Tattoo artist Olesia (@lescrowtattoo) creates large-scale gloomy tattoos consisting of clear lines, contours and shading, which she coins ‘Gravure’ tattoo. We chatted to the Ukraine artist based in Los Angeles about her love of mythology, tattooing style and more…
“I create a drawing in an engraving style based on Greek mythology, and then I transfer it not to wood or metal in order to make an impression, but to the skin of a person to keep it there forever. From my perspective this is synthesis of the arts which is timeless”
What’s your earliest memory of tattoos or tattooing?
My first tattoo was a gift for my first girlfriend. It was first letter of mine and the name. Veeeeery trivial I know…but it’s a warm memory.
How long have you been a tattoo artist and how did you become one?
I’ve been tattooing for 12 years now. Since I was a girl I loved drawing and contemplating nature, but my mother and teachers said my art was strange and gloomy, which stopped me from pursuing my art.
After school, I entered the Art Academy at the Faculty of Design and Architecture. I didn’t want to become an architect, but studying helped me with the basics of compositions. I eventually got a job at my friend’s tattoo studio.
Can you tell us about Gravure tattoos?
Gravure tattoos have become my own niche. It’s characterised by large-scale pieces, often inspired by Greek Mythology, which are gloomy in nature expressed lines and shading.
As I learnt to tattoo I found an audience who revered my style and trusted what I was creating. After several years of experimenting and tattooing in Barcelona and Europe I honed my skills and what made me unique, that’s when I moved to LA.
What in particular draws you to Greek mythology?
In Greek mythology I am attracted to how perfect the image of a person can be. In general, they knew a lot about the beauty, mind and earthly pleasures.
Do you have a favorite story or a Greek God?
I like all the stories about Hades and Persephone. For me they are like a movie- «only lovers will survive».
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future?
I don’t know, maybe I’ll be in slavery to AI, like all of us! Most likely I will remain just an artist and it doesn’t matter where my drawings are whether they’re used for illustrations, bodies or some kind of engraving on robot panels.
I hope one day I will write a book about my inner travels and will illustrate it too, it’s the dream of my life.
You describe your work as gloomy, do you have a gloomy personality?
I’m definitely the queen of darkness inside , but in society I am a very cheerful and sociable person, the one who will make everyone laugh, unite and gather for a party (I can’t live without the fun of sarcasm and nightlife). But yes with myself I’m blue and gloomy.
How do you feel when you’re tattooing?
For me, this is a moment of concentration, meditation and also a time when I can combine work with knowledge (during the sessions I always listen to audio books or lectures on history) just imagine those feelings! Your body’s here creating a world on another person’s body and your mind is separately traveling through the pages of novels or the past! This amazing sensation is disturbed only by pain in the neck or back.
How does the LA tattoo scene compare to other places you have tattooed?
I moved to LA half a year ago, so I haven’t fully felt the difference yet. But if we talk about the public itself, the clients here are very grateful and open to everything new more than, for example in Spain, despite the fact that my style here is something new because America is the founder of traditional and realistic tattoos, especially in colour. And of course, the scale of the country doesn’t allow you to stay without work for a long time.
Where’s been your favourite place and inspired you the most?
My favourite city, no matter how trite it may sound, is Paris. But it’s just for my soul cause my lovely poets are buried there. If you mean tattoos – New York is the best city for work and spending money. I’m a fan of the big city vibe!
Can you tell us about the tattoos you have on your own body?
My tattoos look more like a diary of small disconnected stories, each one belongs to a certain period. I dream of a big project for the whole of my back, but ideas change every year, so my back is still waiting for the right idea.
Follow Olesia @lescrowtattoo on Insta for more gloomy Gravure tattoos.
27-year-old Ignacio Freysselinard (@freysce), a tattoo artist from Argentina has been tattooing for eight years, in cities all around the world. We caught up with the artist to find out about tattooing around the world and how he had the privilege of getting a tattoo Apo Wang-od and stayed in her community in the Philippines…
How did you get into the tattoo industry?
I didn’t know anything about tattooing or how you were supposed to learn to tattoo when I started. I met my mentor, Pato Domingez, in Buenos Aires, 2015, because a mutual friend put us in contact.
