Location : Exeter, Devon, UK
Profession / passion : Tattooer
Website : n/a
Instagram : @sammy__harding

One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.

A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
The Byrd’s cover of ‘You’re still on my mind’ by Luke McDaniel.

What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
Tattooing was something I wanted to do from a very young age, I remember my mum asking me what I wanted to do as a future career when I was around 12 because the question was asked by a teacher at school, I said “tattoo artist”.
I had no idea why it came to my head at the time as no members of my family had tattoos, plus at that point tattooing wasn’t something televised or in pop culture aside from adorning celebrities and musicians.
Then when I was 19 I had the opportunity to apprentice with an American artist called Matt Butler which I pursued until I realised I was way out of my depth and I guess too young to appreciate what was being offered to me. Unfortunately it ended and the following 7 years I spent chasing other creative ambitions until I realised tattooing was genuinely where I needed to be. At that point I decided on the career change and went back to apprenticing effectively where I left off 7 years prior.

How has the current situation affected how you work?
Physically tattooing has come to a complete pause, there is nothing I can do currently. All my appointments have been postponed until we know more, so I have caught up with every other aspect of what I believe the job should involve; painting new flash for the walls of the shop, motivating myself to get inspired and what directions I can take my work, along with all the admin to ensure my customers deposits are honoured and their appointments organised and prioritised.

Describe a smell that brings back memories to you.
Nag Champa. It is a smell that literally throws me back to when I first started an apprenticeship. I could be anywhere and I’ll remember exactly what pieces of artwork were up on the walls at the shop, the weather, what awful fashion I was wearing, everything.

What traits do you treasure in other people?
I love people that can hold a conversation, just talk for the sake of talking. I learn more from speaking to people than potentially anything else.
In hindsight I think that’s what I missed most about living here when I wasn’t, It felt way too intrusive striking up a conversation with a stranger in London.

Your most treasured possession?
I have this Classic Volvo Amazon. I bought it with the first bit of money I made from tattooing. Over the years I’ve done work on it bit by bit to the point it’s now almost fully restored. It’s been a complete labour of love but the hard work I’ve put into it shows.

Quality or quantity?
I feel both have to apply within tattooing. Quality is a must and you should do nothing less than your absolute best for your customer regardless of size and idea. It’s a lifelong commitment for them to wear your work. Quantity is a nice accompaniment to it, if you’re able to show them variables of a good idea for a tattoo then they’re going to have choice and I think adds to a better experience for them.

When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
I try to learn or discover a new thing most days, wether it be a new way or technique in doing something. Smaller things within tattooing can open up a variety of ways to apply it to a style or an idea, tips and tricks play a big part in an outcome usually.

Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
I grew up just outside of Exeter but have moved and lived in other cities over the years. Cheltenham for university and London for work. I’ve always preferred the open space and countryside so myself and my fiancé moved back to Exeter and bought a house and to be close to our families.

Marcel Prous said nothing exists within itself. Are we brought to life by way of contrast?
No idea who that is, but if he means we need something out of the ordinary to get motivated then I guess that applies to a lot of people. Maybe even myself. It took me years of doing something else before I realised I wasn’t meant for it, change can be a great influencer.

Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
I hope it teaches people to appreciate the truthfully important professions. There’s far too many lines of work completely under-appreciated. Anyone within the NHS, farmers, teachers, people working with refuse, emergency services and supermarket shop workers even. All of these among others make the world tick over. I think we get lost in our own creative egos sometimes so it would be essential to stand back and respect the careers of those that worked through it.

One Day : Sammy Harding - tattooer