Category: Interviews

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Interview with tattoo artist Hussein Mistrah

Tattoo artist Hussein Mistrah (@hussein.mistrah.tattoos) works in Detroit, Michigan after emigrating from Lebanon earlier this year. Having made a name for himself in a short space of time, we caught up with him to chat about his journey into the tattoo world and his goals for the future…

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

As early as second or third grade it became clear to my teachers and fellow students that I was destined to excel in art. I can recall when I was about 8 years old my district had a contest that required the children to draw inside of a Picon Cheese container (similar to Laughing Cow here in the United States) and I won.

I later found tattooing and went on to attend university in Lebanon and obtained a Fine Arts Degree. I enjoyed sculpting the most but became proficient in many other mediums as well. The transition to tattooing full time came easily as I was able to make a career of creating and sharing my art with others.

What’s your earliest memory of tattoos? Did you want them as a child?

Tattoos were not common in Lebanon when I was young. I can remember drawing on my friends with a pen when I was about 13 years old. Shortly after entering university I found myself in a tattoo shop by chance and immediately became determined to pursue the craft. I have always been more interested in tattooing others than having them myself.

How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist?

I have been tattooing for 12 years and I’m primarily self taught. My college education set a solid foundation for my work and I was able to apply that knowledge to ink on skin. There weren’t many tattoo-specific resources available to me in Lebanon, but today I enjoy learning from other talented industry professionals when I attend conventions.

How would you describe your style of tattooing?

I specialise in black and grey realism and aim to achieve a specific balance of light and dark in all of my work. My preference in terms of subject matter include figures of Greek mythology, historical sculpture and portraits. When tattooing portraits I prefer to incorporate female subjects. I feel the eye is consistently drawn to the beauty of a female face which adds spirit and soul to my artwork.

Do you prefer to work on flash or custom tattoos? How do you work with your clients on designs and ideas?

My work is exclusively custom and I spend the majority of my time on larger scale pieces. When a client approaches me I begin with the primary subject matter of their preference and expand upon it to create a cohesive and proprietary composition.

The day preceding an appointment I spend time organising my ideas and setting the groundwork which allows me to spend more time with my young daughter. I always give my clients freedom regarding placement and size, however I find it necessary to organise the major components of the canvas to best fit my style and technique for the most dramatic result.

How can clients book in with you? Do you have a waitlist?

In order to best accommodate myself and clients I have found that booking in short segments is most effective and flexible. I open my books every three months and use Instagram exclusively for scheduling. I don’t maintain a waitlist but interested clients can reapply in the next three month cycle.

Can you tell us about your seminars, what do these involve?

I’ve had the privilege to present five seminars in Lebanon and two in the United States to date. I will be hosting my third US seminar in November 2023. Teaching other industry professionals presents a unique opportunity to focus on my personal techniques in a way that gives black and grey tattooers a new perspective. I place emphasis on balance, contrast and saturation with smooth transition and shading.

Do you have a favourite convention or place you’ve tattooed in?

My favorite convention is Tattoo Planetarium in Paris, France which I have attended twice in 2019 and 2022 respectively. This convention gave me the opportunity to meet several of my idols face to face and the calibre of work is extraordinary.

Can you tell us about some of the awards you’ve won? Do you have a moment you’re most proud of?

When I emigrated to the United States I attempted to enter the Motor City Tattoo convention only three weeks after my arrival. They initially couldn’t accommodate me on such short notice but I was ultimately given a small booth and was awarded Best of Show for Black and Grey work on the final day. It was not only validating for me but my first step towards achieving the American Dream.

How does the tattoo scene differ in Lebanon and Michigan?

Tattooing in Lebanon is not prominent however it has grown as an industry since I began in 2011. Previously it was considered taboo but in recent years it has become more mainstream.

In the United States tattooing is obviously well established. I have found potential clients are willing to wait for appointments when they understand the quality of work they will receive.

What do you think about the tattoo world itself?

Looking back on the experiences and opportunities the tattoo world has given me I have to
admit that if I was given the opportunity to start over I would choose this career again and again.

Tattooing has given me the means to support myself and my family but is more than just a job and I truly enjoy being able to make a living through my hobby.

