Terry showed an interest in tattooing from a very young age and soon became fascinated by all aspects of a 'tattoo studio', i.e. - the friendly and helpful attitudes of both artists and customers alike, also the colourful décor and array of professionally drawn designs, (over 10,000 in some studios). He also noted the clean hygienic smell associated with dentists or hospitals.

Terry was eager to learn this trade, but no artists were prepared to share information or assist in an apprenticeship. Finally one local artist gave in and sold Terry a machine, needles and some ink. This, at the age of 15, was his big break.

Terry was to continue tattooing as a hobby for the next 10 years until he decided to turn professional and open his own studio in April of '95.

"Wildchild" Tattoo studio was born, and opened in a blaze of publicity.

This was the first registered tattoo studio to ever open in the South-Down, South-Armagh area.

The public interest was incredible. It was now Terry's job to show people that it wasn't only 'bikers, criminals and sailors' that got tattooed but they were very much an accepted way of life and could be bright, colourful and attractive. It wasn't all 'skulls and daggers'. Local people soon caught on what was on offer and soon availed of this new service.