After the love and light of Good Times Tattoo Studio, we’re going a little darker: meet the team at Abrakadabra Tattoo Art Studio!
This gothic studio is adorned with all things creepy - up to and including a real human skeleton - and enough occult paraphernalia to summon the spirit of Anton LaVey. We spoke to studio manager and artist Alexandra about Abrakadavra’s signature vibes, what they look for in a new tattoo artist, and the tattoo scene around them in Ipswich.
Name: Alexandra Tamaska
Role: Resident artist and studio manager of Abrakadavra Tattoo Art Studio
Killer Ink orders placed: twice a week
Sharps bin collected: 6 bins collected once a month
When was Abrakadavra Tattoo Art Studio first opened?
The studio opened on 31st of October, 2014.
Can you tell us which artists work there and what styles they work in?
Jorge Becerra (owner): Grim dark realism/blackwork
Kat Abdy: Large scale floral and ornamental blackwork
Stephanie Reed: Dark nature illustrative realism
Chanel Kirk: Illustrative blackwork
Aggie Vnek: Vibrant portraiture and surrealism
Sofiya Belousova: Architectural and ornamental blackwork
Joshua Wilson: Large scale black and grey
Lauren Barfield: Black and grey neo-traditional
Kieran O’Donnell: "Rotten" illustrative blackwork
Alexandra Tamaska: Mehndi & Folklore - symmetrical bold ornamental blackwork.
Would you say Abrakadavra has a particular ethos or vibe?
Abrakadavra definitely has a dark mystical, medieval vibe. The space is filled with magic!
What are some of the essential products on your order?
Our most ordered products would be the Hive rinse cups and the black shrink wrap, but we do get all of our supplies from Killer ink.
Who’s the best at helping with stencil placement?
We all help each other when need be, but when asking the team, Kat Abdy was nominated due to all the large-scale floral symmetry pieces that she nails perfectly.
What kind of furniture do you have in your studio?
There is a good variety of different furniture. Overall I would say vintage, baroque, ornamental - all dark and mystical.
How is your studio decorated?
The separated areas take on different decor.
Our waiting room is filled with autumn-palette dried flowers, sculptures and gold ornamental framed mirrors, some original drawings and paintings by our artists, medieval tapestries, and vintage cabinets made out of dark wood.
The downstairs tattoo room is painted black with custom golden marble-like effect, huge potted trees stand in the middle - other than the tattoo stations all decorations belong to the artists and while we display our personalities they all harmonise beautifully.
The upstairs room walls are painted black as well as the ceiling. It’s filled with oil paintings made by our artists as well as taxidermy ravens, stacks of old books about the dark arts, vampires and poetry, daggers, crystal balls and other sacred-looking items. We also have a real human skeleton hung up by J's station!
What do you look for in a new tattoo artist to join, guest spot or apprentice at your studio?
We prioritise artists who demonstrate a fervent dedication to their craft and ongoing personal growth, coupled with commitment to integrity and trustworthiness in their interactions both professionally and personally.
What is the tattoo scene/community like where you’re based?
The tattoo scene in Ipswich, Suffolk is quite vibrant and diverse. There are several tattoo studios offering a range of styles and artists with different specialities.
Will we see the team at any conventions this year?
Our team will be working at Gods of Ink, Big North Tattoo Show, Big London Tattoo Show, and Brussels Tattoo Convention this year.
Many thanks to Alexandra for telling us about the Abrakadavra family of artists, and painting a picture of this magically macabre studio! Find Abrakadavra Tattoo Art Studio on Instagram or Facebook, and if you have a piece by any of the team, we want to see it!
