Script: Scarred (The Movie)
Interview with Kenneth Carlos, tattoo artist of Prestige Tattoos
(I entered the room and saw the artist himself focusing on his drawings)
WS: What is your whole view/perspective on tattoos?
KC: What do you mean?
WS Like what got you into tattoos?
KC: At first it was seen as a thing for gangsters and outlaws. It was an underground thing. That’s what got me into it. The tattoos that I got into were prison style tattoos black and grey, LA street style ones. I just thought that style was glamorous yet grimy. It was a culture that I wanted to be part of, whether it was having those tattoos or actually doing them myself.
WS: So were you always into Art?
KC: I was doing art since I was like three because of my brother and cousins. I started as a toddler drawing dinosaurs. I did good in school at art. People would always ask me to draw stuff for them. I did art at GCSE’s and got an A* as well as Graphics. In sixth form I did Art that I got an A in. I did fashion in textiles as well. Outside of school I got involved with other forms of art especially Graffiti and customising clothes. I got into tattooing but I was too young and got caught up in typical teenage street life that got me distracted. After A levels I got into the top art school (Central St. Martins) to do a foundation. Then I got accepted in both CSM and London College of Communication. So you could always tell that I would end up doing art if it was me going to uni or doing graphics, tattooing or whatever.
WS: How old are you?
KC: I’m 20.
WS: How would you describe your style?
KC: I like to do black and grey tattoos. My style is influenced a lot by black and grey tattoos in LA with my own little twist. I like to portray street art with cartoony/realistic/ iconic imagery but I don’t like to limit myself to one style.
WS: What about colour tattoos?
KC: Nah, I like them but I don’t do them. There’s people out there that can do them sick but me personally I would rather make a name for myself in the black and grey side of the tattoo community.
WS: How’s the business going?
KC: It’s alright. The shop’s been open for 2 months slowly trying to establish ourselves tryna bang out as many tattoos as we can without losing quality.
WS: How much do you charge?
(Looked bemused as the question sounded a bit too personal)
KC: Come down to the shop for a consultation. Hahaha!
WS: Fair enough but was it difficult to start as a young artist?
KC: Yeah, it’s fuckin hard man! Being young has its advantages because people think I’m young and fresh bringing something new to the table but then again it can be hard to get acceptance from older and more established artist. Some people think that I’m not serious but trust me I am.
WS: So is tattooing the only thing you do now?
KC: Nah I love all kinds of art. I love painting, fine art, and fashion but right now I’m just struggling to find time to do everything. I try not solely keep my mind on tattooing because that shit will consume you. Health is wealth.
(After the interview was done a few handshakes were shared)
WS: Well good to hear and see from you. All the best for the future.
(As soon as I picked up my things and left, he went straight back to his work, drawing for clients. Some artist)
By Melissa Pacheco & Wilson Sanchez
