Interview with Kris Matthews - Sponsored Artist of the Month

Magnum Tattoo Supplies' Sponsored Artist of the Month for March 2022 is the impressive Kris Matthews! 

What drew you to Magnum Tattoo Supplies?

What first drew me to Magnum is the fact they always have what I need when I need it and the customer service is brilliant. I've been a supporter of Magnum for my entire career to date.

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started?

I have been tattooing for just over 4 years now and I got incredibly lucky with my apprenticeship. I used to spend my evenings drawing as much as I could when I worked in customer service. My brother in law (@j.mewsetattoo) had been tattooing for around 5 years at the time, noticed and decided to take me on. I left my secure job, sold everything in my house and moved 200 miles away to be able to learn how to tattoo. Thank God I did, best decision of my life.

What is your favourite thing about your job as a tattoo artist?

My favourite thing about being able to tattoo is that I can be creative everyday and make a living from doing so. Not many people can say they enjoy their job and I feel very humbled that I can. It is a 24/7 lifestyle, you eat, breathe and live tattooing, don't get me wrong. I love the fact that tattooing is a lifestyle and not just a job, but hard work pays off!

What is your proudest moment so far professionally?

My proudest moment to date would be being able to open up my shop Eleven Tattoo in Lincoln and having the sponsors I do ;)

What do you love to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?

I love tattooing geometric designs, neo-traditional and traditional, but as of recent I have started taking a real liking to Japanese style tattoos. I would love to start incorporating more of these into my tattoos.

What are your hobbies and passions outside of tattooing?

My hobbies outside of tattooing heavily revolve around cars. I have a real passion for learning how engines work and how different companies build them. Learning about these sort of things, I would also love to learn how to drift, but only in a controlled manner, and not in my car! I also like to game a bit in my down time.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would love to be able to start to travel the world a bit with my tattooing. Not sure where, but the world is a big place and Covid needs to disappear first. I would possibly also open up a second studio somewhere, but we will see what the future holds.

If you are intrigued by Kris' work and want to see more, take a closer look at his Instagram!

Inspired by these great tattoos? You can also buy your tattoo equipment from Magnum Tattoo Supplies!