Tattoos, Triumphs & Raw Truths: Electric Dreams, Where Passion Soars Beyond The Needle

By Lara Kramer  •  21 Nov 2023 in Design

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In a world buzzing with hashtags and filters, there’s a rebel with a cause, and his canvas isn’t just skin deep.

Meet Simon, the ink maestro behind Electric Dreams, a tattoo studio that’s more than meets the eye. In an exclusive chat with JUICE, Simon takes us on a journey from the neon-lit vibe of the ’80s to the very essence of his ink-filled haven – where we also have the chance to chat with two other artists whom he mentored.

Simon: Ink Offline

So, Electric Dreams – what’s the scoop behind the name?” we ask Simon. With a mischievous grin, he spills the tea. “I snagged it from an ’80s song. Took a few tries, but Electric Dreams stuck – catchy, right?” We find it more than catchy; it’s a vibe that sets the tone for a studio where neon dreams seem to meet tattooed realities.

Opening shop wasn’t just about ink and needles for Simon; it was about creating a haven for kindred spirits. “It’s a place for everyone with the same life goals – to be good at what you do and to be unapologetically yourself.”

The location choice? Well, it used to be a tale of motorcycles, bars, and tattoos, all packed into The Gasket Alley. When lockdowns played spoilsport, Electric Dreams found a new home in the vibrant Jaya One area, proving that sometimes, unplanned detours lead to the best destinations.

With almost three decades under his belt, Simon’s tattooing style is a moving target. “I don’t stick to one style. I keep evolving, improving, and jet-setting to Europe to vibe with tattoo wizards.” He’s not just a mentor; he’s a proud observer of his mentees’ success. “Seeing them thrive and stay true to themselves – that’s the real win for me. To be better than I am is a plus.”

Hailing from the tattoo-rich soil of Borneo, Simon’s early dreams were Western-inspired. It’s only with age that his Iban roots crept in. “When you’re young, you want to be trendy. It’s only later that you crave the connection to your roots.”

And here’s where it gets interesting with Simon, the “reverse catfish” of the tattoo world. “My work looks better in person than in photos,” he chuckles. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, Simon’s art urges you to pause, wait, and let the ink settle. “I’m a tattoo artist, not an influencer. Photography isn’t my forte,” he confesses with a laugh.

Asking Simon about his favourite piece is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child. “Each piece has a story, a memory. It’s personal to the owner,” he says, resisting the urge to play favourites. But he did share why he chose to tattoo a swallow on me – at some point during our chat he picked up on my free-spirited personality, and thus settled for this symbol of love, freedom, loyalty, and hope.

In the age of Electric Dreams, Simon stands tall, wielding his tattoo gun as a beacon of authenticity in a filtered world. It’s not just ink; it’s a rebellion against the virtual noise, a reminder that sometimes, the most profound stories are those you carry on your skin.

Check him out on Instagram here!

Gavin: Swapping Tailored Suits For Tattooed Sleeves

When it comes to career choices, some leaps are more daring than others.

Meet Gavin, a graduate in Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Taxation from the University of Auckland, and holder of a Diploma in 2D Illustration from Claz’room College. Formerly a stock broker navigating the unpredictable waves of the market, Gavin now wields needles instead of numbers, transitioning into the intricate world of tattoo artistry.

We sat down with this spirited artist to unravel the layers of his bold career change, the surprises he’s encountered along the way, and the unique flair he brings to the tattoo industry.

Transitioning from the stock market to the tattoo studio may seem like an unusual leap, but for Gavin, it was a quest for tangibility. The stock market, he reflects, felt like a high-stakes game of chance, where even calculated moves often relied on the whims of human psychology.

“Trades were like bets made based on speculation,” he explains. “I wanted something more tangible, something I could hone over my lifetime.”

After a brief stint in fitness and education, Gavin found his calling in the tattoo industry. The journey, he admits, has been challenging. Learning the craft of tattooing goes beyond artistic ability; it’s a lifelong commitment to mastering a complex skill. But for him, the pride of being a journeyman in this craft outweighs the challenges.

