Tag: interview with a tattoo artist

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“You probably know that feeling when things start to fall into place. When your path becomes clearer, and everything you’ve done before makes sense,” interview with tattoo artist Evelina Jurković

From a girly, pink studio in a small town called Banská Bystrica in Slovakia (where you can’t order takeaway after 9pm), tattoo artist Evelina Jurković @eweltattoo creates her delicate fine-line tattoos. Here she tells us all about how she brought the style over to her country, her struggles with an eating disorder, the importance of normalising all bodies in tattooing, how freediving changed her life and her mastectomy project…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

I don’t have a specific moment. But you probably know that feeling when things start to fall into place. When your path becomes clearer every day, and everything you’ve done before makes sense.

As a child, I grew up in an environment where there were always drawings spread out, unfinished paintings. My mom is an artist; she taught drawing at a school and often prepared for art competitions or worked on projects for theatre, either in her studio or at our kitchen table late into the night. That influences you as a child. I attended art school for both my secondary and higher education, and when I had the opportunity to try tattooing, I thought that maybe this would be my path – at least for now.

How long have you been tattooing for and how did you start?

Learning to tattoo was like learning anything else – completely terrible! I learned to tattoo mostly on my own, without much outside help. I did attend a tattoo course as it’s mandatory in Slovakia if you want to have your own tattooing business one day. But I learnt a very small percentage of the necessary information. When you leave, you have a certificate, but if you plan to work independently, you quickly realise that you know practically nothing. You can’t learn to tattoo in three days. So, in my opinion, such short courses make absolutely no sense.

Learning to tattoo on artificial skin is one thing, but a much bigger challenge is when you start working on real skin and with real people. It’s extremely stressful because any mistake is irreversible, and you also realise that the person will carry it with them for the rest of their life.

I started by tattooing friends, but when I began working in my own studio, I would often dream about the design I was going to tattoo the next day. I’ve been tattooing for over 10 years now, but I still feel a deep respect for my work.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

I was the first to start tattooing fine-line in Slovakia. I saw many beautiful tattoos on Pinterest and wanted something similar on my own body, but every studio I went to told me it couldn’t be done or that it would have to be thicker. So I started thinking about how it’s possible. So I bought the thinnest needles available on the market and started experimenting with what could be done.

What’s your studio like? What can people expect when they get tattooed there?

My studio is located in central Slovakia in a town called Banská Bystrica. It’s a historic town with a small population, where there’s just one shopping mall and you can’t order food delivery after 9pm!

In my studio, I place a huge emphasis on my client’s privacy — I work alone with the client, I don’t have multiple tattoo artists or chairs in the space. My studio has quite a girly vibe —light colours, pink decorations, scented candles, large bright spaces with high ceilings, and paintings in golden frames on the walls.

Do you have a tattoo experience that stands out in your mind?

I have several. I remember a lady who had pigment spots on her arms and legs and didn’t want to go on vacations because she felt like everyone was staring at her. After getting them tattooed over, she started wearing dresses and swimsuits.

I often have women with eating disorders who get motivational phrases tattooed. It’s always more personal for me because I’ve been struggling with an eating disorder for many years. That’s also why I started talking about the importance of normalising normal bodies — normalising scars, stretch marks, postpartum bodies, bodies that have had children.

If we didn’t censor certain types of bodies and didn’t favour one “perfect” body type according to the current trend, we would live in a much healthier society. We wouldn’t have 13-year-old girls in therapy for anorexia or mothers who refuse to go to the swimming pool because their bodies changed after childbirth. And we wouldn’t have bullying in schools and workplaces, either.

Now for your own tattoos, tell us about them. Do your they help you feel differently about your body?

No. I got my tattoos at a very young age, which was, of course, a mistake. If I could erase my tattoos, most of them would be gone. But I do love the inscriptions on my arms, which I got as an adult, and they have a meaning for me beyond just the visual.

