In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Alexis Camburn, the founder of Two Snakes Tattoo in Hastings, to explore her journey from graffiti artist to respected tattooist and studio owner. Alexis shares candid insights about the tattoo industry, from her early apprenticeship days in a father-and-son shop to building a thriving business that has become a cornerstone of the Hastings creative community.

She opens up about the realities of running a tattoo studio, the financial pressures of self-employment, and the supportive network of local makers, barbers, brewers, and butchers in Trinity Triangle. Alexis also discusses the importance of proper tattoo aftercare, her own fears of needles, and how tattoos shaped her confidence and identity. Alongside tattooing, Alexis talks about her catering venture Fed Box, her 20 months of sobriety, and how resilience and passion keep her moving forward.

This episode is a deep dive into creativity, community, and carving out your own path as a maker.

Key Topics Covered

• Alexis Camburn’s journey from graffiti to tattooing
• Founding Two Snakes Tattoo in Hastings and building a creative community
• Tattoo conventions and networking in the UK and abroad
• The reality of running a tattoo business and financial challenges
• The rise of tattoo culture and changing public perceptions
• Tattoo aftercare and the pain factor of placements
• The importance of sobriety, resilience, and creative freedom

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Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Robin introduces Alexis Camburn of Two Snakes Tattoo

05:30 – From graffiti to tattoo apprenticeship in Sidley

13:10 – First tattoos, fears of needles, and building confidence

21:45 – Tattoo conventions and the global tattoo community

34:20 – Founding Two Snakes Tattoo and early financial struggles

47:00 – The Hastings creative community and Trinity Triangle collaborations

55:15 – Tattoo culture, celebrity influence, and customer perceptions

1:05:40 – Tattoo aftercare and the pain of placement

1:14:30 – Running Fed Box Catering alongside tattooing

1:21:50 – Sobriety, resilience, and personal growth

1:28:00 – Future plans for tattoo conventions and collaborations

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Richard Muddiman, the Joinery Foreman at Johnson Bespoke. With more than 45 years of woodworking experience, Richard has seen it all – from traditional hand tools to the evolution of modern machinery. Calm, collected and deeply skilled, Richard shares insights on the art of joinery, the lessons learned over a lifetime in the trade, and why true craftsmanship can never be replaced by shortcuts. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to stay at the top of your craft for nearly five decades, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour and practical knowledge.

Key Topics Covered:

• Richard’s 45-year journey in the joinery trade
• How woodworking techniques have evolved over the decades
• Lessons learned from leading a workshop team
• The importance of patience, discipline and attention to detail
• Why craftsmanship still matters in a world of mass production
• Stories from a lifetime in joinery and bespoke furniture making

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Introducing Richard: 45 years in joinery

06:45 – How the woodworking trade has changed over time

14:20 – Lessons learned from apprenticeships and mentors

23:10 – The role of patience and attention to detail

32:55 – Why mass production can’t replace craftsmanship

41:30 – Richard’s proudest projects in joinery

50:10 – What keeps him passionate about woodworking after decades

What does it really take to survive and grow in the modern joinery trade? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Damen Foord, founder of D Foord Joinery, to talk about the highs, lows and lessons of life as a traditional joiner.

Damen shares his journey from a tough apprenticeship into running his own joinery business, the constant struggle to balance craft with cost, and why he believes traditional skills are being lost in a world dominated by mass-produced furniture. Together, Robin and Damen unpack the realities of managing staff, training apprentices, finding clients, and staying profitable through economic downturns.

This episode shines a light on the value of skilled craftsmanship, the risks of going it alone, and the future of joinery in Britain. Whether you’re a maker, apprentice, or simply curious about the craft behind bespoke furniture, you’ll get an unfiltered look at what it means to dedicate your life to wood.

Key Topics Covered:

• Damen Foord’s journey from apprenticeship to founding D Foord Joinery
• Robin Johnson on rebuilding after shutting down his first business
• Why traditional skills matter in modern joinery
• The real cost of bespoke furniture vs mass-produced alternatives
• Apprenticeships, staff challenges, and training the next generation
• The impact of COVID and economic downturns on the trade
• Plans to use YouTube and social media to showcase craftsmanship
• How passion and dedication keep small businesses alive

Enjoying the show?

Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.

Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.

Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.

Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Introduction: Robin Johnson and Damen Foord on confidence and business

06:45 – Robin on shutting down his first business and rebuilding stronger

12:30 – Damen’s traditional joinery training and lessons from mentors

20:15 – Why doing things right matters more than shortcuts

27:40 – Starting D Foord Joinery in 2018 and early challenges

35:10 – The reality of bespoke joinery costs vs mass production

44:25 – Apprenticeships, training, and finding the right staff

54:40 – COVID, economic downturns, and adapting as a small business

01:05:30 – The role of YouTube in showcasing traditional joinery

01:13:20 – Robin and Damen on collaboration and supporting the trade

01:22:15 – Final advice for aspiring joiners and reflections on the future