Pro Artist of the month - Tamara Gore

June 11, 2026 - 1 month ago

She’s the de facto Magnum convention bestie and the teeny tatz queen – it could only be Tamara Gore!

Tattooing down in Southampton, Tamara is a wonderful blackwork artist who quickly became one of our favourite faces to see at tattoo shows across the UK over the last two years – and she’s showing no signs of slowing down yet!

We spoke to Tamara about her convention popularity, the deep love for (and occasional headaches from) her car, and what Pride means to her during and beyond this month.

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

I was always interested in art and was constantly creative from a young age, massively influenced by alternative subcultures I was a part of in my teens - this definitely led me down this pathway! Lots of the bands that got me into my current music taste definitely inspired me by both wanting to be heavily tattooed and being able to push myself within a creative field.

My Nan was always my biggest supporter with everything in this little dream, she pushed me so, so much and always had any pieces I had made for her constantly on show or she’d make a point of showing them off! I push myself still because I want to make her proud forever – she’s definitely supporting me even as she’s not here any longer.

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

I guess just the usual ‘challenges’ - it took me a while to get into a good studio, I had a couple failed attempts due to not meshing with certain studios or potential mentors, and I struggled hard with the rejection side of it badly.

I was working full time across 2-3 jobs for my full apprenticeship, so managing my time, energy and creativity during that definitely took its toll. But it was so incredibly worth all of it in the end, especially with being where I’m at now, I believe everything happens for a reason and every hurdle helps shape you and your outlook on your life and experience.

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

Ah I definitely try to not idolise any others into shaping me personally, but I’ve met a lot of incredible artists over the years who have helped me out for sure - whether that’s directly or indirectly!

I do think that if anyone, Grace Neutral was probably one of the first female artists I was really inspired by!! I also just work with such a cool gang of people, it’s genuinely the much fun to be constantly learning around others who have such a deep love of this job.

For anyone who hasn’t seen your work, how would you describe your style?

I always struggle with this question whenever I get asked! I still don’t feel like I have a very distinct style but I’m slowly getting closer to one each year, I think

I also just love mixing it up constantly too! I feel like if I stuck to one niche I would get ‘bored’ in a very ADHD sense, having it be so different each day is what helps me be able to create as much as I can!

If we said anything though, definitely some dramatic blackwork. I love heavy contrast and will forever have a soft spot for it.

How has your style evolved since day one, and are there any subjects or styles you would like to try or do more of?

I’m constantly evolving my style, and how I approach each and every tattoo!! Meeting people at conventions, chatting to mutuals online, getting tattooed by other artists, or just watching some in depth videos of how others work, helps me see different ways I can tackle certain stylistic choices. Every day is a learning day!

I would really love to try and try my hand at some realism soon maybe. I used to always love drawing portraits when I was younger so I’m sure that would be my next challenge!! I definitely think I’d love to start learning lettering properly too, I have such admiration to freehand lettering artists! Incredible!

What studio do you currently work at and why did you choose to move there?

I currently work at The Flying Fox Tattoo in Southampton! I moved to work here over a year ago now (how crazy time flies truly!) – I used to work with Jesse years ago at the studio I apprenticed at and they’re just a hilariously chaotic person.

A space opened up in their little private spot and everything just aligned to work out perfectly for me and my personal and financial circumstances at the time, so it just made sense! Best move I’ve made!

How do you and the rest of the Flying Fox Tattoo team ensure that the studio is welcoming and inclusive?

We’re a queer owned (mostly female) studio, with a very laid-back attitude between us all - in the way of, as long as you’re not hateful in any regard, you’re welcome with us!

The studio is fully accessible, we’ve pushed for DBS checks between us, so clients feel more at ease knowing who’s tattooing them; and my booking form has the option to disclose your pronouns if you so wish.

Our décor is also so unbelievably slay! The walls are mostly painted pink, we have neon signs and lights galore, SOOO much art and flash and cool bits dotted about! I’ve even got a Hot Wheels shrine that everyone loves haha!! I think we just make it feel a lot more homely than how some studios can be, no clinical bare white walls here!

Just the best vibes, with some great people, can really go a looonggg way in making everybody feel comfortable and safe with us! There’s also the option of the back room being closed off during more intimate sessions where clients would rather be away from the rest of the studio.

Any way we can help make it a positive experience, we will!

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

I use a lovely booking platform for all my bookings - Get Ink! This form helps me get the initial gist of what a client wants, but if I need extra information I can talk through ideas. Though sometimes an actual in person consultation can be helpful, and I will always accommodate that if we think it’s a better idea between us too! We can sit down and discuss ideas, check out references together so I can understand your vision, sometimes get a rough sketch together if needed too! I like to be as close to the same page.

