We are excited to feature Taylor Holland who has just started his very own studio and has a great lineage of tattoo artists within his family. We really enjoyed this interview and hope you do too!
Tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello my name is Taylor Holland, I’m 30 years old and was born in Palmerston Nth. Moved to Riverhead, Auckland at the age of 3 and have been here ever since.
What studio are you working out of/where are you based?
I have recently opened my own studio named Lineage tattoo studio in Auckland CBD. Prior to this, worked along side Clint Jones at Blue lotus tattoo. Originally worked under my father for most the years.
How long have you been tattooing?
I’ve been tattooing for 14 years now, time has flown by!
What got you into it?
I’m a 3rd generation tattoo artist. There is 5 full time tattooists in my family at the moment and at one point there were 8. A kind lady came in one day and advised us we may be if not the largest tattooing family possibly in the world as she had researched, that was cool but there’s no definite knowledge toward that. My fathers tattooed for 40 years this year so been around it my whole life.
Tattoo inspiration?
Hmm I tend to get inspired by artists I get to personally see and talk to, as the tattoo world has opened up so much you can get it from anywhere but talking to other artists gives me more insight to new knowledge. Matt Jordan’s a great example as per. I met Ben Kaye and he was an awesome chap and actually took some great knowledge away from him in a short time. A big inspiration mostly would be Mr Jackson Choi aka majorink Jackson. His work is phenomenal and he’s a real great guy, always given me the time of day and open to helping me. I look forward to seeing him again.
What’s your tattoo style?
I would like to say my style is realism but it has always been open to all styles. Over time it has directed itself toward Japanese and also realism.
Has your style developed over time?
My style definitely developed over time, when I started we were using coil machines and barrels with needle bars, using diamond tips etc to try and mix up new innovation, so I guess as the industry has developed iv grown with it also.
What style of tattoo would you like to tattoo more of?
I would like to tattoo more portraiture work and focus on new innovative tattooing, crazy to think where the industry will be in another 15-20 years.
What was the first tattoo you ever did or got on yourself?
My first tattoo I done I was 16 years old and tattooed a skull and flames on this guys arm from old flash. When I looked at it years later I had a chuckle as it wasn’t very good hah! I offered to fix or cover up but he wanted to keep it as it was my first tattoo, that was pretty cool of him
Most famous person you have tattooed?
Hmm I haven’t really tattooed too many really famous people. Iv tattooed notable people with high achievements but probably not so publicly recognised, iv tattooed some rugby players that made the all blacks team etc. I’m quite a quiet person really so I don’t really put myself out there too often for it.
The strangest tattoo request you have ever received?
Strangest tattoo request I have gotten… well probably ones I would like to forget hah! There’s been many, I once tattooed a big day out ticket on someone’s butt cheek for a competition they won, I went to the concert and on the big screen walking in was a photo of me tattooing someone’s ass!
Who are you in your private life?
I have a young family so generally am with them most my time amongst work, I am a Thai boxing/kickboxing fanatic and all things alike, I managed to win a NZ title and competed in thailand a few years ago now and competed in Jason Suttie’s prestigious tournament King in the ring which were great experiences for me. Other than that I live pretty simply really.
While I get the chance I would just like to give a shout-out to my Grandfather Sydney Holland who just recently passed away, an amazing artist and tattoo artist. Tattooing in times when it wasn’t so accepted has been part of helping us younger people able to do it with less stigma to it, will miss you mate.
Thank you Tattcare for the time. Cheers