I never had the patience to watch a YouTube tutorial or anything like that, so I asked Pato how to tattoo. Suddenly, he was telling me to clean his toilet, paint the shop and get his beers! Although I had nothing better to do and I thought he was a really cool dude, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I fell into an old school apprenticeship and I’m really lucky that Pato was the one to show me the way. One week in, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
You’ve been tattooing for eight years, how does it feel to look back on where you started? Where do you hope to be in another eight years?
It feels amazing. Tattooing has become part of my identity and opened so many doors, I’m deeply grateful. In eight years I see myself living exactly how I’m living today; tattooing, travelling and exploring the world’s cultures and beauty.
How would you describe your tattooing style?
At the moment I’m really interested in all kinds of ethnic and tribal tattoos. I enjoy exploring these and many contemporary styles like American traditional, geometric or ornamental. A few months ago I heard Dannyboy Sawyer say, “My style is tattooing”. It would be difficult to pick just one style as my favourite, so I will agree with Danny.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the rich history of tattooing that spans oceans and cultures — as well as the global community of artists who share and exchange their different styles and methods with one another. That’s what my work aims to do, and why I’m on a mission to tattoo across all continents.
What tattoo projects have you been working on?
At the moment I’m working on some sleeves and back pieces mixing Tibetan, Indian and many Asian ornaments with tribal scales as the background. Step by step I’m trying to make all of my big projects freehand and it’s really exciting. In the future I would love to do more Japanese style, that’s something I really enjoy.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo?
It’s hard to name just one. So far, Amsterdam has been one of my favourites. There is so much to learn there and so many great artists and tattoo shops. My experience at Rose Tattoo was amazing and enriching.
Can you tell us about your experience getting a tattoo from Apo Wang-od?
Meeting Whang-od four years ago was my greatest adventure. It was hard to get to Buscalan without a tour guide – I didn’t know I needed one – but once I was there I felt really welcomed by the Kalinga community.
Apo Wang-od with one of Ignacio Freysselinard’s designs
I was curious about their beautiful way of living and many of them were intrigued by my colourful tattoos, I was lucky to share information with them too. Getting tattooed by Whang-od was like a dream.
What I learnt from her Kalinga tattoos is that a tattoo doesn’t need to be technically perfect to look beautiful and real, what matters most is its tradition and respect, technicality is just a plus.
I want to go back soon and get tattooed by her grand-niece, Grace Palicas, the one who’ll keep the tradition and Apo’s legacy alive.
Are there any other experiences or stories that stand out?
Recently I was travelling with my brother in Fiji around the exotic islands. On each island I gave a tattoo to a local, some wanted American traditional flash, others wanted Polynesian designs or Fijian Tapa.
That allowed me to generate a deep connection with them, so after the tattoo they would take us to dinner with their families and teach us how to do spear fishing. That was definitely an experience that stood out to me. Also tattooing literally a few metres from the sea was a dream come true.
What’s been your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was probably the beginning, before I started my apprenticeship at The Gypsy Family. My world was really small and limited. Once I came into contact with this new world, guided by my mentor, my head exploded. I’ve learnt so much since then and not just about tattooing; about order, discipline, respect, music, underground stories and of course…some gypsy tricks. The feeling of becoming a tattoo artist was one of the best in my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
Make sure to follow Ignacio Freysselinard (@freysce)on Insta for more incredible tattoos.
Bongjin Jeon (he/him) creates bold black work tattoos at Tenderfoot Studio at 199 Cook St #103, Brooklyn, New York 11206. We chat to the tattooer about his journey into the tattoo world, art style and proudest moments…
Tattoo artist Bongjin JeonFloral tattoo by Bongjin Jeon
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing for around one and a half years. I’ve always been into tattooing since I was young.
During the pandemic, I approached my favourite tattoo artist and asked if he could be my tutor – he accepted and that was when everything started.
How has your experience of the tattoo industry been so far? Are there any moments or stories that stand out? It’s been great so far honestly. It’s been better than I expected and I’ve not regretted it.
