blog

Meet Matt Potts.

Welcome to our Artist Spotlight series. Today, we're thrilled to feature Matt Potts, a boundary-pushing creative force known for their dark sense of humour and traditional tattoo style illustrations. Join us as we explore the inspirations, techniques, and stories behind his captivating artistry. Let's dive in!

For those uninitiated, introduce us to Matt Potts and tell us how you became Matt Potts, the artist?

I’m a graphic designer and illustrator with a macabre sense of humour. I’ve always had a chronic creative itch I’ve needed to scratch but unfortunately I can't always sneak eyeballs and severed fingers into my day job, so I draw weird stuff for myself in the pursuit of creative fulfilment.

Matt Potts blind maggot

 

Your style blends elements of graphic design and the iconography of traditional tattoo culture, underpinned by a self confessed dark humour - what and who would you say have been the biggest influences on your work?

When I first fired up Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on the PS1 and a little eyeball bounced across the screen then got impaled by a spear, I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. Since then I’ve had had a morbid curiosity and dark sense of humour that I like to inject into my work.


Traditional tattooing is by far my biggest influence. I love its simplicity, the beefy line work, anatomical inaccuracies, lack of a realistic light source and I just don’t think I’ll ever get bored of seeing skulls, snakes and panthers.


Designing icons in my day job has definitely influenced my drawing process, I really enjoy reducing things down to something really simplistic then cranking up the line weight so you’re not going to miss it even at a distance.

bone head

 

How has your work evolved over your career so far?

I’ve definitely focused in on traditional tattoo designs and tried to bring my own twist to that. I’m still evolving and refining my craft, I still create things I’m not happy with and that’s okay, I just learn what I can from my failings and try and do better next time.

 

Tell us about your creative process & where do you draw inspiration for your work?

I get a lot of inspiration from tattoo artists like Adam Hudson and Dan Allen. Scrolling through Instagram will often spark some creative fire in me.


I’ve been writing a list of design ideas for about 7 years now, a lot of them are pun based and not all of them are good. Whenever an idea comes to me that I find mildly amusing I’ll pop it on the list. 


I’ll start out by doing a quick sketch of an idea on paper, then I’ll jump on the laptop and try and create it on Illustrator. I like restricting myself to drawing with mostly just circles and squares, it brings an element of problem solving to the drawing process that I really enjoy. 

Matt Potts bonehead


What creative avenues, processes and styles do you want explore in your work that you have yet to try?

I definitely want to get a bit looser, throw in a few more wonky lines and explore texture like some nice peppery whip shading. I want my designs to get weirder, darker and more surreal.


I’d love to go for a tattoo apprenticeship, I’m just not able to fully commit to it at the minute so until then I’m going to learn to paint flash.

 

Tell us about the inspiration behind this latest Bonehead collection?

What’s cooler than a skull? That’s right, nothing. I wanted to design something unique to Blind Maggot, so inspired by the awesome brand name I wanted to find a way to combine an eyeball, maggot and a skull. I hope this chap is dark and humorous in equal measure, and people get as much enjoyment from it as I had designing it.

 

How does it feel seeing people wearing in your work in real world settings?

I love seeing how people react to my work whether its a groan, pained smile or even a laugh. I don’t want to get soppy but it’s awesome when someone likes your work enough to wear it, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on my vegan sausage roll clogged insides.

blind maggot bonehead

Where can people go and find out more about you & your work?

I’m a bit quiet online, mostly my work gathers dust in folders on my laptop but when I do share things with the world I usually do it on Instagram @mattpottstattoo

 

Grab yourself a Matt Potts, Bonehead t-shirt here : https://www.blindmaggot.co.uk/products/bonehead-by-matt-potts-collab-limited-edition-t-shirt

bonehead t-shirt blind maggot

19 febrero 2024 — Emily Rosier-Parker

Young people living in tiny homes

The rise of the tiny home has been gaining traction over the years and it’s little surprise why. These innovative living solutions are the only solution for many young people today. According to the BBC, a whopping 40% of young adults cannot afford to buy one of the cheapest homes in their area in the UK, but are also facing unaffordable rents across most of Britain. 

Many young people are embracing the creative nature of the tiny house boom. Alongside the financial appeal, alternative living is an enticing fantasy for those feeling more and more disillusioned by modern living, the rat race and the system at large. The pull of living a self-sustainable, off-grid life might even lower your carbon footprint too.

Here are some of the coolest tiny living solutions…

Canal Boats

The trend of trading city life for a home on the water is one solution several young people have taken up, but it seems particularly popular with Londoners. Also known as narrowboats or houseboats, living in a canal boat is a viable option. If you choose to continuously cruise, it only costs £800 a year for your insurance and boat licence and you can moor up wherever you want as long as you stay no longer than 2 weeks. This has led to people like 24-year-old Matthew Winters living in some beautiful parts of London including: Broadway Market, Angel, Camden, and Little Venice, for a fraction of the price.

Van Life

Another popular option for the nomads among you is to live life on the road. There are some pretty cool options out there from vans to converted library buses and even double decker buses. This is definitely something to look into if you like the traveling lifestyle and want to see more of the country, or even the world. It’s very common to see little log burners for that cosy experience and ingenious space-saving ideas in action.

