Black Moon Tattoos rallies round one of its own

This weekend, the buzz at Black Moon Tattoos on Cheap Street won’t just be about fresh ink. It will be about rallying around a much-loved Frome resident.

On Sunday 2nd August, the Frome tattoo studio is holding a special fundraising flash day to support apprentice tattoo artist Tom Keegan, better known as TK, after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

TK, who recently moved back to Frome with his wife and two young children after a decade in Berlin, had only just begun the next chapter of his career when life took an unexpected turn. After surgery last year, he has now started a nine-week course of chemotherapy after the cancer spread, leaving him unable to work.

Studio owner Jo Black says supporting him was never in doubt.

“He’s just started a new life here and then this happens. We all just felt it wasn’t fair. He’s so well loved and people genuinely want to help.”

On Sunday, visitors can choose from a collection of TK’s original tattoo designs, with Black Moon’s artists donating their time to tattoo them. Every penny raised will go directly to supporting TK and his family while he undergoes treatment.

It is an unusual gesture in the tattoo world, where artists normally tattoo only their own designs.

“We don’t usually tattoo another artist’s work,” Jo explained. “But obviously TK can’t do them himself at the moment, so we’re doing them for him.”

The event promises to be a lively one. Alongside the tattoo sessions there will be a raffle, children’s temporary tattoo transfers and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the craft. Because it coincides with Frome’s popular Sunday market, organisers are expecting plenty of visitors. People can simply walk in, choose a design and book an available time slot.

Black Moon itself has become something of a Frome institution. Jo founded the studio in 2010, although her fascination with tattoos began years earlier after spotting tattoo artists working on California’s famous Muscle Beach.

More than two decades into her career, she still loves the creativity of the job.

There is no fixed route into becoming a tattoo artist, she says. Most learn through apprenticeships under experienced mentors, developing their skills over time.

“You do need some artistic ability,” she says, “but it’s also something you can work at. Like any creative skill, it takes dedication.”

Tattoo trends have changed dramatically too. While bold traditional designs remain popular, Jo says tiny “micro tattoos” are currently in high demand. She is also clear about where she draws the line, refusing offensive designs or highly visible tattoos on first-time clients if she feels they may regret the decision.

During a visit for our Makers & Shakers podcast, co-host Sonia even tried her hand at tattooing on practice skin. Thankfully, no members of the public were harmed in the making of this feature!

The real stars of the day, however, will be TK’s artwork and the generosity of the Frome community.

At the time of our interview, the studio’s GoFundMe had already raised hundreds of pounds before the fundraising day had even begun, a testament to just how much affection there is for TK and his family.

Help Support

If you’ve ever thought about getting a tattoo, or simply want to support a local family facing an incredibly difficult time, Sunday’s event is a chance to do both.

Black Moon Tattoos’ fundraising flash day takes place on Sunday 2nd August at the studio on Cheap Street, Frome. Walk-ins are welcome and all proceeds from the day’s tattooing will go towards supporting TK and his family during his cancer treatment.

---

Written by Daisy Steel.

Journalist, columnist and podcaster