Show Notes
Authenticity and passion in tattooing are essential for long-term fulfillment and success, especially in today's saturated market. In a recent podcast episode, Aimee Cornwell emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and drawing inspiration from what genuinely excites the artist. This approach not only keeps the work enjoyable but also allows for the creation of unique pieces that reflect the artist's essence. In this episode, host Aaron Della Vedova explores Aimee's artistic journey, who shares her unexpected entry into the world of tattooing via her father, Mark Cornwell. Initially aspiring to be a tattoo artist but lacking an apprenticeship, Aimee's talent was discovered when a local studio reached out to her after seeing her drawings on Facebook. The conversation takes place at the Mondial du Tatouage in Paris, where Aimee discusses her unique approach to tattooing, particularly her captivating portraits of women. Her distinct energy and spirit that she brings to her tattoos stands out among the best. Join us for an inspiring discussion about art, passion, and the beauty of tattoo culture. [00:02:03] Second-generation tattoo artist. [00:07:37] Wild childhood in tattoo culture. [00:09:15] Early tattoo design inspirations. [00:12:50] Tattoo culture and family dynamics. [00:16:02] Tattooing as destiny. [00:21:17] Nature's influence on creativity. [00:25:58] The uncertainty of scientific knowledge. [00:29:17] Tattoo longevity and color theory. [00:34:04] Korean tattoo culture and influence. [00:37:08] Passion in tattooing. [00:39:05] Standing out as a tattoo artist. [00:42:05] Edible Amanitas mushrooms. Quotes: "I literally just grew up in the tattooing world, like completely." "That's a thing with some people. They burn too bright sometimes." "It just turned me into this world of nature that I'm just so fascinated. It's obviously so vast and never ending."
"The drawing and the outline, maybe the colors could totally fade over time anyway, but as long as that is, the foundation is there, that's the most important."
"I will fucking die. I will fucking do the best tattoo ever or die." "I think it is just important to just really love everything you're doing and just be true to yourself."
Stay Connected: Chats & Tatts: Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Connect with Aaron: Aaron IG: http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com Connect with Aimee: IG: https://www.instagram.com/aimeecornwelltattoo/
More from Chats & Tatts
What role do tattoos play when life gets impossibly dark? Live from the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena, Aaron Della Vedova sits down with tattoo collector and mental health advocate Koichi to share an deeply moving story of survival and transformation. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22, Koichi faced severe mental health battles before turning to tattooing as a way to physically rebuild his identity. Alongside artist Ricardo Camargo (Zenith Tattoo L.A.), Koichi transformed his body into a canvas of fine art—enduring the process completely sober as a form of grounding meditation. Together, Aaron and Koichi discuss tattoos as psychological armor, physical vs. emotional pain, and finding community through ink. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Live from Golden State Tattoo Expo 02:00 - Diagnosed with Schizophrenia at Age 22 05:30 - Tattoos as Physical Armor & Reinventing Yourself 07:30 - Aaron's Story: The War Veteran's Bodysuit 09:40 - Surviving Dark Times & Finding "First Light" 13:25 - Meds, Stability & Promoting Men's Mental Health 17:30 - Finding Community in the Tattoo Industry 20:45 - No Numbing Cream: Pain as a Teacher & Meditation 25:48 - Physical Pain vs. Emotional Pain 28:30 - What Happens When the Bodysuit is Complete?
What happens when an experienced henna artist and documentary filmmaker steps into custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Portland-based artist Erika Ryn (Living Ritual Body Arts) to explore the deep connections between ancient body adornment and modern ornamental tattooing. Erika breaks down the sacred history of natural henna, her documentary trips through India and Morocco, the dark side of toxic chemical "black henna," and the reality of navigating Oregon's mandatory tattoo licensing laws.
Are client-prompted AI designs taking over custom tattooing? Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Australian tattooer, shop owner, and podcast host Jake Straat (Rats Get Fat Podcast) to break down the global state of tattooing. From navigating the post-COVID economy to handling clients who run artist flash through ChatGPT, Jake and Aaron discuss the fine line between technical execution and true artistry, modern numbing creams, and why classic watercolor painting remains the ultimate discipline for tattooers. TIME STAMPS 00:00:00 — Introduction & Australian Geography 00:04:00 — Australian Tattoo Styles: Realism, Trad & Japanese 00:08:00 — Post-COVID Economy & The Shift to Smaller Tattoos 00:15:00 — Running a 20-Artist Studio vs. a 2-Man Trad Shop 00:21:00 — The 30-Year Evolution of the Tattoo Industry 00:25:00 — Pricing Differences: USA vs. Australia 00:30:00 — Creating Identity: Tattoos in the Age of Social Media 00:38:00 — AI in Tattooing: Clients Using ChatGPT for Designs 00:45:00 — Will Handmade Art Become a Luxury Flex? 00:52:00 — The Truth About Numbing Creams & Modern Healing 01:15:00 — Why Young Artists MUST Paint Watercolor Flash
In Episode 121 of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with Kirk Nilsen—a pioneer of medieval, woodcut, and architectural ornamental tattooing. In this episode, we discuss: • The early days of ornamental blackwork and overcoming industry backlash • Horror stories from 2000s-era apprenticeships (drug dealers, fake papers, and Sink-or-Swim moments) • The trap of defining your personal identity solely by your job • How AI, Procreate shortcuts, and pattern brushes are eroding original art—and why handmade work will ultimately skyrocket in value • The reality behind 14 years of tattoo shop ownership and making the pivot to Charleston, SC Quotes "Everyone hated it... When the ornamental shit started really going off, every tattooer fucking hated it. I was definitely the new young guy everyone fucking hated." — Kirk Nelsen
In this episode of Chats & Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova sits down with world-renowned tattoo artist Julian Siebert from Munich, Germany. Known globally for his incredible large-scale bodysuits, Julian shares his 21-year journey in tattooing, having completed over 200 backpieces and 100 frontpieces.