Pro Artist of the month - Stickypop

December 05, 2025 - Today

If you're looking for a unique blend of neo-traditional and Japanese influences wrapped up in all things pop culture, tattoo artist Matt Daniels - better known as Stickypop - is the someone you'll want to know.

From his days as a "super doodler" to the artist we adore today, Matt's work stands out in his Preston for its bold, vibrant designs across colour, blackwork, and black and grey.

We spoke to Matt about his leap from graphic design into tattooing, how he's adapted his aftercare routine, and which games he currently can't put down.

What inspired your journey from self-taught graphic designer to professional tattoo artist?

Being completely honest, it was actually a bit of a fluke - I was originally a designer, mainly for bands/merch that sort of stuff, but a friend said I should look into tattooing and that their artist was looking for an apprentice. They hated my portfolio but knew I could use Photoshop for realism work and yeah, that’s pretty much a very basic look at how it happened!

In your early work days, you were given the moniker of “super doodler”, how did this come about?

Ha! Yes, I remember the title - whilst being a designer, I did a bit of illustration work and one of the main things I used to do was pretty much doodle on everything. I was asked to do a few shop fronts, exhibitions, etc of fully freehand, off the top of my head, weird characters/illustrations. It was actually very fun to do.

What led you to your signature blend of vibrant pop culture tattoos with bold neo-traditional and neo-Japanese work?

Honestly, I absolutely love both styles of work. Japanese/neo-trad but coming from such a love for pop culture and mixing it together just felt natural. I feel that both worlds compliment each other really well and make a very aesthetically pleasing style. Now I’ve dived more into Japanese tattooing too - it's great bringing iconic Japanese anime/movies/video games through into tattoo form.

How has your style changed since your apprenticeship?

Originally, the thought of pulling solid lines or packing colour absolutely terrified me. I initially started out doing dot work and pattern work but now I absolutely love doing linework and colour work. However, I have dipped back into blackwork recently again and I love it.

Over your tattooing career, what are some of the most meaningful tattoos you’ve created or standout experiences you’ve experienced?

A few come to mind but for me personally, I tattooed a few bands, mostly when I worked in Manchester and they could come through before soundcheck. One of my favourite bands is Letlive and I had the pleasure of tattooing Jason along with Hannah and Sean from Creeper in the same day, that was very special to me.

Your studio Season One Tattoo celebrated its sixth year in 2025, but what made you want to open your own space originally?

I’ve always wanted to have my own studio, whether it was for my graphics/illustration work when I was younger or when I started my tattooing career, somewhere I can go to and make what I want without distractions or someone telling me I need to do XYZ, so I made it happen and wouldn’t turn back.

Who else works alongside you at Season One Tattoo?

At the moment we have a small team of 5: myself, Jordan (@jordan.tattoo), Ollie my apprentice (@olliextattoos), Suzi (@muetattoox), and our piercer Becca (@piercing_by_becca), but we are looking for another artist to join us!

How do you ensure that your studio feels welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

It’s probably down to the studio itself - it's very chill, we’ve got loads of artwork on the walls, music/tv/radio is usually on and everyone just has a laugh. There's no hostile environment and I just like to have a laugh and treat each client like a mate.

Can you tell us how you work with your clients, from initial consultation to finished tattoo?

I have the best clients - 99% of clients just trust me with the process. I like to ask what they want, size, etc and any references they have, but other than that, they tend to trust me and go with the flow. Clients do see designs the day before the booking just on the off chance something needs to be changed/edited but it rarely happens!

You started using Get Ink this year – how has it streamlined your booking process?

I can’t stress enough how much easier this has made my life - the dread of so many emails going back and forth is no more and I don’t have to chase clients if my emails have inevitably ended up in spam/junk folders. Couldn’t go back from this now.

You’re adept at both colour and black and grey, but do you prefer tattooing one in particular?

I love tattooing both colour and blackwork - I’m happy to do either but tend to do more colour. I recently did a cute little snail in black/dotwork that I’d like to do more of though! Whether its that particular cute style or something along those lines!

What are the tattoo brands and products that you just can’t work without?

