His favourite subjects are women’s faces, timeless, elegant and absolutely bold and clear. Exactly like his style, clean and powerful in a Traditional black that moves from respect for tradition to evolve toward seeking the perfect mark, as the protagonist, Swedish tattoo artist Simon Gyllström, tells us here.
Hello Simon, welcome to Tattoo Life! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Simon Gyllström, and I’m a tattoo artist specializing in black Traditional tattoos. I’ve been tattooing for over a decade, running my own studios and traveling as a guest artist across Europe. My work is rooted in classic Traditional tattooing, but I always aim to bring a personal touch to every piece I create.
In the history of the Traditional style who are the tattoo artists you look up to the most?
There are so many, especially from the States, as well as from Sweden and Denmark. Some of the ones I look up to the most are: Sailor Jerry, Carl Gustafsson, Tato Jack, Percy Water, Oven Jensen, Stoney St. Clair, Red Gibbons, Bob Shaw, Amund Dietzel. These artists have all had a significant impact on the Traditional tattoo style, and their work continues to inspire me.
What are your favourite subjects? Faces of beautiful women? Why?
Absolutely, I love tattooing faces, especially women’s faces. They’re timeless, elegant, and offer so much room for creativity. When I was 18, I went to get my first tattoo at a studio, and I knew I wanted a lady head.
I remember I wanted it in Traditional style, but in a more beautiful way, even though I love the funkier ones too.
I came across a Sailor Jerry design that stuck with me forever. It was a side profile with smooth shading, beautiful eyes, and curly hair. I ended up getting that exact design tattooed on me, with smooth shading, and I loved it!
How did your love for Traditional start?
It actually started when I was painting a lot of graffiti. I began adding characters alongside the letters, and one day, while flipping through a book on traditional tattooing, I realized that my characters had a lot in common with the tattoo style. From then on, I was hooked on the bold lines and timeless appeal of Traditional tattoos. I was drawn to the flash sheets and historical designs, fascinated by the simplicity and storytelling.
Is there a hallmark in your interpretation of Traditional?
I like to keep it as clean. It’s a delicate balance, and I’m constantly working on perfecting it. The challenge is to keep it interesting and avoid making it too basic or boring.
Where do you work at the moment?
I currently work at my own studio, Romantic Tattooing, in Lund, Sweden.
Do you like traveling and do you do guest spots around the world?
Yes, I absolutely love traveling! It’s one of the best parts of being a tattoo artist. I do guest spots at various studios around the world, and it’s always inspiring and keeps me motivated.
Have you got a motto that you repeat to yourself?
I might not repeat it every day, but definitely something I’m constantly thinking about is: As long as I treat others with joy and respect, stay a good person, and make sure to have fun along the way, everything will fall into place.
If I stay focused on my goal and keep on track, I’ll get where I want to be.
How do you want to say hello to our readers?
Hello everyone! I’m really excited to be here and share my journey with you. Thanks for taking the time to check out my work, and I hope you find something that inspires you. Much love!
