NICK EDWARDS INTERVIEW by Ryan McGennisken

I have sat here for the past twenty minutes in front of a seemingly simple task; to try and sum up Nick in a short introduction only to have failed numerous attempts, which led me to resign to the fact that it cannot be done.

Nick is so mellow, friendly and focussed for how very complicated of a person he actually is. His drive in life is by far amongst the strongest I have ever come across in anyone and his passion and dedication to his art will put most to shame.

Ryan- Nick Edwards, what is your name?

Well I like to go by the name of Edwards, but my name is Nicholas Keith Edwards.

Ryan- A lot of people who will be reading this, will probably be able to associate the name “Nick Edwards” as the superstar street rider, and owner of Martial Clothing from Sydney and surrounds; this no longer being the case, could you please tell us what you’ve been up to lately?

Nick- Working (as a tattooist), learning, spending time with my girl, Jeanine. As much time as I can get I spend it with my friends which keeps me happy and chill. I work an amazing amount and really don’t get much time to do too much else.

Ryan- How did this come about; like what steps did you take to make this journey become reality?

Nick- I really 100% believed I had a shot at making it in this game. I take the same attitude to all things I have taken on, so I decided that art and tattooing is what I wanted to do full time. It demanded that I make a decision on what path I wanted to follow to achieve my goal and decide what I had to give up in order to make it happen. It wasn’t easy up to this point, there were some low lows. Haha. I can laugh about it now. Like working shitty jobs, but I cant complain, I have had it pretty good in the whole scheme of things because I have been really clear about what I wanted to achieve and the direction I set myself, which was work with the best and learn from the best. I think I work with some of the most talented modest artists I have met so far. It’s amazing. I am humbled and happy.

Ryan- Were there any people in particular that helped you on your way to making this life for yourself?

Nick- They say every great man is backed up by an amazing lady. So being happy on a general right now relates to my girl Jeanine, who’s been there for me pushing me on and offering support and help. My parents, who are all driven people and just keep moving forward. Kim Bridgeland, Rick Hayward, Dan and Dave Montoya, all because their influence will always be a positive and driven one. Tashi from Green Lotus who opened the door for me and made where I am today possible with the least amount of stress. Carl Carlson from Diablo for his faith and passion. John Young, Dave Green, Dave Cragg, Liam Boyde, Ryan McGennisken (The fancy lad asking me these questions) and all my friends, you know who you are. You are all so driven and I am humbled to have such great friends to always be inspired by. Last but not least, everyone I am working with now at Tattoo Connection. The passion and quality of work cannot fail to drive me on.

Ryan- You’re about to head to Japan for a couple of weeks, will you be checking out the tattoo culture whilst you’re there, do a little networking perhaps?

Nick- Definitely, I’ll see how I go. I have a couple of contacts to check out, but for the most part it’s just a case of seeing what happens when I wake up in the morning. I really have no expectations but to explore and learn.

Ryan- Back home to Melbourne now, where can we find you working from?

Nick- I’m working from Tattoo Connection, located at 440A Burwood Hwy Wantirna South.

Ryan- Outside of tattooing, have you been doing much else art wise, or have you been pretty overwhelmed with the work you’ve had to produce with tattoo?

Nick-Most of what I like drawing is tattoo orientated, I get a chance to sketch ideas of my own after hours but most of the time its 100% tattoo artwork for clients.

Ryan- You have this personality that just screams “I can do whatever I want”, with the persistence and endurance you’ve demonstrated in the past year to get to where you are now; do you have any plans of a similar nature to just, take over something else? Plans of a Nick Edwards Tattoo studio perhaps, a shop of your own?

Nick- Haha, I sacrificed a lot to make my way into the tattoo world, sorta like sitting on the cross roads waiting for the devil type deal. I made the decision that it’s all or none for this and it’s really what I plan to do for a very long time or at least the foreseeable end. There’s a good possibility in the distant future that I will collaborate with a partner to start my own shop but for now I am content learning and plan to travel around visiting many shops and meeting many people across this vast world. The restrictions and commitments of owning a shop and trying to do that are too great. So perhaps in the future.

Ryan- If anyone who is reading this is keen to get into tattooing, what advice would you give to them?

Nick- It’s a big commitment to put permanent images into the skin, it’s a cultures story and there is a craft and ritual behind everything. It’s hard to make your way and that will never stop. The rewards are numerous and if allowed to go unchecked will eat you whole. But at the end of the day if you decide to do things 100% and learn the right way, you will prosper. Be true to who you are and have morals, express yourself and see the tests for what they are. Also don’t expect to be taken seriously if you don’t have tattoos because if you don’t, how will you know what its like to put them in?

Ryan- Have you had any hairy situations with people wanting a particular design only to return after the works been completed, unhappy after realizing it was a terrible tattoo?

Nick- Can’t say that has happened yet.

Ryan- Do you have any favourite or memorable tattoos that you’ve done?

Nick- Rick Hayward’s arm which is an owl over a rose. Rachael’s arm being a gypsy Madonna with flowers, olive sprigs and sprites. And Durham’s neck a pocket watch in a rose on the neck. Also all the script I am doing I really enjoy it. It’s always different and looks so good.

Ryan- How many Southern Cross tattoos have you had to do?

Nick- Lost count haha.

Ryan – Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to you Ryan, Rebel Yell, Chris Polack and all my friends and everyone who has influenced me.

Ryan- If someone who reads this wants to book in with you or check out your work, how and where can they do this?

Nick- Call the shop. You will be able to find all the contact info for Tattoo Connection at www.tattooconnection.com.au

www.myspace.com/yeahyeahedwards