Rory ‘Feen’ O’Neill
Co-Owner & Artist
Creator and joint owner of State Of The Arts Tattoo Studio. To date I have been tattooing 17 years. Self-taught (in the beginning) and we (Ryan) have had the shop for 15 years. Multi award winning artist.
I'd say I specialise in black and grey realism... which is cool... but to be honest I love almost every variant of tattoo categories. I love trying new styles or trying to perfect them all!
Although my origins are from being a so-called scratcher; I have prided myself on continuous education in every area of tattooing... from technique to hygiene; management to hospitality.
And it feels like 17 years to be honest! What I mean is that there has been so much to learn... soo much... and I’ve a feeling there is much more to do so in the future! Can’t wait!
Looking forward to seeing what twists and turns the tattoo industry will throw at us.
I am very grateful to my family for their love and support continuously. To my shop family for their love, support and unrelenting education in art.. tattoos.. patience and shite talk! A massive thank you to all my clients also... past and present. Cheers for the trust!
Forever and always Looking forward to creating.....
Gaz
Artist
Art found me at the age of 4 with a crayon in hand. Since then I have never looked back, at a young age I had dreams of being a painter, a comic artist, a concept artist.... Always i remember the inspiring words spoke to me by my geography teacher " Gaz your lucky you can draw cause you can do nothing else" lol... An with that it was off to North Wales to university where I got my degree in illustration... Since then I have worked for Gruff studios painting highly detailed action shots of motorcycle racers.
I then moved to Ramsgate Kent where I worked for Cromptons leisure machines where I was a concept designer in charge of producing graphics for gaming machines sold around the world. Always enjoying trying new things I then moved to Denbigh where I worked for Craig Bragdy design where I held the position of head designer on several big projects including a 2 mile underpass mural installation which can still be seen in Dubai to this day. Still not wanting to settle I then moved back home and through friends I met Rory, who convinced me to give tattooing a go and the rest as they say is history. I am Lucky enough to say I am an award winning, multi-published artist, I was chosen to design the 2018 Belfast tattoo convention poster and the award and poster for the 2017 Middleton tattoo convention. I have given more of myself to art than anything else in my life, and it has given me so much in return. Art is a constant journey with so many ups and downs I have enjoyed every second so far. So, with that I will leave you with a ‘lil Jim.... Good morning, oh and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night
........
Christopher O’Rourke
Artist
Hey, I'm Christopher. I have been tattooing for just over four years now and have fallen in love with the practice. From childhood I have always had a deep connection with creating and the arts, knowing it was something I had to pursue as an adult / throughout my education. My background began with studying Fine Art in Uni, then moving to eastern Europe to study classical art and sculpture. Being born and raised in Coalisland, I knew my mentor Rory, and looked up to him and his art, so I was very grateful when the opportunity came to shadow him, and eventually secure my apprenticeship in State of the Arts. As a former client, I always loved the vibe of our shop, and knew it was the one I had to learn in. In my opinion we have the best balance between ' the craic', a relaxed atmosphere, and a contrasting strict professionalism when it comes to the artwork, I knew i had to be taught in such an environment.
When it comes to tattooing, every day is a school day, and I have enjoyed every challenge that has came my way. I wouldn't say I have a set style, and believe working in Mid Ulster you have to be a good all rounder, ready for any request our diverse community throws your way. I pride myself in fine detail, custom unique ideas and my openess to fulfill my clients requests to the best of my ability.
My interests lie in nature, mythology, fantasy and spiritual/holistic inspired tattoos. I adore Celtic mythology and everything else ancient. I believe that tattooing as a craft is innate and sacred, humans have been marking their skin for thousands of years accross many cultures, as if it is in our DNA to express ourselves through our skin. Often described as 'away with the faries', I take a lot of my inspiration from our land and ancient cultures of this island. I love learning about other cultures and art styles from around the world, but would be biased to say we have one of the richest, mystical folklores of all.
My favorite thing about this job is my clients, hearing their stories and translating them into personal artwork. If you feel drawn to me, I look forward to hearing your ideas and translating them onto the skin.
Maeve Herron
Artist
Hey peoples, keeping it short and sweet, here’s a little bit about me…
Ever since I can remember, I have had a huge love for art, and even to this day I am still learning. Eventually my interested in art led to the discovery of tattoos… I was fascinated by this magical way of drawing on people that won’t wash off ! I can even remember getting my first marker tattoo machine as a child, I had chosen my colours and not before long I was covered head to toe in pink and blue marker scribbles… and so was everyone else in the house.
During my school time, art was my favourite subject (obviously), so you’d usually find me hiding out in the art room, any free period I’d be there, and the first place the teachers , but, oddly enough the path I took when I left school was very far from the art related industry, so art became more of a hobby. Then one day I had an epiphany to become a tattoo artist, and honestly that was it… and I haven’t looked back.
I have now been tattooing for around 3 years (and became a part time comedian as stated by Rory himself). I am so lucky to be part of the state of the arts family, where I have learned everything I know about tattooing, the industry, various drawing styles and more, needless to say I still have much to learn… and all that work and learning goes along with plenty of talking complete rubbish, laughs and learning random facts off Alexa.
Shimmying my way in here was the best decision I have ever made.
Thanks for reading my nonsense, much appreciated… hopefully I’ll be seeing you soon
Ryan ‘Chu’ O’Neill
Co-Owner & Manager
I left school to pursue a career in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Never did I think I would be running one of the best tattoo studios in Ireland. Both Rory and myself teamed up 15 years ago - friends from 2yrs of age. I was managing a bar at the time while Rory had a studio in Dungannon. He wanted someone to come in to do the daily running of the business and let him concentrate on the art. I knew nothing about running a studio but fancied the challenge and have found that this is by far, one of the best industries to be involved in.
Down through the years we have moved 3 times due to outgrowing the premises we were in. I believe every move was getting better and closer to where we wanted to be. This would not have been possible without the people that came in to help us push on. I would like to thank each and everyone of you who helped us achieve this. From tattooists, piercers, friends and family - Thank YOU! My job is made easier with the outstanding artists above. Could not imagine working with a better bunch of people.
I would like to also thank each and every one of our clients past and present. Without you this would not be possible. Without you we would not be able to do the job we do and continue to produce amazing tattoos, some great laughs and a lot of memories.