Daley North is a self-taught hand poked tattoo artist and illustrator exploring their artistic potential by experimenting with ideas and concepts, through unique and imaginative forms of self-expression. A graduate from the University for the Creative Arts, Daley is utilising a creative expression with traditional roots. During our conversations, Daley reflected on their practice, and we shared vital discourses around marginalisation and the changes needed in regards to regulation and accountability within the tattoo industry. I spoke with Daley to discuss their creative practice, hand-poked tattoos, influences, and the concept of their brand ‘GOTNOIDEATBH’, and much more.

NAHUEL CONTRERASHow did studying at University for the Creative Arts shape your approach to art? DALEY NORTHStudying had helped solidify that my art should always be an extension of myself, therefore I take a lot from my day-to-day experiences with the world and I translate that into my work. Nostalgia also dominates; I tend to create work based around memories that have stuck with me. I aim to strongly represent who I am whilst approaching my creativity with no fear of judgement from others, but rather with inspiration. NCWhen did you first start tattooing and how did you initially learn? DNThe first time I played with the idea of tattooing was during my time at university. I was at home one day with my mates, Christine and Jess, who were on my illustration course with me; Christine got some (tattooing) stuff and we all hung out and started poking at our skin. The first time hurt a bit. In that moment I decided I wanted to pursue tattooing, but then life got away from me. Interestingly, I got my first stick and poke kit as a gift on the Christmas before the pandemic started, which reignited my passion for it; my wife is pretty good at giving gifts. I’d spoken about tattooing since we met; sick of hearing me talk about it, she was like, “now you’ve got no excuse, give it a go!” She got the kit from ‘Single Needle Tattoo’ who provides instructions on how to get started; I watched a few online videos, had a read and just got cracking! NCWhat was it about the medium of the hand poke method that appealed to you? DNHow personal and intimate it is! I have watched what feels like a million videos of traditional methods of tattooing and there’s something about it that feels therapeutic. It feels like I am transferring art onto the body. I like to take time because I’m a bit of a perfectionist and this ensures that I can create some of my best work. Once the technique is learnt, it’s less painful than other tattooing methods and heals faster too! NCWhat inspires and influences you and your work? DNThere’s a lot at the moment. Being obdurate heavily influences me, being unapologetic and defiant of the norm - I recently tattooed this on my hand. This drives a fluidity that allows me to take influences from surrealist art, which I’ve been a fan of for as long as I can remember.
Additionally, I’m influenced and inspired by the people I have in my circle who are struggling, or already have that dream job, or are just figuring out what they want in life and where they want to be - all of this and the general strength of the QTIPOC community. Just Black Excellence! NCYou also have a selection of t-shirts that feature your hand drawn illustrations. What kind of creative designs and themes appeal to you as a tattoo artist and illustrator? DNLeaving my mark on the world, however big or small. I’m one person in a thriving industry and what mainly appeals to me is being myself through my art. NCWhat's your favourite design or illustration that you've done? DNCurrently, I’m working on some custom tatts for a client who is a huge Basquiat fan and I could not be happier with the results! I’m also doing a project that celebrates Black Female Rappers by re-creating film posters from Black cinema like, ‘Belly’, and featuring them instead of the existing leads, which is cool. NCHow would describe your personal artistic style? Has it developed over time? DNI’d say its become quite simple; I highlight my strengths in my work and alter images that I reference from by removing features from the face; usually the mouth, or I slightly alter another body part if it is full length. I have adapted my art and I use images as a collage to input colours. When I first started illustrating, I was doing these rip away effect illustrations, spending a lot of time working on sewing calico, coloured fabric and tracing paper to make layered images. Given how the industry is now, my style has changed to still replicate something similar, but is more transferrable to different mediums and places. NCDo you find your work attracts a specific clientele? DNIt definitely does! I’m ambidextrous, so I find that when I draw with my left hand and create more realistic work, I get more illustration work and higher paying clientele. Whereas when I draw with my right hand, its more suited to my tattoo style, which is a lot more surreal and adventurous and I get a lot more work for tattoos. NCWhat do you do to overcome a creative block? DNThis