Andy

andy hard at work

Born in deepest, darkest Lincolnshire back in 1972 my journey into tattooing has been an accidental one despite being tattooed myself for twenty years. I'd done variety of jobs over the years, including a couple of years as a motorcycle dispatch rider in London and ten years as a Maths and Physics teacher, but though I kept collecting tattoos and liked to paint, I never dreamt I was skilled enough to actually become a tattooist.

Some cheap tattoo machines arrived in my grubby little hands one day and, mostly out of curiosity and the thought of free tattoos, and against all good sense, I jumped in and started tattooing myself. Seems I had a bit of a knack with the machines because a year or so later I'd about completed my right leg, most of my left arm and started on my left leg! The standard of my work and the kick I got out of doing it both came as a massive surprise. Eventually, after initial reluctance and some persuasion, I started tattooing other people - first my wife, then friends and then friends of friends, with no intention then of actually trying make a living out of it, it was just a hobby. Fate lent a hand again as my work was spotted by an award winning tattoo artist in Cleckheaton and I was invited across to his studio. (Thanks to Steve Galbraith and all at Somewherelse for your help and support).

One thing led to another and after some expert guidance, lots more practise and an upgrade of machines, I was fortunate enough to have been offered a chair, which I took (mostly part time) for the next year. It became obvious to me then that, despite the long hours, tattooing was what I wanted to do full time but couldn't face the daily 140 mile round trip to Steve's. Another chance conversation about some rooms above a friend's shop just round the corner from my house and the decision was made to build this studio. Two months later and we were getting ready for our hygiene inspection!

I love what I'm able to do here at The Cat and excited about the service we offer, I've set the studio up with the philosophy of 'what sort of place would I like to get tattooed in?' It's a relaxed atmosphere and a great place to work and the feedback from our customers tells me we're doing something right. These days I walk to work with a smile on my face, it's the best job in the world!



Ruth

ruth causing people pain

Hello people I am your friendly local body piercer Ruth. I've been into piercings since I first had my ear pierced when I was 12 - unfortunately I only had enough money to get one ear pierced so I had my piercings done one by one - to this day I still only have one ear pierced, just 6 times!

I've lived in Broughton for nearly 7 years now with my husband Andy (the tattooist) and our 2 daughters Rosie (6) and Bronwen (5). I studied Law and teacher training at Uni but was far to lazy to graduate preferring instead to inflict pain on overly trusting family and friends before applying for my piercing license when we opened the studio in Broughton.

I enjoy playing music, reading, dressing up and drinking large quantities of gin, (but never during working hours).



Callam

callum hard at work

Hiya, my name's Callam, I was born in Lincoln but lived most of my life in Broughton. I've loved drawing since I was very young - it's something I?ve never got bored of doing. I love drawing in black and grey and it's the style I prefer with a tattoo machine. A lot of my family have always said I should do something with my art and now I'm glad I listened to them.

I started getting into tattooing when I was about 17 and bought myself a cheap kit but soon realised that it's not as easy as I thought and that's when I started looking for an apprenticeship, which I was lucky enough to find. I finished my apprenticeship and started work as a professional tattooist. For one reason or another I left the studio I was working in and that's when I heard about the studio opening up in Broughton.

I took my portfolio to show Andy and he was impressed with my work and eventually took me on as a second artist for the studio. I'm now very settled working with Andy and Ruth. That's about everything, so if you're thinking about getting tattooed, pop down and have a chat with us and check out the studio - and our work.