A moment that shocked me the most was when the boss of this huge tattoo shop in our shop’s neighborhood wanted to get a tattoo from me even though I was in an early phase of tattooing. It was a big compliment for me – it convinced me that I’m doing the right thing in the right way!
What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? Frankly, I wasn’t into ‘art’ when I was child. I was more of an athletic student. But at the same time, I was interested in something distinctly different in many areas like comics, music, doodles and of course tattoos.
Then I realised I liked fun, goofy and creative tattoos the most. After realising that, I went to art school and learnt how to draw, craftmanship and how to market myself – all of these have been the root of my career.
What’s your first memory of tattoos? My first memory, always cracks me up. I did the tattoo on an old friend after learning to tattoo from my tutor. It was lettering on the clavicle so I had to stand up leaning forward all the way during the whole session. Of course I had practiced on fake skin before that day but still, it was somewhat overwhelming and a lot. Fortunately my tutor was with us so everything was under control. It was a pretty chill and fun time; my friend and I still laugh about that day.
How would you describe your style? My tattooing style is called black work with bold outlines. It’s from solid black to zero for strong contrast. This strong contrast makes tattoos alive and also surreal at the same time. It feels like these tattoos are about to jump or move around and I love that.
What inspires your designs? I always find fun in the paradox and unusual, especially when two different things or styles are put together, like serious and dark drawing styles with silly subjects like a Pikachu.
What are your biggest artistic influences? One of the biggest is from the movies. I draw movie scenes and characters sometimes but also just get influenced by the mood of a movie whether that’s the emotions or sense of humour of it. I mainly take inspiration from comedy movies, like Step Brothers, 21 Jump Streets, The Office, The Hangover…
Another influence is nature. I’m obsessed with going to parks and I get ideas for flash tattoos by watching animals and plants there.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? My tattoo style itself with bold lines is fit for something strong, solid and that stands out. And I believe there’s a charm to these strong subjects being funny and silly with a small twist. So far, my works have been 50/50 serious themes and funny themes. I’d love to work on these silly goofy tattoos with bold lines more by collaborating with clients who have similar tastes with me.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I’m thinking about adding other line thicknesses, especially thinner lines for more abundant details depending on designs and sizes. I also may start putting some colours in depending on themes.
What was your first tattoo? To be honest, I don’t have any tattoos myself so far. I know some people in this industry will disagree and hate this, but I can take it. In my opinion, having zero tattoos and a bare body is also one kind of body design in the tattoo sense. Not having any can stand for having a cool one.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I would say New York is a pretty decent city for a tattoo trip. New York is one of the cities that has the most old and also new tattoo artists and shops in the world in smaller areas compared to other big cities. This means each tattoo artist has gotta be competitive. In terms of the city itself, I think New York gets underestimated like people saying New York is overrated.
Another city I’d love to travel to is Madrid. I want to experience working in another atmosphere with New York like weather, people and buildings.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? I’m working in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I’d say Bushwick is pretty vibey and has a good atmosphere with fancy bars and restaurants but also calm to walk around at the same time. That’s my favourite part.
Most shops in Brooklyn are new and young so you can find new styles of tattoos easily in this town. Tattoo artists are also young and usually chill. Come through, we won’t bite!
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? Besides tattooing, I play soccer and tennis for my back and wrist pain from tattooing. Or I love to go to big and small parks in my neighbourhood and lie down. I always say the best part of New York is parks.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? When clients come back and get a tattoo from me again. It always feels like a big credit and I’m so happy about it. And also lots of my tattoo flash designs are designed as patch works. So if a client gets another tattoo or even more from me, it would look better together. This makes me proud and increases my happiness.
Make sure to follow Bongjin Jeon (@telephonepole2) on Insta for more bold tattoos.
Dokhwa (@lookatthe_dokhwa) creates incredible pet portraits at 369ink.studio in South Korea.We chatted to the artist about her journey into the tattoo world, inspirations and future plans…
DokhwaDog tattoo by Dokhwa
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing for five years. It all started with a friend who had a lot of tattoos on his body, that’s how I became interested in them. Also when I got my first tattoo, the artist who gave me the tattoo looked really cool, that piqued my interest so much so that I decided to become a tattoo artist!
