This week we’re shining a light on the journey of Billy Tanos (aka iimmerse) the newest addition to the MTS Pro Team. Known for his dedication to the craft and a style that speaks for itself, Billy’s path into tattooing is one built on passion, persistence and a unique creativity. We caught up with him to dive into where it all began, how he’s evolved as an artist, and the experiences that have shaped his approach to tattooing today.
Who are you and where do you work?
Heyo! My name is Billy Tanos and I’m based at iimmerse tattoo in Newstead.
How would you describe your tattoo style to someone who's never seen your work?
I think most people recognise my work for its blend of pixel art with nostalgic anime influences. If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s a nod to the ’80s and ’90s aesthetic with a mix of whatever subject matter is thrown my way. There’s something about that era artistically that’s always stuck with me.
How did you get into tattooing? Tell us about your journey. Were you one of those kids always drawing or was it a skill and love you found later on in life?
Oh man, long story, I’ll try to keep it short.
I grew up in a small country town called Blayney, where my only exposure to tattoos was what people were getting at the local shop or what I’d see in Tattoo Life magazine.
A mate of mine, Aaron, somehow got his hands on a tattoo setup (don’t do this at home) and was tattooing out of his house when we were about 15. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
I remember drawing a stencil for one of my friends that he tattooed, and it was the first time I felt part of something that would live on someone’s body forever. That feeling was pretty exciting, especially as a 15 year old.
I asked for an apprenticeship at the nearest shop a town over, and got shut down pretty quickly 😂 My parents hated tattoos so trying to learn it under their roof wasn’t happening. They’ve come around now to the idea haha.
Looking back, I’m glad they stopped me because I was definitely about to make some terrible decisions with zero experience 😂
Fast forward 10 years, after bouncing through jobs that didn’t fulfil me, I decided to give tattooing a real shot. I built a portfolio, went around to every shop I could, and got knocked back again and again.
So I did what everyone tells you not to do and bought a machine off eBay and just started on fake skin.
I got tattooed as much as I could by artists I looked up to and spent my time studying and trying to understand what made their work so good. I was essentially copying what they did until things started to click in my own way.
I’ve also got to give a lot of credit to Sam Clark. Having someone that established back me and tell me to go for it gave me a huge amount of confidence.
I wouldn’t call myself self-taught. I’m still learning every day from myself and others in the industry. You need to be constantly working to improve.
Who or what are your biggest artistic influences?
Carolina - @alterlier
Chao - @chao_illustrator
Jack Howell - @beachghost_
Jinseok Ryu - @sharpink_sucktattoo
Rakuen - @Rakuen.ch
You are known for your 90s nostalgia, pop culture colour work but in your early days what styles did you experiment with before finding your style?
A lot of my favourite artists in tattooing were mostly neotraditional but when I tried drawing neotrad it looked awful haha.
I have been doing pixel art longer than I have been tattooing so that style naturally it found a way into my work.
What makes a design feel “yours” instantly?
I think a design that doesn’t feel forced to create is one that resonates best with the artist. If the artist has full creative freedom we can reach into our bag of tricks and make it a piece that feels truly unique.
Your work is known for bold colour, what inks do you use?
@starbritecolors
What products do you use daily and what product could you not live without?
The cartridge rinse cups are a game changer, also the waterproof bed covers are a must. I even use them for my outdoor furniture at home 😂
What’s a product you think every artist needs on their station?
I’ve started this weird thing now where I put a plastic takeaway container in a freezer bag and fill it with water to dip paper towel in.
I get a lot of strange looks but it’s the smartest thing I’ve done in years.
How do you approach colour saturation and longevity? Do you have any tips you could share with the class?
I almost never use mags, seems to surprise a lot of people but even my large scale colour blends are mostly done with a 9 round shader.
What is your tattoo process? (pen to paper, iPad, freehand?)
Lately I’ve been using a bit of everything. Most mornings I’m drawing at the park, so whether it’s my iPad or a piece of paper, I’ll work with whatever’s on hand.
As designs get larger, I’ve found drawing directly on the body really helps with flow and overall composition, while I tend to handle colour theory digitally.
Do clients usually come to you with a concept, or do they want your full creative direction?
A healthy dose of both is great. Generally, people come to me because they like what they see online, so even with just a vague idea or subject matter, I’m confident I can create something we’ll both be stoked with.
Do you have a fave tattoo you've done?
I tattooed this Samurai Frog on my wife and I think it’s great! It’s something a little different than I usually do but I love it.
Dream tattoo you want to create?
Cyberpunk Grim reaper riding a chrome mechanical Horse shooting lasers out of its eyes slashing down robots. Big future dystopian vibes. ( send me a dm plz. ).
You’ve won a lot of awards for your work! A massive congratulations, What did that recognition mean to you?
Thankyou! I think it’s always great to receive recognition for the work you do, but at the end of the day the most important thing is putting your work on that stage so people can actually see what you’ve created. Otherwise, regardless of any trophy, no one sees it.
I also don’t want to be motivated by winning, I want to be motivated by making the best tattoo I can for whoever is getting it.
At every convention there’s definitely a bit of imposter syndrome too. I’m always looking around thinking other artists are doing way crazier things than me 😂
Do awards change the way you approach your work or add pressure?
Not at all. Honestly, some of the best tattoos I feel I’ve done at conventions have received zero recognition, and that’s completely fine. As long as you and your client are stoked with the result, you can’t go wrong.
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
Opening my private studio has been one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve done to date. Creating a space where you feel inspired, and where your clients feel comfortable, is one of the most important things a tattooist can have.
How do conventions and expos play a role in your career?
Being in a private studio definitely has its ups, but there are downs too. At the end of the day, if you don’t put yourself out there, no one’s going to find you tucked away from the world in a private studio. That face to face communication is vital.
Also I’ve met some of my best friends at these conventions, for any artist on the fence about it I recommend doing it!
What advice do you have for other artists out there?
You can either be inspired or intimidated by the progression of those around you.
One will push your career forward, the other will hold it back.
What do you do when a design feels stuck and you need to break through a creative block?
Walk away, you’re probably on your last brain cell so let your mind recover!
Why do you choose MTS for your tattoo supplies?
I’ve been using MTS since they launched. Great range of products and always quick with dispatch. Being owned and operated by a tattooer, they really understand how things work.
Okay! Where can we find you and how can we book?
You can find me on Instagram at @iimmerse , e-mailing iimmersecreative@gmail.com or by visiting my website www.iimmerse.com.au.
