Sponsored Artist of the Month - Špendlo

Slovakian-born Špendlo is an artist creating bright and bold new school tattoos.

From his own Painapple Studio in Slovakia and in guest spots across Europe and the United States, he’s left behind a trail of vibrant, graffiti-inspired works of art in the skin of his clients.

We chatted to the award-winning artist about his inspirations, brushes with the law, and the most interesting tattoo he’s ever been asked to do.

What was life like before you became a tattoo artist?

Since I was a little kid I have lived the life of an artist, drawing on t-shirts for the whole neighbourhood in my hometown, painting pictures and holding private showings to sell my art. In addition to this, I was doing graffiti and also airbrush at the time, which brought not only trouble with the law but also many paid jobs painting interiors or exteriors. I have never in my life had a proper job.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

I have always been surrounded by people who were creating something and among them there were also tattoo artists. So one might say I was only one step away from becoming one of them.

How did you come up with the name Špendlo?

My name Špendlo is basically a short version of “Špendlik” which means “a pin” in the Slovak language. But to answer the question, I have to say I got it because I have always been the smallest one in my group of friends.

How do you describe your tattoo art style?

I would say the most specific thing about my style is the way I use colours: bright, saturated colours with bold lines. Another characteristic mark is that I try to avoid minimalistic details so the tattoo will still look great even after a few years. The category I register my tattoos with at conventions is “new school”.

Where do you find artistic inspiration?

Nowadays, in the world of the internet, it’s pretty easy to find inspiration. There are plenty of new innovative tattoo artists or other artists in general, who inspire my art on a daily basis. Nevertheless, when it comes to inspiration, the customer represents a huge part.

How much time do you spend at your respective studios, Custom Made Ink and Painapple Tattoo?

Painapple Tattoo is my own studio in Slovakia, where I also live. It’s the place where I spend most of my time compared to other studios where I work, but to be precise I work 10 times a year in Copenhagen (at Custom Made Ink). Plus I’m regularly doing guest spots in New York (at Magic Cobra, formerly Leathernecks Tattoo) and Germany (at Tattoo Twenty Five studio).

What is the tattoo scene like in Denmark and Slovakia?

There are a huge number of great artists in both countries. These days it’s not hard to find or buy good quality tattoo equipment, so the path to skills is way easier than it was 20 years ago when I started. That’s why it’s not possible for me to keep watching and being aware of all those amazing new artists who rise with breakneck speed!

Who do you work alongside in the studios?

Mostly I work with these three artists: July Kacerova, Peter Skriba and Jiri Zmetek Vintr.

What is your design process?

It’s always about the communication with a customer who usually gives all the necessary information through email, which includes the placement, size, and the basic idea. It can also contain pictures for inspiration so I can see what the customer likes. Afterwards I do a raw sketch which we modify at the session if needed.

What’s the best thing about your job?

It’s freedom, undeniably. I could never work under someone’s supervision knowing that I simply cannot make free time whenever I want or need.

What tattoo equipment do you use?

The main equipment I use is my Inkjecta machine, as well as KWADRON needles and Starbrite inks. To be honest, I don’t have any other favourite brands of consumables, but I’m fond of scrolling through the Killer Ink shop, discovering new things there, but rarely trying them out.

Which tattoo artists do you most admire?

The most admirable artists for me are those who draw their own designs or at least they try to create something new. I admire artists who can improvise and do freestyle, rather than just copy paste and do the regular collages of pictures in Photoshop. Basically, real creative artists.

Have you won any awards you’d like to brag about?

I have won over 60 awards at tattoo conventions! I value most those I get in Poland (Krakow), not just because of the great organisation of the convention but also because of the great selection of tattoo artists.

If you could only tattoo one type of animal forever, extinct or still living, what would it be?

I could do pets on a daily basis, but if I could choose only one kind of animal, it would definitely be mandrills, because of their colours and the possibility to modify their shape.

What are your favourite inks to use?

Currently I’m using Starbrite inks, however every brand has its strengths and flaws, that’s why I work occasionally with Eternal inks.

Do you still do any graffiti?

For me graffiti means only the illegal stuff, which is spraying trains or the walls of streets. I used to love the rush, the excitement and adrenaline, but I don’t do that anymore as I have found something I love more, and that is tattooing. Nowadays I use sprays for something much less dangerous and illegal, which is painting murals or festival walls.

What’s the strangest tattoo you’ve been asked to design?

Once there was this customer who didn’t care what I would tattoo on his skin, the only condition was nothing offensive. He didn’t want to see the sketch or the tattoo I made on his back. I put a huge hamburger there and he said, “I want to see how many days I can avoid looking at it – when I finally do, you can add that number of days underneath the tattoo.” He came back after two years.

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

That’s a tricky question. I’m not sure how to count them if it’s part of a sleeve, but I have both arms, full back, and calf all around. For sure I would love to have more but the older I get, the more painful it is.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am the guy who is always on the move. I don’t mind being alone, spending quality time doing things I like which is snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding and paddleboarding. In addition to this, I ride a motorbike, which is a real passion for me.