74. LUKE ATKINSON - Japanese tattooing at its finest
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
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73. PRIMORDIAL MAGAZINE - A new project in the tattoo community
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
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72. PAUL SIMO ‘KELU’ - Go to the roots, not to the fruits
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
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71. DIAMANTE MURRU - Meaningful connections
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]
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70. ISAAC NICHOLS - The Water Margin: 108 heroes
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
Go to the roots, not to the fruits.
I’m your host, Stef Bastiàn, tattooer with over twenty years of experience, traveler, painter, coach. Join me to improve your artistic, personal and professional journey through the stories and insights of inspiring guests, within and outside the tattoo world.
Learn more about my different projects and programs at https://www.stefbastian.com/
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