T.F.Y.E/Jack Watts, symbiotically working between illustrated zines and tattoos, encompasses an overall style of humour, simplicity and the artistically radical, in the most literal meaning of the word. I’ve been aware of his work for some years now, and its been interesting in seeing how his style and career have both developed. No computer game character, war vehicle, wrestler or any other intriguing reference is exempt from being made over within the wholly unique style that has become his signature; rough around the edges but crafted with care.
What's the worst job that you had before being a tattooer? I’ve been pretty lucky with jobs really! My work experience when i was at school was at a vets, on my last day they asked me to take a Dalmation outside for a walk, then they told me they were putting it down after. That was pretty dark haha. In what ways has your style changed since you began tattooing? I’ve had to tighten it up alot, to make it tattooable. I used to draw with a biro pen super wild and crazy, you’ve got to think how a tattoos gonna look in 10 years time. What makes an ideal customer? If they are happy and they sit still thats ideal! I enjoy talking to people so its usually pretty easy. What do you need the most, right now? Right now I need something to happen in the film I’m watching because so far its super boring. Do you have a vice? Grinding my teeth. Do you think apprenticeships are still important in producing a well rounded artist? I think doing an apprenticeship is the only way of producing a well rounded artist providing its under the right person with that mindset. Alot of people now specialise in specific styles, the idea of training as a tattooer that can do any walk in has faded away a bit and thats sad! I’m still learning now I feel very lucky to have such talented friends that excel in different areas so i can broaden my skill set. What three pieces (by any tattooers) stick out in your mind as being particularly unforgettable or groundbreaking? One thats stuck with me for a long time since I first saw it is a backpiece by Shotsie Gorman, its a portrait of Charles Lindberg and its amazing. In terms of lately ive been loving everything Zac Scheinbaum has been doing but especially Chris Nunez' hand he tattooed with a little cobra and solid black sword! Also my dear friend and co worker Sarah Carter has been working on an incredible backpiece of a religious man holding a church (thats an awful description but the tattoo is ridiculous go have a look haha). What album could you not live without owning? Dead Boys - young loud and snotty. What fastfood is most likely to be bought by you? Mcdonalds. If you could be an animal for a day, what would you be? A narwhal. What has tattooing taught you? n/a. If you had to be exiled to another planet, what one would you choose? Pluto. How important is collaboration to you as a tattooer? I do alot of collaborations with people, its great to work with other artists and be influenced by their way of creating. What are Sundays best spent doing? Watching movies with my girlfriend and walking our dog Peanut in the woods.How do you imagine yourself living out your last years (of retirement)? In a lodge in the middle of the woods carving animals from bits of tree.