GYMPIE-raised tattoo artist Ash Thorburn not only got to meet his football idols, but got to be part of his favourite at the same time.

The Noosa resident appeared on The Footy Show just before the first State of Origin clash in May.

Thorburn was there to ink a permanent tribute to the sunny state of Queensland on The Block star and avid blues supporter Ayden Hogan.

As part of a segment of the show, Thorburn tattooed an I Heart Queensland symbol onto the likeable handyman's back as the result of a lost bet.

As a Footy Show fan who never misses an episode with his partner, the tattoo artist said it was a great opportunity and a humbling experience to meet the boys from the show.

The league fan spent time with Wally Lewis, Paul "Fatty" Vauti and The Big Marn when the show was filmed live at Southbank, Brisbane.

"I love The Footy Show, we both watch it every week," he said.

"They really looked after us."

Thorburn made a move to turn his passion for tattooing into a career when he started a tattooing apprenticeship at Gympie's Rogues Tattoos in 2009.

After six years on the job and with a popular and colourful portfolio and the chance to travel internationally to tattoo conventions, Thorburn says he wouldn't want to do anything else.

"My favourite style to tattoo is traditional- bold lines and bright colours like skulls daggers and roses."

The artist said he gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing his clients in the street who he has tattooed, knowing his work is seen and worn proudly and with confidence.