On my left arm, I have the words “focus” and “move.” On my right arm, I have “no limit.” “Focus” because it’s incredibly important in life to focus on one thing if you want to be successful—not to stray, not to skip, not to doubt it. “Move” because if you’re not happy, you need to move. And “move” because if you don’t stay in motion, you won’t grow as a person. “No limit” is a reference to a film of the same name that led me to a sport that completely changed the direction of my life and mindset. Limits don’t exist — only in our minds.

Can you tell us more about the sport that changed your life?

In the beginning, it was definitely running, specifically long-distance running. Running, after a certain point, becomes more about your mindset because you’re battling not just your body but your mind. However, after years, I needed a break.

In 2017, I discovered freediving, a sport that seemed a bit crazy yet beautiful. I accidentally watched the film No Limit. After that, I found my coach, Martin Ruman, and started working on myself. And I couldn’t have done anything better with my life.

What does freediving make you feel like?

It’s very hard to describe or even talk about, and I think every diver would agree. Freediving gives you space to dive deep into yourself, to learn to trust yourself, to be absolutely present, and focus solely on what you’re doing. No one else exists. Nothing else matters. When you go deeper, you’re completely alone. You can only rely on yourself. You can’t panic. You can’t breathe.

At the same time, you face the question of death, which you cannot avoid. You realise that what you’re doing could kill you if you misjudge your abilities or make a mistake. Before every dive, you evaluate how far you can go today and still be able to return, and you understand that how your dive will turn out depends on your mindset. You also realise that your ego is your greatest enemy in this sport. It can put you in danger and, in the worst case, kill you. It’s an amazing sport — you should try it!

How do you usually work with your clients? Do you mostly do custom work or do you create flash, too?

I create designs with clients together in Photoshop. I think good communication, understanding what the person who will wear it for the rest of their life wants, is absolutely the top priority. The person you’re working with is always the top priority—only then comes your artistic vision.

Can you tell us about your latest mastectomy project? How can clients get involved?

Yes, I’d love to. I believe that if you want to live in a better world, not be surrounded by hate and pain, you have to start with yourself. You don’t have to donate millions to charity, but you can start with small gestures and change people, nature, the world for the better in small ways. People who only complain and do nothing to make humanity or their close surroundings better are losers to me. You can donate clothes to charity, you can teach someone a foreign language for free, or as a tattoo artist, you can change someone’s life by covering a scar with a tattoo for free. If we stop believing that someone will help us when we need it, if we stop believing that good people still exist, and if we stop helping others selflessly, we will find ourselves in a very dark place as humanity.

If you’d like a mastectomy tattoo or scar cover up simply email me with your story – ewelofficial@gmail.com.

You love to travel! Where have you been, and where’s next? Have you got any tattoos from your travels?

Next, my husband and I are planning to visit Dahab. I’d like to stay there for at least a month or two, depending on how time and finances allow. I believe that this place is absolutely extraordinary, and I’ll find at least one answer to the life questions I’m currently struggling with. And of course, like for most freedivers, there’s one small attraction there — the Blue Hole. A 100-meter sinkhole just a few meters from the shore.

Are you planning any guest spots? If so, where and how do we book in?

I love guest spots. I’m currently looking for a studio in Bangkok or elsewhere in Asia, but I’m pretty much open to anything. We’re considering moving away from Slovakia and are looking for a place on Earth where we can say, “it feels like home.” I’ve never felt at home anywhere, and I’ve never known exactly where I want to live or where I belong, what culture or country I’m closest to. So I want to give myself time to find the answer to this question. So if you have a studio and want to meet me, don’t hesitate to write.

Make sure to follow Evelina on Instagram for more tattoos and to book yours.

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

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“A tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace…” interview with tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina

Tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina (@betstattoo) based in Munich, Germany, specialises in fineline floral tattoos. We chat to her about her freehand tattoos, her private tattoo studio and her journey into the tattoo world…

What made you fall in love with tattoos?