On appointment day, I’ll sit down with the design for you - we can make as many changes as necessary, and then we get started. I am so unbelievably fortunate that so many of my clients are returning regulars, but I will always make every single session as nice as possible. I’m a nervous nelly so I’m always checking in if you’re okay, if you need a break, or some refreshments haha.

How has using Get Ink streamlined your booking process?

Honestly Get Ink has saved me sooo much with streamlining the booking process! I can get responses to forms done so quickly in comparison to the back and forth DM conversations I used to have across 2-3 social platforms. I love the ease of having everything on one site!! Reports and similar too, save me so much time when it comes to tax season.

For those getting their first tattoo or starting a tattoo apprenticeship, what would be your best advice for them?

First tattoo - it’s going to be the usual of what everyone will say, but make sure you get yourself prepped up and ready before the day! A good night’s sleep, good hearty meal, bring some sugary drinks and sweets, and wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the area being tattooed easily! I like to tell people to keep yourself hydrated and your skin regularly moisturised up until the appointment as your skin will likely heal better from the extra care pre and post tattoo!

Apprenticeship-wise, don’t be put off! Keep ya head down, work like crazyyy on a solid put together portfolio, try different styles, mediums, the lot! I believe both physical and digital art is helpful, the new age of iPads and similar has taken over so you should know how to use these - but nothing beats something hand painted or drawn! You also never know what style of tattooing you’ll get into, but being able to be more well-rounded across the board will truly help you so much when you’re first starting out. Walk in traffic can be such a mixed bunch, and personally, I think subjecting yourself to a niche market so early stumps your potential to grow your client base in the beginning.

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

Oooh great question! I am in love with Underdog Tattooing Supplies for all of their balms - both numbing or regular! All vegan, all handmade, and I just love ‘em.

Proton for my stencil supplies, their stencil primer just locks my complicated designs ON!

Obviously, my fave Peach Tattoo Supply and Magnum’s own brand cartridges, I think I’ve put anyone I’ve worked with in studios or next to at cons on them haha. Super cute, so stable and stay perfectly sharp even throughout longer sessions!

Definitely Allegory for my black ink, and Dermaglo for all my colours too. Stuck by these brands for a while and just so consistent and heal fabulously on everyone!

What are your aftercare top tips, especially for looking after tattoos in the sun?

Honestly? Avoid the sun like the plague haha, but especially while you’re healing tattoos. Keep yourself hydrated throughout healing, really makes such a massive difference. Keeping excess moisture during hotter weather too - thin, loose and breathable clothing is the best for this, as well as keeping away from workout sessions during healing!

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

My music taste truly depends on the vibe I’m feeling that day! A lot of the time Spotify DJ has got me sorted, or it’ll be a mix of playlists on the front page haha. Always expect at least a little bit of Chase Atlantic, Marianas Trench, Brakence, The Story So Far and Sleep Token on any day though! Ooh or some good throwback tunes, 2000s and 90s RnB playlists sooo much too haha!

What does Pride Month mean to you personally and professionally?

In a professional sense, I don’t really change who I am, or how I am with clients during Pride Month compared to the rest of the year, but I really like to try and make everybody feel as safe and comfortable in this environment as possible, being respectful of any self-identities.

Personally, I’ve always loved being able to feel like such a incredibly great community full of so much love and appreciation for each other. It was always a big part to me, but especially more in the recent year due to finding my partner. She’s just incredible, and I love being able to love her so out loud!

Are there specific tattoo styles, symbols, or themes that tend to gain popularity during Pride Month?

I mostly see simpler pieces, similar to my teeny tatz I do mostly at conventions - and, same as a con, I’m sure everybody who is out at Pride events look for easier to get tattoos so they can still enjoy the day/s!

I’m pretty fortunate enough in having a diverse enough clientele that I can get to do Pride-adjacent designs across the year instead of limiting it to only one month! I have a lot of conventions consecutively during August but I’m hoping I’ll have that last little kick of energy to sort out a Pride tattoo event for Southampton Pride with the Flying Fox gang!

How important is LGBTQIA+ representation in the tattoo industry, and how would you describe the current landscape?

It’s unbelievably important to have representation because when others see someone similar to them within tattooing, it can help to push the future artists to want to pursue a career within this field!

Getting tattoos can be such an intimate experience, so I think when people and clients can see representation of their marginalised groups it can open up a deeper level of comfortability that can be so greatly needed.

I think the tattoo climate is changing as more people are becoming more understanding of each individual’s personal expression of self; it is very clearly becoming a much more diverse field of work! There are so many more queer, and female artists - and it’s incredibly lovely to see stigma being broken about tattooing being a ‘boys club’!

That level of toxic opinions most definitely isn’t welcome within tattooing any more. But, if anybody does create a hateful or unsafe environment, it’s definitely nice to know that the accessibility to social media is allowing these people to be held more accountable than in previous years

What improvements or changes would you like to see when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and visibility in tattooing?

