In issue 28 of Tattoo Love magazine (Spanish edition), we had the pleasure of interviewing Dean Gunther (Manchester). This is a summary of the interview conducted:

Early Career and Path:

• Artistic Passion from a Young Age: Intrigued by tattoos early on, his first tattoo was done by someone just out of prison, sparking his interest in tattooing.
• Current Location: Based in Manchester, UK, in his own studio alongside his partner and guest artists. He also travels globally for tattooing.

Style and Influences:

• Realistic Color Style: Focused on this style in the last 5 years, inspired by artists like Steve Butcher, Mike de Vries, among others.
• Most Challenging Tattoo: Tattooing a pair of Nike shoes freehand on a client’s feet.

Experiences and Learning:

• Travels: Has traveled across Europe and the USA, gaining inspiration and enthusiasm from other artists.
• Significant Award: Winner of “Best of Show” at Liverpool Convention 2022, a significant achievement for him.

Advice for Young Tattoo Artists:

• Discipline and Respect: Advises against drugs and alcohol, respecting experienced tattoo artists, and staying away from online drama.

Tattoo Scene in Manchester and Globally:

• Exponential Growth: Acknowledges the emerging talent and the challenge of finding loyal apprentices. Prefers to keep his circle small.

Anecdotes and Personal Life:

• Anecdotes: Shares unusual experiences with clients, including a woman who self-injected anesthesia during her session.
• Hobbies: Engages in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, enjoys painting, nature, and charcoal and graphite sketches.

Cultural Influence:

• Impact of South Africa and the UK on His Art: Moving to the UK significantly boosted his career, offering a more enriching artistic environment.

Work-Life Balance:

• Focus on Well-being and Job Selection: Works with one client per day and takes rest days in between. Avoids jobs that don’t excite him.

Musical Preferences at Work:

• Musical Variety: Listens to everything from podcasts to a wide range of music, avoiding headphones to not impersonalize the client experience.

Favorite Tattoo and Creativity:

• Favorite Personal Tattoo: A sword on his leg, his first tattoo.
• Creative Block: Regularly faces it, overcoming it through practice and preparation.

Personal Philosophy and Career Alternatives:

• No Superstitions and Work Habits: Focuses on morning training and discipline.
• Alternate Career Path: Would have been interested in carpentry or working with wild, dangerous animals.

Tattoo Community:

• Love for Creative Freedom: Values individual expression in the tattoo community and advocates for originality and authenticity in art.

Personal Description and Dreams:

• Describes Himself as Spontaneous, Adventurous, Dreamer.
• Famous Persons to Tattoo: Would choose Jim Carrey and Bruce Lee.

Life Vision and Advice:

• Life Advice: Advocates for sobriety and facing life with positivity and authenticity, always remembering one’s cultural roots.

More information…

Do you want to take a look at the entire interview in detail? Click on the magazine to view it (in Spanish) or CLICK HERE.

¡Follow Dean Gunther!

You can also follow this great tattoo artist from Manchester on his Instagram channel.