Tom’s ‘Still.’ness: A New Way to Experience Tattooing
By Argjenda Miftari
We met up with Tom at Still., his tattoo studio at Great Western Studios, overlooking the canal. Bathed in natural light and thoughtfully designed, the space immediately sets the tone for a slower, more intentional approach to tattooing. Over our conversation, Tom shared the story behind Still., his journey into tattooing, and why creating a calm, considered experience is just as important to him as the work itself.
Still. is a thoughtfully designed tattoo studio offering a calm, intimate alternative to the traditional tattoo experience. Founded by Tom, located in Studio 112 at Great Western Studios, the space overlooks the canal and feels intentionally removed from the pace of the city. Rooted in wellness and care, Still. invites clients to experience tattooing as something restorative, personal, and unhurried.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first get into tattooing?
“I first got into tattooing towards the end of lockdown, while I was working at Joe & The Juice. One of my regular customers owned a tattoo studio, and through our daily conversations it became obvious how obsessed I already was with tattooing, even though I’d never seriously considered it as a career. I’d always assumed art was something you were just born good at, which I now know couldn’t be further from the truth.u
He invited me to help open a small coffee shop inside his new tattoo studio in Soho, which I jumped at. The coffee side didn’t last long, but I stayed on as studio manager. Over time I found myself spending more and more time watching the artists tattoo, drawing constantly, and learning informally just by being around it all. Eventually, after being caught one too many times hovering around the tattooing rather than doing admin, the owner offered me an apprenticeship but on the condition that I trained my replacement. That’s where everything properly began.”
Your work feels very considered and collaborative. Can you walk us through your creative process?
“Each tattoo starts with whatever a client chooses to share when booking – that might be visual references, loose ideas, or a personal story they feel connected to. That information helps set the tone and gives me a starting point to interpret in my own style. I create the initial design ahead of the appointment, and then on the day we sit down together and go through it properly. That part is really collaborative – we talk through the design, make adjustments, and refine it until it feels right. The final tattoo comes out of that shared moment, combining the client’s vision with my approach.”
Do you have favourite tools or techniques you love working with?
“My work is rooted in fineline tattooing, so I tend to gravitate towards single needles and tight three round liners. They allow for a lot of control and delicacy. I’m especially drawn to combining fineline work with high contrast shading, using subtle lines alongside deeper tones to create depth without making the tattoo feel heavy.”
Since you started tattooing, what changes have you noticed in the industry?
“The biggest change I’ve noticed is how saturated the industry has become in a relatively short amount of time. Traditional apprenticeships, where artists trained closely under experienced tattooers over several years, are much less common now.
Instead, there’s been a rise in fast-track routes into tattooing, short courses and so-called tattoo schools that claim to teach the craft in weeks. That’s led to more home-based studios and a lot of artists entering the industry without the depth of training that used to be standard. Tattooing takes years to properly understand, not just technically, but ethically and professionally, and that long-term learning process is increasingly being overlooked.”
What do you hope clients remember about you years after their tattoos have healed?
“More than anything, I hope they remember how the experience made them feel. That their time at Still. felt calm, considered, and genuinely attentive, and that getting tattooed felt like something they could relax into rather than endure. If years later they still associate their tattoo with a positive, grounding experience, that matters just as much as the tattoo itself. ”
How do you support clients who feel unsure, or who change their minds during the process?
“If someone feels unsure or starts to rethink their idea, I always encourage them to slow the process down. Tattooing is permanent, and it’s important that clients feel confident and settled before moving forward.
I’m very clear that there’s no pressure to decide quickly, I’m not going anywhere. Taking time to sit with an idea is often the best way to arrive at something that truly feels right. My priority is always that clients feel comfortable, listened to, and certain about what they’re getting. “
Are there any new projects or directions you’re excited to explore next?
“I’ve recently started exploring fashion more seriously, designing my own clothing and merchandise. It’s something I originally studied at college, so it’s been really refreshing to return to that and apply the same mindset I use in tattooing to a different medium.
I’m also interested in pushing tattooing beyond skin. I recently tattooed a pair of trainers, and I’m keen to explore how the technique translates onto other leather goods, furniture, and garments. It feels like a natural extension of the work, just in a different form. “
How does having your own studio at Great Western Studios shape the way you work day to day?
“Having my own studio at GWS has had a huge impact on how I work day to day. The building itself is beautiful and thoughtfully designed, which naturally sets the tone for a calmer, more focused way of working. The team are incredibly supportive and accommodating, which has made it easy to run the studio exactly as I need to, without unnecessary friction. It feels like a place built to let creative businesses operate properly, rather than work around limitations. “
What’s it like being surrounded by other creatives at GWS?
“Being surrounded by other creatives has been genuinely energising. There’s a shared mindset across the building, from artists to designers to makers, that aligns closely with the kind of clients and work I’m drawn to. It creates a sense of community without distraction, and it’s inspiring to be part of an environment where people are focused on craft, quality, and growth. It’s a place I’m excited to grow within.”
What’s the most unusual tattoo request you’ve ever received?
“The most unusual request I’ve received was one that crossed a clear ethical line. I was asked to tattoo an extremist symbol, which I found deeply uncomfortable and declined immediately. Experiences like that reinforce how important it is to have firm boundaries around what I’m willing to put my name and work behind. “
And finally, where’s your favourite local (Notting Hill) spot to unwind?
“I’m a sucker for Soho House, especially the cinema, it’s one of my favourite places to properly switch off. When I’m not there, you’ll occasionally find me at Pepperon Café, having breakfast alongside their Chow Chow, Coco, which is always a good start to the day.”
Tom’s approach to tattooing challenges the pace of the industry, offering something slower, more intentional, and rooted in care. Still. is not just a studio, but a space where creativity, craft, and wellbeing intersect, and one he’s continuing to grow from within Great Western Studios. To learn more about his work or book an appointment, visit https://www.instagram.com/tommarkwick/
