Meet Our Artists: Holly Riding

Meet Our Resident Artist Holly

10 questions you asked to get to know Holly..

What inspired you to become a tattooist?

Well, surprisingly this wasn’t my first choice as a career, however I’ve always loved art from a very young age, attending art classes every Monday evening and mostly wanting to do all classes at school which didn’t really involve thinking.

I used to watch LA and Miami ink with my dad and he always told me “you know what you want to do when you grow up, work for yourself, it’s a really rewarding job”.
With working part time, I knew it wasn’t for me, I wanted something I could excel and grow in, for years I was told by family members and friends that I should become a tattoo artist and I have never looked back since.

What is your favourite subject matter to tattoo?

Oooo, I do have many favourites but mostly anything botanical/floral or nature based.
With me having many different styles it has given me the opportunity to try out various techniques and learn new skills. I’m still always experimenting, in 2025 Is really love to start more larger projects.

What is the most rewarding thing about your work?

I think the most rewarding thing is that every single day is different, every piece of art is different, having the joys of meeting and building relationships with clients, I don’t think there’s a day that doesn’t go by where everyone in the studio can’t hear me cackling.

When you’re not tattooing, what are you doing in your spare time?

I love spending time at home with my partner and our pup Lenny, not to mention seeing friends and family.

I used to be such a party goer but I feel those days have passed.
Having only just bought a house last year I’m still very much getting used to us living in our own place, so I just love coming home, putting on the log burner and getting cosy especially in these dark winter nights.

We love going for walks at the weekend or travelling to new and exciting places.

What’s your favourite animal and why?

I can’t really say a cat anymore since I have a dog can I? 😂
I’ve always grown up with cats, so they’ve been number 1 from the start. I never thought the day would come when I’d get a dog, but I have to say, he’s melted my heart.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Well…I always get told I’m hilarious…I also have to say…
Witty
Kind
And I’m adding an extra one…determined.

What would your career be if you wasn’t an artist?

I had 3 choices, because 1 wasn’t enough.
Either an art teacher, a baker or a MUA. I know all very different.

What is your favourite film and why?

Im a horror fanatic, sooo I do have many favourites although…Midsommar has to be my fave! I used to watch it roughly around twice a week as ‘background noise” if I couldn’t find anything to watch and needed to do some work, I know, I’m weird. 😂
I think it’s just the artistic visionary aspects I find amazing! Especially the flower dress… sorry spoiler alert.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

Apart from Pat Butcher being my spirit animal…

I’d probably say my colleagues and the owners of Tainted oak, mainly the reason being, I wouldn’t be were I am today or doing the job I’m doing if I wasn’t offered this opportunity. It’s an inspiration to see everyone’s artwork because we all have such different styles and seeing everyone’s happy faces, otherwise I’d probably still be doing 4am starts at Greggs, serving cold sausage rolls, I’m very thankful.

Lastly, but the most important question… mashed potatoes or roast potatoes?

Goose fat and rosemary potatoes 🤤 but they have to be extra crispy.

 To keep up to date with Holly, follow her on Instagram @hollyridingtattoo