Welcome back. Our guest today is Danish tattoo artist Michelle Vestergård, whose story touches on something we can all relate to: the search for authenticity.

We talk about her unique entry into the tattoo world at 14, but the core of our conversation is about the deeper-level challenges and values that define a career.

We get into the search for true mentorship, the importance of maintaining your integrity on social media, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Michelle shares a powerful story of navigating depression and how that experience led her to completely transform her studio into a 'safe space' for others.

We also discuss the incredible fundraising tradition she and her daughter started, and what it truly felt like to bring home the ‘Best of Show’ at the prestigious ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris.

This is a story about art, healing, and legacy.

Follow Michelle on Instagram

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Join us in a compelling conversation with the legendary Bill Canales. Bill charts his entire professional journey, from discovering tattooing in a magazine in 1991 to becoming a world-renowned artist and educator. We discuss his significant transition into teaching, the importance he places on drawing directly on the skin, the value of constantly challenging yourself, and the fulfillment he finds in giving back to the community.

This episode is a candid reflection on the tattoo industry's evolution, personal growth learned through hardship, and a look at the future of the art form, emphasizing the critical need for resilience and lateral thinking.

Follow Bill on Instagram

Billcanales.com

Mentorships, Courses and more

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Live from the 2025 Aachen Tattoo Convention—one of the world’s finest tattoo gatherings—we bring you a conversation with the legendary Luke Atkinson. A master of Japanese tattooing with over 40 years of experience, Luke has crossed paths with some of the most influential artists of our time, including Horiyoshi, Filip Leu and many more.

In this episode, Luke shares insights on commitment, the price of knowledge, the value of the process, and the importance of honoring the clients who allow us to do what we love. His wisdom is the kind that can reshape the way we approach our craft—no matter where we are in our journey.

Luke’s energy is contagious, and talking with him was a real pleasure—something that was felt not just by me, but by everyone in the audience. I hope his words inspire you as much as they inspired me. And if you ever get the chance, make sure to experience the Aachen Tattoo Convention for yourself—it’s truly a well of inspiration and learning from some of the best in the world.

Thank you Andreas Coenen and the whole podcast crew that made this possible.

Checker Demon IG

Checker demon website

Checker Demon books

Aachen Tattoo Convention IG

kaiserstadt-tattoo-expo-aachen.com

stefbastian.com

Primordial Magazine is an exciting new project brewing within the tattoo community that blends sci-fi, fantasy, comics and tattoos. Personally I love this kind of initiatives, based on collaboration, skills and vision. It also serves as inspiration for countless others in bringing their own ideas and dreams to life.

Alex De Francesca and Junior explain the birth and various aspects of this project, in a conversation that dives into topics such as creativity, the importance of presence, inspiration and the power of collaborative projects.

The project’s Instagram

Support the project on Kickstarter

Alex Instagram

Junior Instagram

stefbastian.com

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s.

He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends.

After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity. Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose.

Follow Kelu on Instagram

Kelu’s paintings

stefbastian.com

@stef_bastian

Diamante is a tattoo artist well known for her black work and ornamental style. She also created her own line of clothing and a tattoo supply focused on sustainability. As fellow Italian I can relate to this need for different creative outlets, proper of the Renaissance artist.

It’s been fun, heartwarming and inspiring to spend an afternoon talking about creativity, the power of choices, and her own very approach built on the human connection, a foundation of her process.

I gotta say, with her bright and positive energy, it couldn’t be easier to talk to her.

Find more about Diamante on Instagram Book a time with her

Minimal ethic tattoo supply

Minimal ethic clothing

[The volumes on Japanese mythology mentioned in the episode are part of the series ‘Gods of medieval Japan’ by Bernard Faure]

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese folklore.

Find Isaac on Instagram

The Water Margin: PREORDER

The Water Margin: EXHIBITION

ATAK

Are you a fan of Japanese traditional painting and tattooing?

In this episode I share my findings on the rigorous training methods of Japanese painters during the Edo and Meiji periods, emphasising how expertise was forged through discipline and observation, not just innate talent. It delves into the traditional apprenticeship system, with the Kano school exemplifying this systematic approach.

The discussion also highlights numi geiko, a proactive pursuit of knowledge beyond formal lessons, exemplified by Kyosai's intense training and his broad integration of diverse influences.

The examples of these masters can help you integrate training methods in your own practice to improve and sharpen your skills.

stefbastian.com