“Tattooing is leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin,” interview with tattoo artist India

Tattoo artist India @india.tattooartist (she/her) owns a gorgeous monochromatic studio in Lisbon, Portugal, in which she “welcomes all souls seeking to connect” through her art. Here she shares her tattoo journey, opens up about creativity and her tattoo tour plans…

How long have you been tattooing?

I’ve been tattooing for about seven years now and each day feels like a new adventure in self-expression and creativity.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

Growing up with a Portuguese mother and an Indian father, I’ve always been surrounded by creativity. From my mother’s ceramic art to my own love for drawing and painting. Despite initial discouragement, I pursued my artistic interests through academic studies and eventually found my way to tattooing in 2018, thanks to the encouragement of my husband.

I decided to explore this new artistic avenue, and I haven’t looked back since.

What first drew you to the world of tattooing?

What initially drew me to tattooing was the opportunity to delve into another form of artistic expression. I’ve always been passionate about art and tattooing felt like a natural progression in my creative journey.

What was the first tattoo you did? Do you still remember how you felt doing it?

The first tattoo I ever did was on my boyfriend, who’s now my husband. I tattooed a mermaid on his ankle and it was a mix of nerves and excitement. But his trust in me fuelled my determination to create something beautiful on his skin. Nowadays he has a lot of tattoos done by me and I don’t feel nervous anymore.

Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? We’d also love to know more about your “lockdown leg” tattoo project? 

My own tattoo collection is a reflection of my journey as both an artist and an individual. I started getting tattoos at the age of 17, always with designs I had created myself. During the lockdown, I embarked on a personal project – tattooing ornamental and floral designs on my own legs.

This experience marked a significant turning point in my career, showcasing my dedication to my craft and my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

People began to see how well my tattooed style looked on legs and started requesting more projects from my portfolio. I can say that legs are my favourite areas of the body to tattoo.

How did your ornamental style come to be and what inspires you?

My ornamental style is deeply inspired by my Indian heritage and my love for intricate details. I find inspiration in everything around me, from nature to cultural symbols, and I strive to infuse my designs with elegance and femininity.

My ornamental style focuses on delicacy and intricacy.

I utilise techniques such as contrast and variation in line weight to enrich and add interest to the designs. By incorporating these elements, I create tattoos that are not only visually captivating, but also dynamic and engaging.

Each project is carefully crafted to achieve a balance between elegance and complexity, resulting in unique and compelling pieces of art. I’m also greatly inspired by nature and constantly take photos of flowers and plants to incorporate into my projects.

Do you have a favourite style of art, artist or work?

I’m an admirer of all forms of art, but I can say that Baroque painting has always fascinated me. When I studied Art History in high school, I remember being captivated by the intricate floral arrangements of Jan van Huysum. He has always been a reference for floral delicacy and the texture of plants with remarkable precision.

Nature plays a significant role in my life and consequently in my art. I’m also greatly inspired by the Indian tradition of Rangoli, which involves creating geometric and floral designs on the ground using rice powder or coloured sand. In the world of tattoos, thanks to social media, I am inspired daily by various artists, and it’s incredible how accessible the connection becomes.

Do you prefer flash or custom designs? 

I prefer custom projects because they allow me to create something that connects my artistic creativity with the essence and desires of my client. I always have numerous ideas and my mind is quite creative when fueled by my client’s concept.

There needs to be a lot of trust and freedom in the development process and I’m grateful that my clients are always incredible and trust me as an artist.

We engage in a collaboration of ideas and opinions, always resulting in a wonderful and unique project.

I also work extensively with my freehand technique, which allows me to create a fluid and harmonious design on the chosen area of the body. Since we are all different, it’s essential to create something unique and tailored to our physique. I enjoy understanding what the client wants and, before finalising the design, I send them a mock-up for visualisation. On the day of the appointment, we take the necessary time to refine the details and bring the creation to life.

How many sessions does a delicate sleeve tattoo take? 

A delicate sleeve tattoo can require two to four sessions to achieve the desired level of intricacy and detail. The number of sessions can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, but I always prioritise quality and precision in every session.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

I’m intrigued by the idea of delving into full-body concepts, infusing them with my signature ornamental and floral style but with heightened contrast and diverse dimensions.

Exploring the human canvas in its entirety, weaving intricate designs that dynamically interact with the body’s contours and movements, is a creative endeavor I eagerly anticipate embracing.

Can you tell us more about your tattoo studio? Why did you decide to use just one colour?

The studio was designed to be a safe and comfortable space for my clients. Its decoration exudes calmness due to the chosen colour: terracotta, a hue reminiscent of the spices of India, known for its tranquil and harmonious sensation; leaving those who behold it pleasantly surprised by its aesthetic.

My clients find the studio’s concept quite different from the usual tattoo shop, they appreciate the visual and are fascinated by the fact that all the decorations match with the floor, the ceiling and the walls by being in the same colour. With everything in terracotta, the space directs focus to the main art, the one we will create.

My clients and the art we will create are the main focus, with energy concentrated fully on them.

We’ve seen you’re on a tattoo tour; how can people book in with you and where will you be?

Currently, I am travelling to various countries to share my art with new audiences. Those interested in booking a session with me can reach out through my website www.indiatattooartist.com. I’ll be visiting some countries in Europe but I would love to tattoo in USA and maybe go back to Australia.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

One of my proudest moments so far was winning first prize at Lisbon fest tattoo convention for my ornamental leg project. It was the first time the fine-line category existed in my hometown. It was a validation of my artistic vision and a reminder of how far I’ve come on this incredible journey.

Finally, what does tattooing mean to you?

Tattooing is more than just a job for me; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about creating meaningful art that resonates with both the wearer and the observer, leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin.

Make sure to follow India on Instagram for updates on her tattoo tour!

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.