‘&Co’ features the people that embody everything P&Co believes in- Riders, surfers, skaters, tattoo artists & creatives.

‘Live the Life Less Boring’

PAUL HILL

- TATTOO ARTIST -

@paulhilltattooer

P&Co: What made you start tattooing, how long ago was that?

Paul: When I left school I apprenticed as an airbrush artist working on cars bikes and helmets, I was getting heavily tattooed at the time and naturally made the transition from working on objects to working on skin. I still mess around painting bikes but tattooing pays the bills!

P&Co: How would you describe your tattooing style?

Paul: If I had to give it a name I’d call it black traditional, I take alot of inspiration from the new black work movement but I like my work to have a heavy traditional feel inspired by re drawing vintage flash.

P&Co: Would you say the motorcycle scene has influenced your work?

Paul: Bikes/bikers with trad tattoos was definitely something I used to love seeing growing up and I’m sure it influenced my path towards tattooing and motorcycles. I love to tattoo old hotrod and biker designs.

P&Co: Vagabond has been named one of London’s best tattoo studios, what would you say sets it apart?

Paul: We are humbled to be considered amongst some truly amazing studios in London. It’s important to us to work with and have a close relationship with our customers and I think this personal approach has helped us build some great loyal customers

P&Co: We’ve seen the bikes on display in the studio, what are you currently riding? We hear you have quite a collection?

Paul: Im always chopping and changing, my current daily is a custom 1980 Suzuki gsx1100 muscle bike. I recently sold my ‘79 Triumph T100 chopper and I have an XS650 chopper in the works. My wife has a Yamaha SR chop (which is great fun for ripping round London) we also have the Jawa bobber at the front of the studio. I’m always having bikes come and go trading with mates etc.

P&Co: Not to mention the Porsche… that went down well when we featured the flash day!

Paul: The Porsche is my pride and joy. It’s a ‘79 SC running a tuned 3 litre with triumph daytona throttle bodies. Finally finished it the day before my wedding, but neglected to put fuel in it so my wife broke down on the way to the ceremony.

P&Co: How do you think the flash day with us went?

Paul: We had a great day and we’re really stoked with the turnout, met a lot of great people wanting cool designs. It was also a great opportunity to do something for charity.

P&Co: You do mostly custom work, how does it feel knowing that people want your art permanently on their body?

Paul: It’s a great feeling that people like my work enough to wear it for life. it’s always humbling the response I get when I draw new pieces. I also love working with people to make their own ideas a reality.

P&Co: Do you think the general perception of tattoos has changed in recent years?

Paul: I think tattoos have definitely become more accepted. That’s why I think it’s still important to push the boundaries.

P&Co: Have you got any exciting news/ plans coming up?

Paul: I’m about to become a dad, so I’m on the hunt for a mini dirt bike!