My current go-to at the moment has to be Eclipse Black ink - that in my opinion is the most consistent and blackest black I’ve used. Heals up beautifully too. I also use a lot of the Peach Cartridges too, mostly the smaller liners like 3-5 liners for consistent steady lines! The round shaders are also awesome!

What is your recommended aftercare routine, and do you have any tips to make the healing of tattoos easier?

I used to swear by second skin and still use it a lot of the time as clients do appear to love it, however I’ve recently moved over to the pad technique using Tattoo Armour for bigger, more colourful tattoos. It takes out that annoying ink sack and how messy it can become by soaking up the excess fluids. Otherwise, I’d opt for Recovery second skin as I love the feel and texture of it; it doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic. Couple all that with Butterluxe balms!

What games are you currently playing through, and which ones would you call your all-time favourites?

At the moment I’m on a bit of a Fortnite hype - myself and Jordan tend to play it most evenings once drawings, etc have been done. Otherwise I’ve been playing through Arc Raiders which is pretty fun! My all-time favourite is tricky and tends to change a lot BUT Ghost of Tsushima is definitely a strong contender of being one of the best games for me (even though I hated it initially!) - and of course Cyberpunk 2077.

What has been your game of the year for 2025?

I really enjoyed playing through Assassin's Creed Shadows earlier in the year. I think I put more hours into that just exploring before playing the actual story.

When you sit down to relax, are you more likely to put on a TV show or movie? Do you have any go-tos to help you unwind?

I’m probably more a TV show person as I can throw something like The Office on, but most of the time I usually unwind by making a good Aeropress coffee and drawing whilst listening to music.

Which character do you secretly want someone to request, but no one has yet?

One of my favourite things to tattoo is masks/armour/objects and I’d love to tattoo Higg's mask from Death Stranding; whilst the game drove me insane, his character/gold mask I think would make an awesome tattoo. I’d also really like to do some Peely tattoos from Fortnite ha.

What’s the funniest or weirdest tattoo request you’ve ever had?

Most recently has to be the the Greggs Lord of the Rings sausage roll tattoo I did. Initially just a Greggs sausage roll but the client requested to make it LOTR. Came out awesome.

With Christmas just around the corner, what are you favourite festive flicks to get you in a holly jolly mood?

The Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve, but I love Home Alone.

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

I didn’t get round to doing it but I was going to try and do an alt Christmas flash sheet with band/music themed tattoos but mix them with Christmas objects/items. Hopefully next year! (Gingerbread man Fred Durst was one ha)

What’s on your playlist when tattooing, in your headphones or out loud in the studio?

Depending on the mood but lately it’s been a lot of Stray from the Path and Bad Omens. They’re probably the two bands I listen to the most. Movements, Turnstile and Alphawolf also thrown into the mix! 

How do you balance running a studio and working as an artist with being a parent?

I honestly haven’t a clue but it appears to work. It’s about consistency, making sure everything’s organised and planning time for everything. Keeping busy is the key!

What is something you wish more people understood about balancing family life with tattooing?

I think a lot of people understand that family comes first - my daughter is the number one priority and it is tricky making sure you’re there for dance shows, swimming, etc but also keeping on top of admin, drawing, social media, etc. It’s not as simple as a quick drawing and I’ll see you on the day, there’s loads of steps involved, plus family, so bear with me if I don’t reply instantly haha.

Do you have any conventions currently lined up for 2026?

At the moment I’m only really looking to do two next year: I’ve booked onto UKTTA in Birmingham but I’m also planning to do Blackpool at the end of next year.

What’s next for Stickypop and Season One Tattoo?

I’m really wanting to collab with some friends next year, maybe a few prints and t-shirts but see where we can push Season One. I'd like to do something other than the usual merch and I’ve got some ideas in mind, but once Christmas is out the way. I want to see what we can achieve!

Thank you to Matt for taking part in our interview with great answers! If you want to see more of his work and keep up to date with what he has going on, drop him a follow on Instagram at @stickypop, Facebook at @stickypoptattoos, and TikTok at @stickypoptattoo.