Amazing sexy body art at British Tattoo Show

“You should get the right qualifications, of course, but you can also train on things like oranges or even latex sheets. There’s no substitute, though, for real skin – my first tattoo was on my own leg!”

In between winces, Amy tells us she had to get another design to complete her set of woodland animals. She says: “Symmetry is really important. It looks odd if you have messy patterns on your body. I have birds everywhere so I wanted a different animal.

“I really wanted a stag’s head on this leg as I have a peacock on the other thigh and they’ll balance each other out now.” Skin is defi nitely the order of the day, with body painting also being a big draw. In fact, it’s about the only design in the Alexandra Palace that washes off.

Daubing a “Decapitated Disneyland” design on her naked model muse, Pixie Lawrie, 32, from Muswell Hill is using brushes, not needles – but the skill is just as intense. She says: “I like playing with childhood fantasies – things like Bambi and Thumper the rabbit – and giving them a gory edge. It’s hard work for both of us!

“The last time I worked with my model Hannah, she passed out and hit her head. We ended the night in hospital – you have to suffer for your art!

Check out www.greatbritishtattooshow.com