I think in this current climate, hateful opinions and ideologies are being pushed so loudly front and centre, most especially within trans spaces. I want more than anything for everything to be able to move into a more loving and inclusive population again. Too much division happens between people, and it is disheartening to say the least.

Tattoos, and tattooing in general was always there for the rebellious, alternative and generally just the ‘outcasts’; it was a scene of everybody being uplifting, loving and respectful of every single person, so just moving more into that same direction would be honestly the best. Small steps but I’m sure we’ll get closer to that eventually!

Beyond Pride Month, what are some meaningful ways clients and allies can support LGBTQIA+ tattoo artists year-round?

Not only using your voice and speaking up for us, during Pride Month - we’re here all year round! Supporting LGBTQIA+ artists can be done in so many small ways but it makes big impacts!

Buying our art, sharing content with your friends and family - word of mouth does wonders! Let your people know of the safe spaces you do, and help uphold those spaces within your personal community, and speak up on any injustices, as long as it is obviously safe to do so.

Try not to always dwell on the bad apple in society, life can be so draining and sad so often - uplifting and showing support of LGBTQIA+ people you know, love, and care about really does make a difference too.

What made you get your DBS check and why do you think it’s important in tattooing today?

I loved when the Draw the Line Project began because tattooing and its rules and legislations have been crazily relaxed to the point that there haven’t been any checks previously. Just paying for a sheet of paper and showing basic cleanliness gets you licensed, with no regard of potential prior histories when working with people in vulnerable and compromised positions.

I personally have dealt with my own fair share of tattoo artists who took advantage of being in positions of power over me in those situations.

Every single person should be able to have the right to know they can trust their artist, if they want to decide on who they are comfortable to be in vulnerable positions with, and who they spend their money with.

After a long day of tattooing, what helps you unwind and relax?

I like to relax with God knows how many different hobbies (thanks ADHD haha) – depends on my mood, or even weather-adjacent.

I love to craft, whether that’s sketching little ideas that may or may not be used for flash, painting, sewing; I’ve started getting into lino printing, glass engraving and clay sculpting too - it’s a lot of fun to do something new without immediate need to be perfect haha.

If not that I do love some cosy gaming or watching horror movies galore! Made a point of going to the cinema more frequently this year, and it’s been nice to have a weekly or fortnightly evening out with my partner, or some friends.

How much time and effort have you put into revamping your Mazda MX-5, and what will you be doing next on her?

Oh god haha, so much time, money and effort on that bloody thing! Love her to pieces but it’s been a mild headache this year especially.

The next plan of action is sadly a full engine swap very soon, I’ve had some detonation issues in one of my cylinders and it hasn’t ran for over a month now already, everyone has known my heartbreak cause I can’t shut up about it!

Once I’ve got her back running, I’ve got a whole collection of things to add, some funky window stickers, flocking my dash, new set of wheels slowly getting rebuilt too! I will be repainting the entire body again in the next year probably, finding the time and funds only goes so far haha.

Do you prefer attending car shows or tattoo conventions, and why?

Ooh a bit of both honestly, I don’t really visit too many tattoo shows outside of working them so I would probably lean further to car shows, but I love them both equally. So many conventions have started incorporating mini car shows within the entertainment and maybe I am biased, but I am sooo here for that!

You manage to squeeze in so many tattoos during conventions, what’s your secret?

Haha I think I put a lot of it down to ADHD tendencies and my inability to keep still for too long. I do a lot of mostly smaller or gap fillers pieces so can fit a fair few more into the same time frame compared to competition pieces, but I love meeting so many different people and making all those connections every time. It’s so lovely! One day I’ll be brave enough to put myself forward into the competitions, but until that day... teeny tatz galore tehe.

Do you have any more conventions coming up this year?

I do indeedy! I have 6 or 7 left this year - York this month, Great Western, Newbury, UKTTA Manchester, Ink and Engines, Cornwall and I actually got into Big London this year too which feels SO insanely cool for me!

I’m definitely going to be cutting back a bit next year, I’ve done 10+ for the last couple years and man am I tired 😅 I think I’ll stick to my favourite handful each year from here on out.

What is next for Tamara Gore?

I think the next step will always be the same, improving on my art and developing the styles and niche that I want to pursue further.

Travelling still, though this time I would like to take myself abroad for work 100% (I’m really hoping for Canada next year).

I’ll also be making a massive step and becoming a homeowner this year alongside my partner, and I am crazy excited for this adult step in life!

Everything happens for a reason, and I’ve had a lot of personal problems and hurdles the last few months, but I’ll always be here kicking ‘bout!

A massive thank you to Tamara for taking part in our interview this month! Check out everything she has going on over on Instagram and Facebook, and make sure to say hey when you next see her at a convention – no doubt she’ll be there!