Chats & Tatts Aaron Della Vedova

Derek Noble's work is deeply rooted in a traditional aesthetic that he has cultivated over the years, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources. Influences such as medieval religious panel paintings, Tibetan and Japanese art, horror movies, and metal music have all played a significant role in shaping his distinctive 'dark side' style in both tattooing and painting.
Noble's fascination with medieval religious panel paintings is evident in the composition and themes of his work. He values the traditional layout and composition found in these historical artworks, incorporating them into his own pieces to imbue them with a sense of timelessness and depth.
Moreover, Noble looks to Tibetan and Japanese art for inspiration in the composition and layout of his pieces. By blending elements from different cultural traditions, Noble creates a fusion of styles that adds complexity and richness to his art.
Additionally, Noble's passion for horror movies and metal music influences the darker aspects of his work. Themes of horror, demons, and gore find their way into his tattoos and paintings, infusing them with a macabre and edgy quality that reflects his personal interests and adds a captivating element to his portfolio.
In this episode of Chats and Tatts, Aaron Della Vedova chats with Derek about his loyalty to the craft and his unique voice in tattooing as they delve into discussions on traditional mindset, AI in tattooing, and anesthesia techniques. Tune in to hear about the artistry and old-school mentality that sets this tattooer apart in the industry.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:01:46] Traditional Mindset in Tattooing.
[00:05:43] Composition and skin in tattoos.
[00:09:24] Apprenticeship challenges and successes.
[00:10:59] Making tattoo needles by hand.
[00:16:51] Tattoo innovation and influence.
[00:19:59] Traditional tattoo machine preferences.
[00:29:31] Discovering artistic freedom in tattooing.
[00:31:36] Work ethic in tattooing.
[00:36:41] Opening a new tattoo shop.
[00:43:03] Embracing change as an artist.
[00:47:31] Anesthesia tattooing.
[00:52:46] AI art emerging.
[01:01:40] The future of handcrafted items.
[01:07:34] Evolution of tattoo culture.
[01:09:58] The Renaissance of the industry.
[01:13:26] Tattooing as a way of life.
Quotes:
"The skin of a human body is your brightest color."
"I did get offered an apprenticeship when I was 18, but I had just gotten a scholarship to play football."
"I can now see the priceless teachings you gave to me, and I appreciate them. But I will say, there's one needle you taught me to make that fucking sucks, dude."
"I did a sleeve, and it's a pretty fucking good sleeve still. The layout, the composition, but I decided I'm gonna reinvent this shit, you know?"
"You can take those building blocks of tattooing and turn them into whatever subject matter you really want to, you know?"
"You brought that to tattooing, you know, this get up, fucking go work hard."
"I don't give a fuck if I was up till 2 a.m. Absolutely, yeah. I'm still getting up at 6 a.m. and getting this piece ready."
"Jesse Roberts is the best tattooer in Seattle. Like nobody knows about him, but underground secret."
"Some new shit's coming out of you. Because you've broken up the channels. You've shaken up the mind. And you're gonna love it."
"It's just the biggest, like, poser cop-out... You can possibly do, right? I mean, tattooing, like you got to kind of earn it."
"Dude, yeah. I think AI, there's some great things that it can do. I think when you get into the artistic side of it, that's where it gets a little like, okay, now you're taken away from the human condition"
"That's going to go up in value, human-made things. Right. With drops of sweat, with pubic hair stuck inside of them."
"His art is on another fucking level. His tattoos are on another level. He's one of those."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Derek: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dereknoble36
Connect w

