New all styles tattoo shop opens in Newark Nottinghamshire operated by Scarlet Meade

A new tattoo shop in the town centre offers a relaxing space that caters to all styles of tattooing.

Calypso Tattoo which is on the first floor of South Church House at 25/26 Market Square, Newark is owned by Scarlet Meade.

The shop is clean, light, and tucked away with a beautiful view of the Newark parish church.

Scarlet has previously tattooed in Birmingham and more recently worked at Living Colour in Lincoln.

Scarlet said she has always wanted to have her own studio.

When the opportunity came up to open one in her hometown, she decided to create her own space and branch out.

"I do a bit of everything when it comes to tattooing and I enjoy doing a bit of everything.

"I like not having to do the same thing every day and I like being challenged.

"It keeps things interesting for me, it's great.

"I am really lucky that I've been taught across all areas of tattooing quite well and I do it all."

Scarlet loves to draw and says in the evening she works on her art.

She added that she watches a lot of artists on YouTube and enjoys seeing others who are good at their craft.

"It is a bit of a unique situation," said Scarlet about opening her shop.

"A lot of talented artists have left Newark and I am moving back in.

"It is a good thing for the town because people have said they are happy that there is an artist that can do every style of tattooing.

"I love doing tattoos that make me uncomfortable to do because I feel like that when I put my mind to it, it normally turns out a lot better than I had envisioned.

"That is a great feeling.

"I love drawing and I love art.

"I've never wanted to work in an office and this is a dream, I cannot believe that I am doing it now."

Scarlet said that a lot goes into tattooing and that her education in the craft had prepared her for opening a shop.

"A lot of people buy a machine off Amazon and teach themselves, then think they can make a lot of money.

"They are marking people's skin and it is irritating to people who have learned how to tattoo correctly.

"It is not a good way to go, there is a science behind tattooing and it is important to learn properly.

"Tattooing is a great responsibility, there are a lot of places popping up and not all of them are good.

"It is upsetting how much tattoo repair work and cover-ups that I do.

"The first thing I was taught is to get your line good.

"It is just not about drawing the line on the skin, it is about how deep you go into the skin.

"If you don't know the science behind it, learning about skin, how many layers there are, and how deep you go is vitally important."

Scarlet said she loves what she does and normally works six days a week.

The studio provides a safe space that is not crowded and is a welcoming environment for people who have been tattooed a lot or complete first-timers.

A lot of work has gone into the space with hours of painting and decorating completed by the artist and her partner.

"We probably removed ten layers of wallpaper," said Scarlett.

"I am incredibly proud of the work we have put into it."

Scarlett has had clients follow her to her new shop and has attracted new clients as well.

Scarlet's Instagram handles are: @scarmeadetattoos and @calypsoinktattoo

You can find her on Facebook at Scar Meade Tattoos.

There are several tattoo studios in Newark now but Scarlett said that did not put her off opening a new shop.

"It doesn't bother me," said Scarlett.

"I encourage people to look around, I know my work is of good quality.

"It is nice to have competition.

"It is not unusual, if you look at Lincoln or Nottingham there are a lot of shops.

"People have been really happy so far and I have been very busy.

“I am always happy to welcome new clients.”