This month we are excited to interview Brittany Bodis who has recently moved to All Day Tattoo in Grey Lynn, she had previously spent 3 years at the renowned Etch Studio. Brittany specialises in fine line, black and grey and we think it’s some of the best work within the industry.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Brittany Bodis, I am 23 years old and I grew up in Auckland. I started tattooing when I was about 18.
What studio you are working out of/where are you based?
I am based in Auckland. I was previously working at Etch Studio for 3 years, which unfortunately had to close. I now have the amazing opportunity of working at All Day Tattoo with a amazing new team of artists.
How long have you been tattooing?
I have been tattooing for roughly 4 or so years now. Crazy to think how fast time has gone by, it feels like not long ago I was doing my apprenticeship.
What got you into it?
I was studying a bachelor of fine arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in Parnell, Auckland. This was a 3 year degree. In my second year I started developing a interested in tattoo designs and history and focused my art around tattooing. In my third year at uni I got my tattoo apprenticeship and actually ended up dropping out uni half way through my final and third year of my degree, because I wanted to focus all my time on my tattoo apprenticeship. This actually turned out to be the best decision I ever made, as I was able to progress in my tattoo career.
Tattoo inspiration?
My inspiration is largely impacted by nature. I’ve always had a huge interest in flowers and love walking around botanical gardens, taking lots reference photos of flowers to draw from. I love old botanical illustrations books. There are also a number of different artists and tattoo artists that inspire me. Before I started tattooing I always had a interest in fine line tattoos, which paired perfectly with my love for botanical illustrations. I took this inspiration and created my own more modern spin on it.
What’s your tattoo style?
Fine line, black and grey. I mostly tattoo designs that feature fine line floral illustrations. But I also love to tattoo a range of different things in the fine line style.
Has your style developed over time?
When I look back at some of my earlier tattoos from 3-4 years ago, yes I would definitely say I have noticed a change and development in my style and a huge progression. I still tattoo floral subjects, but the way I draw them now has very much developed, and I’m sure my style will continue to develop over the time.
What would you like to tattoo more?
As much as I love tattooing floral designs. I really enjoy tattooing skulls, especially bird and human skulls as I love the texture and incorporating them with floral elements. I currently tend to tattoo a lot of smaller scale designs, but I would love to progress more into larger scale designs, especially designs that need full day bookings.
What was the first tattoo you ever did or the first one you got on yourself?
My first tattoo is of mountains in dotted circle on my inner bicep. I’ve not tattooed my self and still unsure if I ever will. The first tattoo I ever did on a client was three roses on his inner forearm.
Most famous person you have tattooed?
I don’t think I have ever tattooed anybody famous, to my knowledge. One day I really hope to!
The strangest tattoo request you have ever received?
Back when I first started tattooing, I had a client who asked for his best friends name on his butt cheek.
What’s your hobbies and your passions?
My biggest hobby is collecting indoor plants, I’ve lost count of how many I own. I would estimate around 300 or so. I also love to collect taxidermy.
Who are you in your private life?
I absolutely love food and trying new restaurants, along with fitness and adventures.
