BORN TO STAND OUT UK TATTOO FEST

Written By: Verity Petch

Stepping into the UK Tattoo Fest feels like coming home. Seeing faces from the previous year, massive hugs with friends that have been formed online and a sense of belonging. Once again Nikki and Geoff of studio 59 in Milton Keynes organised a weekend full of ridiculous artistic talent, including performances from the fuel girls, singers and acrobatics. Every single part of the weekend had been planned with such precision, and it showed.

I had the privilege of interviewing those working and attending the convention.

200 Tattoos Later: Madison Suicide on Ink, Identity & Finding Your People

Some people collect memories in photos.

Others collect them on their skin.

For Madison Suicide, tattoos aren’t just art — they’re a living, evolving story.

“I travel to conventions because I love the art… and meeting different people,” he says. “And also collecting artwork that I carry on my skin for the rest of my life.”

And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

At UK Tattoo Fest, Madison is right at home — surrounded by artists, collectors, and a community that, from the outside, often gets completely misunderstood.

But inside? It’s something else entirely.

“We’re just one big happy family,” he says. “We don’t judge each other. We just connect over what we love — tattoos.”

It’s a recurring theme across the alternative scene — this idea that what looks intimidating from the outside is actually one of the most accepting spaces you can step into.

Because yes, to some people, heavily tattooed individuals might look “rough,” or different, or even unapproachable.

Madison doesn’t hesitate to shut that down.

“We’re just lovely people that love to express ourselves,” he says. “We don’t want to be normal. We want to be different. That’s the fun part.”

And that difference? It’s intentional.

It’s not about fitting in — it’s about standing out on your own terms.

By the time we get onto numbers, things get slightly chaotic.

“How many tattoos do you have?” feels like a simple question — until it isn’t.

“Oh my God… I hate this question,” he laughs. “Maybe like… 200?”

Two hundred. And counting.

But what makes Madison’s collection stand out isn’t just the number — it’s the lack of uniformity. There’s no strict theme, no perfectly curated sleeves.

Instead, it’s a patchwork of artists, styles, and moments.

“I don’t want everything to connect,” he explains. “I like having random tattoos. I want artwork from different people.”

In a way, his body becomes exactly what tattoo culture is at its core — a collaboration. A timeline. A map of experiences and connections.

A canvas of a life lived loudly.

His latest addition at the convention? A hibiscus flower piece, fresh and still wrapped, created by Eloise ink— another artist added to the ever-growing collection.

And it won’t be the last.

Because for Madison, this isn’t a finished project. It’s an ongoing one.

When it comes to music — because no tattoo story is complete without a soundtrack — his choice is pure, unapologetic energy: Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz.

And honestly? It fits.

Freedom. Movement. No limits.

Exactly the same energy he brings to the way he lives — and inks — his life.

Because for some people, tattoos are decoration.

For others, like Madison, they’re identity.

And he’s wearing his proudly — all 200 of them.

Goth Girl Heaven & Green Tea Secrets: Inside Mary Mae’s Emporium

If you’ve ever walked into a stall and immediately thought, “I need everything here,” then you’ve basically experienced Mary Maes Emporium.

Run by Rebecca, this isn’t just a shop — it’s a full-blown alternative treasure trove. Licensed band tees, engraved glass, flags, patches… if it exists in the alt world, chances are she’s either stocking it or figuring out how to make it.

And yes — that includes the kind of pieces that stop you mid-walk and make you double back.

Case in point: the engraved glassware.

“I do all of that myself,” Rebecca explains. “It takes me a bit longer now because of my condition, but I love doing it.”

And it shows.

These aren’t generic designs — they’re fully custom, commission-based pieces. Tattoos, artwork, personal designs — if you can imagine it, she can engrave it. Glasses, vases… even mirrors are now on the list.

Which, let’s be honest, is dangerously good news for anyone with a gothic home aesthetic and zero self-control. Which Is basically me… I left with an Ice nine kills tee, a Linkin Park tee and an Evil dead banner…

But Mary Mae’s Emporium didn’t start as a big business plan. It came from something much simpler — a gap.

“Where we are in Aylesbury, there’s just not a lot of alternative stuff anymore,” she says. “People want to see things. Touch them. Not just buy everything online.”

And that’s exactly what she’s created — a physical space where alternative culture isn’t hidden behind a screen. It’s right there, in your hands.

It’s also very clear that this isn’t just about selling things. It’s about community.

“To tell you the truth, we’re great,” Rebecca laughs. “We just accept anyone for who they are. There’s no bitchiness here at all.”

And you can feel that.

From seasoned goths to curious newcomers, from metal heads to someone’s Nan picking up Rolling Stones patches — everyone fits.

“We had an elderly lady come over and buy patches,” she says. “That’s what I’m here for.”

Because the alternative scene isn’t about exclusion — it’s about permission.

Permission to dress how you want.

Permission to like what you like.

Permission to be a little bit weird.

“Why should we be normal?” Rebecca shrugs. “Normal isn’t a word.”

And for anyone on the outside looking in, maybe judging the tattoos, the clothes, the lifestyle?

“Never judge a book by its cover,” she says. “I’ve got resting bitch face — people think I’m a right bitch. But underneath? I’m a pussycat.”