Image Source: Quirky Campers

Check out the story of Meg, Josh and daughter Marlowe who are living off solar power in their 6.9m by 2m Mercedes Sprinter.
Image Source: BBC

Converted Shipping Containers

If you want a bit more space, have a bit of land you can put it on and are looking for a more stationary option, converting a shipping container could be the option for you. It gives you that little more space and width to add homey touches, while keeping costs low. If you have D.I.Y skills, this is a project to get your teeth into, but there are companies converting ready-to-use tiny homes which still cost considerably less than a conventional home.
Aubrey and Clare Fry live with their dog in a shipping container on a piece of family land. They spent up to £30,000 creating the entire home.
Image Source: BBC

Need more inspiration? Check out these YouTube channels:

Living Big In A Tiny House https://www.youtube.com/c/livingbig/about
Wherever you live and whatever size your home, keep cosy in winter, breezy in summer, and looking cool always with the latest vegan threads from Blind Maggot.
10 agosto 2021 — Sarah Rachel
The Growth of the UK Craft Beer Scene and its Customers

The Growth of the UK Craft Beer Scene and its Customers

When it comes to craft beer, the experience goes way beyond the bubbles. There’s a reason hipsters have hopped onto this growing liquid trend - craft beer has a huge focus on community and culture. It’s more than just beer, it’s a vibe.

Image by Campervan Brewery, Edinburgh
According to Wikipedia a craft brewery or microbrewery is 'a brewery that produces small amounts of beer, typically less than large breweries, and is often independently owned. Such breweries are generally perceived and marketed as having an emphasis on enthusiasm, new flavours, and varied brewing techniques'.
Frothing at the mouth to find out more? Crack open a cold one as we dive into the delicious details…

Consumers Love Craft Beer

What do you think of when you picture craft beer? A hipster with a quirky new brew? A middle-aged man with a punky attitude? While we totally dig that idea, the reach of independent breweries goes beyond a simple stereotype. With year-on-year growth in the UK, the microbrewery and craft beer sector is soaking up a lot of great business success.
Craft beer on-trade sales volume in the United Kingdom from 2015-2019

In fact, UHY Hacker Young says, "55 new brewery companies were incorporated just during the first lockdown between March 16 and June 1 2020," meaning not even a global pandemic is stopping the incorporation of new craft beer breweries.


Spreading Like Spilt Beer

According to Brewer Journal, there are now a whopping 3,018 breweries in the UK. 
Here are just 10 with raving reviews:
  1. North Laine Brewhouse, Brighton
  2. Kirkstall Brewery, Leeds
  3. Beavertown Brewery, London  
  4. Mad Squirrel, Hertfordshire
  5. Orkney Brewery, Orkney Islands 
  6. Magic Rock Brewing, Huddersfield
  7. Campervan Brewery, Edinburgh
  8. The Twisted Brewing Co, Westbury
  9. Black Flag Brewery, Perranporth
  10. Steel Brew Co, Plymouth
Mad Squirrel beer cans


The Top Dog

According to Statista, as of 2019 BrewDog was the leading craft beer brand ranked by sales in the United Kingdom. BrewDog's sales were almost eight times that of its strongest competitor.
Leading craft beer brands in terms of sales value in the United Kingdom in 2019 (in million British pounds)
With beer names such as Elvis Juice, Punk IPA and Mallow Laser Quest, BrewDog is overflowing with culture and attitude. Community is such a huge part of their brand that they’ve dedicated an entire section of their website to it, featuring events and several pages on their culture.

Brands Collaborating With Craft Beer Companies

Craft beer companies are lapping up the opportunity to work with big and small brands alike. British Airways teamed up with BrewDog to create the world's first beer brewed on a flying airplane. This incredibly unique beer was developed for the 100 year anniversary of the aviation company.
These opportunities aren’t just overflowing for huge companies. Business deals and collaborations between younger brands are pouring out among the craft brew community. For example, Pennsylvanian brewers Dancing Gnome teamed up with nature-inspired illustration artist Rosalie Haizlett on a series of beers celebrating the freshwater ecology. This wrapped up culture, community and creativity in the context of a collaboration.
If this blog has got you reaching for a cold one to savour, make sure you do so while rocking a fresh new look. Check out our latest threads to accompany your hoppy sidekick.
09 julio 2021 — Sarah Rachel
Getting your first tattoo: what you need to know

Getting your first tattoo: what you need to know

Love tattoos but yet to go under the needle? In this blog, we will be answering the biggest FAQs about the tattoo process. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Does it hurt?”, “Are they safe?” or "What should I get?” read on…

Here is everything you need to know about getting your first tattoo.


Does it hurt?

The sensation of having a tattoo can be described as a heavy scratch. You may feel stinging or vibrations from the tattoo gun. The process of tattooing involves piercing the skin, so it makes sense for a tattoo to hurt a little. That being said, pain thresholds vary so some people are happy to sit in the chair all day while others tap out much sooner.

Is it worth it? Hell yes. Even though tattooing can be sore, the pain doesn’t last long in comparison with the length of time you get to enjoy the art on your skin. If you can put up with a little pain, get ready for an awesome start to your walking art collection. 

Some parts of the body are expected to be more painful than others. Tattoos directly over bone have a notoriously bad rep for agony, so for your first tattoo maybe steer clear of elbows and knees.

Thinking of using numbing cream? They’re not always recommended as some can interfere with the ink. Talk to your tattoo artist to ensure you won’t be compromising the quality of the art. They may have their own recommendations for a quality product they trust, or give you further advice.

Are they safe?

Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin, so there should be measures in place to make sure you and your artist are safe and the environment is sanitary. Always get ink from a reputable artist in a licensed premises. The artist should follow recommended procedures such as: wearing gloves, covering the tattooing surface and sanitising the work space.

