recommend to your clients, and do you have any tips or tricks for perfectly-healed tattoos?

I tend to recommend per tattoo. If it’s a small walk in or just a name I’ll give the usual, give a wash down in an hour or two, let it dry and use a small amount of cream the day after or when it feels ready. Over creaming is a big no-no! 

For bigger pieces, I tend recommend letting it dry out overnight, or some kind of tattoo barrier/film. 

What are your favourites hobbies outside of tattooing?

Living by the coast we go for beach walks, paddle boarding and cold water swimming; alien comics, watching movies or hanging out at other friends studios. I used to work at Gamestation, so any chance I get a good amount of hours for, I’ll play something like The Last of Us or Uncharted, God of War, etc. 

You can be regularly found at the gym, how important is that to your physical and mental well-being?

In the wintertime, I get quiet just as everyone. The gym keeps me focused on myself and maintaining a good state of mind – as best as I can do anyway. 

It’s helped a lot with my back aching a lot from longer sessions, lots of movements and staying consistent over the last two years has absolutely helped that.

Bonus editor question: how much do you bench, bro?

Hahaha my best bench 160, best deadlift is 260, squat is 190 but I haven’t done any squats for a good few years because of my knees! 

How do you find balancing parenthood with tattooing – any tips for other new or soon-to-be tattoo artist parents?

Ouch there’s my biggest hurdle! Sometimes finishing last 8/9pm can be a challenge when trying to be around for the kiddo. I do the drop off for school every day, so I get time there and on weekends.

You’re proficient in both colour and black and grey, do you prefer one over the other?

Comfort zone would be black and grey, but I love colour! My first choice is usually colour. Black and grey is more popular with clients most of the time. 

What music is usually playing in your headphones while you’re tattooing or at the gym?

The Tony Hawk’s playlist of course! A mixture of nu metal, hip hop or crappy UK garage music. 

You have done some amazing collaboration tattoos, but which other artists are on your dream collab wish list?

I’d love to do something with Rich Harris, Richy Price, Gav Underhill maybe? There is an incredible artist in Poland named Oksana! That would be incredible.

What conventions have you got lined up for 2025?

Next up is UKTTA, World of Ink in Poland, possibly Liverpool, Cornwall, maybe Big London, then the Dublin show.

What do you prioritise at conventions: experiencing the location, soaking up the vibes, meeting new people, or entering awards?

I love visiting new locations and being a tourist! I want to see a bit more of Europe and meet new artists – if someone I’ve followed online for years is at a show, I genuinely get a bit excited to see their work in the wild! 

Many artists experience a slow season in bookings at this time of the year, has this been your experience and how are you combating it?

Most of the time keeping in touch with regulars and working at a slightly lower rate, keeping my posts alive online with stories or some artwork I’m working on. Keep in touch with other artists and asking them for advice. 

Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?

How mad would it be to see a mini horse though? I imagine I’d try and put some action men on them and make them race each other!

What is next for James Taylor?

I have no idea really; I had a bit of a situation over winter that I had to really deal with, so I don’t really have a plan anymore. I used to see my path reasonably clearly but these days I’m taking each day as it comes. 

I’d like to see my own place perhaps after 11 years it would be nice to have it.

We hope you all loved this interview with James Taylor and a great big thank you to him for taking part in our Q&A. You can find all his work on Instagram at @jamestman and try catch him on the road at guest spots and conventions for great chats and even better tattoos!