Dane Hiltz
“Straight up, traditional no bullshit tattooing.”
Dane Hiltz is the owner of Freedom Electric Tattoo located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. As his Instagram bio eludes to, he is a straight up, no bullshit tattoo artist, bringing back the old school, traditional styles and experiences of tattooing. Before there was photo realism and “magic ink” (which is quite possibly the stupidest thing in recent tattoo history), there was Sailor Jerry, Ed Hardy, bold lines and color that looked like it was applied with a paint brush.
“Bold will hold,” is something I’m sure Dane has said at least once in his life. And its true! While realism and fine line can hold up for many years with proper care, American Traditional doesn’t need that crutch. There’s a reason why your grandpa’s tattoo he got in 1970 still vaguely resembles that flying eagle it once was. And you know he didn’t wear sunscreen or get it touched up.
We had a chance to ask Dane some questions about his career and life as a tattooer, specifically a traditional tattooer, prior to his guest spot at Pale Horse.
How long have you been tattooing for?
This coming April marks 10 years of tattooing for me. It has been quite the ride and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Newer artists often struggle to find what type of tattooing they want to do, how did you land on American Traditional?
I have always been drawn to American Traditional the bold imagery. There was no guessing to what the design was. You could read it across the room. I used to trace and draw sailor Jerry Collin’s designs when I was in my teens. I have books and binders filled with drawings. To be able to look at a tattoo that’s 30 plus years old and still be able to see what it is that’s pretty awesome.
What was your apprenticeship like? Lately there have been articles discussing what is expected or what is now considered outdated practices. How does yours compare to modern ideals?
My apprenticeship fell into my lap basically. I never really planned to be a tattooer. I was getting tattooed and hanging out with two amazing artists regularly. And one day I left some little doodle drawings on the light table. When I came back in they asked if they were mine and if I had more. I brought in my binders and the rest was history. I made my first tattoo that day. And small hand holding a cross. Turned out pretty good! I swept and mopped and all that but because we were all friends first I had a pretty easy and smooth ride for the most part. I have no complaints.
How receptive do you find clients to your artistic input on designs? With realism, typically client tolerance for stylistic choices is narrow, how do you find your clients are?
My clients are very receptive to my artistic input. I consult via email or DM. I do custom tattooing aside from my own original designs or flash. 80% of what I tattoo are drawings I post that I want to tattoo and people pick them. Large and small, black and grey traditional/neo traditional. At this point in my career people know what my tattoos look like. So when they present me with their ideas I take that and make my drawing, they see the drawing the day of the appointment and we make a tattoo. Sometimes the odd tweak of something or sizing may happen, but for the most part we are ready to roll.
How do you balance preserving the traditional aspects of the style while incorporating modern influences into your designs?
I hold onto the idea of bold will hold. I use a bold outline mixed with smaller finer lines. I feel like this lets me make smaller details that you wouldn’t find in traditional tattoo and gives me a more modern appearance. I like to use black. Lots of artists are scared to use black. Simpler open designs with multiple line weights is just damn appealing to me.
American Traditional is known for its iconic imagery, is there a classic motif that you would say is your favorite?
Well that’s a loaded question lol there are too many to choose from but I love a good rose, skull and dagger. But really you can take any image and make it in a traditional way. You just have to break it down to a simple structure.
People often refer to the meaning of tattoos. As the industry has grown the symbolism has become less vague. Do you find your clients getting traditional style tattoos with the intention of the original symbolism? Or has the symbolism in American Traditional also evolved?
I feel like people just get cool tattoos because they are cool. Most people arnt getting spider webs on their elbows because they have done time. They are getting them because they look cool as fuck. lol and that’s the only reason you need in my book. Meaningful tattoos will always hold their place. Memorial tattoos and or something representing a moment in life whatever the case may be. I happy to make them all!
Is your studio, Freedom Electric Tattoo, a private studio or are the doors open to the public?
Prior to covid I was a street shop open for walk-ins and apts. However I have evolved into an appointment only private shop. I am usually booking a couple months in advance so walk ins aren’t really a reality. I like to know what I’m doing everyday and give it my full attention. My days of 6-7 tattoos a day are over. lol My doors are locked during the day so I can provide the best service to my clients and give them my entire focus. If I have a guest artist in town and they want we will open the doors for walk in services. But most of the time guest are booked out before they arrive!
What has been the biggest challenge for you to overcome as a business owner and tattooer?
There are so many things, but building up a steady clientele. Anyone can tattoo first time clients however you want these new friends and clients to come back! You have to give them an experience plus the tattoo. I would rather get good tattoo from a great person then a great tattoo from a dickhead. It takes time, social media, word of mouth and guest spots. Never stop putting yourself out there. I am a one man army so I don’t stop.
If you could go back in time and give yourself a single piece of advice when you started tattooing, what would it be?
As far as making tattoos, slow down take your time, quickness will come but slow down and do it right. Draw, draw, draw. Everything will fall into place if you dedicate everything you have to the craft.
I want to thank Dane for taking the time to answer some questions about his career, life and studio. Dane will be at Pale Horse Tattoos from January 30th to the 31st and we hope it wont be the last time!
Check out Dane’s Instagram for some amazing American Traditional, “no bullshit” tattooing!
Dane’s studio, Freedom Electric Tattoo is located at 330 Main St. Antigonish NS Unit 2.