Chris Martin Tattooist – Real Talk from Black Dagger Norwich Tattoo Studio
When it comes to tattoo artistry in Norwich, Chris Martin Tattooist at Black Dagger Norwich Tattoo Studio is a name that just keeps fucking cropping up.
His style’s all about intricate designs, smashing realism together with bold, creative shit that actually means something. Whether you’re tattoo-obsessed or just thinking about getting your first piece, Chris’s approach is dead simple – keep it real and make sure it means something to the person wearing it.
Tattooing’s not just a job for Chris Martin – it’s a way of life. As one of the artists at Black Dagger Norwich Tattoo Studio, he’s known for his detailed, genuine tattoos that hit people on a personal level.
Whether it’s following the latest trends or just doing what feels right, Chris’s insight gives a glimpse into what tattooing’s really about – not just the Instagram-ready shit, but the real, raw stuff.
Read on for an in-depth interview where Chris talks about his artistic journey, what’s actually exciting him about tattooing in 2025, and why tattoos are more than just ink on skin.
A Great Good Interview with Chris Martin Tattooist – The Art of Tattooing in 2025
Blanc Creative: Alright, Chris, let’s get into it. I’ve got to say, working with you and the whole Black Dagger crew has been such a blast. I’m addicted to ink myself – love everything about tattoos, from the art to the stories behind them.
Getting to shoot your work, pull together the studio’s videos, and manage the website is seriously cool.
Seeing everyone’s creativity up close is inspiring as hell. So, how did you end up in tattooing? What made you start this whole thing in the first place?
Chris: After being tattooed at 18, getting tattooed every few weeks I fell in love with the culture and the art form, back then it was all pre drawn flash, so being able to draw my own designs really inspired me.
Blanc Creative: You mentioned things keep evolving. What’s new in 2025? What trends are you seeing, and where’s your work fitting into that mess of creativity?
Chris:
Blanc Creative: Sounds like you’re always trying new things. What’s your process like when someone comes to you with an idea? How do you turn it into something that actually works on skin?
Chris: My process is really simple, gain as much info from the client on designs and the story it can tell, and explain how it can all be exaggerated to make piece of art, not just a tattoo that looks stuck onto the skin. Being around the industry for the last 20 years, professionally tattooing for 13, Ive seen so many copies and unoriginal ideas. With any images i get from clients I’ll always try find a new version of it. Making it as original as i can!
Blanc Creative: What do you reckon the future looks like for tattooing? And for you, personally?
Chris Martin Tattooist:
Chris: 99.9% of clients getting there first tattoo, always end up saying oh! It’s not that bad! The anticipation is always worse than the actual process! Don’t overthink the process, don’t always have an exact idea how it has to be from paper, it doesn’t always translate over to skin!
The whole process is explained all the way through, and how my knowledge and ideas can work with your ideas! The best pieces are always from the crazy ideas, create more out of the box, don’t always follow the trends!
Chris: Black Dagger studio has been my home for over 7 years now. We all have our own styles and different ways we work, but with the same end goal! Making cool tattoos, that stand above the rest!
Check us out at blackdaggertattoo.co.uk or hit us up on Instagram @blackdaggertattoonorwich
Blanc Creative: Chris Martin Tattooist, thanks for chatting with us. Your passion comes through, mate.
Chris: Cheers. Been a laugh.
Enjoyed this? Well there’s plenty more to come.
Find out more about Blanc Creative shooting as content creator for the Blackdagger Studio in a great little article.
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