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

I aspire to be recognised as an elite artist and become an esteemed member of the professional community. I have been lucky enough to meet some incredibly talented artists and hope to be among them someday.

Make sure you follow Hussein Mistrah (@hussein.mistrah.tattoos) for more incredible tattoos.

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

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“It’s awesome to think that people can have my art on their skin for the rest of their lives”, interview with tattoo artist Tati Ferrigno

Tati Ferrigno knew she would follow the path of becoming a tattoo artist as soon as she started learning. Working out of her private studio in São Paulo, Brazil, we chatted to the artist to find out more about her art…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get into it?

I have been tattooing for three years but before that I used to work as an illustrator and graphic designer for about 15 years. I created a famous line of children’s characters for stationery products called “Jolie” in Brazil during this period.

I had a successful career as designer, however, I still had the dream of becoming a tattoo artist. The pandemic was the best opportunity to make this dream come true because I had time to study it and once I started, I knew I would follow this path.

What inspired you to become a tattooer?

I’ve always felt an attraction for the rebellious visuals of tattoos and the empowerment it brings to women.

I felt amazed by the idea of bringing my art to this world and doing exclusive illustrations for clients.

It’s awesome to think that people can have my art on their skin for the rest of their lives.

Do you have a first memory of tattoos?

Yes, I do! My very first memory of tattoos was when I saw a woman with a blue butterfly on her thigh. I believe I was six at the time. It caught so much of my attention because I already loved to draw and I realised we could have drawings on our skin, I was amazed by that!

How would you describe your style? Do you prefer colour or black and grey?

My style is fine line and whipshading. I love to work with thin needles because I can explore more details in the art. Black and grey has my heart but I also like to apply soft colours on some tattoos.

We love your pet portraits. Do you have one that stands out in your mind?

For sure, I do! There’s one pet portrait with a white cat and a Shitzu dog. I love the composition, the little bell flowers and the depth of the cat’s eyes. It’s certainly my favourite one.

What do you like to tattoo and draw? What inspires you?

My preferred themes are feminine figures, botanicals and animals. I love to draw goddesses and empowered, feminine women. Since I was a kid I have had this bond with feminine heroines. I used to draw the female cartoon characters I saw on TV – I definitely love it.

What’s your favourite, making or getting a tattoo?

Getting a tattoo is exciting but I feel awesome tattooing my art on people’s skin, so I prefer to make tattoos for sure.

What are your hopes for the future?

I have so many goals I want to achieve! Some of them are to have my work known internationally and participate in international tattoo conventions.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

Tattooing abroad as a guest artist in my second year as a professional tattooer was certainly something very exciting for me. It also brought my work more recognition.

Make sure you follow Tati (@tati_ferrigno) for more incredible tattoos.

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

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Cheeky blackwork: Interview with tattoo artist Alice

Tattoo artist Alice (@oneskinnyleg) creates “cool tattoos for cool people” at Sanctuary Body Art in Edinburgh. We caught up with the artist to find out more about her style, inspirations and hopes for the future…

Tattoo artist Alice
Portrait of Alice by @continuous_portrait_project

How long have you been tattooing? 

My first tattoo was October 2021 – so you could say it’s been since then. 

What inspired you to become an artist?

As soon as I started getting tattooed, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. It was a horrible itch I needed to scratch. I knew the remedy was tattooing, but I couldn’t reach the ointment at the back of the bathroom cabinet. You get the idea with this dermal analogy, so I’ll stop there. I got my apprenticeship aged 29 – a bit late to the party, but I normally am anyway. 

What’s your earliest memory of tattoos? Did you want them as a child?

I didn’t think about them much until I was 16, then they were all I thought about. I desperately wanted some Death Cab for Cutie lyrics down my forearm – not just one line, like actual verses.

I also tried to get my fingers tattooed when I was 18. It was in a shop in Yorkshire where I went to school, and it was pretty much just in the living room of a terraced house. I got told to come back when I had more than zero tattoos.  

Can you tell us about your own tattoos and your first tattoo?

My first tattoo was a falcon on the back of my arm. It’s been described as looking like a fish and a cannabis leaf, but never a bird. I wanted it to be as small as possible so this is absolutely my doing. 

Some recent cool stuff by Edinburgh pals Justin Yaroma, Enrique Vega and Sophie Bellingham, all of whom I can’t recommend enough. 

