Meet Mr Tattoo FX

“I am a ‘Blackworkerist’ seeking perfection, who is inspired to create outstanding artwork for my client”

The Tattoo FX studio in Bolnore, Sussex is a culmination of a 23-year journey that started with a book.

After studying graphic design at college, I travelled extensively. Whenever I was away in places like India, Thailand, Europe I would have art projects on the go, and they would often be inspired by the cultures around me. A tattooist friend introduced me to the book Modern Primitives and the rest as they say, is history.

I established myself as an up-and-coming tattooist in Chaos Tattoos, and three years later opened my own studio in Burgess Hill, where for over 15 years I
developed my skills, reputation and was to be recognised by the tattoo industry through multiple magazine articles and awards.

Needing bigger premises, I moved to our current location in 2017, where I wanted to create a welcoming, top notch studio where I could focus on the styles that truly inspire me: blackwork tattoos from the South Pacific (Samoan, Marquesan, Maori etc.), geometric and ornamental styles, whilst offering the full range of tattooing through other talented resident and guest tattoo artists. This has been a great success in part due to my great team, but also, I believe, because of my inclusive approach. I love to involve clients in the whole process, with as much or as little input into the design process as they wish, to studio playlist, to walking out of the door with a bespoke killer piece of tattoo art that they love.

When not tattooing, you can find me hurtling around the Sussex countryside on my mountain bike or hanging out with my beautiful wife and daughter.

Neil Bass Owner & founder of Tattoo FX
Neil-Bass-Tattoo-FX

Looking for Tattoo Inspiration?

Check out the Gallery

Resident Artists

As well as Neil Bass there is a talented bunch of resident and guest artists working out of the Tattoo FX Studio. Check out their work and passions below.

Luke Tattoo FX

Luke Bolton

I studied Fine Art at Hastings College of art and technology and started tattooing at Madam Butterfly’s’ tattoo parlour 10 years ago. My favourite styles of tattooing are Traditional and Japanese, although I am a confident all-rounder. I still live in Hastings but choose to work at Tattoo FX as it is a great place to work, it has a relaxed atmosphere and I enjoy working alongside Neil and Ness. In my spare time I make music with my band Wizard Fight. I’m inspired by: Frank Zappa, Rush, Neurosis, Converge, Van Halen, Pantera, and Iron Maiden.

Ness Tattoo FX

Ness Watson

Born in London I spent my youth in a military family. I studied for a Fine Art degree and spent over 15 years as a Youth Worker. I was getting tattooed a lot so applied and successfully joined Tattoo FX in early 2010 as the Shop Manager.
I have studied various areas of tattooing including: Areola reconstruction, infection control and wound care. I love strong colour, all graffiti, graphic novel images, and Pink Floyd. I am also studying counselling and I believe Tattoo FX is my spiritual home, if you visit us I am likely to talk your ears off!

Jackie Tattoo FX

Jackie Bass

My passion for mosaics started in Barcelona. I was surrounded by the Spanish artist Gaudiʼs masterpieces and on my return was so inspired I decided to train in mosaic techniques. Now fifteen years later my pieces are sold in galleries, at tattoo conventions, art trails and here at Tattoo FX.

The tattoo inspired pieces are made from a selection of found and new materials. The tesserae includes glass and ceramic tiles, broken crockery, beads and mirror tiles. Often, I source materials by scouring local flea markets and car boot sales for interesting ceramics.

My work is a collaboration with my husband Neil. We bring his art work to life in this different artistic medium through large format mosaics that create an unusual and unique talking point for your home. For individual commissions please contact Tattoo FX.

Guest Artists

We’ve had some of the UK’s top tattooist’s work in guest spots at Tattoo FX.
Check out their biogs and some examples of their work.