I remember the first time I thought about getting a tattoo myself, I saw a photo of a girl with a temporary tattoo of roses. I was 15 at the time and I thought, “Omg, one day I want to be covered in flowers like this”, it felt totally unrealistic and I had no idea how my life would turn out but this was probably the moment I fell in love with tattoos and realised how beautiful they can look.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I always loved drawing, when out in nature, I’d sketch different plants and flowers in my notebook – this inspired me the most. And then I just wanted to find a purpose for my drawings and to share them with the world, that’s how I got the thought about becoming a tattoo artist. I obviously loved tattoos, as well, and already have several bigger pieces on myself, so it seemed like a great idea that I couldn’t believe I didn’t come up with earlier.

Can you tell us more about your own tattoo collection?

I’m not covered with tattoos because, since I became a tattoo artist, I also became very thoughtful about what I’m getting. However, I have quite a few larger pieces, I’ve even managed to get a thigh tattoo and then to cover it up with another 20-hour piece. All of my tattoos are flowers, except for a couple of small ones.

How did your style evolve into fineline florals? What do you love about that style?

I’d say I knew what I wanted to do that from the start. As soon as I found fineline tattoos, I thought they’re so fascinating and incredible. It was hard to believe how many details it’s possible to put on skin and how amazingly delicate it can look. And there is a huge range of styles you can tattoo in this technique, from lettering to portraits, ornaments to big florals. That’s what I love about the style.

Talk us through how you work with your customers. Do you draw straight onto their bodies?

I mostly create my tattoos freehand. It means I draw the design right on the skin with a pen without a prepared sketch. Everything starts with discussing the details via email and in person, then I mark placement, size and shape on the skin to get my customer’s approval and, afterwards, I draw the detailed design. At all steps, it’s possible to try different placements and ideas, rearrange objects — only freehand allows this kind of freedom.

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?

My favourite and most memorable tattoo experience was when I first got a freehand tattoo. It was a floral fineline sleeve that took two full days of work. Back then I was already thinking about starting working freehand myself and after seeing and experiencing how fascinating the process is, I finally decided to start doing it myself. So, those tattoo sessions and the tattoo itself means a lot, it was the beginning of a new chapter for me.

What’s your studio like? And how does it impact the experience of getting tattooed?

My studio is a lovely private space, located in the centre of Munich. It’s very bright with a high ceiling, a lot of natural light and big plants, it has a calming and relaxing atmosphere — that’s exactly what I wanted it to be. I think a tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace, etc.

What’s the tattoo scene like in Munich? Do you tattoo lots of tourists / people who travel to collect work from you?

There are so many great tattoo artists and studios in Munich, all have different styles though.

I do tattoo a lot of locals but at least 50% of my customers are travelling to get a tattoo from me. Some come from the US, some from all around Germany and other European countries.

Are there any myths around fineline tattoos? What are they and what is your retort?

The most common misconception about fineline tattoos is that they get all blurred or faded over time. However, it might only happen if done wrong, so before getting a tattoo, make sure to find an experienced tattoo artist who has healed tattoos in their portfolio. Another tip (that ideally the artist has to explain to you) is to not try to fit a million things into a small tattoo. All the elements and individual lines need space, so a tattoo has to be big enough for them.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to never stop learning, experimenting and discovering new angles for my art. Some artists with time get either bored of what they do or get stuck without any growth and progress. I think that the key to never experiencing that is to constantly work, change and improve what you do.

Follow Sofia on Instagram for more beautiful fineline tattoos.

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

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“My work is defined by landscapes, anime and frame tattoos,” interview with tattoo artist Opal

Tattoo artist Opal (@opal.tattoo) is currently in Vancouver, Canada, where she creates breathtaking landscape tattoos. In this interview, she shares her most memorable tattoo experiences and how they helped shape the artist she has become today…

Opal first fell in love with tattooing at university; “when I was a sophomore in university, I realised that the Visual Design major was not a good fit for me and I started to question what I wanted to do.” She recalls that at that time she “became interested in drawing on the body rather than on paper. ” After that it only took Opal a year before they started to learn how to tattoo under @soltattoo and @tattooist_eq at Studio By Sol.

