Julian Siebert is the owner of Corpsepainter Tattoo in Munich. Over these past 15 years he has become a major point of reference for his style and his tattoos, potent and perfect, are a hallmark of his work.
In this interview he talks to us about techniques, equipment (by Cheyenne), and that’s not all. Read on to find out more!
Hi Julian! My first question is: how did you came up with the idea of using both hands simultaneous while drawing freehand on customers like you do in your videos?
I actually had problems with drawing symmetrical. So I was thinking about pin striping. Often they draw with both hands with brushes on the arm or motorcycles. The first time I ever tried this technique was at Stockholm Ink Bash and it worked really well.
Is there a reason for you never specializing in a single style like a lot of your peers?
When I started tattooing I saw so many great artists like Paul Booth, Filip Leu, Shige and Jeff Gogue and I could never decide which style I liked the most. For me it’s super important to work with the idea of my clients, finding out what they like and then choosing the style which fits the best.
How you build up your designs?
Normally I have a drawing appointment with all my clients, where we talk about there ideas and sketch on the skin. That’s the way I try to find the best body shape and I also have the right proportions for my final design.
How was the lockdown for you?
After 15 years of tattooing I actually really enjoyed the time. I tried to study oil painting by reading articles and watching tutorials. I’d never painted with oil before and I think I could never have learnt so much in such a short time without the lockdown.
I painted every day and started 18 oil paintings.
Any plans for doing another 3 day backpiece?
I had a lot of fun with these projects, but it’s so much work and unfortunately I never saw a convention outside of my booth. So for the future I will slow down a bit.
Let’s talk for a minute about technique and equipment: when did you come across Cheyenne and why did you opt for this brand?
I’ve now been using Cheyenne for about 10 years. After trying many different brands, I always went back to my HAWK Thunder, because for me it’s the most solid consistent running machine and also pretty easy to pack in a hygienic way. And the game changer was the invention of the cartridge system.
Would you like to tell us in detail about your choices (needles, tattoo machines) and why they allow you to achieve the results you’re aiming for?
I try to keep my set up simple: depending on the design I use 3 / 5 / 7 Line, 9 Power Liner, 7 Magnum, 13 Soft Edge and 23 Soft Edge. The new Sol Nova Unlimited 4.0 completely changed my way of working. First time in my life wireless tattooing feels like painting and I would never go back. The official launch for the Unlimited 4.0 is in November this year.
When is a tattoo perfect for you?
Unique designs, healed and settled. I never think my tattoos are perfect but if my client think so I’m super happy.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on the tattoo scene? How should they go about evaluating and choosing the right equipment?
These days you have many options by asking in good tattoo shops for an apprenticeship. But you should never come without a carefully selected portfolio.
Hard work and passion is the Key! I also always checked out what my idols were using to find the best equipment for me.
Sum up your style in just three adjectives?
Solid custom designs!
What are you working on at the moment and what are your plans for the future, personally and professionally speaking?
If 2021 doesn’t suck as bad as this year, I will finally marry my fiancé next year. For now, I’m trying to finish my last 4 oil paintings and looking forward to my upcoming large scale pieces.
