Wanda Tattoo - By Jimmie Martin
Born in Bucharest, Romania, Wanda always had an artistic energy and a desire to try new things. She learnt 5 languages, painted, trained vocally and she mastered 2 instruments; the violoncello and the bass guitar. Her love of music lead her onto become the first female DJ in Romania, eventually playing gigs around the world at top clubs and private events. Moving onto presenting MTV London, MTV Miami and continues to feature on many television shows.
She opened her first tattoo salon in 2014 in her home town but so wanted more; to create an international hub for like minded individuals. She moved to London in 2018 with a view to open a new tattoo studio that would be a magnet for creatives around the world. The global pandemic delayed her plans but eventually she was able to find the perfect studio space in Fitzrovia, London. She spent her time during the lockdown wisely, finding inspiration and searched for co-creators to help her deliver her vision.
She discovered Jimmie Martin on Instagram and was instantly drawn to his quirky vivid style. They bonded over their love of tattoos and Wanda knew Jimmie had the right energy to design her new studio. “He is so cool”. They worked together for three months to complete the studio design and make Wanda’s dream became a reality. Wanda put her trust into Jimmie’s experience and talent which allowed the project to run smoothly. The tattoo studio opened in May 2021. The project was a total success and Wanda couldn’t be happier with the results. Her clients love the experience and it has become the centre for artists, progressives and freethinkers she had always hoped. Even passers-by love to stair though the window, intrigued by the irreverent yet sleek design, often asking to come inside to take photos.
Instead of the classic heavy metal style tattoo parlour, Jimmie wanted to create something that reflected Wanda’s personality. To create a space that embodies the essence of an eclectic art gallery or a sumptuous boutique hotel rather than the standard a place to get inked. A special space for Wanda. The Jimmie Martin Queens-guard, decorated in a spectrum of colours, stands at the entrance welcoming guests with a comical silence. In the reception area daring punk inspired pieces of furniture, bespoke made in the Jimmie Martin London workshop, are framed by the dark and sophisticated space. Traditional elements are juxtaposed by graffiti patterns and pop culture icons. The obsidian black walls are punctuated by blocks of colour; purple into pink, pink into orange. Clever use of lighting leads you though the property. On the lower ground floor accessed by the wrought iron spiral staircase, traditional glass chandeliers have been edited to make them more minimal, accessorised with Edison industrial light bulbs, pulling the regency style into the 21st century. They aluminate with a soft warm glow which doesn’t overwhelm the environment. While down the beautiful spiral staircase, sleek modern LED lights run down the room with a futuristic repetitiveness, enhanced by coloured reflective metallic surfaces, giving the feeling of a laboratory. This is where the tattoo magic happens and the studio chairs are lined up like a 60s hair salon. Over looked by a skate boarding Naughty Angel statue, a Jimmie Martin classic.