To see paintings on a body rather than paper was really cool. So I decided to become a tattoo artist.
What inspired you to become an artist? It was painting and my love for finding a variety of paintings and artistic styles. Hyperrealism in particular inspired me a lot and made me fall into tattooing and the art world even more.
Do you have a background in art? No, I have no experience in art. So while I was working, I would draw and paint as much as I could – whenever I had time.
How would you describe your style? My tattoo style is realism, my tattoos show almost every detail of the subject. They’re like a picture. In fact I try my best to make them exactly like the pictures I see or the ones my clients bring to me.
What drew you to colour tattoos? I was doing black work tattooing when I started. However I soon became interested in the work of an artist who does colour tattoos. It felt so different to black ink tattoos, so I started to do colour tattoos too.
You tattoo a lot of pet tattoos, can you tell us about these? I like pets! That’s why I do a lot of pet tattoos. When I finish the tattoo my customers feel like they always have their pets with them I like to see my clients happily looking at their pet tattoos.
What inspires your designs? I take inspiration from a lot of things – movies, books, other artists’ work, etc. I think I get the most inspiration from seeing a lot of paintings.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to make pet tattoos, but I also like portrait tattoos. So I want to do more portrait style tattoos, as I like to create the details of the person I am turning into a portrait tattoo.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think my tattoos will evolve naturally as I start to focus on more portrait tattoos. I want to make a design by mixing various themes such as portraits, collages and pop art. So I can add even more details.
What was the first tattoo you did? My first tattoo was a whale. It was a very simple black whale, but it took a long time. It’s a tattoo I never forget about and I won’t forget the experience of making it either.
Do you still like your first tattoo? How has your tattooing style developed since then? Yes, I like it! It was my first tattoo and it’s still really meaningful. Since then, I have practiced a lot more and tried various styles of tattooing – old school, black and grey and colour realism. After a lot of trial and error I found I was interested in colour reaslism, which is what I’ve been doing.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I think it’s Amsterdam. When I worked in Amsterdam, there were so many customers who liked my style and my tattoos. And I love to see works of art, so I really loved it when I went to the art museum.
Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? Not yet. But I want to go to Istanbul in the future. The tattoo studio I want to go to the most is in Istanbulm it’s filled with so many talented artists. I look forward to going there as soon as I can.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? There are so many talented artists in Korea. So everyone tries really hard on their craft. Tattoos are still illegal in South Korea, so we’re not legally protected. There are, however, artists in Korea who are campaigning for legalisation.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I recharge and regain my energy by watching movies and exercising or spending my own time. I think maintaining my health is important, especially for my work, so I try and keep looking after myself.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? I participated in a tattoo convention with the artists who work in the same studio as me. That was when I felt really proud. Especially as it was my first tattoo convention and a lot of people were interested in and liked my work. I got a lot of experience and learnt a lot.
Arirang (@tattooist_arirang) works in his own tattoo studio in Seoul, South Korea where he makes beautiful painting-like tattoos. We caught up with the tattoo artist to find out more about his aesthetic, journey into the tattoo world and beautiful brush work tattoos..
How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? My journey to becoming a tattoo artist has been marked by a series of twists and turns, fueled by a deep and abiding curiosity about the world and a persistent search for my own true passion. As a young person, I struggled to find my footing and often felt adrift, unsure of what direction to take in life.
Despite the uncertainty, I remained determined to explore my options, taking on a variety of different jobs and experiences in an effort to discover my true calling. However, my physical and financial health began to suffer, and I knew that I needed to make a change.
It was during this challenging time that I began to reflect deeply on what truly sparked joy and fulfillment in my life, and I came to the realisation that tattooing was a craft that held a special allure for me. With a sense of newfound purpose, I made the decision to pursue my passion, saving up money by working at a construction site and enrolling in tattooing classes to hone my skills.
Since embarking on this journey, I have discovered a deep and abiding love for the art of tattooing, finding fulfillment and satisfaction in the act of creating unique, meaningful designs that carry a deep personal resonance for my clients.
