We were lucky to catch up with Neil Keeling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Neil, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

When I began as an apprentice, the tattoo industry was a very different place. The demands were intense—often the kind that would make a new artist today buckle under the pressure. There were nights I’d stay long after closing, not because I had to, but because I needed to prove I belonged. Sometimes that meant keeping up with the crew during late nights out and still showing up the next day ready to work, even if I was running on nothing but determination. Other times, it meant scrubbing the shop from top to bottom without a cent of pay. Looking back, I’m grateful for those experiences—they instilled in me a deep respect for the craft and the understanding that, in this world, you earn your place

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Neil Keeling, though many know me as Giggles Malone. My journey into the tattoo world began in an unexpected place—while I was incarcerated. Art became both my escape and my purpose, and when I was released, I apprenticed at a well-known shop where I honed my skills and found my footing in the industry.

I’m also a pencil artist—that’s actually where it all started for me. While I specialize in portrait work, I’m versatile and comfortable in every style of tattooing. What I believe sets me apart is my ability to fuse my unique artistic style with each client’s vision, creating something deeply personal and original.

The work I’m most proud of is when I can take someone’s idea and transform it into a piece that feels timeless—art that comes from the soul and will live on forever. There’s something profoundly humbling and deeply flattering about creating a work of art that becomes a permanent part of someone’s story.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of clients for me hands down would have to be social media (specifically Instagram) It amplifies the avenue of word of mouth to a screen where I don’t have to wait on recommendations its instantaneous.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I would say

Betty Edward’s drawing on the right side of the brain.

Guy aitchison, Reinventing the tattoo

Napoleon Hill think and grow rich

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gigglesmalone407