If you’re paying dirt cheap, alarm bells should ring. Go to a reputable artist at a studio that abides by good practices. This can come at a cost, but it’s worth it to limit risks to your health and the standard of the art that you’ll get. If your tattoo artist follows proper safety guidelines, tattooing is safe.


Be sure to disclose any relevant health information to your artist prior to getting tattooed. This includes: heart conditions, diabetes, haemophilia, HIV, hepatitis, allergies, epilepsy, pregnancy or being 6 months postpartum. You should also let your artist know if you are on relevant medications. 
Once you have your tattoo, follow aftercare advice and keep the tattooed area clean to avoid the risk of infection. 

What’s the cost?

Prices vary between artists, studios, design size and the intricacies of the art. You can expect to pay less for a flash design and more for a bespoke piece, but generally the price reflects the amount of time you’ll be spending in the chair. 

Do your research before booking in. Usually, you get what you pay for. Remember, this a permanent piece of body art, so it’s worth paying to get something you love. 

What should I get and where?

Tattoos are all about preference. Different artists specialise in different styles so take your time finding out what you like and find a tattoo artist who can make that a reality for you.
Your artist may want to know the part of your body you’d like tattooed while booking, so look up designs on social media and save all the ones you could imagine having yourself. Notice patterns in the placement, positioning and style of the designs you like. Consider future tattoos too so your first design will fit in with the overall look you want. 


For your first tattoo, it might be worth starting small so you can get familiar with the sensation. If your pain threshold is lower than you’d hoped, you don’t want to get part way through a tattoo only to call it a day.

On the day of your tattoo, your tattoo artist will create a stencil of the tattoo. Play around with the angle to get the positioning perfect. If you’re not completely happy with it, don’t hesitate to ask for the stencil to be repositioned or slightly resized. 

How can I look after my tattoo?

Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare advice. If you’re not sure, just ask. Any good tattoo artist will give you helpful advice to ensure the best possible care, including recommending ointments, products and practices. 
While your tattoo is healing:
  • Keep it clean and dry
  • Wash it gently a few times a day
  • Apply ointment after washing
  • Avoid soaking in water e.g. swimming or bathing
  • Avoid excessive direct sunlight
Enjoy your new tattoo! Pair it with something from our hardcore collection to complete your look.
09 junio 2021 — Sarah Rachel
MCR Reunion: The Californian Experience

MCR Reunion: The Californian Experience

What it was like being at their first show in 7 years…

As every music fan eagerly looks forward to the world opening up once more and live music being safe and available again, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the last gig I went to: the iconic and long-awaited first reunion show of My Chemical Romance in California. 

Rumours had been circulating about the band’s reunion from the moment they split, and it turned out that some of the conspiracy theories were, in fact, true. MCR had teased a reunion in the Danger Days video for Na Na Na. While some explain that My Chem initially scheduled the California 2019 date to be held as a one-off event, the show sold out in under 4 minutes and MCR went on to announce a full-blown worldwide tour.
California reunion hinted at in this screenshot of the MCR Na Na Na video on YouTube.

On December 20th 2019, I joined the gang of eyeliner-ed individuals flocking to Los Angeles’ Shine Expo Hall, excited by the electric atmosphere and apprehensive of seeing the king of emo in the flesh. I got my merch, found a good spot in the crowd, and vowed not to pee so I wouldn’t lose the good view. MCR had promised to give me a show to remember and I’m not okay…

Now, I hadn’t seen MCR back in their heyday. Some friends of mine had managed to catch the emo gods during The Black Parade Tour in 2007. I’d heard stories of Gerard Way arriving on a stretcher, in full skeleton makeup, and a theatrical performance from start to end, so there was a lot of expectation to live up to… but it turns out I wasn’t alone. Roughly three-quarters of the room raised their hands to indicate that this was their first-ever MCR show too! Even Halsey and Brendon Urie were reportedly among several celebs to attend the performance.
The intro was the drama I’d been hoping for, with a long intro and the opening dialogue from I’m Not Okay (I Promise), before the huge stone angel curtain fell revealing an understated Gerard Way sporting his newly-beloved dad bod and Ray Toro with the most enormous Cheshire Cat grin… and the rest of the band looking like they hadn’t missed a day in the life of rock ‘n’ roll. Of course they ended on Welcome To The Black Parade and in between this emo sandwich were flavours that ripped from every album… and they sounded just as good as the records.

The full setlist:

I’m Not Okay (I Promise)
Thank You For The Venom
Give ’Em Hell, Kid
House Of Wolves
Summertime
You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison 
Make Room!!!!
Our Lady of Sorrows
Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
Sleep
Mama
I Don’t Love You
DESTROYA
Teenagers
S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W
Famous Last Words
The Kids From Yesterday
Encore:
Vampire Money
Helena
Welcome To The Black Parade

NME called the show ‘a triumphant, cathartic return’.
RollingStone states ‘it’s with this landmark concert that MCR ceases to be a nostalgic act, and proves its mettle as a timeless, rock & roll band for the ages’.
Consequence.net remark ‘The emo mainstays conquer a sold-out crowd and prove the seven year-wait was worth it’
While I was honoured to be part of the overly-excitable screaming crowd, if I’m totally honest… I wanted more theatrics. I wanted costumes and face paint, drama and pyrotechnics, but that may have exploded some minds irreversibly. There were several overwhelmed people crying without that level of awesome. After seeing the teasers for the worldwide tour, I’m hopeful that there will be more of the above included in upcoming shows. Having said that, it’s not lost on me how lucky I was to nab one of those highly sought-after tickets. This show broke records grossing nearly $1.5 million, and shortly after this show the tour was postponed due the coronavirus pandemic that swept the planet and shut down a lot of live music and international travel indefinitely.
MCR is due to continue their comeback in 2022.
04 mayo 2021 — Sarah Rachel
10 Skateboarding Tips From The Pros

10 Skateboarding Tips From The Pros

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, there’s always a way to step up your game. This is just one of the reasons that skating is such a rewarding activity. We’ve compiled this list of 10 top tips from the legends of the pro skating world, so you can take your skating to the next level.

