New Tenant – Pip Fox Tattoo

Meet Pip! An Ornamental Floral Blackwork Tattoo Artist and one of our newest tenants. 

The story behind why I started tattooing, I went to the University of Lancaster studying Contemporary Fine Art, and me and one of my house mates were discussing what we could possibly do as a future career, and as a starving confused artist, I simply had no clue. And she literally said, “Well it’s obvious… become a tattoo artist”. I can’t express enough how much the “light bulb moment” literally does exist. That week I went down to the local Tattoo Studio, which happened to be a flipping amazing one (Aurora Tattoo Studio, in Lancaster) and asked if I could volunteer! Free labour, I just wanted to be in the environment to confirm if what my intuition was telling me was true. I fell in love with the industry and the art of tattooing, and everything that was involved.   

 

Once I’d graduated, I moved to Newcastle to pursue an apprenticeship. Through lots of networking and drawing constantly, I got my apprenticeship in June 2018.  My Tattoo career has been amazing so far, I’ve met and worked alongside amazing tattooists and gained friendship with incredible clients. I’ve worked Tattoo Conventions in Liverpool, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester. I’m constantly trying to improve and develop my craft and learning about the history of tattooing (which is extensive and so interesting!).

 

 

I’ve known of Banks Mill for a few years now and always wondered about what it’d be like to open a studio here. And I can say it’s the best thing I’ve done for my business so far! I opened my little studio called “Ivy Cove” in August 2025. It’s incredible to feel like I’m standing on my own two feet and supporting myself, whilst also being surrounded by incredible inspirational artists, and the support and care of the Banks Mill staff. It’s such a safe and uplifting environment to be in, with constant amazing endless opportunities. I’m excited to see what collaborations are in store, with some of the other tenants! 

 

 

At the minute, I’m working on developing my own personal style, to zone into what I’m truly passionate about. More large scale, Japanese influence, with darker elements leading to high contrast with black ink vs the clients natural skin tone. The body as the canvas. Accentuating the clients’ natural curves and creating body contouring shapes.

 

  

At the moment, I do a lot of full back pieces which can take anywhere between 2-6 sessions, depending on the amount of detail and the levels of shading etc. I have some clients that I’ve completed full back pieces, leg sleeves, and arm sleeves on. I’ll forever be so thankful for the trust and dedication my clients are willing to give! My dream in the future is to expand and create a little safe haven for tattoo artists and their clients. A positive uplifting environment where lots of art is created, and we can just bounce off each other’s inspirations.  

Can’t wait to see what the future holds for Ivy Cove at Banks Mill Studios!