FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                             

Derek Dufresne

The Award Winning, Internationally Published Tattoo Artist from BC, Canada has been tattooing professionally for over 7 years. As the owner of Fleshworks Tattoo in BC, Canada, Derek is well known for his artistic, asian, japanese style tattoos. Derek took some time off to talk about his shop and the importance of apprenticeship.

By: Gian Erguiza



Gian: Hey Derek, how are you doing man?

Derek: Fantastic. Summers coming, no more rain!

Gian: So let us begin. Who is Derek Dufresne?

Derek: I opened my own shop, Fleshworks Tattoos, back in ‘99. It was just me in a little hole in the wall studio. I’ve moved once since then and have been at the present location for about 5 years . I’ve stopped at nothing in my quest to make Fleshworks Victoria and Vancouver Island’s premier tattoo and body piercing studio. Many of our clients travel here from out of province and from the US. The studio is designed to make the clients feel comfortable and relaxed. Some of the highlights here include, a koi fish pond, wide screen plasma tv with surround sound for clients to watch movies while getting tattooed. Also, a pumping stereo system, mp3 player, a 55 gallon fish tank, and water falls.

Even though the studio is at a storefront location, we are mainly a custom shop. There’s no flash on the walls. We are not in a high foot traffic area so don’t get a lot of walk in tattoos. And working mostly by appointment, there are few interruptions and we can concentrate on the tattoo at hand.

At present there is one other tattoo artist here, Kirk Sheppard. (www.kirksheppardtattoos.com) He does a lot of traditional tattoo designs, sort of "modern-old-school" , bold bright color, lettering and large flowing tribal tattoos.. Kirk has been here for a little over 3 years. As well as a body piercer, Vyky Reid, who came out west from Edmonton in November, 06.

Gian: What type of Art do you specialize in and love doing?

Derek: I like to do big Asian inspired, multi session pieces. Not traditional Japanese, but very influenced by that style, with my own twist on it. Color or black and grey it really doesnt matter. I love doing tattoos that flow across large areas of the body. Airy, easy to read pieces. I also love doing realistic animals.

Gian: How important is it to capture the expression, detail or essence of a tattoo?

Derek: This is very important to me . When I finish a tattoo, I want it to be the best I could have done it. No matter what the tattoo, I want it to take on a life of its own. I spend a lot of time drawing each persons tattoo. Its not some flat uninspired dull overdone piece of flash.

Gian: Which Tattoo of yours off the top of your head do you consider to be one of the best ones you’ve ever done?

Derek: I cant really answer that. I like to think that each tattoo is better than the last. I have yet to do my "best "tattoo.

Gian: If you can ink anyone in the world, who would you love to ink and what part of their body?

Derek: Anyone who is into my style and wants me to tattoo them. Any large empty body part that someone wants to fill up

Gian: Is there a special interest of yours that you love doing aside from tattooing?

Derek: I love hanging out with my kids and my wife. Going out and doing things with them or just chilling at home doing nothing, just being in their company.

Gian: I saw on the fleshworks.ca website and derekdufresne.com that you have an extensive schedule out on the road this year, is there a certain event or expo that you always enjoy being a part of?

Derek: I love travelling and working conventions. Catching up with friends, meeting new people. For a couple years I was only doing the Canadian shows, but there are only a couple up here that are any fun. Last year I think I did 10 shows, most of them in the US. This year I am doing about 12-15. Working around all these incredibly talented tattooers keeps you humble and pushes you to become a better artist.

Gian: Being a Tattoo artist must take up all of your time. What do you do when you get time to relax and unwind?

Derek: Being a tattoo artist really does take over your whole life. Almost everything I do is somehow related to tattooing. I always make time for my family though. I like to spend as much time as I can with my kids and wife. Really doesnt leave time for much else.

Gian: Do you have any advice for up-n-coming tattoo artists?

Derek: Apprenticeship is very important. And not just for any old hack who happens to have a shop. Find an artist whos work you admire an a good clean studio. It will be a lot of work.. There are no short cuts. Do it the right way and it will pay off in the end.

Gian: So when can I get some Ink done?

Derek: You know where Im at!

Gian: Any additional comments?

Derek: No.

Gian: Thanks a mil Derek and keep up the good work!

You can check out more of Derek’s work on http://www.DerekDufresne.com or http://www.fleshworks.ca