1. Skate Your Own Game

Ryan Sheckler, star of the MTV show Life of Ryan and listed in Fox Weekly's ‘15 Most Influential Skateboarders of All-Time’, describes skateboarding as ‘pure freedom’. He says, “You don’t have to skate like anyone else or try the tricks that anyone else is doing.” 
Photo by Locale
Looking to others can be great for inspiration, but when you’re on your board, it’s all about what you bring to the table… so, clear your head and skate your game.
 

2. Get Back Up When You Fall

 
We’ve got a couple more tips from Ryan Sheckler, and this one is a lesson in resilience. He explains that it takes willpower to fall really hard, but to get back up and try again. “It teaches your brain how to never give up.” This dude really practices what he preaches, as in a 2015 interview he shared how he has broken his elbows a whopping 10 times!

3. Visualise All Your Tricks

Ryan Sheckler also shares how he visualises all his tricks. He says you should visualise ‘over and over’ your body position, the landing and how you want it to look.
“Maybe you will land your tricks, maybe you won’t… but that’s the risk you take and that’s exciting.” 
He’s not the only pro to preach visualisation. Bob Burnquist, the first skateboarder to land a ‘fakie 900’, has shared in interviews about the powerful tool of visualisation.

4. Practice Until You Could Do It Blindfolded 

Ok, let’s move onto Rodney Mullen, who is widely considered the most influential street skater in the history of the sport, being credited for inventing numerous tricks, including the flatground ollie, kickflip, heelflip, impossible, and 360-flip. In his book The Mutt: How to skateboard and not kill yourself, Mullen shares that part of his training schedule includes‘doing my runs over and over with my eyes closed’. Now, I’m not sure this fits the book title, but it goes to show just how much muscle memory Rodney Mullen has, how much he trains and how well he knows his board and tricks.
Photo by X Games

Some say practice makes perfect; others say practice makes progress. However, there’s no denying that practice is a huge component to being a competent skateboarder.

5. Think Of Skateboarding As Art 

Mark Gonzales, pioneer of modern street skateboarding, talks of art and skateboarding on the same level. He says, “Thinkof art and skateboarding as a way of conquering boredom and blues.”
Today, there is a lot of talk around mental health and how we can improve it. I think it’s interesting to hear a pro-skateboarder sharing about the use of skateboarding to conquer the  ‘blues’. If you think of skateboarding as more than a hobby, but a work of art and a channel to express your emotions, it opens up a whole world of possibility. 

6. You Have To Be Disciplined, Determined And Work Hard

Tony Hawk, probably the most recognisable name to those in and out of the skateboarding community because of his hugely successful video games, shares that being disciplined, determined and working hard are crucial to successful skating. In an interview, he shared that he actually believes he is not a natural skater. It was something he had to work on a lot, but his older brother was a surfer who also skated and some of his neighbourhood friends skated too, so he picked it up. As a result of his discipline and determination, he has skated almost everyday for 43 years! That’s putting in some serious skating hours.

Photo by Sony

 

7. You Can Start Skating At Any Age

Tony Hawk also shared that it’s not just for young people. Although he says, “Starting young helps with resilience and balance,” he doesn’t think you have to be young to be a skateboarder. In fact, he shares that there are plenty of facilities to try skating if you’re older. 

8. There Are So Many Tricks - Be Open

Back to pro Brazilian-American skateboarder Bob Burnquist. In an interview, he shared the frustration he had if he wasn’t learning multiple tricks a day, but when you are learning new tricks, it’s a process. Put in the work with the basics and you can always build, so keep progressing and pushing. 

“Whether you see it or not, in your mind you have to visualise it to materialise it.”

Photo by X Games
So be open to learning new tricks and find the belief to materialise what you can visualise.

9. It’s Not Only For Dudes

Elissa Steamer is a shining example of a woman who tore her way into the skateboarding hall of fame in 2015 as the pioneering female pro, paving the way for more women in the sport. 
 
Her achievements include:

- Being pro for Toy Machine, sponsored by Bootleg and riding for Zero
- Achieving 4 times X Games gold medalist in the women’s street division 
- Gaining multiple first place titles at Slam City Jam, Gravity Games, World Cup, Vans Triple Crown and the Malaysian X Games
- Being the first female to star in a Tony Hawk video game
- Being the most successful professional female skateboarder in history

Photo by My Hero
So if you’re a chick and you want to skate, there is opportunity out there for you.

10. Have A Fearless, Unapologetic Attitude

Let’s face it: you don’t make history by following the crowd and you can’t push boundaries without doing your own thing. The late Jay Adams was awarded the TWS Legend Award and was known for his attitude as described by even more of the greats of the skateboarding world. Steve Olson said Jay Adams had an attitude of “I couldn’t care less what you think. This is what I’m going to do, make it or not,” that he had 100% passion and commitment. Dave Hackett said Jay Adams was spontaneous and did things just because he would feel it. Lance Mountain described Jay Adams style as ‘emulating surfing’.

