Beneath the Ink

Rhys Gordon is a true veteran within Australia's tattoo industry. He regales about the golden age of tattooing reflecting on his early days spent hanging around subversive hidden laneways, bringing to life the unsung tattoo heroes who have shaped him into the tattoo artist he is today. At the suggestion of Lal Hardy, Rhys became the curator Australian Tattoo History Museum.

Alex doesn't pull any punches and says it how it is. His appearance contradicts his nerdy approach to tattooing believing anyone serious about building a career in tattooing should start with the basics. Continued unwavering dedication to rules, study, drawing and painting Alex's determination to break into an unattainable industry paid off.

Meet Eddy Lou, Sasha Mezoghlian and Melanie Milne, 3 women doing their part in their own way to promote equality into a male dominated industry while raising money for various women charities in Australia. This episode shines a light on yet another industry that is having a much-needed attitude adjustment towards women while celebrating their form of girl power through tattoo art.

ADHD, unapologetic, competitive and a willful nature are just a few things that describe Loic Barbot. Loic taught himself to draw, paint and sculpt proving a formal education wasn't necessary if you had the right books to learn from and the motivation to apply this in practice. Feeling an outsider Loic found his place in the world of tattooing against the odds.

Prejudices come in many forms and as a parent trying to navigate those waters while protecting your children can be a fine line. Bigotry and ignorance surrounding parents with tattoos are a common occurrence. Family shines a light on the challenges when your profession is intertwined with your identity and how this can impact family life, if you let it.

The highest form of compliment as a tattooist is to ink a fellow tattooist. An outsider hanging out in the punk scene mainly known for its aggressive genre of rock music and anti- establishment behavior, Ryan saw a way to find acceptance that promoted individual freedom focusing on one main visual art, tattooing.

FLT stands for Friendship, Love & Truth coined by The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and inspiration for this all-girl tattoo studio on the Central Coast of NSW. Accomplished, talented and artistically diverse this dream team of passionate tattoo artists are the basis of welfare and community.

How important is our heritage in shaping our behavior, values, identities and careers? We meet 3 diverse artists who either fell into the industry by luck or had to do whatever it took to make their way in business and as an artist. Half the battle is getting into tattooing but balancing creative endeavors with business aspirations and staying the course can be daunting.