Situated on the top floor of Hopkinson, one of Nottingham's most creative and quirky hangouts, tattoo studio Good Mornink is a welcoming community of international artists. Founder and Co-owner Melisa Büyük talks about turning dreams into the reality of owning a studio, and their upcoming charity flash day to raise money for Stonebridge City Farm...
Can you tell us about your journey into tattooing and how this studio came to be at Good Mornink?
Even though it took me a long time to actually call myself an artist, I wanted to be an artist since I was five years old. This journey started with drawing. Those little sketchbooks I used to carry with me everywhere eventually turned into tattoos that people now carry on their bodies. Once I started doing my job with love, it didn’t take long for me to start dreaming of a studio. I wanted to build an art studio where friends could gather, tattoo, and just have fun together and that dream actually came true.
Was there a particular moment when you realised tattooing was the creative path you wanted to pursue?
I’ve always had a fascination with art history, but when that interest merged with the history of tattoo culture, it sparked something inside me. Going that far back in human history is something you can only really do through art and tattooing. Being a part of this ancient journey and cycle... Honestly, just thinking about it still gives me goosebumps.
‘Concept tattoos’ have always held a very special place in my heart. Because their stories lie right there; I’m simply the storyteller bringing them to life, with a fine line touch.
Do you enjoy creating certain styles or types of tattoos?
What really made me love this job has always been people’s stories. Being able to connect with them, understand them, and create something beautiful as a result is such a rewarding process. That’s why ‘concept tattoos’ have always held a very special place in my heart. Because their stories lie right there; I’m simply the storyteller bringing them to life, with a fine line touch.
How have your past or personal experiences influenced your artistic style?
I think packing up all my experiences from the city where I was born and raised and moving here made me a braver person, someone who isn't afraid of trial and error. When you truly start from scratch, especially with a new language, your whole perspective on life changes. Maybe that’s why I chose tattooing: to listen to more stories and create more. Because everyone’s story is so valuable, and it teaches me something new every single day.
What do you think of Nottingham’s tattoo and wider art scene?
It doesn’t surprise me that I ended up in Nottingham and felt an instant sense of belonging here. This place is just amazing for that! There are so many creative people around. I honestly feel like I’m in one big art school. To connect with even more creative souls, I host a free "crafternoon" event once a month. We get together, create things, drink wine, and just chat. Everyone is more than welcome to join!
What challenges have you faced in building and growing the studio, and how have you overcome them as a business?
When I first set up the studio, I didn’t really have big dreams of expanding it; I just needed a free, creative safe space. I was going through a massive creative block at the time, and Good Mornink felt like a light cutting through that dark period. That’s why I named it Good Mornink it felt just like a sunrise. Later on, my friends started coming along and working with me. Of course, I faced challenges in the beginning. The environment I created wasn't for everyone, but I trusted the process and believed that a studio eventually chooses its own artists. Looking back now, I see a home and a beautiful family full of incredibly talented artists.
What makes your studio a good fit within Nottingham’s creative community?
We're a bit of a mini United Nations, most of us come from different countries, bringing unique styles and global perspectives to Nottingham’s art scene. Personally, I think that’s a rare and beautiful thing to find in a tattoo studio. I always describe us like this: we are all different instruments, but when we play together, we create a really beautiful melody. Sometimes it’s a bit of sweet chaos. Honestly, we would have made a pretty good music band!
How would you describe what each artist brings to the studio creatively?
Speaking as a tattoo artist who knows this industry well, I truly believe the greatest contribution you can make to a studio is simply good energy, nothing more. And what makes that energy visible is seeing customers leave the studio with big smiles on their faces.
What makes your team work well together?
What makes us work so well together is that we genuinely get along. We hang out outside of work and always support each other. My personal motto is that understanding and maturity come before talent. But of course, when you combine those qualities with talent, you get the exact team I’m working with right now.
You mentioned your recent visit to Stonebridge City Farm and plans for a charity fundraiser, can you tell me more about that and why community projects are important to you?
The collaboration with the farm was something that our colleague Alka suggested previously, but when we realised the farm was in financial distress, we instantly knew that we wanted to help. We got in touch with Stonebridge, and they were very enthusiastic about the idea. We arranged to go to the farm and spent a few hours meeting the animals and taking loads of photos. It was such a wonderful day!
As part of our upcoming flash day on Sunday 7 June, I really hope we can raise funds and do something to bring some joy to the animals there. I truly believe that through projects like this, we can inspire more people to be part of a community and encourage others to lend a helping hand.
Can you tell us a little more about how the flash day works?
For the flash day event, anyone wishing to book a session can message their preferred artist directly on Instagram. Alternatively, people are more than welcome to just pop in on the day as a walk-in, browse the available flash designs, and decide then. We can't wait to see everyone there!
Head to meet Melisa and the Good Mornink team on Sunday 7 June for their tattoo flash day, where a set range of animal themed tattoos will be available as walk-in appointments from just £50. You can find them on the top floor of Hopkinson Vintage, Antiques & Art Centre at 21 Station Street.
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