Now having tattooed for four years, Opal looks back at her humble beginnings, “I started with rubber pads” she says. But her talent shone through, “it was about a month and a half after I started that I began working on clients.”

She reveals how at first she felt apprehensive. “It was really nerve-wracking, and I found it difficult because I didn’t know which needles to use or how to angle the machine.” For Opal, “replicating the design exactly on the body was particularly challenging.” Although she was anxious and learning as she went, Opal took it in her stride and kept going.

We asked Opal about the first tattoo she did on someone else. “It was poetry related. The task was to create a design based on the feelings of a poem.” She admits that, “though it was abstract and challenging, I really enjoyed working on it.”

On discovering her most challenging tattoo, we had to ask about her most memorable tattoo experience. Opals shares how she created a tattoo for her dad. “It was especially memorable because my dad, who hates pain so much that he’s afraid of even getting an injection, got his first tattoo from me.” Smiling, Opal shares how grateful she is to her dad for that moment. It was really special.

Since then, Opal has done hundreds of tattoos, honing her craft to what it is today. With anime, nature and frame styles taking centrestage. She describes how her style has become what it is today. “At first, it was really difficult. If you scroll through my Instagram, you’ll see that I worked with very different designs compared to now. Back then, I was really stressed because of the designs. I didn’t know which designs suited me well.”

It was one of her mentors that helped her find her place in tattooing. “After a year of starting, the manager at Studio By Sol told me that I needed to find out what I really liked.” With this in mind Opal “started writing down everything I liked on a piece of paper. I found out that I love anime and landscape photography. Now, I mainly work with anime and landscape designs.”

When it comes to the inspiration behind her work, it’s her photography that inspires her the most. “I usually take pictures of natural landscapes and my friends.” It’s no surprise then that landscapes feature so heavily in her tattoos. Travel is also a big influence for the tattoo artist. “I often travel with my friends, and whenever I see a beautiful landscape or sunset, it becomes part of my design.”

Those tattooers who have paved the way are also an influence on her work. Although she can’t pinpoint one artist that she admires the most, Opal does “respect people who have dedicated themselves to a field for a long time. Especially in Korea, where tattooing isn’t fully recognised artistically or legally.”

Opal and these other artists are connected by their tenacity to keep going. She explains how she “admires those who continue in this profession without giving up.” Like them, she wants to pursue tattooing for as long as possible.

Currently tattooing in Vacouver, Opal is surrounded by artistic talent. “You can meet artists from many different countries, which allows you to see a wide variety of genres,” she shares.

When it comes to her clients, Opal’s work is evenly split between flash and custom design projects. The artist considers it important to “consistently upload flash designs” giving her clients the chance to wear a unique piece of her work that’s pre-drawn. She explains that “whenever I have time, I try to create and upload as many as possible.”

As Opal loves to tattoo different landscapes, we asked the artist if she has any guest spots planned. “I don’t have any guest spots planned at the moment.” But don’t worry, if you’re not in Vancouver you can keep an eye out for any guest spot announcements on her Instagram @opal.tattoo and inquire by email following the form provided.

Looking to the future and touching upon her Korean heritage, Opal shares how she “hopes tattoos can be perceived more positively by Korean people in the future.” Especially as there are now so many skilled tattooists in Korea. She believes that “Korean tattooing is renowned worldwide.” And yes, she’s proof of that.

Make sure to follow Opal on Instagram for more inspiring tattoos and to grab one of her flash designs for yourself.

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

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“Tattoos aren’t only a fashion accessory, but also a very precious thing that means a lot to someone,” interview with tattoo artist Nando


Tattoo artist Nando (@nandotattooer) owns Nando Studio in Seoul in South Korea. His Instagram is filled with the most beautiful pet and micro tattoos – most of the tiny tattoos he creates are under 10cm! Here he talks about his delicate style, falling in love with tattoos and his proudest tattoo moments so far…

How long have you been tattooing?

