Meet Luke Pritchard, an amazing neo-trad artist from WA who took one of the wildest career paths you will hear about!
Trading life as a chef and then a social worker before finding his calling in tattooing. We caught up with Luke to chat about how he made the jump into the industry, the wins the challenges and everything in between. He shares straight up advice for new artists plus a look at what really shaped him along the way. Learn the story behind Luke's craft!
Trading life as a chef and then a social worker before finding his calling in tattooing. We caught up with Luke to chat about how he made the jump into the industry, the wins the challenges and everything in between. He shares straight up advice for new artists plus a look at what really shaped him along the way. Learn the story behind Luke's craft!
Tell us who you are and a quick bio about yourself:
My name is Luke, I've been tattooing for almost 14 years and am mostly know for neo-traditional tattoos.
Before tattooing, you were a chef! How did you get into tattooing?
So I have always been a creative person. Actually, after working as a chef I began a career in Youth work (social work). This gave me the time to start leaning into creating artwork again and an older tattoo artist I met through this job and also getting tattooed suggested I go for a tattoo apprenticeship. I was already interested but this lit a fire in my belly and gave me the confidence to make it happen.
Was there a specific turning point that made you put down the spatula and commit fully to tattooing?
Sure was! It may sound mean…but I had a bit of a slow-motion moment it time where I looked around and realized how miserable everyone was and I didn’t want that to be me. So I perused a career I would enjoy going to work everyday.
Who were the artists or styles that shaped your early artistic identity?
I began tattooing in 2012 which was just on the cusp of social media taking over. The only tattooers I knew were the local guys and people I had seen in magazines. In the beginning I was amazed by other Australian tattooers like Mick Squires, Ben Lukas, Chris Nieves. I then started seeing neo-trad stuff by Emily Rose, Murray and Jazmin Austin and that really drew me to that style.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when breaking into the tattoo industry?
Not being taken seriously.
Around the time I began all of the shows were becoming popular, the emo scene was in full swing and it seemed like everyone was chasing an apprenticeship because it seemed like a cool job. So being looked at as just another kid who thought tattooing was easy and cool was hard. But I guess you get around that by having a rock solid portfolio that will set you apart from the wannabes.
What made you land on Neo-Traditional tattooing or was it more of a natural pull to the style?
When I first began learning how to tattoo, I was told early on to learn everything. I initially wanted to do more realism style tattoos however after realizing I didn't have the technical skillset straight out of the gate I started learning other styles. I started to really like the look of tattoos that had a nice outline and solid colour, so after a bunch of years tattooing, I naturally started to lean towards neo-traditional tattoos because it was a bit of a half way point between realistic and bold.
What influences from art, culture or design do you see in your current portfolio?
My first trip to Europe really opened my eyes to why I was seeing so much of that kind of aesthetic in a lot of neo-trad work because those guys were just surrounded by it. So, when I got home, I decided to adopt the same approach by tattooing things I was surrounded by. So now I tattoo a lot of Australian animals and flowers.
What is your tattoo process? Do you sketch by hand first, go digital or combine both?
Digital is definitely a lot more convenient especially when traveling. However I have started to go back to paper a bit now days as i find it less artificial and more organic.
How do you push creative boundaries while still respecting your own signature style?
I always try to draw ever tattoo specific to each client. I've tattooed countless roses but still make each one a new design and not just repeat old stuff. Always moving forward and I think that opens thigs up to trying new things and not repeating yourself too much.
How do you plan and execute a sleeve, back piece or large-scale work?
Draw small then blowing up the image is a good way of not making things too crowded and cutting out unnecessary detail so it can be read clearly from a distance is always a good method.
What part of the design process do you enjoy the most:
I enjoy all of it to be honest. From the consult, finding new references, sketching when refining into a clear line drawing.
How much does client input influence your design vs your own artistic vision?
Heaps! I think its still important to remember that the client will wear this tattoo for the rest of there lives. With that being said, as an artist you need to steer the ship in a direction that will result in the best tattoo design. It's important to consider what the client is trying to achieve but not completely letting go of the reigns. If something isn't working you need to remember that its not all about getting paid and you can walk away from a design if its not going to work.
Which subject matter pushes you the most creatively?
I love tattooing animals and flowers. I don't think you can go wrong with this combo and there are endless designs you can do.
You tattoo colour and black and grey - do you prefer one more than the other?
I do prefer colour. However, I'm comfortable with both. I think considering a clients existing tattoos or the design itself helps to determine what will suit best.
What inspirations outside tattooing influence you?
Just getting outside and experiencing things. It's easy to lock yourself away and just draw. But I find taking trips or going for walks outside help to keep things fresh. Like seeing the difference between a picture of an object vs seeing it in real life. Its just not the same.
