Tag: interview with a tattoo artist

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“I always wonder how to explain my tattoo style, I think it’s just my own,” interview with Pisatché

From a private studio in Seoul in South Korea, tattoo artist Pisatché (@pisatche) creates incredibly detailed, cute and futuristic tattoos. We spoke to the tattooist about his craft, influences and future plans…

How long have you been tattooing? And what first made you fall in love with tattoos?

I started tattooing in November 2018 – so it’s been almost six years! I can’t believe it. I’ve been interested in painting ever since I was very little. Naturally, it led me to study design.

I first encountered tattoos when I was much older. I can’t forget the shock I felt at the time. It was then I realised my paintings could last forever on someone else’s body! After that, I studied and started learning about all about them.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

Tattoos were so attractive to me as they’re a way for my painting to live on forever on other people’s bodies. How incredible is that? Also, it is a super-interesting job that provides various stories, both from clients and other artists. I love listening and telling. This career has its own unique charms. I think that’s why I like tattoos and tattooing.

How do you like to work with customers? Is it mostly custom work or flash too?

Well, recently, I started making flash designs for customers to choose for themselves. But before, I have always collaborated with them to make the designs. I like both methods.

Do you have tattoos yourself – can you tell us about them? How do they make you feel?

Of course, I have about four tattoos. I did one on myself for the first time when I was learning how to tattoo. I also did a self-tattoo whenever I needed to research a new tattoo skill. I haven’t done this for a while, in fact it’s been more than five years since I got a tattoo.

I would recommend tattooing yourself to other tattoo artists. I found it really helpful especially when I had concerns about my tattooing skills. I also understand the pain that customers are feeling.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

The first tattoo I did on someone else was on my best friend. It was some lettering. He trusted me and gave me a chance. But the tattoo wasn’t perfect and I’ve been expressing my infinite gratitude to him ever since.

How would you describe your style?

I always wonder how to explain my tattoo style. I think it’s just my own style. I am inspired by Japanese animation from the 1980s. The Japanese animation and films back then were detailed and beautiful. There was a lot of capital and labour invested in it and it brought huge economic growth. I’m always inspired by the art of that time. Especially Akira, it’s the best film.

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

I’m always inspired by animations and cartoons. And these days, I look up a lot of vintage posters. There are a lot of things to see and things to feel especially when it comes to the colours used in those days. My favourite artist is Katsuhiro Otomo.

How can clients book in with you?

I use Instagram messages and email. I plan to make a website later on as well.

Do you have any guest spots planned? Where would you most like to travel to?

Right now, I want to go to Australia. My favourite studio is the Eastcoast Social Club in Brooklyn, New York. There are many talented artists there who inspire me.

Tell us about what it’s like to tattoo in Seoul?

There are still restrictions, but it’s not bad. My personal hope is that more customers will visit me. I like Seoul, mainly because I have my family and friends here. Everywhere can’t be better than here because of that.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

Being able to give my parents and my girlfriends good gifts. These moments are when I am most proud and happy. It helped me show them how important they are to me. Also that I plan to be with my girlfriend forever. I’ve worked hard to do this.

Follow Pisatché on Instagram for more awesome tattoos and travel updates.

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

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“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.

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“Tattooing is based on mutual respect, so It’s important to find the middle point between what the customer wants and what I want,” tattoo artist Isle

Tattoo artist Isle (@1sle_tattoo) works in Korea and has been honing her craft for the past five years. We sat down for a chat about her journey, her inspiration and what’s next for her beautiful botanical tattoos…

What first made you fall in love with tattoos? Do you have a strong first memory?

I’d always wanted to get a tattoo since I was a college student. But Korea was a very conservative society at the time, and the various styles of tattoos didn’t exist like they do today. I just thought that people with the tattoos looked so cool. After college, I switched my thinking, I started to think about what I actually wanted for myself and my life.

My body is mine, and I thought I should do what I want no matter what others think.

So I got my first tattoo, and two years later, I started learning the craft. The reason I started was not because I liked tattoos, but the more I did it, the more difficult it became, and the more fun and rewarding it was. It’s the same now, five years after I started tattooing.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I’ve been doing painting whole my life since I was kid. So I’ve been thinking about how I can use my paintings commercially – other than exhibiting. And I wanted to learn a technique that will never disappear.

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

I started tattooing in 2019, so it’s heading to five years now. At first, I learned tattooing from my teacher. He thought me basic skills and then I practiced on a silicon pad. I repeated it until I drew the line straight, practised with my drawing, and I got confirmation from my teacher. I did it many times, and I finally did it on the human body. It became my graduation work and my first work.

We absolutely adore your beautiful botanical style, how would you describe it? 

Thank you for the compliment. In fact, I don’t just stick to botanical tattoos, I can draw anything interesting. But most interests come from nature. That’s why I’m drawing a lot of things related to nature. When I draw for tattoos, I use an iPad and a coloured pencil brush the most. Sometimes I use a watercolour brush when I want to express it in a different way. My style is hard to describe in one word, but I think it’s a mixture of asian and western paintings. Since I majored in oriental painting, I think that kind of atmosphere naturally manifests itself.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Art work, films, landscapes, everything visual. Most of the subjects are nature, and the way of expression and colour are inspired by many things such as paintings and the scenery made by light.