Through my work as a tattoo artist, I have found a sense of direction and purpose that has allowed me to thrive both creatively and personally, and I look forward to continuing to explore the endless possibilities of this incredible craft in the years to come.
What inspired you to become an artist? My artistic journey has been a dynamic and ever-evolving process, fueled by a complex interplay of personal passion and a deep fascination with the inner workings of the human psyche. At its core, my inspiration to become an artist can be traced back to my abiding interest in the mysteries of the human mind and the emotional complexities that drive our thoughts and behaviors.
My path to becoming an artist began with a simple passion for drawing, which eventually led me to pursue a career in tattooing. However, it was not until I began interacting with the diverse array of people who sought out my services that I truly began to understand the power of art to touch people’s lives in profound and meaningful ways.
Through countless conversations and interactions with my clients, I came to realise the deep-seated emotions and personal stories that underlie the decision to get a tattoo, from the light-hearted and whimsical to the deeply personal and sometimes painful.
In response, I sought to create art that not only captured the individuality and uniqueness of each client’s vision but also served as a means of healing and transformation. As I continued on my artistic path, I discovered that the process of creating and sharing my art had a profound effect on me as well as my clients, imbuing me with a sense of purpose and strength that carried me forward in my career. In this way, my artistic inspiration has become a mutually reinforcing cycle of creativity and connection, driven by a deep commitment to the transformative power of art and the human experience.
Do you have a background in art? Despite my early affinity for art, I was regrettably forced to relinquish my passion during my high school years due to familial financial constraints. This decision was not an easy one, as my artistic inclinations had been evident since my formative years, having been encouraged by supportive instructors from kindergarten through elementary school.
During my time in middle school, a teacher recognised my potential and suggested that I pursue gifted education, which would have been a significant stepping stone in my artistic development. Alas, the financial burden of such a program was too great for my family to bear, and I was unable to pursue this opportunity.
As a result, I never had the privilege of receiving formal art education, which has often been a source of frustration for me. However, this did not deter my passion for artistic expression, and I continued to nurture my creative inclinations through self-study, experimentation, and a commitment to honing my craft through practice and hard work.
My journey as an artist has been unconventional, to say the least, and it has required a great deal of determination and resilience. Despite the lack of formal training, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of artistic excellence, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources and using every opportunity to refine my skills and deepen my understanding of art and design.
While the absence of professional art education has presented its share of challenges, it has also given me a unique perspective and approach to my work, and has ultimately served as a source of motivation to push myself further and achieve my artistic goals through perseverance and dedication.
How would you describe your style? My aesthetic sensibilities are centered around a profound appreciation for the beauty of softness. There is something particularly alluring and captivating about the delicate and subtle elements of design that are often overlooked by others. In my creative process, I am constantly seeking to imbue my work with a sense of tenderness, a quality that speaks to the human spirit and taps into our shared humanity.
One of the key motivations behind my work is the desire to create garments that not only make individuals look their best, but also have a therapeutic effect on the wearer. I strongly believe that clothing has the power to transform our moods and emotions, and as such, I strive to create pieces that can uplift and inspire the people who wear them.
Moreover, my approach to design is informed by a deep respect for the human form and a keen understanding of how different materials can accentuate its contours and features. I am particularly drawn to the use of tattoos, which I believe can be harnessed to create an aesthetic that is both elegant and striking. My aim is to leverage the inherent beauty of tattoos to create a sense of quiet strength and poise in the wearer, as opposed to the more traditional, confrontational approach to body art.
My style is defined by a sensitivity to the nuances of design, a commitment to therapeutic principles, and a unique perspective on the role of tattoos in fashion.
You tattoo a lot of brush stroke tattoos, can you tell us about these? My artistic style is deeply rooted in my love for the tactile sensation of the brush, which I find to be an incredibly versatile and expressive medium. From a young age, I was captivated by the raw energy and intensity of the brush, which allowed me to create bold, dynamic strokes that conveyed a sense of power and emotion.