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?

I had just the most fun with Justin Yaroma. We laughed a lot and I left the studio a better person with a banging tattoo. 

Do you have a background in art or anything creative?

Growing up I worked on my mum’s stables picking up a lot of horse shit. Over the years, I became an expert – my muck-heaps were something of an artform and have been known to make builders cry.

During lockdown I started drawing digitally for the first time, made a bunch of t-shirts which sold alright, and then managed to get an apprenticeship from there. Cheers, furlough! 

How would you describe your work? What drew you to this type of tattooing?

I would describe my work as cheeky blackwork plus cats.  

I was inspired a lot by the work of tattooers Sad Amish & Matt Bailey during the immaculate conception of One Skinny Leg as an art Instagram page. I love the way the artists can express so much movement with lines and solid black – nice bold ideas and bold tattoos.

I was drawn to this type of tattooing as I love the contrast of solid black against the skin. 

Portrait of Alice by @continuous_portrait_project

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of?

I like to tattoo lady faces, and I would like to tattoo more lady faces. I’m really digging a big bold line at the moment so anything with this I’m super excited to do. Shoutout to my customers who have an awesome range of weird and brilliant ideas – always down for more of these. 

What inspires your pieces and flash?

Things I think are cool get added to the list. Cars are cool. Fire is pretty cool. Cars on fire? Yeah, that makes it. I’ll probably do some cowboy flash –  everyone who’s anyone has wanted to be a cowboy at some point. Christian imagery is iconic too, so a little pinch of that. 

Where do you see yourself and your art in the future?

Looking forward to my first guest spots next year. I’m super happy to be in a warm and welcoming studio – so looking forward to growing and improving within a supportive environment. 

Make sure you follow Alice (@oneskinnyleg) for more fun blackwork tattoos.

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

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Interview with tattoo artist Gigi

Tattoo artist Gigi (Heaji Choi) tattoos beautiful fine line tattoos from Monday Island, Seoul, South Korea. We love her one-liner tattoos and chatted to the artist about her style, journey into the tattoo world and inspirations…

How long have you been a tattoo artist? 

I started tattooing in 2020, so three years now.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I happened to see a video on YouTube where Doy, a Korean tattooist, was being interviewed about his job and life as a tattooer. Afterwards I did loads of research, searching for more information around this career. I thought it looked like an interesting career and so I began learning to tattoo.

What made you want to become one? 

The act of leaving a meaningful and long-lasting piece of art on a person’s body was an attractive concept to me, it still is. That’s why I have always been respectful of tattooing and responsible.

What’s the best thing about your job? 

I think meeting different people is the best thing. It is a wonderful and enjoyable experience when I meet not only Koreans but also guests from other countries

How would you describe your work?

I find the characteristics of a subject be it an object or person and express these using a flow of lines.

How do you do your one-line tattoos? 

Sometimes the lines are quite complicated and the area and size of the tattoo is small, so I can’t exactly see the lines when I place a stencil. If I draw a line wrong even once, the drawing and tattoo might look a bit different. So I am often checking the design and tattoo while I work on it.

What inspires your designs? 

I like to take a walk and listen to music. It seems I am inspired by seeing and feeling nature, observing objects and animals around me. Of course, I try to get inspiration by going to art galleries and exhibitions as well.

What do you like to tattoo? What would you like to do more of? 

I like to make tattoos of nature, natural subjects and animals. This is what I usually do now, and I want to work on various topics in the future.

Do you have tattoos? Can you tell us about them? 

I have a few small tattoos. Most of them are flowers and animals. I got some of them because they were made by my favourite artists, and I got some because I happened to see the design and I liked it so much. I love my tattoos so much!

What do you do when you’re not tattooing? 

I like to do yoga. At first, I started doing it just for the physical benefit because I work a lot. But the more I did it, it seemed to help me mentally too, so it suits me really well. 

What’s been your proudest career moment?

There’s one client I remember. She got a very meaningful phrase and image on her wrist. It was her first tattoo. She couldn’t take her eyes off it for a while after getting it tattooe. She was very moved and started crying, saying thank me so much.

That’s when I felt once again that this kind of work really does provide a really meaningful moment for people. Since then, I have become more serious about my work – I’m very proud to have this job.