Surprisingly, he finds parallels between his previous career and his current profession. It’s not a specific skill, but the wealth of experience gained from diverse jobs that eases his transition. Exposure to different cultures, people, and work environments has proven invaluable, even if there’s still much to learn in the tattoo industry.

So, what’s more unpredictable: the latest tattoo trend or predicting the stock market’s next move? Gavin quips, “Both deal with people who have very fickle wants, needs, and beliefs. It’s like trying to solve a math equation by chewing bubblegum.”

Embarking on an apprenticeship at 33, Gavin acknowledges that the tattoo industry isn’t for everyone. With few financial responsibilities and an open mind, he took the leap of faith. His advice for others considering a similar jump? “Keep an open mind. The tattoo industry is a whole new world, and there’s so much to learn.”

And about that ageless appearance? We asked if that was because he was freshly shaven when we met, or if there was some sort of fountain-of-youth force at play…

“Well, I am Asian, so that helps,” Gavin laughs. But staying active in the gym and a mindful diet also play their part.

Gavin’s love for drawing people shines through his tattoo artistry. While he claims not to have a defined style yet, his current preference leans toward a graphic comic style with bold, wacky shapes and exaggerated features. “Art is supposed to be fun,” he emphasises.

As for his legacy, he keeps it simple. “I don’t really think about my legacy. My goal is to make a living through my art and get as good as possible at it in this lifetime. If a few people appreciate my work and motivate me to keep going, that’s more than enough.”

Follow Gavin’s artistic journey on Instagram at @wei.of.ink!

Carebear: From Pixels To Pigments

From graphic design to living canvases, Carebear (@carebear.ink on Instagram), stands out as a vibrant artist with a background steeped in graphic design. We caught up with this spirited creator to delve into the interplay between pixels and pigments, the cultural significance embedded in her ink, and the journey from familial reservations to unwavering support.

With a foundation in graphic design, Carebear brings a unique perspective to the world of tattoo artistry. For her, the essence lies not just in the permanence of the tattoo but in the trust and mutual agreement between artist and client. Drawing on her graphic design skills, she crafts tattoos that tell individual stories using varied visual elements. “Understanding why my clients want a certain tattoo is crucial,” she notes. “Their reasons can range from complex and personal to as simple as ‘just because I like it.'”

Carebear’s proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator, honed during her college years, has seamlessly transitioned into her tattooing projects. The iPad, an extension of her artistic arsenal, becomes a versatile platform for creating digital files, whether for name cards, t-shirts, or convention banners.

When tackling large-scale tattoo projects, the iPad allows her to sketch on paper, then transfer and refine the design on the go. If that isn’t girlbossing, I don’t know what is.

Among Carebear’s notable works is a poignant piece designed for a client who lost a dear friend. Beyond a mere memorial, the tattoo portrays the departed as a game character in a sci-fi setting – a robot in familiar attire, transcending dimensions but never forgotten. Each tattoo, for Carebear, is an opportunity to infuse meaning and narrative into living art.

Having been mentored by Simon for five years, Carebear received a traditional Iban throat piece, or ukir rekong, marking the completion of her apprenticeship. The cultural significance is profound, symbolising the commencement of a new chapter in her career. Her family, initially apprehensive, became avid supporters, especially after witnessing her triumph at the 2018 Wayang Kulit Tattoo Show.

Carebear reflects on the transformative power of family support, acknowledging the initial reservations and the subsequent shift. Prior reservations turned to smiles as accolades rolled in. Winning first place at the Wayang Kulit Tattoo Show transformed skepticism into pride in her unconventional career. Carebear’s art, once a foreign concept, now adorns her family – that’s the transformative power of creativity!

For Carebear, the most stressful aspect of being a tattoo artist lies in the permanence of her creations. Balancing client desires with her experience, she occasionally takes a step back, declining designs that may lead to future regrets. It’s a delicate dance between artistic expression and the responsibility that comes with leaving an indelible mark on someone’s identity.

As one-half of identical twins, Carebear also shares an amusing anecdote about her parents distinguishing between her and her sibling through tattoos. Post-ink, the confusion dissipates, providing a unique solution to an age-old twin dilemma. Carebear’s twin sibling, a constant support system, has also been a muse, with challenging subjects for tattoos becoming a testament to their shared journey and growth.

