A new tattoo shop has opened near Ipswich town centre – and it is the first venture the owner has undertaken on his own since becoming an artist.
Black Hart Tattoo has opened in St Nicholas Street in Ipswich, the first owner Ben Hart has started on his own.
Mr Hart had experience working in a tattoo studio in Stowmarket before moving to Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio in Ipswich for the last five years.
He said: "I was walking down the street and I saw that this place was up for rent. I had a look around and fell in love with it.
"The whole street is lovely – everyone is really friendly and I just wanted to do something for myself.
"I had been thinking about it for a while, and I thought I had the funds to just go for it.
"I am really excited about it – a little bit terrifying, but exciting too."
Mr Hart has said that he is an all-round artist, hoping to cater for most people that walk into his studio.
The new shop is kitted out with paintings from artists, as well as one from his inspiration, his grandad, who was an artist, which is in a stand-out wooden frame.
There is also a TV and a new kitchen and toilet.
Mr Hart added: "The idea is to have a nice, calm, safe space.
"Most tattoo studios are quite classically dark spaces, so it is nice to have something lighter and more colourful."
In the future, Mr Hart hopes to bring another artist in to utilise more of the space and will look to have guest artists at his studio.
Mr Hart finished by saying: "A big thank you to Redwood Carpentry and LP Painting and Decorating, and my wife and family for helping get the studio ready.
"A big thank you to Paul and the team at Lucky 13 for the support."
Black Hart Tattoo is open every day other than Wednesday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here