Follow @gigi_tattooer for more adorable tattoos.

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

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Interview with outstanding tattoo artist NAKKAB

Tattooist NAKKAB creates incredible tattoos that flow with his client’s bodies. We caught up with the artist to find out more about his style, process and plans for the future…

How did you get into the industry? 

I got into it the old school way I would say. I was young and full of energy! You know; cleaning around the studio, making tea for clients, setting up the stations, taking bookings etc. That’s when I learned most about tattoo equipments and hygiene, and of course how to tattoo. I was an apprentice for about seven months, by the end of my apprenticeship I was already tattooing clients. 

I’ve now been tattooing for around eight years and I enjoy every year more than the other. 

Blue abstract tattoo on head

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

When I think back, I can say that the roots took hold back in my childhood. I was working as an apprentice at a barber shop between the ages of 10-12. I remember one evening when our boss got a tattoo inside the barber shop! It was a wing tattoo on his neck. I was fascinated by the process as it was pretty badass and looked very cool to me. Just as I turned 18, I got my first tattoo and that day I decided to do my research on how to become a tattoo artist in Turkey.

How would you describe your tattooing style? 

To describe it quickly we can say abstract tattooing. But of course this is not enough so I named my technique as “sernakkab”. This is where I use the possibilities of traditional Turkish marbling (ebru) and blend them into the individual’s skin by taking their muscle and bone anatomy as a reference.

It’s a combination of traditional paper marbling and contemporary tattooing with a minimalistic approach.

What inspired your unique style?

I studied fine arts and painting when I was in Istanbul. There we had a class called “Traditional Turkish Arts”. It was optional to take the class but I went for it to grow my vision, since we were mostly taught about contemporary art and Bauhaus school disciplines. I was so inspired by that class and I wanted to blend it into the lineworks I was working on then. At first it was a bit experimental, I was showing my designs to our professors and they were giving me constructive comments. In time I got more and more conscious and deliberate with what I was doing. 

Can you tell us more about performing humanity in an artistic way?

That has been written in my bio for years now. I don’t even know if it’s gramatically correct but it sounds poetic. It means that with my artistic identity, I am actually performing as a human, rather than just being one.

What’s the process behind your pieces? 

In my atelier I have a corner where I create shapes through marbling. I usually spend time there and work on new designs on different papers. When my clients ask for a design, I search through these papers and pick the one that fits their vibe. Then I study the individual’s body part where they want the tattoo.

In the end I blend the design with the anatomy of my client so that it flows on them. On the tattooing day we make slight adjustments if necessary. Sometimes I go freehand on some parts of the tattoo. Eventually we end up with a tattoo that is organic and unique for each individual.

How long do they take? 

Smaller works usually take about two to three hours. Bigger works mostly vary from four to eight hours. Even though I do big works sometimes, I use a lot of space in my designs to emphasise the anatomy, that’s why some very big tattoos might take less time. My longest tattoo took 16 hours, of course we completed it in three sessions.

Do you prefer working in colour or black ink?

It depends on the individual’s vibe. Sometimes I make suggestions when I believe some colours would look good on the design, even if my client had black in mind. Mostly they give me the freedom to go with whatever I have in mind. I appreciate it a lot and do my best to come up with a design that we both love.

What tattoo projects have you been working on?

Lately I have been studying traditional Turkish calligraphy (hat) and interpreting it with my tattoo designs. I am looking forward to sharing it with my followers very soon!

What’s really been getting you excited? 

I am excited about the future. Meeting new people, doing new projects, being part of fun collaborations and inspiring the newcomers!

Close up abstract tattoo

What do you want to do in the future?

I want to start a YouTube channel and share the experience I have with people. To this day I have learnt a lot of things online, and made too many important decisions with the help of people on the internet. Well, I want to give back to the community whatever I can! 

Head tattoo

What’s been your proudest moment?

The sernakkab works came out as my final project when I was studying at university. Being the only one in the university who did artwork with tattooing was a proud moment for me. I always love to play around with the limits of the materials, give them different purposes to bring out anything progressive. Finding a sweet spot between traditional marbling and contemporary tattooing was one of them.

Make sure to follow @nakkabdoesit for more outstanding tattoos.

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