Photo by The Hundreds

The point is, Jay Adams wouldn’t be as revered as he is today if he hadn’t had an unapologetic attitude about doing his own thing, and this holds him in legend status amongst the skating pros.


Whether you’re effortlessly grinding rails or nailing your first ollie, kit up with threads the pros would be proud of. Check out our streetwear to level up your style while you level up your skills.
31 marzo 2021 — Sarah Rachel
How Old Are Your Favourite Emo Albums?

How Old Are Your Favourite Emo Albums?

It was never a phase mum, it’s a lifestyle. Prepare to feel ancient as we delve into not 5, not 10, but 15 of your all time favourite emo bands with their most memorable albums. 

Blink 182 - Enema Of The State (1999)

22 Years Old
With instantly recognisable intros and quotable lyrics, it’s hard to believe this album can legally drink in the US already. The album responsible for over-exaggerated American accents all across the globe, only topped by I Miss You on their 2003 self-titled album. Featuring Dumpweed, What’s My Age Again and All The Small Things, this Blink 182 album shaped a generation. 

Jimmy Eat World - Clarity (1999)

22 Years Old
It’s hard to find a fan sitting between the emo and rock genre of the early 90s-2000s who doesn’t know a song by Jimmy Eat World. Sweetness is among these widely recognisable tracks, only topped by The Middle in their following album Bleed American, which blended alt rock and emo and expanded their reach firmly into the mainstream.

Sum 41 - All Killer No Filler (2001)

20 Years Old
With generation-defining tracks still pumped out at alternative rave nights, Fat Lip and In Too Deep are just two of these that shaped the youth… who are no longer the youth. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in their late 20s to mid-30s who haven’t heard of this band, or these songs. 

Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends (2002)

19 Years Old
Covered by almost every cover band sharing their emo and alt rock influences, the iconic Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team) rang out from stages of cover bands in the 2000s. It’s extremely impressive that it came from Taking Back Sunday’s first studio album.

The Used - The Used (2002)

19 Years Old
The self-titled album (and first studio album of the band) features the same tracks as their demo album USED and hosts one of their most played (and most recognisable) tracks on Spotify, The Taste Of Ink. Having seen The Used perform only a little over a year ago at Belly Up Tavern in San Diego, I can confirm that they sound as good today as they did on this album, which was released a whopping 19 years ago!

Good Charlotte - The Young and The Hopeless (2002)

19 Years Old
This album sold more than 5 million copies worldwide, with one of their most famous tracks poking fun at Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, which is pretty ironic now. But their catchy tracks captured the thoughts and minds of the teens of the 2000s. Girls & Boys is a classic example of this.

Simple Plan - No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls (2002)

19 Years Old
So iconic that Simple Plan released a 15 year anniversary live version of the album. This is another debut studio album that took off, with the endearing I’m Just A Kid perfectly articulating teen melodrama.

Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue (2003)

18 Years Old
The title track graces any decent emo playlist. With chuggy guitars and melodic vocals, this album slots perfectly alongside any classic emo.

Green Day - American Idiot (2004)

17 Years Old
The angsty barre chords that introduced hopeful teens to simple guitar with heaps of attitude. This album really is a beautifully gritty piece of art, seamlessly transitioning through tangible themes and rockable riffs. From American Idiot, to Wake Me Up When September Ends, to Homecoming and beyond, every track works as a standalone piece as well as a crucial part of the album.

The All-American Rejects - Move Along (2005)

16 Years Old
As if their name wasn’t emo enough, Move Along placed this band in the hearts and minds of kids that revelled in the art of being a misfit. Dirty Little Secret and Move Along are the tracks that really stick in my mind when I think of this band bringing strong reminiscence of simpler times. 

Fall Out Boy - From Under The Cork Tree (2005)

16 Years Old
You ready to Dance, Dance? From the band who famously discovered Panic At The Disco and featured Kim Kardashian in a music video. This controversial crew brought us some of the longest and oddest track names such as Our Lawyer Made Us Change The Name Of This Song So We Wouldn’t Get Sued, this album features Sugar, We’re Going Down and firmly put Fall Out Boy on the map.

Panic At The Disco - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (2005)

16 Years Old
Before Panic dropped the exclamation mark from their name, in the early days of this emo sensation, Panic merged surrealism, steampunk and storytelling to seduce the ears of willing listeners. Panic is a landmark in the emo scene with an eclectic following, many of whom will go to extremes for a piece of singer Brendan Urie. 

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade (2006)

15 Years Old
From the band that has you reaching for the guy-liner. Although Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge houses the emo classic I’m Not Okay (I Promise) that is still belted out in rock clubs to this day, The Black Parade was the album that securely placed MCR as emo royalty, cementing an army of loyal comrades worldwide. Although singer Gerard Way made it clear in 2007 that he doesn’t consider MCR to be emo, there’s no denying that he is globally considered the king of emo. 

Paramore - Riot! (2007)

14 Years Old
Whenever any female-fronted alternative band appears, it’s almost guaranteed that they will be compared with Paramore… and it’s a compliment of a comparison. Paramore are iconic as the biggest, and one of the only well-known female-fronted emo bands of the era. This might not say something outstanding about the culture in the music industry at the time, but either way it’s a pretty stand-out achievement. Paramore got the balance right between attitude, aesthetics and art, casting a wide net to captivate an audience of not only emo fans, but pop and rock fans too.