However, my attraction to the brush is not solely based on its forceful nature. In fact, one of the things that draws me to this medium is the subtle nuances and delicacies that can be conveyed through a single curve or line. With the brush, even the slightest variation in pressure or angle can produce a dramatically different effect, imbuing each stroke with a unique sense of character and depth.
As a tattoo artist, I have found that the feel of the brush is particularly well-suited to the art of body ink, as the flow and movement of the design can be shaped and molded to fit the curves and contours of the human form. The soft, flowing feel of the brush allows me to create designs that feel organic and natural, seamlessly integrating with the lines and curves of the body.
My passion for the feel of the brush is born out of a deep appreciation for its versatility, expressiveness, and ability to convey a broad range of emotions and sensations through the delicate interplay of strokes and curves. It is a medium that continues to inspire and challenge me in my work as a tattoo artist, and I look forward to exploring its endless possibilities in the years to come.
How do you create the paint like texture in your work? Creating paint-like texture in artwork requires a thorough understanding of how to use various paint textures, densities, and techniques to achieve the desired effect. By experimenting with different brush strokes, paint densities, and the amount of water used, artists can create a wide range of paint textures that can be used to add depth, dimension, and character to their work.
One technique for creating texture is to use a dry brush or a brush with less ink, which can produce a rough, grainy texture that is perfect for creating a variety of effects. Alternatively, using a lot of water in the brush can produce a smooth and fluid texture, which can be ideal for blending colours together seamlessly or creating a soft, misty effect.
What inspires your designs? As an artist, the sources of inspiration for my designs are numerous and varied. I draw creative influence from a wide range of people, experiences, and cultural artifacts, as well as from my own internal emotional landscape. My designs are informed by everything from the mundane details of daily life to the grandest and most profound moments of human experience.
Does your heritage influence your art? As an artist of Korean heritage, my cultural background has certainly had a significant influence on my creative process and artistic output. Korean culture is known for its rich history and unique artistic traditions, including intricate patterns, bold colours and stylised depictions of nature and everyday life.
Korean culture is known for its use of specific colours, including vibrant red, blue, and yellow hues. These colours have particular cultural significance and are often used to convey a sense of energy, vitality, and passion. I find myself drawn to the rich, bold qualities of these colours, and often use them in my own work to create a sense of dynamism and intensity.
My Korean heritage has also influenced the subject matter of my work. Korean art often depicts elements of nature, such as birds, flowers, and landscapes, and these themes have become an important part of my own artistic vision. Whether through tattoo designs or other visual mediums, I find myself drawn to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and seek to capture its essence in my work.
I believe that my Korean heritage has had a profound influence on my artistic vision, creative process, and visual output. By drawing on the rich artistic traditions of my culture and blending them with my own unique perspectives and experiences, I am able to produce work that is both culturally specific and universally resonant.
Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? As a tattoo artist, I believe that collaboration with clients is crucial to creating truly unique and meaningful body art. During the initial consultation, I make a point to discuss the client’s vision for their tattoo, exploring their creative preferences, stylistic influences, and personal history to ensure that the final design is a reflection of their unique personality and style.
To bring these visions to life, I work with clients to experiment with different designs, colour schemes, and placement options, carefully considering their individual characteristics and artistic preferences. Once the design is finalised, I use a stencil or transfer to carefully apply the design to the skin, taking care to ensure that it is aligned and proportional to the client’s body.
During the tattooing process, I use a range of specialised techniques and tools to meticulously apply ink to the skin, creating a highly detailed and precise design that fulfills the client’s expectations. This process can involve everything from shading and colour blending to line work and specialist equipment to achieve certain effects.
After the tattoo is complete, I provide clients with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and maintenance of their body art. This can include advice on cleaning, moisturising, and protecting the tattooed area, as well as guidance on avoiding certain activities or exposures that could damage the tattoo.
Overall, each tattoo that I create is highly individualised, taking into account the unique characteristics and preferences of each client. By working collaboratively and creatively with my clients, I am able to create highly personalised and meaningful works of body art that reflect their unique personalities, histories, and styles.