About 14 years now. Since 2010 when I graduated from art college. I’m a self-taught artist.

How did you become a tattoo artist and what made you want to become one?

I’ve been interested in art from a young age. I studied painting at university. Once I graduated from college I served in the military. I then lived in Madrid in Spain for about two years, which is where I met a group of friends who were tattooed. I hadn’t really seen tattoos before, especially not in Korea.

When I saw their tattoos, I realised that it was a really meaningful art form for people. I fell in love with it and so I came back to Korea and started my own tattooing journey.

Can you tell us about your own tattoos?

I have about 10 small tattoos. I’ve been to a lot of countries, while there I connect with some amazing artists. I usually get tattooed from artists in the country I’m in at the time. They’ve become souvenirs of my travels.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

I gave one of my friends a plaster statue of Poseidon that I had made. He then wanted this tattooed but really big on his shoulder! It was my first time tattooing and I challenged myself. Especially as it was so big. It took me about 10 hours but I think I did pretty well despite it being my first ever tattoo.

How would you describe your style?

I wanted to tattoo what I painted. I always try to make my tattoos as detailed and meticulous as possible, because it’s something that’s engraved on one person for the rest of their lives.

What made you want to create small realistic tattoos?

I typically do a lot of my work in spaces that are under 10cm. I focus on tattoos that are meaningful to the people who are getting them. Also my work is very detailed. Each tattoo usually takes around three hours.

What do you like to tattoo?

I love tattooing anything that I think is beautiful. I love beautiful tattoos with stories behind them, because tattoos are not only a fashion accessory but also a very precious thing that means a lot to someone.

What inspires you and do you have any artists you admire?

I am inspired by so many artists. Lately, I’ve been inspired by the art of James Jean.
My tattoos are mostly natural objects such as animals or florals. My hometown is very rural, so I’m getting a lot of inspiration there, too.

Do you have any guest spots planned?

I’m getting invitations to tattoo people from many countries. I have a strong friendly relationship with @mommyimsorry studio in Germany.

How can clients book in with you?

Through my Instagram @nandotattooer. You can make a reservation for a detailed consultation using the email and kakaotalk app on my Insta profile.

What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays?

Tattoos are still treated as a medical practice in Korea! So tattoo artists are united and talking to the government to solve legal problems. I think it will be resolved in the next few years. Also social awareness of tattoos has improved a lot. Many celebrities get tattoos as a way of expressing themselves, so tattoos are becoming recognised in Korean society.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

There have been so many proud moments while I’ve been doing tattoos. There was the time when I drew my work on to leather in collaboration with the brand Montblanc. It was an honour to work with a famous brand in this way.

Another moment was when I tattooed fingernails realistically over my customer’s fingers whose fingers were cut off. I was so proud of my job when I saw how satisfied and happy he was.

Follow Nando on Instagram for more beautiful pet and micro-realism tattoos.

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

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“When I first started tattooing, the stress was so intense that I couldn’t sleep properly two days before an appointment,” interview with tattoo artist, Kim Hoon

Tattoo artist Kim Hoon (@uncogrim) runs Frame Seoul tattoo studio in South Korea. We chatted to the tattooer about their incredible blackwork tattoos and how they use the body to influence their designs…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

From a young age, my biggest hobby has always been drawing. I’ve spent most of my time drawing. I enjoy creating forms and adding detail with pens, pencils and using different colours. Naturally, I started seeing designs meant for tattoos and found them incredibly appealing.

Growing up seeing tattoos on people and learning about the various tattoo genres made me want to get a tattoo of my own. This desire evolved into wanting to learn and create tattoos myself. Drawing something that remains on someone’s body for life is more special and everlasting than drawing on a canvas.

What was the first tattoo you got? How do you feel about it?

My first tattoo was a four-line piece of lettering on my chest. It’s an Indian proverb that means “live without regrets.” I got it in 2012, and at that time, social media wasn’t as developed as it is now, so it was hard to find out about tattoos. I found information about tattoos through personal blogs, and lettering felt like the easiest type of tattoo to get.