is really hard for me. It usually happens when I am paying too much attention to other people’s work and not perfecting my craft. I find by saying “YOU’RE HOLDING YOURSELF BACK” to myself whilst meditating or star jumping – I have ADHD so this helps me to get back on track- helps me realign and see that I am procrastinating, and I can usually get out of a slump that way. Self-care is incredibly important and by saying this, I’m not beating myself up at all, I’m just making sure that I remember how important this is to me and how happy it makes me. NCCan you tell me more about the concept of your brand ‘GOTNOIDEATBH’? DNI was actually having drinks with a friend before I started doing this and I found that during the conversation, I kept saying this and so I decided to use it as the name associated with my brand. The concept of it is perseverance. Although when I started out this was my catchphrase, by continuing to build relationships with tattoo artists in London, by asking questions and taking the time to do my research, I learnt new things. I’m still learning. I want to be able to pass the feeling on through meeting new people, teaching them techniques and supporting those who have always wanted a tattoo but have had no idea what they would like to get. It’s like a sign of solidarity with those who are toughing it out and chasing their dreams; that you shouldn’t give up and should keep fighting to change your narrative. NCYou are vocal about the current state of the tattoo industry in terms of accessibility and inclusion. Recently, you implemented a low-income scheme; operating a sliding scale payment system. How would you like to see the tattoo industry evolve? DNI want it become more accessible for everyone. At the moment there is a lot of really positive work being done in the industry by people like the ‘Shades Tattoo Initiative’ and ‘All Skin Welcome’ to help eradicate racism from the industry.
People doing their research by questioning artists about the skin types they tattoo on and tattoo artists being honest about the capabilities they have will really help the industry evolve in this way.
My Low Income Scheme is one of the things that I want to do to improve accessibility for my LGBTQ and POC kin in London. I think that schemes like this will really help the industry grow in popularity.
NCIn today’s tattoo culture, it is often overlooked that the practice has been appropriated from Black and Brown people and our cultural traditions. What do you think the tattoo industry can do to become more inclusive and rectify the misogyny, marginalisation and lack of racial diversity? DNI think we need to showcase work on Black skin more as it is not seen enough. I follow pages on Instagram like, ‘inkthediaspora’ and ‘Shades Tattoo Initiative’ that help change that, but really it’s honesty that’s the issue here. As someone who was getting tattoos way before I began doing it myself, saying things like “coloured inks don’t work on Black skin” needs to be eradicated. Also, male tattoo artists often hit on women who are being tattooed which is incredibly unprofessional and that too needs to be eradicated. Being woke and aware of what’s going on in the industry will help us rectify the mistakes made in the past. Taking the time to practice tattooing on fake skin with different skin tones to help you learn can also help the industry evolve and create more safe spaces for POC to be tattooed in. It’s insane what we have put up with because we don’t know any better. EDUCATION is so important. I have so many tattoos that are wrong for my skin type because white tattooers want to steal work from people when they aren’t skilled. If you have a passion for the industry and want it to thrive, I think this is what needs to be done. Be respectful of people’s time and efforts when you are doing this. PAY people for their time. NCAs a creative, what advice would you give to Black LGBTQ+ tattoo artists about the field? DNDraw a lot! Find a passion for it and then start contacting Black artists to see what they did to get to where they are. My community have been the most responsive in my development and have been really honest with me about my work and how I can change it for the better. 110% go out and get tattooed by your favourite artists because they could end up being the person who mentors you. Most importantly, block out the noise and follow your heart! YOU are your biggest supporter, so if friends don’t follow you back, don’t let it get to you, just keep doing you and you’ll get to where you want to be without having to sacrifice who YOU are. But counterbalancing this - do not take critique to heart! It’s not all bad and it will help to shape you as an artist. ALWAYS EMAIL! NEVER DM. NCPersonally, or professionally, what are you currently focusing on? DNAt the moment, I am focusing on getting drawings done for my bookings once lockdown is over. I’m also trying to figure out how I’m going to get over being a socially awkward butterfly once I’m able to tattoo again, because a year with no hugs or friends has been HARD! Haha, I’m VERY VERY excited to do this though.