Cal Sheriff is an ex-army Mechanic who has drastically changed careers, to become a tattoo artist. Now with his own studio ‘The Mad Tatter’ (we love it) in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottingham. Where he works alongside 3 other artists, Dean, Aimee and Kirsty. Not only is he a mentor to his fellow artists but he’s also a devoted dad of 4 and also a great laugh. So here’s what happened when we interviewed Cal Sherrif.

How long have you been a tattoo artist for and how did you get into tattooing?

“So I have been a tattoo artist for 3 and half years, funny story how I got into the industry, I was being tattooed and told the tattooist at the time that I could do the job how hard could it be, so he took me in the back and asked me to draw a few pictures, there and then offered me an apprenticeship and I have never looked back.”

One of the best stories, we’ve heard yet.

Weirdest thing you’ve ever been asked to tattoo, did you do it?

“To be honest, there is only one thing that stands out with this question and that was I was asked to tattoo my mate Daniel Dykes penis.”

Of course, I did it.

How would you describe your tattoo style?

“My style of tattoo is more geometric, mandala and dotwork. I do like and enjoy other styles but this is my preferred style.” 

Share with us your funniest tattoo related story!

“I can’t really think of anything funny except the other week when I was asked about a new colour I ordered by a customer, so I opened the new bottle and showed the customer the lid but in doing so I poured part of the bottle on the floor, which splatted up me and my customer, 2 mops later and got it all cleaned up.”

We hope they saw the funny side of it…

If you could be tattooed by any artist in the world who would you pick?

“There isn’t a specific tattoo artist, but I would definitely like to go to Thailand and be tattooed by someone whos an expert with bamboo.”

How would your colleagues describe you in 3 words?

“Funny, Enthusiastic, Pedantic.”

What did you get for your first tattoo? Would you still get it now?

“My first tattoo was done in a friends loft (would not recommend) a horrible tribal piece that I truly regret and I’m in the process of getting covered. I wouldn’t get it now.”

We live and learn, but a friends loft never sounds like a great idea, for a first tattoo or any for that matter. 

Finally some artists you’d recommend:

“Apart from the artists in my studio, I would recommend Sam Stokes, Simone Biggs and Lee Ainsworth, these are local to us.”

“Liv this has been a pleasure.”

Thanks, Cal, you too. 

You can find Cal on Instagram & Facebook.