His real name is Jan Cole, he works at the ‘Fallen Muse’ in Adelaide, but he prefers to keep a hint of mystery around him to highlight his Black-n-Grey art which focuses on horror and gloomy themes.
Raydems, the only things I know about you are that you are Australian and you prefer the Black and Grey Dark/Horror tattoo style. Do you want to add the rest of your bio?
I have been tattooing for 8 years and most of my work is freehand. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and do some amazing conventions all over the world. Including Milano (IG: @milanotattooconvention) and the ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in Paris (IG: @mondialdutattouage) to name a few.
How did this horror imagery become part of your art and your life?
My dark art was mostly inspired by a family member who use to draw a lot of old school style dark tattoo flash art, as well as tattoo flash magazines I was picking up as a teenager.
Your subjects always seem to be “imprisoned” by something like roots, jaws, claws, sharp things etc. Do you think this is your stylistic trademark?
It has become a very trademarked style since doing it more often, so people have requested it more frequently. Which has allowed me to enjoy my workflow!
When does color become a determining factor in what you create? You are not only specialized in Black and Grey, sometimes you also use brighter colors…
Only occasionally do I use colour and this is based on clients request.
However I would love to delve more into the colour side of things with my dark style.
Music, a certain type of music, makes you more focused and inspired when you are designing a new tattoo or is there no difference and you work well also accompanied by silence? Can you name some of your favorite music artists?
I’m mostly inspired by hardcore/heavy metal. My favourite bands for some time that helped my process are Kublai Khan (IG: @kublaikhantx), Knocked Loose (IG: @knockedloosehc) and Desolated (IG: @desolatedinc).
Where exactly do you work in Adelaide?
I work out of the city in a newer well reputable studio called the ‘Fallen muse’ (IG: @fallenmusetattoo).
And your last famous words are… ?
Be original and never be complacent. Always strive to be better everyday and…draw, draw, draw!
