Ethan Pinnok, Ben Stokes and many more have all walked through the doors of West London Ink, a tattoo studio which has sat on Boston Road, Hanwell for the last four years but whose owner has been part of the community for many more. 

Ealing Nub News spoke with founder of West London Ink, David, who feels "very lucky" with the immense support he has received over the years by locals and celebrities.  

Although not coming from a tattoo background himself, David was able to bring together "the best" artists from around the country into his Ealing studio. 

"At any one time I've got between four and seven artists," says David. "I've got one of the best portrait artists in the country, neo-traditionalist artist." 

But aside from tattoos, removals and piercings, West London Ink has also mentored the next generation of artist through its apprenticeship offering.  

David explains: "(Every artist) that's ever come through our doors has usually done an apprenticeship with us, which would be about two years. 

"And then as you go along, one of the main artists would take someone underneath their wings and then teach them how to become a tattooist." 

Being able to not only give people tattoos that they (hopefully) cherish for life, but to provide opportunities to budding artist is something David is extremely proud of. 

"It is lovely," admits the founder. "These are their hobbies, doing art when they were kids at home drawing on a notebook, so its lovely when they can go on to get paid for it." 

However, aside from customers seeking tattoos of their favourite flower or life motto, David also works with clients who want a portrait of a late loved one as a lasting tribute, as well as those who self-harm and need "cover-ups."

David says: "We do a lot of cover ups for self-harm. People come in and you just don't know their problems.  

"There are so many kids now in school that are cutting themselves and sometimes the only option you have in years to come is to put a tattoo over them (the scars)." 

Although he has "seen it all", there are certain designs David does not allow his artists to touch.  

David says: "People come in looking for names of their ex partners. Well that's pointless. Names of your partners I get but names of you ex I don't. 

"There's still a lot of a lot of weird requests out there...we have to be careful, but we are an experienced studio." 

Reflecting on his 14 years in the industry, David still enjoys seeing customers walk through his doors, getting to know more about them and why they want a tattoo with West London Ink.  

The owner says: "It's just been amazing. Being able to sit there and talk to customers. They're nervous (when they come in) but by the time they leave, I've kind of got know them a bit more. 

"We've had people come in on their 18th birthday to start their tattoo sleeve and then we have people come in that are 80 years old so being able to help people like that, it's amazing." 

To find out more about West London Ink and its services, click here.

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