What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I get inspiration from a variety of subjects. Tattoo art allows me to interpret and bring to life objects, people, and even intangible concepts. I love working with clients to create custom tattoos that reflect their style and personality. I adore using bold colours, precise line work, subtle shading, and tonal variations to bring these drawings to life. I love working with clients on fresh and challenging projects, but certain topics inspire me. I like designs with animals, plants, and landscapes, as well as abstract or intellectual subjects.
I want to try new tattoo art challenges that push the limits. I love trying various colour palettes, shading techniques, and cultural and historical design influences. I believe tattoo art is a deeply personal and expressive form of creative expression, and I feel honoured to help clients realise their artistic aspirations.
I love taking on new challenges and creating unique and inspired body art, whether it’s portraying nature’s beauty or exploring abstract and conceptual topics.
How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? As a tattoo artist, my work is always evolving and changing, reflecting my own artistic growth and the shifting trends and influences within the wider tattooing community. I believe that as I continue to develop my own artistic vision, my tattoos will become increasingly nuanced and refined, incorporating new techniques and styles that allow me to express my ideas in complex and intricate ways.
Additionally, I am excited to see how the wider tattooing community will continue to evolve, and I am committed to staying current and up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. As I continue to develop my artistic style and technique, my tattoos have taken on a distinct character that reflects my own creative vision and personal interests. At the same time, I am always attentive to the needs and visions of each client, ensuring that every tattoo is a truly unique and exceptional piece of body art.
What was your first tattoo? My first tattoo is a very sloppy cartwheel.
Do you still like it? Yes, I still love my first tattoo. While I understand that to some, these types of tattoos may not look very impressive, to me, this particular design holds a special place in my heart. In fact, I put a lot of time and effort into perfecting this design, even though it may not look like it at first glance. There are a total of 19 lines inside the round tyre, and each one was an experiment in different techniques, which I carefully recorded in a notebook and observed. Despite the imperfections in the final design, I love the earnestness and passion that I poured into this tattoo. It represents an important moment in my artistic journey, and serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into every tattoo that I create.
How has your tattoo collection developed since then? Since my first tattoo, my collection has continued to develop and evolve, with many of the tattoos on my body being self-tattoos that were the result of my experimentation with new needles and inks. I have also traded tattoos with friends, further expanding my collection and providing me with new opportunities to experiment with different designs and techniques.
In the future, I am eager to continue exploring new and exciting tattoo designs, whether through experimentation or by finding tattoos that I particularly admire and want to add to my collection.
For me, tattoos are not just about the final product, but about the journey of creative exploration and self-expression that goes into each and every piece.
Ultimately, my tattoo collection is a reflection of my own artistic journey and personal interests, and I look forward to continuing to add to it over time, exploring new designs and techniques and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with tattoo art.
Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? My favourites are USA and Australia. I felt a lot of emotions there and it is a thankful space that has helped me grow.
Do you have any travel or guest spots planned? Yes, I would like to travel to the U.S. and I am planning on working there.
What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? It seems normal here. I think it’s somewhere in between, neither bad nor good.
What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I meet friends or go camping. After working non-stop for a long time, I sometimes travel. It’s so nice to have a relaxed mind because I think it’s the most important thing.
What moment in your career are you most proud of? One particular moment in my career as a tattoo artist is etched in my memory as the most meaningful and rewarding. It was when a dear friend of mine, who had endured the pain of a suicide attempt, came to me with a wound. Instead of concealing the wound, I decided to use my art to create a staircase tattoo on it. My intent was to symbolise his journey of recovery, growth, and transformation, with the staircase as a powerful metaphor for the steps he would take towards healing.
To witness the impact of the tattoo on my friend’s life was beyond what I could have ever imagined. It went beyond just being a work of art, but it became a symbol of hope, resilience, and determination. He was no longer ashamed of his wound, but instead, he took pride in it and wore it as a badge of honor.
For me, this experience was a defining moment in my career, as it reminded me of the power and responsibility of art to inspire, heal, and transform people’s lives. It reaffirmed my belief that tattooing is not just skin deep, but it can penetrate to the soul and help people navigate the darkest of moments. It’s moments like these that make me feel proud to be a tattoo artist, and it gives me a sense of purpose to continue using my art for the greater good.
