"Horror forces us to face harsh truths on humanity that are hard to comprehend"
London-born tattoo artist Cressida Raven is known for her gothic yet elegant style, merging anatomical precision with hauntingly beautiful motifs. Drawing from her background in illustration, signwriting, and a lifelong fascination with the macabre, Cressida’s work often explores mortality, emotion, and the human psyche. As Halloween approaches, she talks about her inspirations, creative process, and love of all things eerie.
You have a background as an illustrator and signwriter. Has that shaped your approach to tattoos?
There are times where I’m envious of tattooers that have been doing it from a young age - if I had started my apprenticeship when I was 18 I could’ve had 15 years under my belt by now! But I’m grateful for starting it aged 29, I learned valuable skills from being self-employed and social skills for bartending in my early 20s. As an Illustrator, I understood that some clients would hire me for my artistry and other simply because I could draw.
"Tattoos can be so many different things for different people"
The same applies to tattooing. Just because a particular tattoo might not challenge my creativity, it doesn’t make it any less important. For the client they could’ve spent years building up the courage to do it. My job is to treat the experience and the execution of the tattoo the same as any other. Tattooing is so much more personal - I will forever be humbled that I get to make people smile.
Can you tell us about your own tattoo journey?
The first few tattoos I got were by Scott Patterson at my local shop Scratchline in Kentish Town when I was 22. The design is a bold line work anatomical heart on my inner bicep because I “wear my heart on my sleeve” lol. Mostly as a reminder not to! I never wanted colour tattoos, even a little bit of red for blood feels like a threshold I might regret. I gravitate towards tattoos that look harsh but elegant.
My tattoos have helped me connect with my body, and like parts that I didn’t before. With each one I feel a little more confident. I remember as soon as I got the dagger on my chest by my friend Connor W, I bought so many low cut tops that I would never have worn before! Tattoos can be so many different things for different people, knowing how tattoos have helped me be in my body I feel very privileged that I get to help others with that same journey.
"Themes that come up for me often are the human physche, morality, and finding beauty in the grotesque"
You’re a keen reader and researcher — is exploring ideas and gathering inspiration part of the joy of being a tattoo artist?
The research stage of a project or idea has always been very fun for me, I love absorbing as much knowledge as I can. When I set out to make a new sheet of flash, I like to set myself a brief, or a concept as a starting point. For example, a trip to a particular museum. I also take pictures all the time, primary research materials are always the best - especially for tattoo references! Themes that come up for me often are the human physche, morality, and finding beauty in the grotesque. A book of mine I constantly refer back to is DEATH: A Graveside Companion.
Looking back at your work, are there designs you consider ‘classics’?
Spiders for sure, I will never get bored or drawing them! I didn’t realise how many spider related toys and decorations I had in my work space until a friend visited recently. I often get clients coming to me specifically for spider tattoos which I adore - there are worse things to be known for!
Skulls are an iconic symbol of Halloween and goth culture. How do you approach designing one that feels fresh, personal, and striking?
My best friend calls my skulls “worry skulls”, because I tend to draw the eye sockets to give a sad or worried expression. For me, this feels more emotive than the classic aggressive frown. As someone who has struggled with depression from a teen, I try to lean into sadness to accept it, rather than escape and run away from it.
What do you think it is about horror and the macabre that keeps people coming back to it?
I think it’s unfathomable. Horror forces us to face harsh truths on humanity that are hard to comprehend. Death is a paradox. It’s the one certainty that everyone shares, yet no one can say for certain what happens once you’re dead.
As a Londoner, are there particular streets, neighbourhoods, or landmarks that inspire your art?
The Hunterian Museum has been a favourite of mine since I first went aged 16. The intersection between science, art and history is my sweet spot! And of course, Highgate Cemetery. The West side on a sunny day is magical.
When you think of Halloween, what’s the one thing that still gives you a thrill?
In all honesty, just pure excitement to shop!! Shout out to the buyers at TK Maxx who always stock the cute and spooky homeware from August every year! I also love keeping an eye on my favourite trees on my walk to the studio, slowly watching the leaves turn red.
What can we find you doing this Halloween?
I’ll be tattooing all day at Sacred Art Tattoos’ (@sacredart.london) flash day! You’ll find me in my usual spot, a cave at the back of the basement, probably in a silly devil costume. With my coil machines buzzing away and likely cracking some bad jokes or talking about my angelic three black cats!
See more of Cressida's work @cressida_raven