Reef

Tattoo Artist — Malaysia

01Profile

A Reef Photo

03Interview

Introduce yourself
My Name is Reef, 24 Years of age born and raised in Sarawak., Borneo. and I'm a tattoo artist.

Describe your style in 3 words?
sunday morning brunch.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
It reflects strong traditions, firm beliefs and pride in a movement where the outcasts are the incasts.

When did you first start tattooing?
I started tattooing at the age of 20 in 2014, on my parents' car porch.

What was the first tattoo you got, and the first that you've done?
The first tattoo that I got was lettering that read 'MUSIC', it didn't turn out well so I figured I could do it better myself - that was what ignited the idea to start tattooing. The first tattoo I ever put on someone was a peace logo, done via a hand poked method.

Tell us the story behind your favourite tattoo...
If we're talking about the tattoos on my body, I don't really have any particular one as every tattoo has a different time memoir to me. I would say that my tattoos do remind me of my experience getting it. When I first started tattooing, the only way to learn fast was to get tattooed yourself. And each tattoo taught me a different lesson, especially just by talking to other tattooer which I look up to the most.

What was the first song you played on repeat?
My first love on music was 'In The End' by Linkin Park and that was also my very first Band T-shirt!

Who is your ultimate British musical icon?
British Icon, that would be The Beatles, I mean who does not love The Beatles? Just because how they like to be direct and simple with the way they compose their lyrics. Secondly, I would go with The Kooks, they are also great to listen to on my off days.

What was the best gig you've been to?
Incubus '8 Tour' was amazing, just watching them playing the song that change your life was surreal!

What inspires you?
Working with different kinds of artists or even different strangers that you bump into everyday inspires me in a way.

04Playlist Notes

'If Not Now When' by Incubus.
I choose this song because this was the one that kept me on my feet 4 years ago when everything i want to do was rejected. So this song did changed my life in a way.

'Meant To Live' by Switchfoot.
I choose this song because this was also the one that kept the fire in me to keep on going.

'My Girl' by The Temptations.
I recorded myself singing this song and sent it to a girl whom later became my girlfriend *wink

'Come Together' by The Beatles.
A reunion song for my band. Always the first choice to jam together.

'Seaside' by The Kooks.
Always listen to this whenever we're on our way to the beach,because it made you feel like you are already dipping in the sand even tho you're still miles away.

'High Tide or Low Tide' by Bob Marley.
The lyric says it all.

'Stir It Up' by Bob Marley.
I choose this song because this was the first song that i love as a 6 year old by Bob.

'Brother' by Matt Corby.
Matt Corby is one of the genius out there that still keeps it underground.

Into The Black' by Tyler Bryant And The Shakedown.
whenever I feel like I need a 'romantic' ambience, this is that song.

'My God Has A Telephone' by The Flying Stars Of Brooklyn NY.
The "going to your work place" song. If you listen to this right after you step out the door,I can promise you,you will feel positive and energetic throughout the day!

'Heart Of Gold' by Neil Young.
Neil Young is the definition of Simple yet Legendary.

'Ain't No Grave' Johnny Cash
Imagine a 90 year old walking in the old folks house with a leather Jacket and Boots. That's me, with the music on the background. haha!

03Interview

Introduce yourself
My Name is Reef, 24 Years of age born and raised in Sarawak., Borneo. and I'm a tattoo artist.

Describe your style in 3 words?
sunday morning brunch.

What does the Fred Perry Shirt mean to you?
It reflects strong traditions, firm beliefs and pride in a movement where the outcasts are the incasts.

When did you first start tattooing?
I started tattooing at the age of 20 in 2014, on my parents' car porch.

What was the first tattoo you got, and the first that you've done?
The first tattoo that I got was lettering that read 'MUSIC', it didn't turn out well so I figured I could do it better myself - that was what ignited the idea to start tattooing. The first tattoo I ever put on someone was a peace logo, done via a hand poked method.

Tell us the story behind your favourite tattoo...
If we're talking about the tattoos on my body, I don't really have any particular one as every tattoo has a different time memoir to me. I would say that my tattoos do remind me of my experience getting it. When I first started tattooing, the only way to learn fast was to get tattooed yourself. And each tattoo taught me a different lesson, especially just by talking to other tattooer which I look up to the most.

What was the first song you played on repeat?
My first love on music was 'In The End' by Linkin Park and that was also my very first Band T-shirt!

Who is your ultimate British musical icon?
British Icon, that would be The Beatles, I mean who does not love The Beatles? Just because how they like to be direct and simple with the way they compose their lyrics. Secondly, I would go with The Kooks, they are also great to listen to on my off days.

What was the best gig you've been to?
Incubus '8 Tour' was amazing, just watching them playing the song that change your life was surreal!

What inspires you?
Working with different kinds of artists or even different strangers that you bump into everyday inspires me in a way.

04Playlist Notes

'If Not Now When' by Incubus.
I choose this song because this was the one that kept me on my feet 4 years ago when everything i want to do was rejected. So this song did changed my life in a way.

'Meant To Live' by Switchfoot.
I choose this song because this was also the one that kept the fire in me to keep on going.

'My Girl' by The Temptations.
I recorded myself singing this song and sent it to a girl whom later became my girlfriend *wink

'Come Together' by The Beatles.
A reunion song for my band. Always the first choice to jam together.

'Seaside' by The Kooks.
Always listen to this whenever we're on our way to the beach,because it made you feel like you are already dipping in the sand even tho you're still miles away.

'High Tide or Low Tide' by Bob Marley.
The lyric says it all.

'Stir It Up' by Bob Marley.
I choose this song because this was the first song that i love as a 6 year old by Bob.

'Brother' by Matt Corby.
Matt Corby is one of the genius out there that still keeps it underground.

Into The Black' by Tyler Bryant And The Shakedown.
whenever I feel like I need a 'romantic' ambience, this is that song.

'My God Has A Telephone' by The Flying Stars Of Brooklyn NY.
The "going to your work place" song. If you listen to this right after you step out the door,I can promise you,you will feel positive and energetic throughout the day!

'Heart Of Gold' by Neil Young.
Neil Young is the definition of Simple yet Legendary.

'Ain't No Grave' Johnny Cash
Imagine a 90 year old walking in the old folks house with a leather Jacket and Boots. That's me, with the music on the background. haha!