Reese Hilburn is a Tattoo Artist, Tattoo Shop Owner, and Spiritual Bisiness Mentor, & Meditation Queen. Her work focuses on helping heart-led intentional tattooers heal their wounds, shadows and traumas, while simultaneously growing and scaling their tattoo business on Social Media.
In this episode of Chats and Tatts with Aaron Della Vedova, tattoo artist Reese Hilburn shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a significant mistake in her career. Aaron highlights the importance of owning one's mistakes and turning them into opportunities for growth and self-expression. Reese's story serves as a powerful example of transformation and resilience in the face of adversity and is a reminder that embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to unapologetic self-expression and empowerment.
Tune in to hear how Reese's experience led to her healing, forgiveness, and the positive impact it had on her life and work.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:00:45] Transformation through embracing mistakes.
[00:06:00] Portrait tattooing and artistic evolution.
[00:07:24] Warrior women in art.
[00:14:37] Struggles with self-identity and social media.
[00:20:24] The gift of rock bottom.
[00:23:38] Turning shame into power.
[00:26:15] Authenticity and self-discovery.
[00:30:17] Finding forgiveness after abuse.
[00:35:31] Healing through tattoos and trauma.
[00:40:09] Different types of meditation.
[00:43:37] Seeking the meaning of life.
[00:46:40] Visualizing future memories.
[00:51:23] Embracing all parts of yourself.
[00:59:44] Life as energy and possibility.
[01:00:58] Personal responsibility and karma.
[01:06:50] Turning grief into creative power.
[01:10:14] Permission and meaning-making.
[01:13:27] Embracing the full human experience.
[01:20:26] Patience and urgency in growth.
[01:21:47] Importance of setting boundaries.
Quotes:
"Owning our shit and how scary that is and walking with our fear and changing the relationship we have with our fear is actually going to turn your insecurities, your shame into power and into unapologetic self-expression."
"This is my alter ego. And so I've really fallen into that love for accentuating someone's own life, almost like their face and putting it on their bodies in the way that they're just like, this is how I see myself almost."
"To get hate, you know, DMs or whatever, some of which were like, you don't deserve to live, you're a lying piece of shit, at such a young age in tattooing, now you're questioning, should I even be here? Do I suck?"
"I was so afraid. I would get almost panic attacks from opening the Instagram because I was so afraid of what someone might say or if someone found me out or something."
"I challenge anybody out there listening to the show right now, Write me if you've never in a weak moment done something silly when you felt that way."
"Because to forgive them means I'm saying it was okay, and oh, by the way, others can do it to me too. No.  That's is not the case at all."
"It's like basically reparenting the inner child, the inner teen, inner young adult, all the kinds of different parts of ourselves in there."
"But if you believe thoughts create reality, boy, you better anchor into that thought, because if you don't, then what happens next?"
"Yeah, be sad, be pissed off. You know, as much as I believe in no resentment and someone screws me over, I might have a couple of days where I'm like, fuck that guy."
"Urgency is the ego."
"It's love to the other too, to put boundaries around, for others to, you know, you really are helping them to grow because they're exploiting you or exploiting a situation."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Reese: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/theartofreese
Youtube Channel: thewww.youtube.com/@ArtofReese
Website: theedgeink.com
 
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube:

In this episode, our guest Matt Clemmer shares a personal story from 1995 when he was on the run facing a lengthy prison sentence while his father was an undercover DEA agent. He describes the intense situation of raids, being on the run, and questioning how long authorities would search for him. Matt reflects on a transformative moment he calls a "God encounter" that changed his path. 
Matt stresses the significance of patience in overcoming trials and tribulations, noting that it fosters personal growth and completeness. He explains that taking action and trusting the process can bring clarity and reveal the next steps. 
The conversation between Matt and Aaron underscores how patience and faith lead to personal growth, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles. They stress the significance of courageously facing difficult situations and trusting in the journey. 
Join Aaron and Matt as they share personal stories and moments of gratitude on this heartfelt episode.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:00:00] Life on the run
[00:04:22] Seeking spiritual and philosophical texts.
[00:10:00] A life-changing encounter.
[00:13:41] Facing consequences of illegal activities.
[00:16:20] Redemption and second chances.
[00:19:17] A powerful family reunion.
[00:22:09] Love and forgiveness.
[00:30:12] Overcoming challenges with patience.
[00:34:17] Faith and taking action.
[00:36:16] Embracing the unknown.
[00:48:23] Higher self and soul.
[00:53:12] True identity and self-discovery.
[00:55:55] The power of daily affirmations.
[00:57:33] Taking control of your life.
[01:00:23] Personal growth and adventure in life.
[01:09:43] The journey to apprenticeship.
[01:13:22] Evolution of tattoo industry.
[01:14:25] Building relationships through tattoo art.
Quotes:
"I experienced a God encounter on my path, almost like God showed up and slapped me."
"It's really easy to walk the walk in life when things aren't so rough, but what do people do when it's really gnarly? Like when the shit really fucking hits the fan."
"I would rather be with God than so-called free on the outside without him."
"Because of that pivot you were gonna lead this different life, which was gonna be of benefit to a lot of others. And it knew it so well that it just said, it did that"
"The way she looked at me? as if I was the greatest man in the world, and that I could maybe be president of the United States one day."
"Let our lives be our message versus us just saying one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis, and it says, go out into all the world and preach the good news. And if you must, use words. I like that."
"We forgive you, and we hope that you can heal and have a beautiful life, regardless of what happened."
"Some of the greatest pains have been the greatest teachers and who it how it has developed me"
"You don't need faith till you fucking need it."
"We're all gonna fucking walk through these rings of fire. You can't get out of this game that we're in."
"And man, it is so fucking easy to get lost and forget what you really are and get caught up in the Who"
"Those days are gone and I'm happy to see him gone because it is a beautiful art form that involves someone trusting you with their body, their health, their vision, their dream."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Matt: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattdclemmer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattclemmer 
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 
 

