Thisshit Studio

Máté Juhász & Orsolya Papp

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Thisshit started as a skateboard clothing brand 12–13 years ago, when I was learning graphic design at a university, but doing it alone made it too complicated, so I had to stop. Then, years later, I met my now ex-fiancé, who I’m still in good friendship with, and we still do everything together about the studio. She inspired me to make a 10-year anniversary exhibition about the brand at a local bar and gallery, to see if people were still interested.

After the very successful exhibition, we decided that it was time to step into a new era with the brand and try to open our little place, mixed with tattooing as well. At the beginning, we tried to put the focus more on the merchandise, but after a short period of time it was clear that customers were much more interested in getting tattoos at our place than we thought.

So now it is more like a tattoo studio where you can also buy our merch and some locals’ prints, sculptures and pottery.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
It might seem cheesy, but every minute feels very enjoyable here, because the place itself feels more like a home than a workplace. What we enjoy the most, together with all the guys who work here, is when we can design our tattoos at the same time and also help each other with great ideas about them.

Or I could also pick those moments when the guests start to feel so comfortable at the studio after the tattoo session that we all stay there and enjoy some time together.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
The place is full of little knick-knacks to look at, so if you have some time to look around, you will for sure find some treasures. Also, some prints on the wall are for sale, so don’t be afraid to ask about them!

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
At the beginning, we were only planning on having a private studio with one or maximum two tattoo artists, but after some time and after some applicants who wanted to work with us, we decided to make a system where we can give space to more artists and form a team at the studio.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
All the artists who work here have such different styles that we inspire each other with all the different designs that we make and our different attitudes toward work, so we can evolve together.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Since I’ve been skateboarding for more than 20 years, the street life of Budapest inspires me the most. And if I have to say a person, it would be Robert Borbás, because his art always amused me, and when he started making tattoos, that might have put the idea in my mind as well about tattooing.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
We would be happy to collaborate with anyone who has the same raw energy and the same vibes, so that he/she would be a good fit for the mentality of the studio.

Is there an object, corner, or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
The stencil machine that we use at the studio actually took one-quarter of our money when we started to make the place, and we had to ask a friend who lives in England to bring it over to us, so it is truly special to us.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
If the studio were a painting, I think it would be a mix of Dalí and Bosch, but maybe a bit darker. If it were a city, for sure it would be Budapest, with all the chaos that you can find here, with the very rich and very poor areas and the unique vibe of the people who live here.

If it were a record, it would be a blues song because I love the contrast in blues music between the raw, rough sound and the beautiful, melancholic melodies, which would fit Thisshit Studio a lot.