In the world of tattooing, where every stroke is a story and every needle an instrument of art, there are masters whose hands have seen it all: from the first sketches to the boldest experiments. One such master is Lal Hardy, a London-based tattoo artist with 47 years of experience, who has tattooed over 100 professional footballers in his career. Among his clients are stars like Jermain Defoe, Kyle Walker, Benoît Assou-Ekotto, and Jermaine Jenas. But today, he’s not talking about fame or success, but about what he believes has been a real blow to the industry – mobile phones.
When the Phone is More Important Than Skin
“The worst thing that ever happened to tattooing is people with their phones,” Hardy admits. And he’s not exaggerating. In an era where every second person lives on their screen, it’s hard to escape notifications even in a tattoo studio. Yet, it’s precisely at this moment that the client needs to be as focused as possible. Any movement, and the needle might leave a mark where it wasn’t intended. “Sometimes people forget you’re drawing on their skin with a needle,” the master adds. He even jokes that he uses a “death grip” to keep the client still. But it doesn’t always help. There are cases where a sudden movement causes the tattoo artist to accidentally place the design elsewhere. This isn’t just a mistake – it’s a risk of ruining the entire composition.
From Fear to Calm: How Clients Have Changed
But it’s not all grim. In his nearly half-century of work, Hardy has also noticed positive shifts. Previously, in the 70s and 80s, tattooing was something extreme, almost forbidden. Clients came with a sense of impending pain, often panicked, some even fainted or soiled themselves from fear. “Back then, it was a thing for guys aged 18-35, and they’d egg each other on: ‘It’ll kill you,’” the master recalls. Today, tattooing has become the norm. Grandmothers, grandfathers, children, women of all ages get them. People are no longer afraid of pain – they understand it’s part of the process. “Now people behave much more calmly. Yes, some groan or tremble, but we help them get through it,” says Hardy. He emphasizes that empathy and patience have become more important than ever.
Tattooing as Art: From the Underground to the Mainstream
Lal Hardy is not just a master; he is a living witness to the evolution of tattoo culture. His studio in London is not just a workplace but a veritable museum of tattoo history. The walls are adorned with flags, paintings, and souvenirs that recall every important stage of his journey. He has seen tattooing emerge from the underground, become part of fashion, sports, and art. Footballers who used to hide their tattoos under their uniforms now proudly display them on their bodies. And Hardy is one of those who helped them in this. His work with players like Kyle Walker has become a symbol of how tattooing has integrated into mass culture.
Why Are Phones a Problem?
The problem isn’t with the phones themselves, but how they change people’s behavior. Smartphones have become an extension of the body – we reach for them even when it’s dangerous. In a tattoo studio, this is particularly critical. The artist works with high precision, and any movement by the client can disrupt the entire composition. “We always ask them to sit still,” says Hardy. But the request doesn’t always work. People are accustomed to instant gratification, to being able to do everything at once. Tattooing, however, requires time, attention, and patience. It’s a meditation, not entertainment.
What to Do If a Client Can’t Put Down Their Phone?
Hardy offers a simple solution: agree in advance. “Tell the client: ‘The phone stays in your pocket. It’s just you, me, and the needle here.’” Some studios even implement rules: phones are turned off or left outside the door. This not only enhances safety but also creates an atmosphere of trust. The client feels valued, and the artist feels their work is respected. Ultimately, the result is better.
Tattooing is a Dialogue
Lal Hardy is not just a master; he is a philosopher of tattoo culture. He understands that a tattoo is not just a drawing on the skin but a dialogue between the artist and the client. And this dialogue must be pure, without interference. Phones, of course, won’t disappear, but their influence can be minimized. The main thing is to remember that tattooing is an art that requires respect, attention, and patience. And if you want a quality result – put down your phone and focus on the process. Because it is in this moment that true art is born.