Kansas City, MO – October 29, 2024 – Matt Brotton, a self-taught tattoo artist renowned for his unique blend of personalized designs and traditional influences, has become a standout figure in the tattoo community. With an artistry honed through years of dedication and an unyielding passion for the craft, Brotton’s work continues to captivate clients and fellow artists alike.
Brotton recalls, “Tattooing has been an interest for as long as can be remembered. From drawing on kids in exchange for candy in elementary school to exploring tattoo magazines during skateboarding days, tattooing has always been a part of life. Instagram opened up a whole new world, and it became clear that tattooing was the chosen path.”
Brotton’s journey began with a gift from his mother – a tattoo machine at age 17 – which was used to practice on himself and friends. The path wasn’t straightforward; a stint in a street shop in Daytona and a later apprenticeship in Orlando under a mentor significantly shaped Brotton’s technique as an artist. “The style is constantly evolving,” Brotton shares. “Each tattoo presents an opportunity to improve. There’s no real end goal, just continuous improvement.”
Recently, Brotton’s move to Kansas City and the work at Old Souls Tattoo Parlour have provided a fresh source of inspiration. “The energy here is incredible.” says Brotton. “Working alongside such dedicated artists fuels growth and creativity. It’s been exciting to push out more flash and build a clientele.”
A crucial part of Brotton’s artistic toolkit is Grip Needles, a brand known for their precision and quality. “The TriFlat™ 3/3RL needle from Grip Needles has been a game changer.” Brotton explains. “Their needles offer unparalleled precision, allowing flawless layering and achieving the detail clients expect. The craftsmanship behind Grip Needles ensures consistency and reliability, which is crucial for the work.”
Grip Needles are engineered to meet the highest standards of tattoo professionals, offering a range of configurations to suit various styles and techniques. “Many brands have been tried over the years, but Grip Needles stand out,” Brotton continues. “Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns with the approach taken in tattooing. They’ve truly enhanced the ability to bring clients’ visions to life.”
At Old Souls Tattoo Parlour, Brotton is surrounded by a team of hard-working artists who share his commitment to the craft. “Everyone here is incredibly driven,” Brotton says. “Their dedication provides daily inspiration and contributes to growth as an artist.”
Brotton’s approach to design is deeply personal and collaborative. 'The focus is on understanding each client’s visions,’ Brotton explains. “Requests for reference photos, discussions of likes and dislikes, and providing sketches ensure clients are happy with the design before finalizing it. “This process helps build trust and ensures their vision comes to life.”
For aspiring tattoo artists, Brotton advises, “Draw as much as possible and don’t be afraid to seek help. Research and use real-life photos for references instead of relying solely on other artists’ work.”
Looking ahead, Brotton remains enthusiastic about his career trajectory. “Tattooing is a dream job,” Brotton says. “Each tattoo is a new challenge and an opportunity to push limits. The future is exciting, and there’s eagerness to continue growing in this field.”
Discover more about Matt Brotton’s work at Old Souls Tattoo Parlour and journey on Instagram at @tattrotten. Explore the tools that enhance artistry at Grip Needles.
About Grip Needles
Grip Needles produces and sells high-end tattoo and PMU needle cartridges made with top-notch materials and cutting-edge engineering. The company's latest product, the TriFlat™, has gained a lot of attention for its ability to improve the way tattoo and PMU artists work, as well as their output.
