TATTOO TALES

Burnout. Loss of spark for what we used to love. Lack of motivation and creativity. I have had this conversation a few times recently, this is what I would recommend to get to the other end of a crisis. 

 

 

Recommended books and videos:

 

Joe Dispenza on YouTube - ‘Manifest a new reality with the power of your mind’ (A powerful explanation of how thoughts influence body and reality)

Marisa Peer on Ted Talk (How to rewire your brain)

 

‘Letting go’ - David R. Hawkins (The one book I would bring to a deserted island) 

 

 

‘Irresistible’ - Adam Alter (Interesting look at how Social Medias are designed to hijack brain chemistry)

 

 

‘Bhagavad Gita’ by Eknath Easwaran (A manual of instruction for your head)

 

 

‘The Obstacle is the way’ - Ryan Holiday (Simple and concise introduction to Stoicism)

 

 

’Meditations’ - Marcus Aurelius (A cornerstone of Stoicism)

 

 

‘Clear thinking’ - Shane Parrish (Understanding of the brain tricks us into bad decisions and how to avoid it)

 

 

’The Power of Now’ - Eckart Tolle (A classic to understand the mechanisms of the ego and how to be fully present and aware)

 

 

’The heart of the Buddha’s teaching’ - Thich Nhat Hanh (The basic principles of Buddhism)

 

 

 

stefbastian.com

With a master’s degree in History and Library Science, Amelia Klem Osterud is recognized as a leading scholar in tattoo history and 19th-century sideshow performers. Author of The Tattooed Lady: A History and contributor to The World Atlas of Tattoo and Tattoo Histories, Amelia just published a new book: The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them.

 

Her new book is fun, pretty and informative. Beside entertaining with the stories we all like - pirates, circus at the turn of the century, crazy self-proclaimed adventures - it paints the picture of how tattooing came to be what it is today, and how people like Captain George helped shape it. 

Sit down, relax, and enjoy the tales of a a world of wonders from 100+ years ago. 

 

ameliaklemosterud.com

Follow Amelia on Instagram

Get the book

 

stefbastian.com

Escoda is a third-generation family business and an industry icon, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to true craftsmanship, community, and, above all, a profound love for the craft. Backed by some of the world's finest watercolor artists - such as Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet - the Escoda family continues to strive for excellence and innovation, keeping the people who make it all possible at the very heart of what they do.

On a lovely Spanish morning, I sat down with Giovanna and Josep to discuss how every single brush is crafted by hand, how the company was born from one man’s dream, and how innovation thrives within simplicity.

 

escoda.com

 

Follow Escoda on Instagram

 

stefbastian.com

Eckel’s name speaks for itself. Over the years he inspired countless artists with his drawings, tattoos, and paintings, establishing himself as a main reference in the neotraditional style. 

In this fun, honest and inspiring talk we discussed the importance of the artistic journey, the evolution of style, and some details on his personal approach to process, reference and inspiration. 

 

 

Follow Eckel on Instagram

 

stefbastian.com

Today we sit down with Jason Kundell, a veteran tattoo artist with an inspiring 30-year career. We trace his journey from his roots in Southern California’s skateboarding and graffiti scenes to his foundational years in the Bay Area, with the influence of artists of the caliber of Eddie Deutsche, Marcus Pacheco, Grime and many more. 

 

Jason breaks down the philosophy behind his work, drawing fascinating parallels between his decades of training in judo and jiu-jitsu and his approach to tattooing—focusing on movement, composition, and the discipline required to achieve true mastery.

 

Follow Jason on Instagram

artworkrebels.com