We recently visited Debut Studios in Shoreditch, London to spend time with the team of incredible artists based there. The modern, bright coloured studio had a warm and welcoming vibe with lots of comfy sofas to sit and chat about the amazing work they do.
Alex, co-founder of the Debut brand with Ellie, gave us some insight into the history of the studio and how it’s evolved over time!
Read on to find out more about the story behind the studio, the artists who create their masterpieces there, and what sets Debut apart from other studios in the area!
Can you tell us your name and what you do at Debut Studios?
I’m Alex, tattoo artist and co-founder of the Debut brand.
How did Debut Studios come to be and how has it evolved since it first opened?
Ellie and I launched the Debut concept in early 2020 just before the announcement of the UK lockdown. The brand was born of a vision to bring together tattooing and contemporary cosmetic treatments, solidifying their place within wider culture.
We have a meticulous approach to running a studio, prioritising top tier client experience in a luxury setting. Our belief in operating with integrity has earned us a strong reputation for a fair and supportive environment for our likeminded team of over 30 professionals.
You have such an amazing team of artists, can you share their names and the style of tattoos they do?
We’re so proud of the team and energy we have all built. Over time we have developed into a fine line specialist studio, although the styles we offer extend much further than that. Here’s the team as it stands with a description from each of them about their work:
- Alex - @alexlloydtattoo - Fine line illustration and micro realism
- Lauren - @laurenmercedes_art - Fine line black and grey realism and illustration
- Erika - @by.erika__ - PMU
- Shri - @artistrybyshri_ - Fine line floral and illustration
- Trey - @treynoirtattoo - Black and grey realism
- Emma - @inkbaby.ig - Fine line and ornamental
- Ben - @bengrjtattoo - Fine line and small realistic pieces
- Sophie - @ginge_ink - Illustrative blackwork
- Carter - @carterhewlett - Bold black and grey and chrome effect tattoos
- Nikol - @nikoltattoos (tattoo apprentice) - Fine line illustrative and black work
- Madi - @mdebymdz - Black work and illustrative
- Konrad - @dottheglob - Black and red fine dot work with a focus on semi realistic portraiture
- Felicia - @feli.tatts - Fine line and micro illustration
- Dorcas - @dor.llhpoke - Abstract nature inspired hand poke tattoos
- Emily - @_emilytattoo_ - Fine line floral, ornamental and animal portrait tattoos
- Liv - @sculptspmu - PMU
- Harvey - @harvtattoo - Large scale black and grey realism
- Joe - @inkstamist - Black and grey realism
- Kaiya - @stroketwentytwo - Free hand script and typography
- Matt - @mattbeveridgetattoo - Fine line black and grey illustration and geometric
- Oruc - @_orucguner_ - Contemporary surrealism and dot work
Do you host any guest spots? If so, what’s the process behind choosing who features?
We often host travelling guest artists from all over the world and are home to regular guest resident artists and clinicians. Our criteria for working with us is simple; we love people who want to integrate into a team, create clean work, prioritise their clients and are driven to develop their craft.
How do you foster a creative environment for the studio?
Every detail of our London studio space is designed to feel open, easy to use, inspiring and supportive. A blank canvas for creative freedom. Think warm, luxury living room where clients can spend all day and forget they’re in the middle of the city.
What do you love the most about the studio?
It’s taken years to get this point but the vibe and energy from the team are unmatched. You just have to experience the space for yourself.
What are some go-to tattoo supplies you and the team all swear by?
Killer Ink supplying the goods, of course! Top 3 items are, Inkjet Stencil Paper and Ink, Stellar cartridges (particularly the 0603RLs) and Aloe Tattoo Stencil Premium.
How did you decide how to decorate the studio? What was the thought process behind the aesthetic?
Attention to detail is at the heart of what we do. From the playlist curation to the coffee and hand soap, we imagined an elevated space that feels warm and welcoming, and clean without feeling clinical. It’s the number one thing clients remark on when visiting!
What’s your experience of the tattoo community in your local area? How do you get involved whilst also setting yourself apart from the competition?
London is just about as saturated with artists and studios as it gets in the UK, but we don’t view other spaces as competition - we’re too busy focusing on our vision! That being said, Debut Studios is one of the largest and highest rated in East London and get tons of walk ins.
Collaborating with brands outside of the industry, we’ve always stepped out of the regular confines of the traditional industry. But we continue to keep our ears close to the ground by working with multiple sponsors and the team attending conventions throughout the year.
If you could give one piece of advice to newer artists, what would it be?
To get started as soon as possible, invest time refining your artistic skills outside of tattooing, learn how to grow your social media presence and market yourself well, and don’t give up. Success in tattooing needs a delusional level of drive, commitment and persistence.
Will any of the team be attending any conventions in 2026?
A handful of our artists will be attending UK shows like UKTTA, Tattoo Tea Party, Brighton Tattoo Convention, and Big London Tattoo Show.
Don’t forget to follow Debut Studios on Instagram as well as show the amazing artists who work there some love!
