Stephen & Michelle Collenette
Many years ago when i was about 14, i walked into a local tattoo shop for the first time and just fell in love with it. The following week, i returned and had the first of many tattoos. That initial infatuation with tattoos and the art of tattooing gradually bacame a full scale obsession and that was the start of my tattooing career. In the early 1980's i was lucky enough to get some basic tattoo equipment, and like a lot of tattooists back then i had to practice on myself to learn the techniques before tattooing anyone else. My confidence grew and i found i had a natural ability for tattooing and knew i would open a shop one day. Then in 1990 i opened my first studio in lower Croydon. I worked there for a few years and then my daughter Michelle began her apprenticeship with me in 1995. We left here in 1998 to open Innocent Needle. My favourite tattoo style is black & grey because of its realistic look and different tones but i enjoy tattooing all styles. We have found over the years that a nice atmosphere has been created in our studio between customers and ourselves as many of them come back on a regular basis for some pain! We would like to thank all of our customers for trusting us with their skin and hope to see you soon.
I began an apprenticeship in 1995, at my dads' first studio in Croydon at the age of 15. I was lucky enough to have my dads skin and his friends to practice on, so i didn't make a mess on myself! We left here in 1998 to open Innocent Needle and have not looked back since. I like all styles of tattooing and love a challenge now and again! I really enjoy doing portraits. These can be anything from, loved ones, favourite actors/singers and animals. I also enjoy freehand work as it is great when a customer trusts you enough to do what you want or someone brings in a design that needs a little work, and is happy enough to leave it with us. We welcome custom designs, as it is great to see people bringing in ideas, either from internet and book sources or from their own imagination. Please feel free to pop in and see us for a chat about any ideas you have for a tattoo, whether they are big or small, the commitment is the same, so choose wisely!