In this episode of Chats & Tatts, Aaron Della Vedova sits down with world-renowned tattooer Julian Siebert of Corpse Painter Tattoo in Munich, Germany. Known globally for his breathtaking, large-format bodysuits, neo-traditional compositions, and high-contrast flow, Julian breaks down the exact mindset, techniques, and philosophy required to produce over 200 massive back pieces in his 21-year career.

Aaron and Julian engage in a masterclass discussion covering why Julian refuses numbing cream, how he approaches efficiency and machine setups for 8-hour sessions, the evolution of iPad drawing vs. AI in tattoo design, why he decided to stop taking apprentices, and the psychological impact of collecting large-scale body art as personal armor.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction & Welcoming Julian Siebert

01:43 - The Sheer Scale: 200+ Backpieces & 100+ Front Pieces

03:16 - The Sacrifice of Passion & Balancing Family Life

04:32 - The "Glass of Water" Philosophy: Why Julian Chose Not to Have Kids

07:00 - From Heavy Metal & Slipknot to Quitting School After a Car Crash

11:02 - How Large-Scale Tattoos Transform Client Confidence & Build "Armor"

15:50 - Workflow & Efficiency: Tackling 7 to 9 Hour Sessions

17:25 - The Numbing Cream Debate: "You Want a Tattoo? Earn a Tattoo"

23:32 - 21 Years of Change: Social Media, iPads, & The AI Threat

28:18 - Over-Saturation in the Tattoo Industry & Copycat Artists

33:05 - "We Have Enough Tattoo Artists": Why Julian's 6th Apprentice is His Last

38:34 - Hunger vs. Money: Young Artists Giving Away Free Tattoos

41:45 - The European Economic Crisis & How It Affects Tattooing

45:37 - Technical Breakdown: Layering Blacks, Colors, & Sculpting Lines Last

50:20 - Direct Drive Machines, Stroke Lengths (4.2mm - 4.5mm), & Needle Choices

54:25 - How to Stay Inspired After 20+ Years: Learning from Every Style

1:02:55 - How to Book an Appointment with Julian Siebert

STANDOUT QUOTES:

"You want a tattoo? Earn a tattoo. That’s the point." (17:35)

"We have a nice life. We love what we do... and that's why we decided we don't want kids." (05:33)

"By getting these tattoos, I got so much more self-confidence. It's an armor." (14:15)

"We have enough tattoo artists. That's why my current apprentice will be my last." (33:38)

CONNECT WITH JULIAN SIEBERT:

Instagram: @julian.siebert