(Though, apparently, we’re not supposed to tell anyone that. The goth girl image must be maintained — dark, mysterious… definitely not drinking green tea.)

Of course, no alternative interview is complete without music, and Rebecca’s picks lean exactly where you’d expect — dark, moody, iconic.

She shouts out Type O Negative with Wolf Moon, alongside newer discoveries like Badflower and tracks like Ghost. There’s also love for Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Blue October — because one genre is never enough.

It’s chaotic. It’s varied. It’s very on-brand.

And honestly? That’s exactly what Mary Mae’s Emporium is.

A little bit of everything.

A lot of personality.

And a space where being different isn’t just accepted — it’s the whole point.

If you get the chance to find them at a convention or market, do it.

Just… maybe bring self-control.

Or don’t

I Give a Sh*t”: Piercing, Purpose & the Power of Not Being Judged

Some people fall into their careers.

Others fight for them.

For Vicky — better known as Time to Modify — it was never even a question.

“I’ve genuinely always wanted to be a piercer,” she says. “From about 15, I was going into studios asking for a job… and they were like, you’re not even legally old enough.”

Fast forward over two decades, and she’s now not only a body piercer, but also runs a piercing academy and jewellery brand — built entirely off instinct, persistence, and refusing to quit.

And it shows.

Because the difference with Vicky isn’t just skill — it’s care.

“I treat everyone like it’s their first piercing,” she explains. “I remember being that nervous person walking into a studio. I want people to know I get it.”

You feel that immediately and I also got first-hand experience of it. I’ve wanted to get a dermal anchor in my forehead for a long time and I was nervous. Tattoos I can sit for, piercings… I’m a nervous wreck. Through every step of the process Vicky was reassuring, helped me count down and also apologised (yea apologised) for the pain. Even after all these years of piercing Vicky still sees every single person in front of her as an individual and a person.

Every apology, every check-in, every “tell me if you want it moved” — it’s not scripted. It’s someone who genuinely gives a shit about the person in front of them.

And in an industry that can sometimes feel intimidating? That matters more than anything.

More Than Just a Piercing

Ask her what she loves most about the job, and it’s not the aesthetic. It’s not even the craft.

It’s people.

“I love seeing the confidence it gives someone,” she says. “I’ve had people come to me after fighting cancer… they’re allowed piercings again, and they’re in tears. I’m in tears.”

It’s not just about jewellery.

It’s about identity.

Reclaiming yourself.

Becoming yourself.

“I remember how it felt when I started getting tattoos and piercings,” she adds. “I felt more like me.”

And now? She’s part of that process for other people.

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The Alternative Community: Built From Being Judged

Like so many people in this world, Vicky didn’t just find a career in the alternative scene — she found home.

“I think so many people in this community are used to being judged,” she says. “So we don’t do that to each other.”

It’s a simple idea. But it explains everything.

Because when you’ve been stared at, misjudged, or made to feel “other,” you learn very quickly what kind of person you don’t want to be.

“No one cares if you’ve got blue hair, tattoos, piercings… as long as you’re a good person.”

And that’s the core of it.

Not the aesthetic.

Not the image.

Just… humanity.

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“You’re Nicer Than I Thought You’d Be”

There’s a very specific kind of judgement that comes with looking alternative — the kind that doesn’t always come out loud, but sits just under the surface.

Sometimes, though, it does come out.

“I made someone a cup of tea once,” Vicky laughs. “And they said, ‘you’re a lot politer than I thought you’d be.’”

And it’s that moment — that subtle expectation of who you’re supposed to be — that says everything.

Because underneath the tattoos, the piercings, the way you look?

“I’m just a normal person,” she says. “My heart still beats. I still care.”

In fact, more than most.

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Why This Work Matters

For Vicky, this isn’t just a job. It’s consistency. Identity. Survival, in some ways.

“My career is the most consistent thing I’ve ever had,” she says. “It’s my existence.”

And that’s something a lot of people in creative, alternative industries will recognise — especially those who don’t fit neatly into “normal” structures.

Routine doesn’t always exist. Stability isn’t always guaranteed.

But purpose?

That’s everything.

And it’s also why she’s now stepping into counselling, mentoring, and support work — because she knows what it’s like to not have someone who understands.

“I want to be the person I didn’t have growing up,” she says.

Not instead of family. Not instead of friends.

But alongside — someone who gets it.

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There’s Always a Story

If there’s one thing she wants people on the outside to understand, it’s this:

“Just ask.”

Don’t stare. Don’t assume. Don’t build a story in your head.

“Everyone’s like a book,” she says. “There’s always a story.”

And in this world — this loud, tattooed, pierced, unapologetic world — those stories are often deeper, harder, and more human than most people realise.

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Life, Loudly

When it comes to music, her choice says everything about her energy: Roman’s Revenge by Nicki Minaj.

Loud. Aggressive. Unapologetic.

“Put it on,” she laughs, “and you’ll realise life’s actually not that bad.”

Which, in a way, sums up everything.

Because this isn’t about fitting in.

It’s not about being understood by everyone.

It’s about building a life that feels like yours.

Helping other people do the same.

And giving a shit while you do it.