Born in Cork City, Chase has had a passion for art and painting since his early years. He started to paint Graffiti in 2007 and is still an active graffiti artist to this day. He enjoys combining two of his biggest interests as often as he can; Travelling and Painting! Chase has been influenced by tattooing since his teens but only decided to begin tattooing himself since early 2020. Chase has a great appreciation for Traditional tattooing but has an open mind in regards to which style he would like to pursue in the future. Chase began working as an apprentice in Smiley Dogg Tattoo during the summer of 2021!

Chase is a resident tattoo artist at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio in Cork, Ireland.

View his latest work on Instagram: @chasetattooer

Ready for your custom tattoo? Book your appointment at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio and request Chase as your artist.

Portfolio

Traditional Tattoo FAQs

What Defines a Traditional Tattoo?

A traditional tattoo is characterised by bold, clean lines, solid colours, and iconic, timeless imagery. Common motifs include hearts, daggers, roses, anchors, and swallows. The style typically uses a limited yet striking colour palette, primarily black, red, green, and yellow, creating strong contrast and visual impact. The result is a design that remains clear, vibrant, and readable over time.

What Are the Rules of Traditional Tattoos?

Traditional tattoos follow a set of core principles that give the style its enduring appeal: bold and well-defined outlines, a restricted colour palette, minimal yet effective shading, and balanced, straightforward compositions. The imagery is often inspired by classic American and European tattoo traditions. By adhering to these fundamentals, artists create designs that are both visually strong and timeless.

Where Can You Get a Traditional Tattoo in Cork?

At Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio in Cork, Ireland, you can experience high-quality traditional tattooing. The studio is home to skilled artists who specialise in traditional Irish designs, creating custom pieces tailored to each client. With a strong focus on hygiene and safety, Smiley Dogg ensures all equipment is fully sterilised, providing a professional and safe environment for every session.

Which Artist Is Recommended for Traditional Irish Tattoos?

For traditional Irish tattoo designs in Cork, Chase from Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio is highly recommended. With extensive experience and a strong focus on traditional styles, Chase is known for creating detailed, authentic, and personalised tattoos. Exploring his Instagram portfolio is an excellent way to see the quality and range of his work.

What Do Traditional Irish Tattoos Mean in Celtic Culture?

Traditional Irish tattoos are deeply rooted in Ireland’s ancient Celtic heritage. They often symbolise themes such as eternity, protection, the cycles of life, and a deep connection to nature. Popular designs include Celtic knots (representing infinity and interconnectedness), triskeles (symbolising motion and progress), mythological creatures, and Gaelic symbols. Each piece carries rich cultural significance, making these tattoos both meaningful and visually distinctive.