As her name suggests, Carebear radiates kindness and warmth, both in her personality and her tattooing style. Believing in the transformative power of positive energy, she sees tattoos as a medium to connect and create a better world. “I believe everybody has the ability to be kind,” she shares, reflecting her personal philosophy through her art.

Pictured above is a coverup of her early work on her twin sister. The initial tattoo was a rookie move from Carebear’s fledgling year in the ink arena. Fast forward five years, and they collectively decided to level up this inked saga into something swankier.

The sister, the real MVP, lounged beside Carebear with the patience of a saint as she unleashed her (freehanded!) tattoo wizardry. She wasn’t just supportive; she was the cheerleader, the hype-woman, the whole entourage rolled into one. One can still vividly recall the look on her face when the final stroke was inked – a mix of awe, pride, and maybe a hint of relief that her sibling hadn’t turned her into a walking doodle.

“It feels so good to share my growth with someone that has been there for me since day one. My family members have been giving me more challenging subjects for their tattoos, and it’s nice to be able to deliver,” she shares.

Electric Dreams, More Than It Seems

Pulsating with its own niche, Electric Dreams is where ink meets kinship. Asked to describe the vibe and energy of the shop, the consensus is clear: it’s a fun place where support is as constant as the buzzing of tattoo machines – not just a workplace but a community that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates each other’s success and growth.

Enter the quirky tradition of dive trips. Picture this: the Electric Dreams team, fins and all, embarking on underwater adventures 2 to 3 times a year!

So what sets this tattoo studio apart? According to the insiders, apart from being the perfect blend of workplace synergy and an utmost respect for the art form, the studio isn’t just a local hub; it welcomes international guest artists with open arms, adding a global flair to the ink palette – ultimately leaving visitors to revel in a melting pot of diverse talents converging under one roof.

Peering into the future, the vision for Electric Dreams extends beyond the inked canvases. It aspires to be a breeding ground for talented artists, a sanctuary where ink isn’t just etched, but crafted with passion and precision.

And the legacy they aim to leave? A place where clients don’t just get tattoos; they get cherished pieces of art that stand the test of time. As Simon bluntly, yet wisely puts it, “You’re only as good as your last work. If you don’t evolve, you’ll be left behind.”

In this space, mentees learn not just the craft but the endurance, safety, and hygiene essential for every tattoo artist.

 

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A post shared by Carrelyn Chow (@carebear.ink)

As Simon puts it, “You should be able to give 110% of your time to achieve your goal. It is not a fun thing to be a tattoo apprentice. Normally we will have to break you down and build you up and if you can’t hack it then it’s really not for you. There’s many out there who think it’s easy to be a tattoo artist and only see the easy part. No one sees the struggle that all of us have to go through.

“When a tattoo artist works on big pieces, you wonder why it needs to take a few sessions – firstly we need to learn to manage our client’s pain tolerance and secondly, we are also physically exhausted after a 4-hour straight session. So we need to train ourselves in endurance as well.”

We also asked Simon to share with us a memorable experience with a client that left a significant impact on him, however he noted that the story may be slightly NSFW. Guess you’ll have to pay him a visit to find out. 😉

Booking An Appointment

Appointments here are a personalised, face-to-face affair. Walk-ins are welcome, but for those who prefer a more curated experience, appointments can be made via @electricdreamscollective on social media.

1. Consultation: Share your tattoo vision, ideas, and inspirations in a heart-to-heart with the artist to let the creative juices flow.
2. Body Canvas Exploration: Discuss the optimal space on your body for the design to seamlessly fit with your anatomy.
3. Skin Tone Deliberation: Embark on the colour journey, considering your skin tone to enhance the vibrancy and longevity of the ink.
4. Tattoo Identity Revelation: Settle on a design that resonates with your soul and aligns with your artistic aspirations.
5. Expectation Management: EDC values transparent relationships—manage expectations to ensure both parties are on the same artistic wavelength.
6. Vibe Check: Trust is key. Use this time to get to know your artist and let them understand you. A tattoo is a lifelong commitment after all.

Make your visit or book a slot today to see it for yourself! This is where your dreams – electric or not – come to life right before you.