The World's Most Famous Tattoo Artist Is Making His Mark on Beauty
We speak with Bang Bang on his creative process, tattooing Rihanna and his new skincare brand, Forever Care.
When it comes to tattooing, few names carry as much weight as Bang Bang. The artist, Keith McCurdy, is known for creating some of the most iconic ink of the last decade, from Rihanna‘s unforgettable hand tattoo or Justin Bieber‘s fully covered chest and abdomen. Now, he’s shifting his focus to something a little more universal. After years spent redefining the tattoo studio experience, Bang Bang is bringing his expertise to the beauty space with Forever Care, a new line of aftercare products designed for both the freshly inked and the skincare-obsessed.
We caught up with McCurdy to talk about the philosophy behind the brand, what sets his formulas apart and how he continues to blend fine art with personal storytelling.
On the brand’s beginnings
It’s been a long-time dream of mine. When we opened the studio, we tried to reimagine a tattoo experience — from the moment clients walk in, to the process of design, all the way to the exit. We tackled every stage — except the exit experience. There aren’t great products out there that are easily accessible for clients who are tattooed, that are tattoo-specific products.
So, we decided to make it so that at least that exit experience had our fingerprints on it, instead of giving recommendations for generic products. It started ten years ago when we opened the studio. Finally, that process is complete and we’re ready to share it with the world.
On what makes Forever Care’s products different
The ingredients are very thought through and it started with, “let’s make something that would be safe to eat.” The reasoning is that the things you put on your body enter it through the skin. We put a lot of thought, effort and consideration into [Forever Wear's] ingredients. It’s by far the safest and most tested product you can get for tattooing.
It’s designed for the most sensitive skin. You’ll be surprised — if you have a dry spot or a T-zone and use either of the products, you’ll be blown away. We were testing with different natural fragrances and different ingredients — something irritated someone’s skin. We grabbed the stick, put it on and in two minutes, it was gone.
On the brand’s mission
Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between beauty and tattooing. Forever Care embodies that. We treat tattooing and everything that goes with it with the regard of really trying to elevate it as high as we can, because we love tattooing. We gave this brand all of our effort.
On why proper aftercare is important
Getting a tattoo is just one part of the equation. You need to heal that tattoo and you have to heal it well. You give the effort to find the artist, think of the idea and the image you want on your skin for life. The next (and just as important step), is in the client’s hands. So, we wanted to make that easy too.
You go through these phases — the first phase, right after the tattoo, your skin is very fresh and new. It’s one of the most traumatic things we do to our skin. There’s a product for every part of the process. First, you’d use the “Stick.” It’s hands-free, purposefully. When you put on an ointment and rub it on your skin, it’s not the cleanest process unless we say, “wash your hands.” Most people won’t and this makes it easy.
Then, a week later, your tattoo changes — it can be scabbed and very dry. You want it to breathe. For that, there’s a very thin lotion that is meant to be used through the rest of the process and beyond. For the in-between, there’s a soap that makes the process of cleaning your tattoo very easy.
On how he got into tattooing
I fell into tattooing as a teenager and I loved it. Every day, there was a new challenge — it’s the most difficult medium in the world but also the most personal. There’s something beautiful about that — tattooing isn’t a tradable commodity — its value is only to its wearer, so it’s very pure. My reward system has always been that I love being able to give something to somebody — I want to represent their spirit, style, who they are and who they will be — with a unique tattoo.
On the tattooing process
My process is a bit like detective work. I try to learn as much as I can about the person. What’s the idea and the “why?” Then, I figure out who I need to be for them. Some have a solid idea and need support, while some need me to lead.
On who inspires him
Funny answer — Walt Disney. He was fantastic at getting artists to work together on a common goal — the largest art projects imaginable. I love to be an artist who works on a team and accomplishes tough goals.
On his favorite tattoos
There are so many, but the ones that stick out — maybe Rihanna’s hand or Cara Delevingne‘s ‘I Am” piece. You can see those tattoos without seeing the person and you instantly know who it is. A great tattoo can define you.
On his dream collaborations or partnerships
We say yes to everything — we always love to learn more. Every opportunity we’ve gotten has come from people reaching out. We don’t do any offense. We just stay busy building the requests we have. I hope larger or similar companies that feel we can help each other want to work together — we love those experiences.
On where he sees the brand in the next five years
We just spoke about this in the last six months — what will we do next? There are a few more products that clients and people need. I don’t want to announce anything just yet, but they’re for long aftercare. Then, we’ll decide — do we go for more care or more beauty? That’s something we’ve got some time to think about.
While you’re here, check out our interview with the founder of skincare brand Wildfleur.
