Clean, Intentional, Built to Last: An Interview With Ruth Hall

What started as a playful experiment quickly became her signature. But Tattoodo artist Ruth Hall is careful not to box herself in: beneath the LEGO figures is a solid commitment to work that's clean, intentional, and built to last.

Where did your passion for tattooing begin? Was there a particular moment you first felt drawn to it?

Tattooing kind of found me. I’ve always been into drawing, but there wasn’t one big moment, more like It built over time. I’ve always been drawn to drawing and detail, and tattooing felt like the most honest extension of that

You've become known for your Lego tattoos. How did that niche first take shape, and when did you realise it had become your signature rather than just a one-off you enjoyed?

It started as a bit of an experiment. I did one LEGO piece because I liked the contrast, something playful done in a more clean, refined way. It got way more attention than anything else I was posting, so I took that seriously. It went from “this is fun” to “this is my thing” when people started booking me specifically for it. Not just liking it, actually coming in for it. At that point it’s not random anymore, it’s a direction. I’m careful not to box myself in, but I’d be stupid not to lean into something that clearly works.

Do you have a favourite Lego tattoo you've done? What makes it stand out for you?

It’s hard to pick one, every piece pushes something a bit different. The ones that stand out are where the idea and the execution really come together. Not just a LEGO figure, but something with a bit of a story behind it. The best ones usually mix something nostalgic or recognisable with a more refined twist. When it stops feeling like a gimmick and actually feels like a proper piece, that’s when I know it works

Does your style say anything about who you are as a person?

My style is quite clean and controlled, but still has a playful side. I like things to feel intentional and well thought out, without taking themselves too seriously. It probably reflects me quite well.

Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?

Honestly, it’s less about one big moment and more about consistency. Being fully booked, having people trust me with their ideas, and building something that’s recognisable in a relatively short time.

Many artists have a philosophy about their work or why they create. Do you have one?

I’ve always had a constant urge to create. It’s just part of how I think. Tattooing is where that drive found real purpose. My approach is simple, keep it clean, intentional, and built to last. If it doesn’t read well or age properly, it’s not worth doing. I still want each piece to feel a bit different though. Something with character, not just another version of what’s already out there.

How do you handle the booking side of things day-to-day? Has your workflow changed much since you started using Tattoodo?

In the beginning it was messy, everything through DMs, back and forth, easy to lose track. It worked, but it wasn’t scalable. Using Tattoodo made things more structured. It filters serious enquiries, keeps everything in one place, and cuts down on the time-wasting side of things. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely made the process more efficient and easier to manage as things got busier. Day-to-day now is a mix of checking enquiries, confirming bookings, and making sure communication stays clear. The goal is simple: less admin, more time focusing on the work itself.

Do you have any projects, events or plans coming up that you'd like to share?

Right now I’m working on a new flash, pushing more creative LEGO designs and different concepts. Always trying to evolve it a bit further.