You’re currently based in Korea, what’s the tattoo scene like there? Do you often tattoo tourists or mostly locals?

Mostly local. Korea’s tattoo scene has grown so quickly. As I said, Korea was a very conservative about tattoos but suddenly it became a trend. A lot of tattoo artists in Korea have good skills and a unique style. 

How do you like to work with your customers to bring designs to life? Is it a collaboration, or do you prefer to have full control of your work?

Normally I prefer to have full control of my work. Clients come to me believing in my paintings and abilities so I want them to trust my aesthetic. Tattooing is based on mutual respect. So It’s important to find the middle point between what the customer wants and what I want.

Do you tattoo flash pieces or mostly custom?

Mostly custom I think. I’d love to do more flash works, but it takes a lot of time. Flash designs are good because I can present more in the direction I want.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I want meet a lot of clients who can make a bond with me. I want to do more big pieces and develop my skills and style. And I want to draw many paintings and maybe even put on an exhibition.

Any other thoughts on the tattoo world itself?

It’s getting more competitive. With different styles emerging and blurring the boundaries between tattooing, painting and illustration, more artists seem to be entering the field.

It’s a good thing for the clients, but I’m not sure if it’s a good thing for an artist. Tattooing is not a must, so it’s also an industry that is badly hit by the economic situation. I think it’s been tough worldwide since COVID-19. Still, I love this job and I don’t think I’m going to quit art, so I try to survive.

Do you have any plans to travel for guest spots?

Maybe Europe. Since I started this work, I have become more brave. To live in a place I don’t know well, meet various people, experience culture, etc. After going through it, it’s not as difficult as worrying about it, but I think it’s a good experience to expand my world.

Make sure to follow Isle on Instagram for more stunning botanical tattoos.

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

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“On one hand, there’s tremendous value to be found in the old ‘gatekeepers’ of tattooing, their respect for techniques and history… on the other, that knowledge was often inaccessible – especially as a young female tattooer,” tattooist, Charlotte Timmons

Tattoo artist Charlotte Timmons (@charlotte.e.tattoos) is known for her creepy cute tattoos – we’re obsessed with her iconic cat ghosts. Having made the move from the Birmingham in the UK to work at Grit N Glory in New York, here she shares more about her tattoo journey and the ever-changing tattoo world…

When did you start tattooing and how did you start in the industry?

I can barely remember when I started tattooing at this point, but it must have been around 2009, so we’re going back about 15 years.

How have you seen the industry change since then? 

It’s very difficult to answer this succinctly because it’s changed so much. As a mid-millennial, it’s crazy how much I’ve seen technology evolve in my lifetime – and that’s had an impact on every industry in so many ways. 

For me, tattooing has evolved in really good and really bad ways because of both the influence of social media and culture more generally. On one hand, there’s actually tremendous value to be found in the old ‘gatekeepers’ of tattooing – their respect and reverence for techniques and history, and the humility expected from people getting into the industry are lessons I internalised. On the other hand, that knowledge was often inaccessible – especially as a young female tattooer – and that it isn’t so much the case now.

As someone who loves to do guest spots in different places, it’s always fun to find fresh and conflicting opinions about where the industry is headed. Suffice to say, in my experience, the best people in the industry, both old and new, are the people who value and care for their customers, and are grateful to do the job. Not the people who always need to buy another ticket for their ego.

You tattoo in New York now, how was the move from the UK? What inspired you to move? 

It was really difficult. I went from a full calendar and a shop full of people I loved like family to barely any bookings and a shop full of new people I didn’t know yet. Then a pandemic hit – which made me feel I had made a huge mistake.”

“The culture of New York is highly competitive, innovative, fast paced, expensive and exhausting. And if I think about it, I don’t really know what inspired me to move here. It’s more like I did something really insane and then made up the reason later – like a lot of my favourite tattoos.

I had hit 30 and was watching a lot of friends and family settle down. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I just felt this restlessness in my gut that I had to do *something*. When the thought came up to move to NYC after guesting there, I thought, why not? It’s kind of insane, but New York forced me to grow into a person closer to the one I wanted to be, so it was the right decision.

How is the tattoo scene different over there? 

I’d say I tattoo more people of colour in New York than I used to, which is a great thing that has helped me grow as an artist, and to see different tones heal on different skin types is important for the planning of a design. I grew up in a fairly diverse community, but most of the people of colour I knew were from conservative or religious families, so they rarely had tattoos.

The tattoo scene here is as vibrant as anywhere, but there are so many people here that you have to find your specific niche or it’s highly competitive for work.

How would you describe your style and what do you love to tattoo?  

