British tattoo artist Joe Frost creates bold neo-traditional tattoos from his own White Boar Tattoo studio in Sheffield.

From large and intricate sleeves to smaller neo-trad pieces, Joe’s style is adaptable across animals, people and scenery, and takes inspiration from British history.

We talk to Joe about how he set up his very own studio in the heart of Sheffield, the story behind his Tudor obsession, and the true meaning of Christmas.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I got a degree in illustration in my early twenties - I just wanted to draw, really! Around the same time, I started to get tattooed and it suddenly clicked as something I felt like I could excel at.

I went around tattoo studios in Sheffield and ended up at Thou Art, which at the time was looking for a receptionist, but I was lucky enough to be offered an apprenticeship under James Aitken, which was great as he knew everyone in the industry and introduced me to a lot of people. I was lucky enough to work at some really good conventions quite early on in my career because of him, which I’m very thankful for. 

Which tattoo artists do you most admire?

I’d say Lus Lips more than anyone. I’ve been lucky enough to be tattooed by him various times - my arm, hands, and backpiece. He’s not just a good tattooist but a tremendous artist: the knowledge of art and history behind his work is unmatched in my opinion.

Who is your favourite non-tattoo artist?

I have quite a few, as I try and find inspiration and motivation away from tattooing quite often. I have a keen interest in history, I really like the baroque period as it’s so decorative and full of symbolism. Artists from this period such as Van Dyke and Rubens are always a constant inspiration.

How would you describe your personal style of tattoo art?

I’ve always been described as neo-traditional which I don’t mind, but I never set out to be part of a particular genre, I feel like I’ve always done my own thing. I’m definitely drawn to certain things in my work like patterns, flowing shapes and linework, and these things run through all my tattoos.

What’s your favourite theme to tattoo?

That’s a very difficult question! I like things with a story or theme running through them, especially on larger projects. I’m obviously drawn to historical and mythological pieces, but that being said, one of my favourite sleeves I’ve ever done was just an arm full of fruit and vegetables!

What makes for a particularly challenging tattoo?

I don’t do simplicity very well for a start, I struggle leaving empty space! I think getting the design right is more important than the tattoo almost, and it can take some negotiation!

How do you get the best pictures of your tattoos?

I‘m terrible at taking photos of my tattoos, I just hope for the best! I have an area in the studio I like to take photos where the light is a bit darker, but even this can change depending on the client’s skin, the weather outside, etc…it’s the worst part of tattooing!

What are the most fun animals and plants to tattoo, in your opinion?

Usually ones I haven’t done too often before I find more challenging and therefore more fun. I find in neo-traditional you get asked to do a lot of the same animals, but it can be fun trying to draw these animals in new exciting ways to keep it fresh.

Can you tell us how you went about setting up your own tattoo studio, White Boar?

I’d been tattooing in a private studio for five years and I felt ready to get a bigger space that felt more permanent. I also really wanted a shop front, which was something lacking in the private studio!

Who else works with you at White Boar Tattoo and what can you tell us about them?

I work with TJ, Benji, Louise and Colton, and I feel very fortune to have found a great group of people to work with. We’re all motivated and the mood of the shop is always good. We also do quite varied work which keeps things fresh - seeing how differently we approach the same subject matter, for example.

What’s the tattoo community like in Sheffield?

I wouldn’t say Sheffield is the cultural centre of tattooing in the UK, but the styles done by varied artists here is wide ranging. I do feel like the city suffers in some ways being so close to Manchester and Leeds, which have a much more vibrant tattoo scene. But it is very centrally located in the UK, so I do find my clients come from all parts of the UK which is great.

Can you talk us through your workstation?

I use Dan Kubin machines to line and Wayne Taylors to shade, mainly using Black Claw needles for both . I’m considering switching to a wireless rotary machine, maybe after Christmas is out of the way. I use Starbrite Ink mainly for my colour work.

Do you experiment much with black and grey, or are you all about the colour?

I love tattooing black and grey, I just don’t get asked for it as often as colour and therefore it doesn’t get shown as much! I also find it hard to photograph sometimes when its fresh compared to healed.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

The actual tattooing - which sounds a bit obvious - but I sometimes find the amount of drawing/emails/shop admin a bit relentless. It’s nice to actually sit down and just do my job a lot of the time!

Where does your obsession with history - especially the Tudors - come from?

When I was young my parent used to drag me around National Trust houses, and it’s kind of brainwashed me into loving places like that now; not only for their history, but the wealth of art which I find great for reference pictures.

What would be your dream tattoo project?

Maybe a historical scene. I’d love to do a specific battle scene as a sleeve, for example.

Do you like to experiment with any different styles, or do you want to?

I feel like I’ve built up a client base and reputation based on a very specific style, so changing this would be difficult from a business sense. However, there are things I would like to push more in my work and experiment with, but I never seem to make the time to try these things out in the drawing phase!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’t have much really! Outside of tattooing, I like to make sure I go to the gym most days - I feel like doing something physical counters sitting on my butt all day at work!

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

I don’t even know! I guess a sleeve is classed as one tattoo…I still have plenty of space on my legs but I haven’t actually been tattooed now for about four years, I don’t have the tolerance for it much anymore! I don’t think I could pick a favourite, they all have something about them I really like.

Are you planning on going to any conventions in 2023?

Yes, I’m going to be working the Gods of Ink convention in Frankfurt in April which I’m excited about.

What’s your favourite - or least favourite - thing about Christmas?

I don’t like how early it starts with advertising - as soon as Halloween is done it’s relentless! I do like Christmas though, as I’ve got older it’s become more about spending time with my family rather than presents.

What’s Santa bringing you this year?

A break from work haha! I would like a new shader machine if he’s reading this though…

What does the future hold for Joe Frost?

I think it’s important to keep pushing yourself and not become stale. I love painting, so I’d really like to make more time for that, plus it’s a great way to experiment with new things without it being permanent on someone’s skin!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this faintly festive chat with Joe Frost - make sure to follow him on Instagram and check out the other artists at White Boar Tattoo in Sheffield!