Why I Only Tattoo in My Signature Style – And What That Means for You

Why I Only Tattoo in My Signature Style – And What That Means for You

Shaun Horlock

Let’s get something off my chest and out in the air: I’m not the guy to come to if you want a tattoo of your nan’s dog’s face, all tiny, hyperrealistic and nestled between two roses and a pocket watch.

Unless that dog is a limb-sized three eyed hellhound from a forgotten realm and the pocket watch is a faceless God of Time... then maybe we can talk.

Jokes aside (but not for long), I want to be real with you about something important:

I only tattoo in my own signature style.

And that’s not me trying to appear precious or elitist — it’s actually the opposite. It's about honouring your skin and my soul. You know what, I spent years feeling pretentious living with that thought lingering in the background, but now I honour it with pride.

So, What Is My Style?

Imagine the illustrative lovechild of Tolkien's lore-rich universe and magnetic characters, mixed with a lashing on tron-esque glowing elements to draw the eye in. Think the bold blacks of an American tradition tattoo mixed with the fine textural lines of a realism piece in a whimsy, yet dark aesthetic. I am on a a never-ending mission to create insanely vibrant, readable and unique fantasy tattoos. That’s the vibe.

Technically speaking, my tattoos are:

  • Fully hand-drawn (meaning zero no AI and no tracing, honey.)
  • Whip-shaded, for that punchy, textured finish that ages gracefully
  • Mostly blackwork, with selective neon/glow tones for an ethereal edge
  • Rooted in fantasy illustration — think fairies, serpents, ancient beings, ornamental armour, and mysterious lady faces who probably know more about the universe than both you and I do combined.

It’s intricate, illustrative, mildly psychedelic and a little obsessive. But it’s mine — and when you come to me for a piece, it becomes ours.

Why This Matters

In a world of tattoo trends that vanish faster than my willpower near a coffee house serving vanilla lattes and millionaire shortbread, I believe in creating work that feels handcrafted, honest and timeless.

When I’m working within my style, you get the best of me. The full goblin-mode creative obsession. The weeks of drawing. The hours of flow-state and shrimp-like posture. The infinitely abstract mind trying to produce something that'll make you happy forever. Like, forever-ever.

When I’m pulled out of that zone — doing styles I don’t live and breathe — I lose that spark. You don’t get the best result, and I don’t sleep well knowing I half-birthed a design that doesn’t belong in this world, or my own.

(Also, I've tattooed hundreds of feathers, infinity signs and deathly hallow symbols. It was a necessary step to take... Never again.)

You Deserve an Artist Who’s Obsessed With Your Tattoo

Let’s be honest: tattoos are a big commitment. It’s your skin. Forever. Or until lasers decide it's time out.

You deserve a tattoo artist who:

  • Loses sleep over your design (in a semi-healthy way)
  • Can’t wait to start drawing it
  • Has spent a decade refining their craft
  • Isn’t just saying “yes” to pay rent

When you book with me, it means you’ve seen the vibe, and you’re here for that. You want to become part of the story — one that exists in the world of Gyranth (more on that here, if you're curious).

So… What Does This Mean For You?

If you’re vibing with the ethereal, fantastical, hand-drawn madness I create — great! You’re my kind of human.

But if you’re after:

  • Watercolour splashes
  • Tiny fine-line Pinterest flash
  • Names, quotes, clocks, dates
  • Ultra-realistic anything

…I’m not your guy. And that’s okay! You deserve someone who loves doing those things. I just happen to be knee-deep in dragon wings and Hexian Mushroom lore, and I plan to stay there.

TL;DR (Too Long, Drawing Runes)

I only tattoo in my own illustrative fantasy style because it allows me to pour my whole creative soul into the piece — and that means a better result for you.

If you like the look of enchanted beings, ancient magic, and the kind of tattoos that could double as artefacts from another dimension, we’ll get along just fine.

Book your spot or message me with your idea — the weirder, the better.

✌️ Shaun

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