All Time Low - So Wrong It’s Right (2007)

14 Years Old
You might have seen recently a TikTok making the rounds featuring men in their 30s shouting, “It was never a phase mum, it’s a lifestyle!” before belting out Dear Maria, Count Me In. This track has survived the ages to become a symbol of emos still embracing the songs they loved over a decade before.
Get those albums on and play them loud and proud! While your favourite tunes might be cemented in the early 2000s, get your threads up to date with a fresh look from Blind Maggot. Check out our latest designs here.
08 febrero 2021 — Sarah Rachel
Are Tattoos Vegan?

Are Tattoos Vegan?

When you’re thinking of getting a new tattoo, I’m guessing the first question on your mind isn’t whether or not the ink has animal products in it. I mean, ink is ink... right?  

 
Well, we’ve done some digging and it turns out that many tattoo inks contains animal products. A lot of tattoo inks include bone char, glycerin from animal fat, gelatin from hooves and shellac from beetles. The majority of inks, unless clearly stated, we can assume are not vegan-friendly. If we delve further into the tattooing process as a whole, it turns out that it’s not only the ink vegans have to consider. Ointment, stencil paper, soap and razors can also contain animal products. It will also come as no surprise that if you’re looking outside of western society and into ancient tribes, tattooing tools include animal bone when following some culturally traditional methods.

With all that said, you can find vegan tattoo artists, studios and vegan-friendly products, you just need to know what you’re looking for.

Here are our top tips for vegans looking to get tatted…

Ask

Any tattooer worth their salt will be happy to provide you with information about the products and methods they use. Even if you are only provided with the brands they use, you can carry out your own further research into the products. Vegan inks tend to include vegetable glycerin and witch hazel (hamamelis or virginiana extract).

Search

Look on the internet for specifically vegan-friendly tattooers and vegan tattoo parlours. This way, you know that the person creating your tattoo will be as conscientious about your wishes as you are. A quick Google search and a scout on a few websites or phonecalls should be all it takes to find a vegan tattoo studio near you. In England, check out Darkside, Santo Cuervo and VARA which are 3 tattoo studios that advertise as vegan. 

Know Your Brands

According to PETA, vegan brands include Eternal, StarBrite, SkinCandy, and Stable Color. Vegan Marketing adds Kuro Sumi to that list.

Kuro Sumi Vegan Ink

Double Check Black Inks

According to Vegan Markerting, some brands advertise their ink colours as vegan, but continue to put bone char in their black inks to make the pigmentation darker. Don’t just assume every product a brand is offering is vegan, even if they advertise a number of their products as vegan. You can find a long list of vegan ink companies here, but notice how they only specify a few companies that create vegan black ink. Always double check when it comes to black ink.

Be Prepared

Do your research into the tattoo artist, the studio and do your own research into the products they use to avoid being disappointed or misled. On the day of your tattoo, bring your own razor. This avoids the worry that an in-house razor may have glycerin in the gel strip.

Aftercare

Be aware that many tattoo aftercare products also contain lanolin (a fat from sheep and other wool-bearing animals) or beeswax. Find products that are marketed as cruelty-free and vegan. PETA suggests The Merry Hempsters Vegan Hemp Tattoo Balm, Black Cat Vitamin Infusion Serum, Ohana Organics Tattoo Butter, or even jojoba oil, olive oil, or shea butter. 
Ohana Organics Organic Vegan Tattoo Butter

All Tattoos Have Their Risks

Whether you opt for a vegan tattoo or otherwise, be aware that there are a number of inks that can cause allergic reactions, contain heavy metals, and other substances that you might not want in your body. It is also important to follow care instructions, especially during the healing process, to avoid disease and infection. Make sure you are aware of the risks, and get tattooed by a reputable artist after doing your research. The owner of Gristle Tattoo says, ”the tattooing and healing process is exactly the same,” for vegan tattoos, which is good to know.
Whether you’re an animal lover, a herbivorous human, or just curious about the process, we’re proud to create organic, sustainable, vegan streetwear to accompany your skin art. Find out more about our values here. 
21 enero 2021 — Sarah Rachel
Haircare For Hipster Beards

Haircare For Hipster Beards

If you have a combo of a beaut of a bushy beard or a statement tash, check out these must-have products for your face fuzz. From caring for your skin, to making sure you’re smelling good, we’ve got you as covered as your chin is.

Keep It Clean

Whatever shape or style of facial hair you’re sporting, beard shampoo is a staple item for the bathroom. Banish bad bacteria and enjoy subtle scents under your nose all day.
Check out more at bulldogskincare.com

Keep It Calm

Don’t leave your skin craving moisture and care. After washing, apply moisturiser and consider a shave mist to calm irritated skin post-trim. 
Check out more at murdocklondon.com
Check out more at harrys.com

 

Keep It Sweet

It’s an age-old classic scent-booster - the highly regarded after shave. Announce your arrival by smell prior to sight with an array of after shaves on the market to suit your signature aroma.
Check out more at rituals.com

Keep It Soft Soft Soft

You’ve got the look, but do you have the moves? Keep prickle to a minimum with oils and balms for supple, soft and smooth hairiness - both for yourself and any special other(s) in your life.
Check out more at onesociety.co.uk
Check out more at wolfandbjorn.com

Keep It In Shape

Stop those flyaways in their tracks with a nifty little shaping kit; perfect for a quick touch-up before hitting the skate park, your favourite venue or a punk gig. With everything from fully equipped razor kits, on-the-go-scissors, brushes, combs, clays and waxes, you can keep looking fly, no matter your schedule.
Check out more at sirgordonbennett.com
 

Whatever your look, compliment it with one of our latest releases from Blind Maggot, where you can find the streetwear to pair with your facial hair.

