TATTOO TALES

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

Today’s guest, Kelu, takes us on an inspiring journey that begins in Romania, where he first picked up a tattoo machine, and winds through the vibrant Paris scene of the '90s. He shares tough lessons from old-school apprenticeships and offers insights on the evolution of tattoo styles. Kelu also explains the importance of honoring the art's origins over chasing fleeting trends. After 30 years, he's trading his tattoo machine for a paintbrush, a transition he sees as a new chapter of creative freedom and authenticity.Kelu's words are a testament to artistic resilience, revealing how true fulfillment comes from a willingness to evolve and find a new creative purpose. Follow Kelu on Instagram Kelu’s paintings stefbastian.com @stef_bastian

Today's guest is Isaac Nichols, a tattooer from Alaska that just finished this commendable project which celebrates folklores, tattooing, and painting. We discussed the motivations and process behind his new book, a little bit of advice for painting and tattooing, and the background story of one of the most celebrated novels in Chinese and Japanese folklore. Find Isaac on Instagram The Water Margin: PREORDER The Water Margin: EXHIBITION ATAK

Corey is well known worldwide—he’s been tattooing for over 40 years, and his technique and experience are widely respected. Over the course of his long career, he has reached significant personal milestones and professional accomplishments. You might remember him from LA Ink, tattooing James Hetfield, and working closely with legendary artists like Bob Roberts, Jack Rudy, and Mark Mahoney. What stands out as the main theme, though, is his deep connection with people—a pattern I’ve noticed both in my own journey and in the stories of other seasoned artists. Once you reach certain professional and artistic goals, you realise it all boils down to the most basic, meaningful things: friends, family, people. Corey’s experience and progressive attitude can inspire us to keep our heads up during turbulent times, overcome obstacles, and honour the responsibility we carry as tattooers. Follow Corey on Instagram News, mentoring and shop: stefbastian.com

Would you like to learn more about Japanese character like yōkai, Buddhist deities and Kami gods? Are you interested in finding out where the original stories come from? How all of that relates to tattooing? We got you covered. In this very informative episode with Joshua Frydman, associate professor of Japanese at the university of Oklahoma, specialized in Japanese ancient myths and literature, we dive into the origins of Japanese mythology and folklore. Shintoism, Buddhism, Chinese influence, philosophical/cultural implications and more. Welcome to the nerd side of tattooing :) 13:43 Overview of Japan’s development 16:46 Religious systems in Japan 23:36 Syncretism of Japan 24:16 Kami and Gods 33:10 Seductivity and danger nature 39:40 Oni 42:07 Differences with Western folklore 44:38 Susanoo and Amaterasu 48:40 Not a definite answer 53:39 Godzilla modern myth 55:28 A fluid religion 1:01:05 Reading recommendations 1:04:30 Mythological names to real animals 1:06:21 Kannon’s example Joshua’s book: ‘THE JAPANESE MYTHS: A GUIDE TO GODS, HEROES AND SPIRITS’ Stef’s Instagram stefbastian.com

Mauro Cardoso, better known as “Mario from the hills”, is a Brazilian tattooer specialized in traditional Japanese tattooing. Also a high level BJJ black belt, Mauro embodies the resilient and flexible spirit of the ‘Arte Suave’, while contributing to the preservation and diffusion of traditional Japanese tattooing through the study and respect of the original sources. In this inspiring talk he shares with us some funny travel stories, the discovery of authentic reference, his experiences with Ivan Szazi and Horikyo and his take on traditions. Find Mauro on Instagram

Chris Fernandez is a tattooer specialized in American Traditional with a solid, distinctive style. He’s not only incredibly productive but, as everyone working with him at the prestigious King’s Avenue in New York, also committed to a standard of excellence, in the process as much as in the result. In this talk, which I really enjoyed, he told us about the road that got him to where he is, his process and the roots that shape his vision. Find Chris on Instagram For updates you can find us on Instagram and stefbastian.com