I’d definitely look into the aftershave, but like all visual presentations, it’s a fine line between self expression and alienation. The street I live on it packed with tradie utes and it feels rare to see a tradie without a full leg or arm tattoo, so the perception has changed and it’s now just a matter of self expression.


It’s a matter of social context too. Growing up, one of my cousins was covered in tattoos which was unusual at the time if you’re weren’t in the navy. He’s an absolutely lovely guy who would have looked right at home in Johnny Winter’s band. We grew up together from little kids so I never had any sense it changed him as a person.

I have a very full beard at times which is pretty normal in Tasmania, but when I go to Melbourne, people look at me like I’m a bush ranger or something.