04. OCTOBER 2011
CHARLIE SHAZER black book series
Charlie Shazer here, I have always been drawing/making a mess since a kid, as a teen in the mid 80’s, as did many, I picked up markers and spray cans, ran with them for a good bunch of years alongside my WORLD DOMINATION brothers...then in the late 90’s started to wield a tattoo machine, totally addicted...still am. During this time KIDSLOVEINK came to be. I’ve been lucky
enough to work with SEEN and the TATTOO SEEN FAMILY in the Bronx and Paris. I have been making more mess on canvas recently, Merging whatever graf/tattoo influences that are in my head. I used this thinking in my designs for these tees... skulls, arrows, etc. Good strong timeless images. Stuff I love, hope y’all do too. Shop Charlie Shazer Tees
What were you doing when you got the call to work on a Guest Artist tee for Addict?
I was probably downing coffee and checking emails, sorting shit for the new studio, when I got the call. Good way to start the day.
Before becoming a tattooist you were part of the infamous graffiti crew ‘World Domination’. What were those years like and how did they prepare you for what you’re doing now?
World Doms yes....formative years. Since 87. I would say it prepared me for various life situations by way of ending up in crazy-ass situations and dealing with crazy-ass people. Good for determination levels having a team of unstoppable rag-tag rogues alongside you. The importance of having a tight crew you can trust. Other than that it was all a huge wild good for nothing exciting ride! Will never forget those years.
You must have some crazy stories? Any in particular you want to share?
I guess one of the most prominent memories I have is of the train parties, late 88ish I think. A group or sometimes 200+ folks, mostly party people, coupla guys with stereos and a handful of eager writers.... met up at assigned station, jump on the circle line, start the party when the train pulls out, un-hook the strip lights, boooom! Pop the lights back in the next station, sit down, chill, till them doors closed....regular passengers looking on in total shock (no one ever got fucked with, until some ruffneck dudes started coming to the jams and mugging passengers, soon stopped the whole gig after that happened, it was all about funtimes, not trouble.) Had to switch trains/lines frequently to avoid b.t.p interferance....also because every train we left or station we changed at got battered with graf. Unbeleivable levels of tags....amazing! Couldnt stop us, jumping the tracks to hit trains on the other side... each jam lasted about 2-3 hours or so....then we’d usually go mud club....or discotheque. Busby’s crew!! Amazing times for sure!!
What was it that made you want change from marker and spray can to a tattoo gun?
The changeover was inevitable. I was interested in learning all about tattooing after my first one. I was 18-19, got it done at tattoo mikes in the old part of Oslo city. Grimey! My girls bag got dipped for her purse. My spraycan tat was executed ( i mean executed too...) in less than 5 mins. Blurry as shit! I knew it could be better than that...took years until I met per kristian (horisize) who i started kidsloveink with...
Do you still find time to paint?
Have only painted coupla bits in the last few years, but have the bug fully. Will make some time this summer for some wall-time. Enjoying it a lot! No pressure now, just for fun. Just need some time off work!!there’s a couple of shops that have been top of the pile for the last years, it’s time for some new folks to join them...
You’ve been tattooing/painting here there, pretty much everywhere. How does it feel being back in UK and how does it compare to the places you’ve worked?
I find london to be the hardest place to work, dont know why. It’s where I’m from, but still I have to slug it out. Glad I have the studio now. I can concentrate on getting new roots, having a solid HQ where everyone knows they can come and get some friendly top quality tattoos. London will not keep me down!! I think London has had one of the worst tattoo scenes, it’s getting better now, but there’s a couple of shops that have been top of the pile for the last years, it’s time for some new folks to join them...
You recently set up the Kids Love Ink Studio in Brick Lane, how’s it going?
So far so good. Just over a month open now...still breaking the place in like new shoes, but it’s got a good relaxed vibe about the place. Seems to attract good folks in. I think people are after the custom non-flash designs now. It brings them into the experience....no more just choosing no.23 heart and scroll off the wall. All about the customer care...and letting us do the right thing for you.
You’ve done a lot of work on artists including She One, do you ever feel on edge working on some of these guys?
Not at all, because I’m as detail fussy as them. So it balances nicely in fact. I always enjoy inking other artists, always good sessions. In fact more of them need to come through....in fact She One and o2 are due a visit again soon...
Talk us through the designs for your latest Addict tees. How different was it designing a tattoo to designing something for a garment? Is there a difference?
To be honest, it’s much easier to design for a tee,. I don’t need to think about fitting the design onto a non flat, flexible limb or body part. Even though all the designs could easily be transfered to skin and would look sick as tattoos, but I’m glad I got to use some of the stuff that’s more complex and hectic. I like complicated art. Blood,sweat’n’tears type shit...
The arrows feature heavily in your designs, what is it about the shape of the arrow that appeals to you?
Arrows, arrows, arrows. They are wild cards, you can do anything with em. No better way of showing motion. Great for arming designs, pieces, tattoos. Gives your shit an element of ninja throwing stars i.e, the shuriken factor! Some graf can become outdated, but arrows stand strong and can poke your eye out. Awesome.
Best bit of tattoo advice you can give someone? Make it a gem.
Best advice...find a top quality artist. Trust them. Don’t haggle over money. Don’t ask to play your music in the studio. Turn your phone off. Sit still. then ye shall reap the rewards of excellent ink and forming a good relationship with the artist.
see y’all soon peoples! xxx
