A Non-Pictorial Post

Wow. Just wow. Since opening doors on Thursday we have been so busy! There's been a constant stream of people coming in to the shop, checking it out, booking consultations and appointments. I've been working behind the desk with Patsy, and it's really needed two of us to keep the place ticking over so far!

Day one was a gloriously sunny day so lots of people were passing by and popping their heads in. A lot of people wanting some dubious tattoos covered or tended to, and lots of people wanting newer, bigger pieces. It's been great hearing peoples' ideas, it's amazing how many different ideas people can have! It's good inspiration for me too, finding out what people want instead of me working on designs that I like. Some people from local businesses, Rainbow Room International, Lupe Pinto's, coming in to wish us well. Kev had one client booked in, who was getting a gorgeous gypsy girl and roses backpiece done. I had serious tattoo envy, and it's not often that that happens!

We also got a Facebook page set up for Lucky Cat, search Lucky Cat Tattoo Parlour and 'like' us! There's pictures of the team, and some of our lovely clients!

Come 5pm I had to dash off to my other job, I'm working four nights a week, two of which are straight after a shift in the shop. Let's just say by the time I got home at 10.30pm I was beat. Especially with the shop having been so busy. I'm sure I will get used to it though!

Today Kev was working on another traditional backpiece, this time one incorporating proper old school tigers and panthers. It's looking great, but has lots more to get finished; I'm looking forward to getting to know all of Kev's clients and watching their work develop! We had plenty more people coming in today, which was great, despite the dismal weather! I still can't get my head around the number of people who will come in and say that they want a tattoo, but have no idea what they want, especially things like sleeves and cover ups. We're firm believers in sending people away to think about things and gather inspiration rather than rushing them into picking something that a few years down the line they'll hate. A guy came in looking to get a traditional nautical sleeve, right up my street! I showed him some of the things I've been working on and he loved them! Said he could just pick some of my designs and they'd be perfect for his piece, which made me feel fabulous!

I did a lot of sign writing today, and made up a font book for Kev, all matching the things I made up yesterday; appointment cards, consultation sheets, gift vouchers etc. We got some art up on the walls too, even more lucky cats and some greenery, so the place is definitely looking more like home.

We got a lovely bunch of flowers from Atta Jewellers, who are across the road from us, they popped in to wish us well and welcome us to the community, whilst also deciding to get booked in for a tattoo. How sweet!

I have a day off from the studio tomorrow, however I don't think I'll be able to resist popping my head in! It's my big sister's hen night, and we have a full day of debauchery planned! It's a good job that we're closed on Sundays and Mondays, gives me time to recover!

Frenchie xx

Lucky Cat's First Tattoo

Today we had our first customer in the shop! The honour was reserved for none other than the rather handsome Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro! Kev's been tattooing Simon for a long time, and it made sense to start as we mean to go on... tattooing rock stars, of course.

Simon likes his tattoos unfinished, sketchy almost, and this piece is in-keeping with that. I love it! It's very Renaissance, and I love the Renaissance! He, like me, has some Da Vinci tattooed on him.

Behold today's work:

Simon was lovely enough to have his photo taken with us (and Kev's little girls!), signed some things, and didn't complain about my tea making skills!

Here we are!

It looks like we're going to be kept busy, tending to rock stars... and you all too... the door was going all day, which is a good sign! "Come back tomorrow when we're open!" We've even been getting bottles of champagne handed in!

It's been a long day, I didn't get home till 9pm, but now the shop is officially ready for opening in the morning! Do pop by, say hello, and maybe even book a cheeky wee appointment! I'm off to bed, but I shall leave something for the ladies...

Frenchie xx

The Final Countdown

This week being an apprentice was not quite as glamourous as I'd imagined. Lots of toilet cleaning, sweeping, floor washing, furniture assembling, befriending locals, coffee collecting and bagel eating. Turns out I'm a pro at building flat packs, so that all gets left to me! I'm in dire need of a manicure! But it's been nice to be involved, getting my hands dirty and earning my stripes!

It's been trying, and it's been a long time coming... but it is with great pleasure that I announce that Lucky Cat Tattoo will FINALLY be open to the public this Thursday, 29th July! Kev is taking bookings, so either pop in, drop us an email or a call. I'll leave all the details at the end of this blog!

It feels SO good knowing that the shop is ready to go. It looks sensational! It's not a shell anymore, it feels like a tattoo studio! Today Kev was unpacking all his equipment, and testing out his machines. It was amazing to hear the buzz of them. Maybe one day I'll sicken of that sound, but for now, it's my most favourite noise ever!

So needless to say, I've not done as much drawing this week as I'd hoped, but I've done a few bits and pieces, ready for your scrutiny.

This is my David Bowie, that I said I would work on last time. It took me forever to do, and many attempts but I'm really pleased with it. It was all free-hand, but the photograph flattens it quite a bit.

If men get sexy women tattooed on themselves, why don't us ladies get sexy men on us!?

I loved doing this! The photograph isn't great (I really must invest in a new camera!) but I had a lot of fun with it. I love drawing things like anchors, locks, keys, compasses... solid metal things I guess. I like taking something that's quite everyday, quite mechanical, and making it pretty and intricate.

I really need to work on some less traditional designs, brush up on my Japanese perhaps. After all you can't work in Lucky Cat and ignore the Japanese roots! I also really enjoyed doing my David Bowie portrait, so perrhaps portraiture and realism is something I should be considering. One step at a time though!

There's just too much to think about! I'm terribly excited, terribly petrified, but amazingly happy! Dreams really do come true!

Frenchie xx

www.luckycattattoo.co.uk

Lucky Cat Tattoo

296 Great Western Road

Glasgow

G4 9EJ

0141 333 9499

luckycattattoo@gmail.co.uk

Bonjour mes amies!

It has been four months since I found out I'd be apprenticing under the sensational Mr Kevin Younger (www.myspace.com/kevyounger). FOUR VERY LONG MONTHS. Finally the shop is nearing completion, so it's time for my blog to begin...

As the sign goes up on the front of the shop, and everything begins to feel real, the boss is sunning himself in Ibiza, while poor Patsy (piercer, and all round wonderful human being) keeps control of the ship. I am going mad having nothing much to do, other than get terribly frustrated at my drawings! Kevin left me with the task of working on some sheets of flash for the shop, and being the perfectionist that I am, they're taking me far too long. I feel this could cause me a lot trouble when it's time to start tattooing...

Here's some snaps of what I've been working on. I notice already that with each drawing I'm getting better, which gives me hope!

Piratey flash, I'm still working on this one, Mrs Pirate's hair needs fixing!


Ooh la la!


The proportions etc are way out on this one, but I like the idea of it. It's all a learning curve!

Some Marie Antoinette inspired designs.


Mermaids. I'm a bit obsessed with them right now.


I think I fancy doing some David Bowie inspired work today. If it keeps me away from mermaids I'll be quite happy.

Until next time, when hopefully I'll have some photos of the sexy, sexy looking shop...

Frenchie xx