Indigo North is a self taught, handpoke tattoo artist from Toronto, Canada. She started tattooing herself at the age of 15. At age 16, Indigo landed a small position at a Tattoo Shop in Scarborough, called Nyna Ink. During this time, she learned all the basics to tattooing, how to handle clients, and how to book consultations as well, designing tattoos for potential clients.
During the next few years, Indigo taught herself in all mediums of art from drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. She also attended Sheridan College in 2013, but in no time, did she realize that this is not how you teach art. Art is a perspective and there is no right or wrong way.
Fast forward to 2017, Indigo now works out of her own Private Studio in Oakville!
Was Hand Poke tattooing something you went to after machine tattooing, or has the hand poke style always been your preferred method?
I actually started off my love for tattooing in the handpoking method. I had always such respect for cultures that do this method of art. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and fell in love with it. I taught myself everything I had to know about handpoking before I started indulging in it at the age of 15. I am currently training in Machine!
What was it like the first time you put needle and ink to skin?
First time I poked someone, it was like an adrenaline rush! I absolutely loved the intimacy and personal feel it gives off when tattooing my clients. It allows for more of a connection to happen with my clients.
Have you always been a tattoo artist?
I knew ever since I was younger, I wanted to become a tattoo artist but never really understood how to start. Until, I made friends in the scene who were more than lovely to help connect with me and how to help my inner artist be free.
Do you have any memorable/ funny stories you can tell?
I remember tattooing someone who was a conspiracy theorist. The entirety of his tattoo, he kept talking about how he was 100% certain that Tupac was alive or Elvis is hanging out in the Bahamas! Now, because of him, I'm convinced that Obama and Trump are shape shifting lizards. There is proof!
So Single Needle Tattoo Kits, I believe that home tattooing is inherently risky, but people have, and will continue to tattoo themselves, therefore making a safe and affordable kit is the way forward... What's your take on this?
I mean, tattooing yourself isn't really a new concept. But what scares me, is that there are people out there who believe that a sewing needle is the way to go. I think this is a great way for people to be a part of something so amazing and be a part of a culture of art that is highly expanding every single day. And the best part of it all? It's safe!
Contact Indigo:
Email indigonorth@outlook.com
Instagram @slowpoketattoos
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