Darren decided to name his business venture Collector’s Ink because he felt this name is a reflection of the direction the world of tattooing is going. A place where people can come to get pieces of artwork tattooed on their body, not just a basic small tattoo.

Darren believes that just like himself, once an individual gets their first ink you end up wanting more. In a sense you start to collect ink on your body and start to change who you are.

Darren wants to give people who are interested in using their bodies as living art the benefit of his experience and passion for art. He wants customers to approach him to discuss their ideas, and end up with a piece of artwork they are 100% satisfied with.

In addition, Collector’s Ink wants to help young up and coming artists by providing a forum for their designs, “I will do this by showcasing their artwork on my studio walls. If you don’t want to collect ink on your skin, and you see a piece of artwork that you lik,e you can buy a framed picture and help out a new young artist.”

“I thought of this because, as someone who has loved art all my life, I know how hard it is to get started and make a career out of something you love and enjoy. I will also be doing my own style of art forms, these are large ink drawings on canvas. My work offers the customer a choice of a one-off tattoo design that no one else will ever have.”

“If the customer likes the look of one of my drawings from the canvas work shown in the studio I will tattoo it on them, whatever size they choose. This might cost the customer a little more but they would get a ‘one-off’ piece of artwork that I would not tattoo on any other customer - guaranteed! The one and only matching piece will be the canvas drawing which the customer will also have the option to buy.”

The next step for Collector’s Ink is to contact the bigger and more established names in the tattooing world who also do their own unique artwork. This would be with a view to getting a collection of their designs showcased at his studio. This would be a great opportunity for people to see tattooing art from all over the world.

All this will be combined with normal style tattoos where the customer can get a basic tattoo that they can choose from the art books which Darren will provide. He will also be piercing people and selling a collection of jewellery, to fulfil what ever his customer’s needs are.

Darren says “I hope the artwork showcased in the studio will attract people who do not normally walk into a tattoo studio but do appreciate good artwork. I want to take away the stigma that is usually attached to tattoo studios while creating a real sense of art.”