Luke Wessman's journey into tattooing began with a traditional apprenticeship, where he learned the ropes of the trade by sweeping, mopping, cleaning windows, and running errands. On this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova introduces this distinguished tattoo artist with a traditional aesthetic rooted in his hippie Tennessee upbringing and Southern California influences. Luke's impressive career includes appearances on TV shows like New York Ink and Ink Master, as well as being featured in Forbes magazine. The conversation delves into Luke's background, his ambassadorship for Monster Energy Drink, and his creation of the Lost Art of the Gentleman.
The episode highlights the connections between the host and guest, who share mutual friends and close proximity in their neighborhoods. Luke's journey serves as a testament to the value of hard work, respect for clients, and flexibility in embracing new developments in tattoo artistry.
Join in as Luke, with a cigar and scotch in hand, shares his journey as a tattoo artist and his passion for spreading love for tattooing around the world.
Chat Breakdown:
[00:03:48] Tattooing for 32 years.
[00:07:09] Hippie commune in Tennessee.
[00:13:18] Tattooing as a form of armor.
[00:16:29] Transition into tattooing career.
[00:21:13] Identity in creative professions.
[[00:28:33] Making a living as an artist.
[00:35:12] Meeting tattoo legend Horiyoshi.
[00:40:14] Horiyoshi's unique tattooing approach.
[00:42:21] Tattooing Marlee Matlin from L Word.
[00:48:11] Tattooing as a therapeutic experience.
[00:58:20] The lost art of the gentleman.
[01:02:44] Promoting chivalry and respect.
[01:05:38] Embracing traditional values in masculinity.
[01:08:40] Cancel culture and forgiveness.
[01:13:18] Judging by character, not race.
[01:16:34] Providing livelihood to community.
[01:29:36] Tattooing and back pain.
[01:42:42] Long-term career planning.
[01:45:00] Building authentic partnerships with companies.
[01:48:00] Discovering peace and joy in golf.
[01:50:25] Taking risks for success.
Quotes:
"There's a saying in Hawaiian proverb, there's two ways to be rich, work more, want less, right?"
"You're living with me and my mom on bunk beds, dude, you're good."
"Getting tattooed for armor."
"I personally was really worried about survival. I was on my own. I was living with my friends and my friend's parents. It wasn't about like, Oh, I love art. I'm going to be a tattooer. I need to fucking make sure I can survive."
"I got in Miami and we were charging $300 for a name tattoo. And I was like, holy shit."
"If I don't stop sucking this tit, I'm going to be attached to it forever."
"Look, man, I don't want to look in the mirror and see the person that did all those things. I want to see somebody else."
"There's a saying I like, and it's instead of bashing what you hate, promote what you love, right?"
"All I can be is myself. That's the most unique thing I have is myself."
"I think it's incredible to be able to employ people and give them livelihood. That is just like, that's an ultimate, man. I think it's beautiful."
"If you can pull it off and it makes you happy, fucking go do it."
Connect with Luke: 
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lukewessman
Website: https://lukewessman.myshopify.com/
Connect with Aaron:⁠  
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 

In this episode of Chats and Tatts,  I had the privilege of interviewing Stevie Randallyn, a tattoo artist who overcame a life-altering stroke. Stevie shared her journey of experiencing a stroke at a young age and how it affected her ability to speak, taste, and even tattoo. Despite facing significant challenges, Stevie's determination and resilience shone through as she navigated the difficulties of relearning how to tattoo with one hand and overcoming the limitations caused by the stroke.
Stevie's story is one of redemption and inspiration, showcasing her unwavering passion for tattooing and her ability to adapt to new circumstances. She highlighted the importance of support from the tattoo community and the impact of her stroke on her personality and perspective on life. Through her experiences, Stevie emphasized the power of gratitude and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.
Overall, Stevie's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome challenges with determination and a positive mindset. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the ability to find beauty and gratitude in every moment.
Chat breakdown:
[00:02:33] Stevie's love for tattooing.
[00:04:51] Overcoming adversity.
[00:09:33] Stroke recovery and realization.
[00:12:53] Overcoming challenges for two daughters.
[00:16:49] Overcoming self-pity and finding inspiration.
[00:17:41] Tattoo community and support.
[00:29:31] Overcoming language challenges post-stroke.
[00:35:13] Life-changing effects of stroke.
[00:39:57] Lack of gratitude.
[00:42:09] Acupuncture and stroke recovery.
[00:47:00] Juggling motherhood and tattooing.
[00:51:19] Overcoming challenges in motorcycle riding.
[00:58:59] Embracing individuality in tattoo art.
[01:00:08] Drawing on iPad vs. paper.
[01:06:42] Tattooing and personal growth.
[01:11:59] The evolution of tattoo marketing.
[01:14:29] Tattooing traditions and inspiration.
Quotes:
"It's amazing to me what humans can get done when there's no way out."
"Just because you're having an emotion doesn't mean you have to react to that emotion. You can just stand back and look at it and decide what to do with it."
"I feel like we all suffer from a disease as human beings of lack of gratitude"
"If you were a female tattooer, it was like a unicorn."
"I noticed that I'll choose to get tattooed to like, kind of like work through that pain. It is a type of therapy."
"If you don't show up in the algorithm, then no one knows you exist."
"And you can deepen and enrich that experience by having a connection to the human being that's tattooing you."
"Thank you for who you are, for being an inspiration to me. You know, I have my little bitches and whines that I get up with every day. I'm going to bitch and whine a little less after being with you."
Stay Connected:
Connect with Stevie
Website: https://www.stevierandallyntattoo.com/about-me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevierandallyn
Connect with Aaron:
Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 
IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts
Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts
Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠
Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com
 
