From bartending to starting LSD. Tattoos and creating intricate dotwork designs, we dive into Raphael Meyer’s journey and his rise in Hong Kong’s tattoo scene!
For this week’s Friday Club. Insider, we’re catching up with up-and-coming tattoo artist Raphael Meyer of LSD. Tattoos – and no, it’s not what you think. For Raphael, LSD stands for Lines, Shades, and Dots, the foundation of his precise dotwork and intricate mandala tattoos. From his beginnings in bartending to inking the crew at Asia’s top-rated bar, Bar Leone, Raphael is carving out his niche in Hong Kong’s tattoo scene. This week, we sit down with him to explore his creative process, the challenges of mastering mandalas, and his advice for those looking to get their first tattoo. Read on to meet the rising talent behind some of the city’s most unique ink.
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What initially sparked your interest in tattooing, and what attracted you to the dotwork and black & grey styles specifically?
What really got me into tattoos started when I was a kid. I was always drawn to the idea of having something on my skin, something different. In high school, I would often draw on myself, and my teachers actually thought they were real tattoos. I remember asking my mum for my first tattoo when I was 15, but of course, she said no. Even so, a year later, I went ahead and got my first one in a very hidden spot. Ever since then, I knew tattoos were something I wanted to get into.
It did take a little while before I fully dived in, though. I started out bartending, and that’s where I really got to see the tattoo culture in action. A lot of bartenders had full sleeves or unique tattoos, and I always thought that was cool. It made me think about how I could combine those two passions – bartending and tattoos – and that’s how I eventually decided to pursue tattooing. As for why I chose dotwork and mandalas, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacy and symmetry of these patterns. There’s something really satisfying about the precision they require. Dotwork, in particular, allows me to create gradients and shading just by using single dots, which is a simple yet powerful way to bring depth and dimension to a piece. That’s what really drew me to this style.
Your mandala designs are beautifully intricate. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the final tattoo?
For a mandala piece, the first thing I focus on is meeting with the client and deciding where on the body they want the tattoo. I believe mandalas need to complement the body’s natural flow, so the placement is key. I’ll consider how it fits with the lines and symmetry of the body, because a mandala can’t just go anywhere – it needs to enhance the form and be in harmony with the overall design. I also draw a lot of inspiration from floral patterns. Traditionally, mandalas are based on Indian designs, which are often rooted in flowers like lotus or peonies. When designing for clients, I like to consider whether they want a more feminine feel or something with a stronger, more masculine edge. It’s all about tailoring the mandala to suit their personal style and the natural flow of their body.
Are there any favourite pieces you’ve worked on that taught you something new or pushed your skills to the next level?
One piece that stands out to me is a recent neck tattoo I did for a colleague of mine who’s a chef. Neck tattoos are pretty bold, and you really have to be confident to pull one off. Since he was already covered in tattoos on the rest of his body, he didn’t mind having something more visible and showy. I drew inspiration from indigenous Polynesian tattoo styles and incorporated elements that represented his work as a chef. For example, I included a citrus element that also resembled an octopus leg, blending both themes. The design flowed really well with the contours of his face, giving him a more badass look. It was definitely a good learning curve for me because tattooing the neck isn’t easy – there’s constant twisting, and the design can deform if you’re not careful, so you have to make sure it looks good from all angles.
Another cool experience was when I got to collaborate with Bar Leone, which is currently ranked the number one bar in Asia. To celebrate that achievement, they wanted their staff to get tattoos of the bar’s logo, and I was lucky enough to be chosen for the job. It was humbling and meaningful for me, especially since I come from the bar industry myself. It created a connection between me and the team. We started tattooing after their shift at 1 a.m., and by the end of it, I had tattooed five people, finishing around 7 a.m. It was an intense but fun marathon – definitely a memorable experience!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as a tattoo artist, and how did you work through them?
I think my biggest challenge starting out was building confidence in myself. Tattooing someone is a huge commitment, both for them and for me, because you’re creating something that will be on their skin for life. Naturally, you want to deliver the best possible outcome. Initially, that pressure held me back – it was finding the courage to put a needle on someone else’s skin that was tough. To overcome that, I started tattooing on myself, so I could understand the experience firsthand and also practice without the risk of messing up anyone else’s skin. Once I felt more comfortable, I had some close friends who trusted me enough to let me do small tattoos on them. From there, I gradually worked my way up from smaller pieces to larger, more complex designs.
You mentioned practicing by tattooing yourself – what was the first tattoo you gave yourself?
The first tattoo I gave myself was a tiny paper crane. It’s pretty much faded out now, and honestly, it wasn’t my best work! After that, I tattooed Totoro on myself, which was technically my second tattoo. That one also faded over time, so I had to go back and retouch it. While I was at it, I added some fun little cartoon characters around it too. It was all part of the learning process.
What advice would you give to someone considering their first tattoo to ensure they have the best possible experience?
For anyone thinking about getting their first tattoo, my advice would be to really do your research on the artist. Make sure their style matches what you’re looking for. For instance, I specialise in mandalas, black and gray, and dot work, so if someone approaches me wanting a portrait realism piece or traditional work with lots of colours, I’d have to politely say that’s not my area of expertise. But I’d definitely recommend someone who could do it well.
It’s also important to build a good relationship with your artist. The whole experience becomes so much better when there’s trust and communication between the artist and the client. That comfort level will always lead to a better final product. So, my top tips: research your artist, know what style and placement you want, and most importantly, don’t ever settle. If you’re not 100% sure about a design, don’t feel pressured into it. Be confident in what you want on your skin – it’ll make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
To stay up-to-date on Raphael Meyer’s projects, follow LSD. Tattoos on Instagram.
Friday Club. is where every day feels like Friday. We spark conversations that are both trendy and thought-provoking, exploring topics that truly matter while staying true to ourselves. We’re all about honesty, tackling tough subjects head-on, yet we never forget to embrace the fun life has to offer.
