Out From Down Under Tattoos by Danielle Hudson Tattoo Savage #12 by Charlene War

Posted by kingofseo on December 15th, 2019

On her 21st birthday, Danielle Hudson learned a way to express her art that would take her all the way to Australia and back. Her aunt Norma, who does permanent cosmetology, taught her how to tattoo, and this artist has since made a mark for herself all the way from California to Australia to Virginia.

Danielle became interested in tattoos at the tender age of 13, but did not get her first until she was 20. She majored in art at California State Northridge and got her first job at the former Canyon Country patriotic tattoos studio. After "paying her dues" in California, Danielle went to work for Wild at Heart Tattoo Studio in Brisbane, Australia. "I learned a lot there and I had a blast!" she exclaims. She stayed there for half a year before coming back to United States. When asked what the major differences were between U.S. and Aussie tattooing, Danielle said that in Australia, they run their guns a lot harder. She also admitted that the tattooing techniques from down under seem to be more advanced than in the United States, but artistically the U.S. is far better. When she came back to the U.S., Danielle started working for Fatty's Custom Tattooz in Silver Spring, Maryland. "Fatty is not what his name describes. I was expecting this huge biker guy, but he's not. He looks like Matt Dillon with long hair." Danielle loves working for Fatty because he encourages her to do what she wants artistically and appreciates what she has brought to his studio. "He gave me my own area

-varying shades of blue and gray in the wings. She can also work very well on a larger scale. There is one full back piece of a buffalo that is absolutely breathtaking.

When asked what type of tattooing is her favorite, Danielle immediately answers "Graywork! I love graywork!" Her favorite tattoo is one of a gray-washed ankh she did for her friend "Fluffy". So what does the future hold for this 24-year-old ink pusher? She'd like to eventually go back to Australia with her husband, Gregg, but the country won't allow her to bring her pitbull, Grendel. Until then, she'd like to get a place with a nice big yard and continue tattooing, but she's not sure where in the United States she'd like to go yet. When asked if she was planning on returning to California, Danielle replied, "No. There are too many studios out there already." She's come a long way since her 21st birthday... and she's willing to go wherever the winds carry her.

Side Note: Maine Attraction Dear Tattoo Savage: My letter is in response to the article on Danielle Hudson in Tatloo Savage #13 (pg. 40-43). She says she is not sure where to settle in the USA... How about Maine? We are a small state that is just now showing a heavy interest in tattoos. I don't know of any women tattoists in this area (Central Maine). Although Maine is quite behind on tbe times, there are plenty of "Savage" people showing their true selves. Think about it, Danielle. I'd be one of the first in line.