 

The Impact of Social Media and a Deep Dive into Tattoo Artistry with Nikko Hurtado We kick things off by discussing how we celebrate the world of tattooing and creativity with a legendary figure in the tattoo industry, Nikko Hurtado. Nikko's work in photo-realism tattoos has significantly influenced host Aaron Della Vedova's career, and his presence on the show is an honor.
They delve into the addictive nature of social media and its resemblance to slot machines. We explore how algorithms manipulate our behavior, potentially leading to addiction and mental health issues. This topic sets the stage for a broader conversation about the digital age's impact on our lives.
Nikko Hurtado has been tattooing for 22 years and is renowned for his photo-realism tattoos that resemble HD photographs on skin. His talent has led him to tattoo celebrities like Puff Daddy, Drake, and The Rock. He's also a prominent figure on TV shows like "Ink Master" and "LA Ink," a father of three, and the owner of Black Anchor Ink with locations in Hesperia and Hollywood, California.
During our conversation, Nikko shares his journey in the tattoo industry, starting from his apprenticeship at Art Junkies Tattoo to his current status as a respected artist. He reflects on the evolution of his career and the importance of continuous learning, which includes taking classes in different art forms like sculpting and Japanese tattooing to better judge on "Ink Master."
Nikko also delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, such as creating Revolution Ink and Vortex rotary machines. He emphasizes the importance of owning his work and not being tied down by sponsorships or external pressures.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the economics of tattooing, the potential for industry growth, and the importance of staying productive and innovative during slower periods. Nikko's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion for one's craft, and the transformative impact of tattooing on both artists and clients alike.
Join us for this inspiring and insightful conversation with Nikko Hurtado, a true master of the art of tattooing.
Chat breakdown: 
[00:00:09] Social media addiction.
[00:05:27] Tattooing dragon workshop experience.
[00:08:29] Giving back to tattooing community.
[00:12:51] Ink Master competition experiences.
[00:17:09] First tattoo award memories.
[00:20:25] Tattooing as a life changer.
[00:29:53] Tattoo pigment making secrets.
[00:35:39] Facing criticism in the industry.
[00:41:55] The devil in your head.
[00:44:31] Alcohol and self-discipline.
[00:54:55] Addiction to social media.
[01:02:48] Future of tattooing without drawing.
[01:14:08] Mastering art through observation.
[01:16:21] The potential of AI.
[01:33:23] Tattooing advice for beginners.
[01:38:09] Tattoo machine story.
[01:40:42] Tattooing and community values.
[01:53:39] Tattooing and client relationships.
[01:57:04] Bringing back Black Anchor Academy.
Quotes:
"I was terrified, because I'm like, dude, I've been tattooing at that point maybe 20 years. I'm like, if I go on there and lose on the first round, which is very possible, my ego couldn't have handled it."
"And you can tell she really loves tattooing. That's the point, right? It's for the love of tattooing."
"You show up, you show up, dude, you show up and you keep showing up and you knock on that fucking door. And then that door eventually opens, you know what I mean? That's the whole point of perseverance, right?"
"That's my Bible, man, really, is The Four Agreements."
"Honoring your word is a big one, but especially the word you make to yourself."
"I want to look in the mirror and be proud of me. For sure. You know, when you look in that mirror and you're like, oh, you're kind of a, you kind of f****d up yesterday. You knew better. You did it anyway. The guilt. I've had those days and I'm like, I'm sick of this, man. I don't want to look in the mirror and feel that way, you know