11 enero 2021 — Sarah Rachel
The Top 3 Best Skateparks In The UK

The Top 3 Best Skateparks In The UK

The subculture of the skater has been long integrated with the UK landscape. The UK is not only home to some of the best skateparks in Europe, but in the world. If you’re donning vans, nailing ollies and still listening to tunes from Tony Hawk’s pro skater, you have to put these top 3 UK skateparks to the test.

3. House Of Vans

We’ll kick off with a personal favourite of mine: House Of Vans, London, UK. Built underneath stone-walled railway arches, the House Of Vans space is split into tunnels, two of which house the indoor skatepark which includes a skater built and designed concrete bowl, mini ramp and street course. 
This hipster hangout hotspot additionally houses a live music venue, putting on performances from the likes of A Day To Remember, Cancer Bats and Gallows. Within the hidden tunnels of House Of Vans, London is a bar, café, cinema room and art installation space, making this the perfect haven for the middle-aged emo.

2. Southbank Skatepark

Steeped in history and endorsed by Tony Hawk himself, Southbank Skatepark in London has been a Mecca for skaters since the 1970s. According to the Southbank Centre, the Undercroft is the "world's longest continually used skate spot”. When it was refurbished in recent years, care was taken to make sure the space retained many of the original features from the late 1960s, so you can enjoy the same details that have attracted skaters for decades to this world-famous skatepark.
Photo by llsb.com

“Southbank is the perfect example of a DIY park that became legitimized because of the interest it generates. It has become a hub for UK skaters, and a destination park for tourists from all over. My kids were more interested in going there when we were in London than seeing any mainstream tourists attractions.”

1. Stoke Plaza

Recommended as one of the greatest skateparks in Europe and across the globe by numerous online sources including contiki.com, fise.fr and complex.com, Stoke Plaza gains the top must-skate spot in the UK. Drop into England’s premier skate park, which reportedly cost half a million pounds to create. It was built in the north of England in 2005 and takes up 34,000 square foot. Explore the ramps, flat banks, rails, hubbas and ledges, as this huge space combines the grit of urban skating with street style.
Photo by visitstoke.co.uk
Britain’s skate scene has so much to offer, and with parks in every corner of the UK you’re sure to kick-flip your way into hours of nostalgia and entertainment. Check out Livingston Skatepark in Scotland, Source Park in Hastings, The Level in Brighton, and Radlands Plaza in Northampton for more thriving UK skateparks. Wherever your scene is, don’t forget to skate in style with the latest threads from our Blind Maggot store.
25 noviembre 2020 — Sarah Rachel
How tattoo artists are becoming more specialist

How tattoo artists are becoming more specialist

When you think about how tattoo culture has grown in different parts of society and all over the world, with origins dating back to prehistoric times, it’s difficult to imagine artists without specialisation. With roots in religious and healing ceremonies, social ranking and even punishments as reasons for ancient tattooing practices, and centuries to carve out nuances and niches, today’s artists and wearers have the luxury of choosing from a collection of culture.

Styles Of Tattoos 

From traditional and ancient practices to modern themes, here are some of the most popular and recognisable styles of tattoos.

Tribal

As the name suggests, tribal tattoos are inspired by traditional tribal practices. There are many kinds of tribal tattoos you can get including Polynesian, Maori, Samoan and Celtic. Usually formed by blocks of black intricate patterns, most tribal symbols have spiritual meaning behind them and build a story of the wearer’s life, family or ‘tribe’.  

Japanese

Stemming from the original Japanese tattoo style Irezumi, Japanese tattoos are large designs with intricate and powerful depictions of Japanese culture. Often using rich colours and images of flowers, dragons and deities, Japanese tattoos are soaked in symbolism.
Image by @retrowaist

American Traditional

Sometimes referred to as ‘old school’, American traditional tattoos feature bold outlines, a strict colour palette and simple designs. Typical designs include nautical imagery, pin ups, animals, roses, hearts and skulls.
Image by @nickadamtattoo

Neo-traditional

Neo-traditional tattoos expand on the themes and style of American traditional. A wider colour palette and more complex or realistic designs build upon the traditional style.

New School

Wacky cartoon imagery, vibrant colours and dramatic proportions collides with popular culture in new school. Think comic book heroes, tv animations and caricatures.

Chicano

Usually fine line and greyscale, Chicano tattoos are steeped in history. Their origins lie in gang and prison culture in the southern states of America by Mexican immigrants. Steeped in political and cultural heritage, Chicano tattoos commonly feature religious figures and women, and many blur the line between realism and surrealism.

Sak Yant

Sak Yant is a traditional form of tattooing originating in Thailand. Usually performed by monks, this sacred style of tattooing is laced with spiritual symbolism. 

Realism

Like a photo you can always carry, realism depicts images as realistically as possible, however it is common to see black and white realism tattoos. Portraits come under this category.

Abstract 

Just as in art, abstract tattoos cover a huge amount of style and nuances. Watercolour and brushstroke tattoos are just a few of the increasingly popular types of abstract tattoos.

