DOT THE DIFFERENCE: Broadstairs tattooist Martha Smith on her unique ‘dot work’ style
Martha Smith uses her unique ‘dot work’ style to beautify the most nondescript of objects
Bath plugs, cassette tapes, corkscrews and even a McDonald’s meal, the more inanimate and every-day the object, the more Martha Smith’s very individual style brings them to life.
A professional tattoo artist of 10 years, Martha (@marthasmithtattoo) honed the ‘dot work’ style that has seen her amass a huge following online during an illustration degree. Currently based at the funky co-working space HOME at the heart of Broadstairs town centre, Martha’s work nods to traditional engraving and etching techniques used in 1800s imagery. Inspired by botanists and naturalists, the pieces often involve trends of floral motifs and animals… oh yeah, and Martha is also a successful practising print artist… we had a chat with her to find out more.
Hey Martha! We love your unique style! How did you find and develop it?
My style initially was very graphic, based on lino-cut prints. I did a lot of printmaking at art school, so it was a natural aesthetic progression. As I got more confident working on skin, and with needles improving (making them sharper and finer), I started experimenting more with hatching and dot work, mirroring that of etching and engraving printing techniques. I guess the specific name is a ‘dot work’ tattooist, but I’m sure there are many variations.
What was your introduction to the world of professional tattooing?
I did an apprenticeship starting in 2013. It was with a realism artist that used a lot of colour, very far away from my style, that I actually think helped me. They weren’t interested in dictating my style, just to teach me how to use the machine. I apprenticed for about 18 months and was a junior for about two years before moving to a new studio as a professional.
You have your own place at HOME in Broadstairs - is this the first tattoo shop you’ve had?
The studio at HOME is actually my third private studio. I had a lovely private studio in Hackney in a shipping container until the pandemic. I then moved to Thanet and set up a small temporary space in Margate to get back on my feet in a new world of working. Since then, I’ve had the space at HOME and am in the process of setting up a new Broadstairs studio with my husband.
What has been your favourite tattoo or series of tattoos on one person to work on?
I LOVE inanimate object tattoos - the weirder, and in some people’s eyes the most boring, objects make excellent tattoos! I’ve recently tattooed a toaster, a plug and socket and a bath plug. I really enjoy the challenge of beautifying these objects. They also always have excellent light and shadow, which I love to tattoo in my style. I of course also LOVE tattooing food - a Flump being a recent absolute fave!
Are you a tattoo artist who has tattoos, or do you keep the art on the client?
I have many tattoos - a lot of tattooists who came up through the apprenticeship route do - but they are always hidden. Many of them are practices by me when I was learning - they are certainly part of my journey, but I don’t necessarily love the look of them now. I was recently tattooed by my friend and excellent artist Lily Hawkes from Margate. I had suffered a loss and felt I wanted something to commemorate my experience. I got the cutest hand-poked jelly baby on my forearm - pride of place, I don’t mind who sees that one!
We saw a ‘dot work’ illustration commission you did for the V&A - how did that come about?
Ah yes! That came up because of a lovely customer! They worked at the V&A and asked me if I wanted to illustrate one of the new Donatello statues that were going to be exhibited. It’s such a thrill being asked to illustrate again and it was one of my favourite commissions to date. It was all done with a fineliner pen on a mount board, so it was quite laborious as I drew it to the scale to be printed at A3. I believe it’s available at the V&A shop if anyone’s interested!
Your print art works are also amazing - do you find that ideas from both disciplines seep into each other?
Definitely! I stopped printmaking and illustrating altogether when I began my apprenticeship. It was full-time and I had a full-time job, too, so was very stretched. As I progressed as a tattooist, it felt even harder to prioritise printing as tattooing took so much of my time and was more lucrative. It wasn’t until the pandemic, when I stopped tattooing for the best part of two years, that I started printing again. It was a way of exercising my brain and paying the taxman! Since then, I have endeavoured to do both, running a print shop online and tattooing - all with the help of my husband, who is my studio manager as well as print assistant. I now love it as customers come to me because they’ve seen my tattoos or prints. They often ask for my prints as tattoos, my diving and swimming ladies proving the biggest success.
You have a great following on social media - does that mean more people come to you for your creations, or do they still want their ideas but in your style?
Although I’m very lucky in my following, I am still quite traditional as a tattooist. I offer flash designs, which I usually produce before my books open every three months, as well as custom. It’s probably a 40/60 split favouring custom requests. But anything custom I do, that people want in my style, that’s something I won’t compromise on as I’ve spent a long time developing a specialism. I love hearing people’s ideas, though, and figuring out a way of visualising them. The weirder the better!
With tattoo artists doing guest spots and touring the country, are they now the rockstars of Instagram? And do you ever pop up anywhere else?
Social media certainly gives the impression of the ‘rockstar tattooist’. It’s a very good time to be one. Social media has really changed the game in the acceptability of tattooing and the varied artistry involved in the profession. You can make big bucks in tattooing now, making a name for yourself selling merchandise - some tattooists I would definitely count as celebs. It’s great to have the opportunity to travel the world with your craft! But I’m quite the opposite, I’m afraid. Tattooing has been an amazing steady job for me that has given me financial security - I’m perfectly happy staying in Broadstairs and Margate being by the sea!
Who are your favourite or most influential tattoo artists in the game?
Lots to name! But some of my favourites are (not in order): Honeytrippertattoo, Ashley Tyson, Lily Hawkes, Barra Badlands, Oozy Tattoo, Lucy C Tattoo and Typoholic Tattoo.
And officially… what’s the hardest part of the body to tattoo?
In my opinion, ribs and spine are the worst. I really don’t like the pain aspect of tattooing. It upsets me to see customers stressed and the tattoo itself would never look as good as a non-painful area.
Lastly, where are the best places for people to see your work?
For tattoos, definitely my Instagram! I post every week, so you’ll see a very up-to-date portfolio there. For my prints, have a look in the Turner Contemporary shop, and Daisy in Margate.