My style has sort of been coined as ‘Illustrative Neo-traditional’. It’s a pretty good description. It’s like I can’t decide what lane I’m in so I just throw a bit of everything I’ve learned from people in every style into it. I love animals and floral, and I love creepy stuff and fantasy stuff the most. The themes of traditional are classics for a reason, but I’m become more interested in flow, and fitting things to the body shape.

Is there something you’d like to do more of? 

I would love to do some darker themes, and some bigger more ‘stripped back’ stuff, but I also appreciate that a lot of my work is really ‘cute’ and intricate and that’s why people go for it. It’s not like I want to tattoo skulls all day, but I would love to lean more into that occasionally because I feel like I want to fine-tune that area to be a better all-round tattooer.

Have you found you’re known for a particular subject? 

My little cat ghosts. Creepy cute stuff, animal portraits, and undoubtedly the most ‘famous’ tattoos I’ve made are of moths.

What’s been your proudest tattoo moment? 

It’s hard to pick one but a girl said to me at a show here in the US that she followed my work when she was a teenager, and it inspired her to tattoo. And a woman once sent me a picture her 14-year-old had drawn based on one of my tattoos. Both sort of took me aback because no matter how old I get, I always have this imposter syndrome and feel kind of irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. So to have people notice anything you’ve done, and say you specifically inspired them to draw or tattoo feels really profound.

Any future plans you’d like to share with us?

I am currently living happily in NYC, but have guest spots around the US lined up for the spring and summer. Hopefully I’ll be visiting the UK later in the year too, but I can’t make any concrete plans just yet. I’m hoping to be back a few times in the next couple of years too.

Make sure to follow Charlotte on Instagram for more cute tattoos – and hopefully some skulls, too!

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

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“I find small things in everyday life – I contemplate whether those elements can be expressed through a tattoo,” interview with tattoo artist, Chou

When Korean tattoo artist Chou (@chou_tatt) was becoming curious about the wider world, a serendipitous email landed in her inbox from Chronic Ink tattoo shop in Toronto, Canada. She grabbed the chance to work there without hesitation and moved from her native Korea to her current home of Canada. Here she shares more about her tattoo journey…

What first made you fall in love with tattoos? Do you have a strong first memory?

I first learned about tattoos when I was 16. The guy was a sort-of gangster, I supposed, but also an artist in the Irezumi genre – he always drew dragon faces. At that time, tattoos in Korea were associated with the underground culture of gangsters. I found it quite shocking.

A few years later, I came across a watercolour tattoo by a Korean artist named Graffiti. He gave his client a vibrant red plum blossom on their side. Seeing that artwork, I realised that tattoos could truly be beautiful art forms. This experience became the catalyst for my love of tattoos.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

The job seemed cool. The idea of giving people lifelong art on their bodies really appealed to me. Before getting tattoos on my own body, I wanted to understand the principles of tattooing. So, I started learning about tattoos.

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

I think it’s been around five years now. I fell into the world of tattooing, and I’ve been searching for many teachers. I’ve had four tattoo teachers…

We absolutely adore your beautiful style, how would you describe it? 

I’m an artist who uses rich and sophisticated colour palettes to beautifully adorn the body parts that customers desire.

Where does your inspiration come from?

It seems like I always find something small in everyday life. When exposed to certain visual stimuli, I contemplate whether those elements can be expressed through a tattoo. If it seems feasible, I quickly jot down notes. When I feel the desire to create a design, I revisit those notes, allowing me to filter out the ones that align more with my criteria.

You’re currently based in Canada, what brought you there and why?

While working in Korea, I became curious about the wider world. The tattoo market in Korea had less demand compared to the supply. By chance, Chronic Ink – the shop I now work at in Toronto – reached out to me and I came to Canada!

How do you like to work with your customers to bring designs to life?

It’s incredibly exciting when customers suggest interesting themes to me. Especially, the tattoo ideas featuring blue chrysanthemums, eyeballs, and pocket mice. These have been the most amusing topics in my life. When expressing my own colour palette with various themes, I fall in love with my job all over again.

Is it a collaboration, or do you prefer to have full control of your work?

Well, most of my customers trust me completely. They simply tell me the themes they want, and there’s little to no need for further adjustments when I send them the designs. Thankfully, my clients genuinely trust and respect me.

If a customer has a firm idea of what they want, and it slightly differs from my opinion, I tend to show them a few examples to broaden their choices. Since a tattoo is something that lasts a lifetime once done, I consider this aspect to be very important.

Do you tattoo flash pieces or mostly custom?

I like both, but working with flash pieces is a bit easier. That’s because the completed images are already visualised in my mind, and I just need to bring them to life. So, I sell flash pieces at a bit more affordable prices.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

It’s truly wonderful for me that my profession gives me happiness and I find joy in touching my customers through my work. I genuinely feel blessed. I hope to continue experiencing this happiness in the future and share it with others.

Do you have any plans to travel for guest spots?

I will be working in the UK and Germany from March. If anyone would like to meet me, please contact me through the profile link on my Instagram, @chou_tatt.

Be sure to follow @chou_tatt on Instagram and fill her guest spot spaces.

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