Surrealism

Surrealism pushes the boundaries of nature with designs featuring optical illusions, juxtapositions and dream/nightmare fantastical images.
Image by @marcinsonski 

Blackwork

Bold black lines and blocking out entire amounts of skin is known as blackwork or blackout.
Image by @jennarosetattoo

Lettering

Whether you’re looking for etching, engraving or calligraphy, any kind of writing falls under this category.
Image by @jaworski_13 

Geometric

Precise and detailed pattern designs, often repeated and mirrored, can be stand alone pieces or gap fillers in sleeves.
Image by @mikewolftattoo

Biomechanical

Transform your body to look part-machine with biomechanical designs. Like putting your body in an x-ray machine, biomechanical tattoos can depict bones and tears in skin with cogs, nuts and bolts for a surreal peep into life as a cyborg. 
Image by @ericdeletoile

Minimalist

Washing up in waves on social media, minimalism tattooing is a popular choice in modern society. Small, dainty designs and simple line work, often in black, makes minimalist tattoos a neat choice for the modern tattoo fan.

Specialisation For The 21st Century Tattooer

Tattoos have been associated with all sorts of different groups and cultures throughout societal development. Now we have access to a huge amount of styles to choose from and can find the pieces that resonate with our preferences easily. Specialisation has become inevitable as it is difficult to master the array of art available. Furthermore, specialising in a niche area helps to bring the right customer to the right artist. 
The internet has a colossal role in the modern-day tattooing industry. Instagram is labelled as a huge culprit in growing tattoo appreciation, artist specialisation and booming business among the young adults of the world. Beautiful and selective Instagram feeds, with the ability to connect with a community of the niche fanatics, have made it easy to grow followings and find the best designs at the click of a button.
Tattooing is becoming increasing common-place in modern society. In addition to ornamental tattooing, cosmetic tattoo artists firmly leave customers with makeup on fleek. Another growing avenue is medical tattooing. Covering scars, colour correction and adding details post-surgery are just some of the amazing areas tattoo artists can use their guns for good.
 
Want your style to match your body art? Find tattoo inspired streetwear from our store. What’s more, our shirts are vegan and sustainable, so your conscious will stay clean while you update your wardrobe.
13 octubre 2020 — Sarah Rachel
Is the UK tattoo scene the best in the world?

Is the UK tattoo scene the best in the world?

All across the UK there are incredibly talented tattoo artists, ready to make their mark on willing walking canvases. It will come as no surprise that the cultural melting pot called London is riddled with ridiculous skill, style and skin stamping, but how does the UK tattoo scene stack up against talent from around the world? We think that it’s right up there with the big dogs, but don’t just take our word for it. We’ve collated our own little world of info to find out why you might like to get inked in the big smoke, or maybe wander into the hidden secret gems of the tiny towns in this beautiful little island.

Bringing World-Renowned Artists Together

London is home to one of the most iconic tattoo conventions. Dubbed as one of the world’s wildest tattoo shows by sticknpoke.com, The London Tattoo convention hosts over 400 artists of the highest calibre. However, this isn’t all about showing off what London has to offer. The huge event celebrates talent from all over the world. The welcoming culture saw the exquisite Japanese artist Shige with the biggest booth at the convention in 2018. 
Tattoo by @shige_yellowblaze
The UK tattoo scene isn’t all about London though. Tattoo conventions and shows stretch all the way from Cornwall to Scotland and everywhere in-between. Worldtattooevents.com notes 70 tattoo conventions in the UK alone.

London Is Repeatedly Named A Top Tattoo Destination

As far as the great cities of the world go, London regularly picks up a top spot in destination tattoo features. Wanderlust.co.uk states, ‘The UK arguably has the highest percentage of tattooed people in the world, even more so than in the US’. They also named London within the top 5 places in the world to get tattooed. Wanderlust.co.uk goes on to say that ‘London serves as an international epicentre for tattooing’, and we couldn’t agree more. You can find almost any style of tattooing in the UK because of this international pull. 
Hypebeast.com calls the London tattoo scene ‘arguably one of the world’s most diverse’ and goes on to describe it as an‘artist’s mecca’. With a huge amount of cultural diversity within the UK’s capital, it’s clear to see why this view holds up.

Acclaimed Resident Artists

With such a strong, diverse tattoo scene, the UK is the residency of some of the most exquisite artists on the planet. One name that repeatedly shows up online when searching for the best tattooers in the world is Valerie Vargas. She owns Modern Classic Tattoo in London which is noted in this top ten list at travelandleisure.com, and her work is recommended by insider.com.
It doesn’t take much to find even more stunningly successful tattoo artists from the UK scene for any style that takes your fancy. Tattoodo.com recommends Jondix, Claudia de Sabe,  Ami James, Steve H Morante,  Servadio, Dan Moreno, Warriorism, Hermione Finch and Wayne Galbraith... all without leaving the capital. Wanderlust.co.uk recommends Alex Binnie and Maxime Buchi.

Ink Beyond The Big Smoke

When looking beyond the big city, the UK has a vibrant and thriving scene. From Glasgow to Edinburgh, Nottingham to Manchester, and Bristol to Cornwall, you will be able to find your fix of incredible artists nearby. There is even a show or an exhibition not far from any town at least once a year. There really is no part of the country where you won’t be able to scout out some beautiful ink and the skill to accompany it. 
The UK tattoo scene is pretty hardcore, so why not check out our Hardcore Collection for some sweet threads to match your sweet ink.
13 octubre 2020 — Sarah Rachel