City ink duo put their tattoo talents on world stage

Benj Ashmead and James Surridge, of True colours in Guildhall Street, took part in the invitation-only Golden State Tattoo Expo in Los Angeles.

There they worked with some of the world’s most talented professionals and had the chance to show off their skills.

The pair, who have won over 40 awards between them, run their business from a four-storey studio and attract customers from across the region, thanks to the city’s road and rail links, a growing social media presence and the talented team of five hand-picked artists they’ve built.

Following the LA expo, they have been invited to work at further exclusive events in New York, Philadelphia, Mexico, Rome, Berlin, Milan and Paris. They have also been invited to take part in the internationally acclaimed London Tattoo Show for the second year running.

Benj Ashmead said: “You have to constantly evolve and develop your skills in this industry, every tattoo we put out there needs to be better than the last. Only the best get to showcase their skills at international events like the one we just got back from in LA and so we were pleased to be among them.

“We’ve worked hard to build a team that’s on top of its game at True Colours, and our invitation to the Golden State Tattoo Expo, and other international events, shows our effort is paying off.”

He said that the pair’s success has also been about building strong relationships within the industry itself, the most prestigious of these being its sponsorship by Radiant Ink, renowned for producing the best pigments.

They have also partnered with regional business such as Butterluxe Tattoo Aftercare, based in Manchester, and Tattoo Everything Supplies in Bolton.