Notable Neo Traditional Tattoos: Think Before You Ink’s Q&A With Tattoo Artist Rusty Lloyd

By Sidra Lackey

Russell “Rusty” Lloyd, attributes the 2005-2008 tattoo reality show Miami Ink, a catalyst in jump-starting his tattoo career. However, he grew up in a family in Malaysia that already embraced tattoo culture. He has an aptitude for Neo Traditional style tattooing and has been tattooing for nearly a decade. He frequently guest spots internationally in tattoo shops and at conventions — from Macau to Taiwan. He can currently be found at Red Baron Ink in New York City’s West Village.

Think Before You Ink had the pleasure of picking Rusty’s brain for a fresh interview:

THINK BEFORE YOU INK: Where did you grow up? And did that have an impact on you becoming a tattoo artist? (ex: Were you around tattoo culture via your family / friends / people in your neighborhood?)

RUSTY LLOYD: I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Most of my relatives have tattoos so I was familiar with tattoos. I remember when I started watching Miami Ink, the reality TV show. I found it very interesting. That kinda opened my eyes.

TBYI: How long have you been a tattoo artist?

RL: It’s been 8 years since I've been tattooing professionally.

TBYI: Did you choose to be a tattoo artist or did tattooing choose you? (ex: did you always want to be an artist or did you fall into it?) 

RL: I was always into art since I was young. And yes I did choose to be a tattoo artist because I was mesmerized by the art of tattoos and tattoo culture.

TBYI: Who are the tattoo artists you look up to or who inspires you? And why? 

RL: Ami James, Freddy Corbin and Mike Rubendall. I feel they are the trailblazers in the tattoo industry. I’ve always been drawn to their work.

TBYI: Did you have a tattoo apprenticeship or were you self-taught?

RL: Yes, I went through 5 years of apprenticeship.

TBYI: Do you think tattoo artist’s tattoos should be regarded as art, even if the tattooist doesn’t have a formal art background? Why or why not?

RL: Having an art background is a benefit but it’s not necessary. If your heart is in the right place and tattooing is something you really want to pursue, you can go for it.

TBYI: What is your style specialty when it comes to tattooing? Is there a style you feel you want to get better at?

RL: I’ve been doing Neo Traditional style a lot lately. I’d love to keep improving my skill set for Neo Traditional style.

TBYI: What types of tattoos do you enjoy and dislike doing most? 

RL: Neo Traditional style is what I enjoy the most. I don’t really have a style that I dislike but I don’t do Realism.

TBYI: How do you collaborate with a client on a piece who has no / little idea what they want? Do you prefer that or do you prefer if a client already has a set idea on a piece?

RL: I usually ask if clients have anything they like or they’re interested in so I can have some place to start. I prefer clients who have ideas so I can get some inspiration to design.

TBYI: There’s many changes happening within the tattoo industry currently: from ink colors being banned to inks being linked to cancer, to there being “made-to-fade” ink and even light sensitive ink that can “turn on” and off supposedly. Tattoos can now be turned into NFTs too. What do you think about all these innovations yet setbacks? How do you think tattoos and the tattoo industry will evolve further over the next few years into the next decade?

RL: I feel like all arts are intertwined in some way. The only difference is using different materials and tools. Tattooists use skin as a paper, machine as a brush and ink as paint, you

know. I am feeling optimistic that tattooing is more accepted by more people. I feel like the

tattoo industry will keep evolving and that will lead tattoo artists to have more opportunities.

TBYI: Do you have any advice for tattoo artists in training or those just thinking about entering the tattoo industry as a tattoo artist?

RL: A fellow tattoo artist who has been tattooing for a decade once told me: “It’s easy to

become a tattoo artist but it’s not easy to become a good one.” If you’re really passionate

about tattooing and this is something you really want to achieve as a career, go with your

gut. Keep pushing and be humble. And one more thing: I recommend doing a proper

apprenticeship so you can have a mentor who can guide you in the right direction.

You can follow Rusty on IG @rustylloydtattoo