What mistakes in your early career taught you the most?
being a bit of a pushover early on and not speaking up when something just isn't working. You have to really stick to your guns sometimes (in a polite way). Also... not so much a mistake but more of a mindset to not ever get too comfortable. If the tattoo makes you sweat a bit then that's when your going to learn the most and grow.
What feedback (good or bad) has shaped you as an artist?
I was told early on in my career to just be a nice person, charge fairly, do your best on every tattoo, and give your clients a great experience. It’s pretty simple, really. It’s also not my job to decide what someone should get tattooed. As long as I can knock it out of the park, that’s what I’m there to do.
I was told early on in my career to just be a nice person, charge fairly, do your best on every tattoo, and give your clients a great experience. It’s pretty simple, really. It’s also not my job to decide what someone should get tattooed. As long as I can knock it out of the park, that’s what I’m there to do.
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell someone looking to be a tattoo artist?
I could talk for hours on this one. The short, simple answer is: if you don’t absolutely love it, don’t even start. There’s a big difference between casually drawing on your day off and being a full-time professional artist. Before you even begin, remember you’ll be competing with every other tattoo artist out there, so make sure your artwork is strong and connects with people. There’s no point learning to tattoo if nobody wants your art.
I could talk for hours on this one. The short, simple answer is: if you don’t absolutely love it, don’t even start. There’s a big difference between casually drawing on your day off and being a full-time professional artist. Before you even begin, remember you’ll be competing with every other tattoo artist out there, so make sure your artwork is strong and connects with people. There’s no point learning to tattoo if nobody wants your art.
What do you do when a design feels stuck and you need to break through a creative block?
Put the drawing down, walk away, and do something else to clear your head. Coming back with a fresh perspective always helps.
Put the drawing down, walk away, and do something else to clear your head. Coming back with a fresh perspective always helps.
What part of the creative journey brings you the most joy?
Taking an idea and bringing it to life; creating a design that didn’t exist before.
Taking an idea and bringing it to life; creating a design that didn’t exist before.
What tools or equipment are essential to creating a Luke Pritchard tattoo?
A good lining machine, standard needle bars (9RL, 3RL), an earthy colour palette, and a ton of coffee.
A good lining machine, standard needle bars (9RL, 3RL), an earthy colour palette, and a ton of coffee.
What was your first machine, and what do you use now?
My first machine was a Stigma Hyper V3. These days, I use a mix of coils, Dan Kubin Sidewinders, and pen-style machines.
My first machine was a Stigma Hyper V3. These days, I use a mix of coils, Dan Kubin Sidewinders, and pen-style machines.
Do you have favorite inks and cartridges you can’t go without?
MTS Summit needles are the only cartridges I use. They’re amazing. All of my black inks are Solid Ink, and for colours, I use a mix of different brands that I’ve found work best for specific tones.
MTS Summit needles are the only cartridges I use. They’re amazing. All of my black inks are Solid Ink, and for colours, I use a mix of different brands that I’ve found work best for specific tones.
What’s your secret to creating vibrant, bold pieces without muddying or overworking them?
High contrast and keeping it simple. You can overcomplicate things with too many blends or massive colour palettes. The rule of three is a great starting point.
High contrast and keeping it simple. You can overcomplicate things with too many blends or massive colour palettes. The rule of three is a great starting point.
What’s a product you think every artist needs on their station?
Bactine and a good tattoo ointment like Numb Skulled.
Bactine and a good tattoo ointment like Numb Skulled.
You’re an award-winning artist. What does it mean to be recognized for your hard work in front of your peers?
I only entered my first competition in 2024. I’ve never tattooed for awards or trophies, but it’s nice to be recognized by your peers for the hard work and heart you put into every tattoo.
I only entered my first competition in 2024. I’ve never tattooed for awards or trophies, but it’s nice to be recognized by your peers for the hard work and heart you put into every tattoo.
What’s a random tip or trick you’d like to share with other artists?
Buy a good chair to sit on all day - and stop complaining about your sore back 👍🏻
Buy a good chair to sit on all day - and stop complaining about your sore back 👍🏻
Why do you choose MTS for your tattoo supplies?
I honestly love MTS. The whole crew has always been nothing but helpful and genuinely nice. I can get everything I need in one place and know it’s run by tattooers for tattooers.
I honestly love MTS. The whole crew has always been nothing but helpful and genuinely nice. I can get everything I need in one place and know it’s run by tattooers for tattooers.
Okay, where can we find you, and how can someone book in?
I travel around a fair bit, but day-to-day you’ll find me at my studio, @heritageheartstudio. My books are always open - you can DM me on Instagram @lukepritchardtattoo or head over to www.lukepritchardtattoo.com to fill out a booking form.
I travel around a fair bit, but day-to-day you’ll find me at my studio, @heritageheartstudio. My books are always open - you can DM me on Instagram @lukepritchardtattoo or head over to www.lukepritchardtattoo.com to fill out a booking form.
