Interview with Marquis Gratia - Marketing Director at Allegory Ink

Allegory Ink has made a name for itself in the tattoo industry with its versatile and high-quality black and white inks.

With the company on the verge of its EU expansion, we wanted to find out a little more about what makes their Blak, Ultra Blak and White inks so appealing to artists around the world.

We spoke with Marquis Gratia, Marketing Director at Allegory Ink, to get a better idea of what drives this ink manufacturer, which artists are doing amazing work right now, and what Allegory Ink has in store for us next!

When was Allegory Ink first set up, and what was the thought behind it?

Allegory Ink was founded in 2016, with the purpose of bringing something new to the industry.

How was the name Allegory Ink chosen?

The name Allegory was chosen based on the classic tale of the Tortoise and the Hare. The story is an allegory, expressing the belief that the slow and steady will always defeat the quick and prideful in the end.

What was the first product you released?

The first product released by Allegory was our beloved “Blak” Ink. The first product I personally released with Allegory was the “Ultra Blak”.

What are the team like at Allegory Ink, and how many are artists?

Our team is composed of about 65 phenomenal artists around the globe. We’re always on the hunt for new members who aren't only good artists, but genuine human beings.

Why is it important that all your inks are 100% vegan?

Vegan is the only way to go. We pride ourselves on using premium cruelty-free ingredients in all our products!

Will you be expanding into other ink colours?

We plan on creating colours in a few years, but not any time soon. The black and grey market has been the backbone of our company, so we plan to cater to that market first. Everyone is asking for us to release grey wash sets, so that is our next big step. As you know there are so many grey wash variations that can be made. That’s one of our main focuses moving into 2024.

What feedback have you had about your inks?

Our most received feedback would probably be how versatile the inks are. Artists are able to use our pigments for all styles from blackouts, ornamental, photo realism, calligraphy, fine line, geometric, and more.

Why is the marble glass agitator so good at mixing inks?

The marble glass agitator is one of our key features that ensures the perfect mix for every session. Only available in our 8 and 4 ounce bottles to assure long-lasting quality.

What sets your ink bottling apart from other brands?

We pride ourselves on the consistency of our products. Our business is artist-owned and operated, which brings a lot of authenticity to our brand. The President and CEO also has decades of tattoo experience, as well as a vast knowledge of bottling and production.

Can we expect EU REACH-compliant versions of your inks in the future?

The EU REACH-compliant ink is our main focus at the moment. We plan on releasing our entire ink line to the European market starting in January of next year. The official release will be at the Milano Tattoo Convention.

Can you tell us about the Allegory Ink lab?

The Allegory Ink lab is a highly advanced state-of-the-art facility.

How has the tattoo industry changed since you’ve been involved in it?

I've seen a lot of change over the years, and I always try to focus on the positive. I would say my favourite change is how fast the younger generation is developing. I’m 27 years old, and I love seeing artists my age and even younger become business owners, or just seeing overall success in the tattoo industry.

Which is your favourite Allegory Ink t-shirt design?

My favourite Allegory t-shirt design definitely has to be our latest collab with Blaklist artist Brandon Herrera. This shit is dropping in January 2024 so be on the lookout!

What’s the tattoo scene like in South Florida?

The South Florida tattoo scene is like no other. I couldn’t imagine a better tattoo destination. Clients travel from all over the country to get tattooed in the sunshine state.

How do you choose your Blaklist members?

The selection for Allegory Blaklist members is always based on the art. We like to work with artists that have their own individual style, that’s what stands out the most us. We’re always on the hunt for new art and all-around genuine people.

How many tattoos do you have, and which is your favourite?

I’ve honestly lost count over the years. I usually go by sessions because the pain is always memorable. As for my favourite tattoo, it would have to be my sleeve by Javier Antunez. We’re about five sessions in with probably five more to go.

Which artists are doing amazing work right now?

Tattooing as a whole is on a whole new level right now. It’s pretty insane to see styles and design methods continue to advance over the years. I’ve recently been able to work with one of my favourite artists, Shi Ryu out of Seoul, South Korea. I love the bodysuits he creates and the amount of commitment that goes into each piece. Shi Ryu is definitely doing big things, so be on the lookout!

What do you think will be the next big thing in tattooing?

I feel like AI is taking the industry by storm. I myself am all for AI. There are a lot of older artists that frown on this method, but I feel like you have to stay with the trends, especially if it improves your overall design process. In my opinion application is always important, but a tattoo is nothing with a good composition.

What do you get up to outside of work?

Outside of work I love travelling the most, if that’s considered a hobby. There’s nothing like visiting a new country and creating new memories. Other than travelling, I enjoy collecting sneakers, and I’ve recently found a love for collecting Pokémon Cards as well!

Will we see the Allegory Ink team at any conventions in 2024?

Of course! The UK is starting to become my home away from home, so we plan to attend most of the main shows in 2024. As of now we’ll be at the Brighton Tattoo Convention in February, and the Leeds Tattoo Expo in June. Other than the UK, we have shows scheduled throughout the States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Australia and the Philippines. We’re dubbing next year the “Allegory World Tour!”

What’s next for Marquis Gratia and Allegory Ink?

The next big thing for us is our European expansion. With the release of our EU REACH-compliant ink coming up in January, we plan on making Allegory a household name.

Thank you Marquis for taking the time to answer all our burning questions about Allegory Ink!