I didn’t know how much it would cost, but I remember it was calculated based on the price per centimetre. Sometimes tattoo artists say that you might regret getting lettering tattoos, but I don’t really regret it. It reminds me of what I was thinking back then, and it’s a fun memory. I was so fascinated by having a tattoo on my body that I would look in the mirror every day and read each letter.

How long have you been tattooing for?

I started in 2017. Unlike drawing on paper, there was immense pressure not to make mistakes. When I first began, the stress was so intense that I couldn’t sleep properly two days before a scheduled appointment. After doing a tattoo, I’d often feel guilty about my shortcomings and sometimes, driven by a sense of inadequacy and inferiority, I would stay up all night drawing. These experiences have shaped who I am today.

How did you develop your style to what it is today?

When I first started tattooing, I preferred creating smaller designs compared to what I do now. I used to draw mostly on A4 paper or sketchbooks rather than large canvases, which meant I made similar-sized designs for tattoos.

However, after doing a large tattoo, I found it appealing to consider the body’s lines and muscles. I liked designing something that used the entire body rather than just a part of it. This gradually changed my style.

Your style is so unique, your tattoos are so dark and striking, what inspires you?

I draw inspiration from countless sources. Sometimes it’s movies, sometimes music, sometimes the surrounding scenery, and even the clothes someone is wearing. These days, I mainly focus on the flow of clothes or the body.

Do you have any themes in your work or things you love to tattoo?

Many people like my snake and dragon designs. Snakes and dragons are fluid and can flow with the limbs. They emphasise the body’s lines to look sexier or more intense, and they can also cover up any perceived weaknesses or complexities. I also like using elements like flowers, wind and clouds. Recently, I’ve been trying to incorporate more Korean elements into my designs.

Which artists do you admire and why?

There are so many, but to name a few, @fibs_, @gakkinx and @filouino. They are all artists who understand the body well and design accordingly.

How do you usually work with customers? Do you mostly do custom work or do you create flash too?

I mainly do custom work. Most of my clients are from overseas, so I conduct thorough consultations via email before they travel to Korea. If the design is large, they’ll need to stay longer, so we spend a lot of time coordinating schedules and designs. I also ask for various photos of their bodies in advance to understand their features and vibe before proceeding with the design.

Do you draw your designs straight on to the body?

Sometimes, I draw directly on the body. To minimise errors, I meet with clients beforehand and draw directly on their bodies before preparing a design digitally. I sketch the positions and flow that suit their body features, checking in the mirror and moving to see if anything looks awkward. Based on this, I prepare a design digitally again. When starting the work, I use both the digital preparations and my hand drawings.

Are you planning any guest spots? If so where and how do we book in?

I am preparing for the Gods Of Ink convention in Frankfurt in March 2025. I have already announced it on Instagram and I am taking reservations via email.

What’s the tattoo scene like in Korea these days? We’d love to visit, do you tattoo tourists?

You are always welcome. Just make a reservation via email in advance. Korea has many highly skilled artists that are recognised worldwide. However, ironically, Korea is in a unique situation. It is the only country where tattooing is illegal, and although there is a job code for tattooists issued by the government, they are not legally protected. Many are striving to have tattooing recognised as a legitimate profession in Korea.

What are your hopes for the future?

That’s a great and difficult question. For some, tattoos are a beautiful art form, but for others, they can feel threatening, scary, or even repulsive. Personally, I hope tattoos will be seen more positively as a form of art, and I wish that both artists and clients ensure their tattoos do not evoke negative feelings in others.

My personal goal is to gain experience and network through various tattoo conventions worldwide. I hope to travel to different tattoo studios in different cities too. I want to see and experience how other tattooers’ lives and styles differ from those at my studio in Korea.

Follow Kim Hoon on Instagram for more outstanding blackwork tattoos and travel updates.

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