Tag: Realism

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Interview with tattoo artist Hussein Mistrah

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

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How would you describe your style of tattooing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does the tattoo scene differ in Lebanon and Michigan?

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

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

What do you think about the tattoo world itself?

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

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

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

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

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

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

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Catching up with tattoo artist Owen Paulls

We last chatted to Owen Paulls (@owenpaulls) in 2017 (read his first interview) when he was tattooing on the road. We caught up with the black and grey tattoo artist, who now works out of his private studio (Owen Paulls Tattoo) in Brighton, to find out what he’s been up to for the last six years...

How have you been since we chatted in 2017?

Great thank you! Hope you have all been good too. I’ve been traveling all over and seen some cool things…and ink!

You’ve been tattooing for almost 10 years, how does it feel to look back on where you started? 

I don’t really know to be honest! I’m certainly more involved with the industry than I imagined was possible when I started, and there’s so much to learn along the way. The perimeters are always shifting and evolving in the tattoo world, so I guess I feel humbled to think of surviving it for 10 years! 

Where do you hope to be in another 10 years?

I hope to be in the same creative mind space and to be focused on how I can keep improving. I really hope I never lose the drive to improve my artwork, in tattooing or painting! 

What tattoo projects have you been working on? 

There’s been more larger scale work in my diary as of late. I think the last time we spoke I was on the road, so I was mostly doing tattoos that had to be completed in one or two days max! Since then I’ve been able to play the role of a resident artist in a few studios and take on larger pieces over a wider time scale.

It’s been really challenging but a great push in learning how to construct legible sleeves, front and back pieces.

What’s really been getting you excited?

Well firstly, the progression of our industries artistic side over the past, I think three years or so? It’s amazing to watch such rapid evolution of an ancient thing. On a more personal note, I’m so excited and thankful for the trust in creating more surrealism and Disney mashup tattoos. 

You mentioned in our last catch up that you were going into a more surrealism style, has this been the case?

I always wanted to do a little more realism that wasn’t so routed in real life or just a copy from a photo. I really enjoy being asked for portraits too, don’t get me wrong, but I love sci-fi or adding a little element of whimsy, flow and direction where I can. I’m still developing this style and trying to learn from other artists, who do this mix really well. At the moment I’m working on a few Disney projects which will see the characters collide with the real world in some way. So super excited for that! 

You also mentioned you would ‘probably make the move to colour work’, how has this gone? What changed?

Honestly nothing really changed, apart from the brief pause we all took in 2020! I’m still interested in adding some colour elements but I’d have to stay somewhere long term to really polish this aspect of my work. Right now with traveling and shows, black and grey is the better choice for me and allows me to showcase the desaturated Disney work that has helped me carve a bit more of a tattoo identity over the years. 

You were on the road, where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo?

It’s hard to pick just one place! I spent nearly two years traveling full time on the road and saw so many amazing places. I really love Italy and Florence especially. It’s so beautiful and relaxing there and in the same breath, I love Colorado for the mountains and nature. Probably because it’s a wilder, more rugged version of where I grew up! NYC and LA of course are beasts of their own, and I do love the busy hustle of city life. I’m tattooing in Germany later this year so maybe that will be added to the favourites list too! Who knows! 

Any experiences or stories that stand out? 

I remember being in literally the coldest weather I have ever experienced in Ottawa, Canada a few years ago. I thought I liked snow until then! There was a storm and snow stacked against the buildings around four feet. Every pavement and road was pure ice! I was there working a tattoo show and spent nearly the whole thing inside a set of three interlocking buildings with sky bridges, to escape the cold! You’d have to be tough to live there I think! 

Oh and almost getting hit by lightning in Florida! I was walking to the shop in the rain when it struck the traffic lights two metres in front of me, taking out the whole block. The loudest sound I’ve ever heard in my life, I’m very lucky to not have been crispified! 

How’s the tattoo scene changed since we spoke in 2017? 

Change wise, aside from the rapid artistic boost that 2020 seemed to inspire, I’m thankful to see the industry start to become more inclusive. I know there’s still a way to go just like every industry, but we have started the journey and it’s nice to see artists becoming more comfortable to express themselves in their art and/or tattooing. 

What’s been your proudest moment in the last six years?

One of my proudest moments has been recently, when I was asked to attend a few tattoo shows, based on my paintings alone. I’ve been working hard on my paintings for a few years on my days off and it’s very validating to be recognised for this. I’ve also had the chance to be part of some really progressive and highly talented teams, like the Empire Inks crew and the FYT artist line up. Not trying to push anything when I say they have the best approach to artist sponsorships and give back at every opportunity. I’m very grateful to be involved with them! 

How did you find the lockdowns, were you able to be creative?

I was still in Hollywood during the lockdown, so we really only had one long one over there. It was tough to be taken away from my career plans, mid stride but I understand this was the same for so many creatives and I do appreciate the safety aspect involved there. 

I set myself up with a painting and designing schedule, working 10-7, like a regular tattoo day, four or five days a week. I’d just finished a set of classes at LAFFA (LA institute of fine art) and was really keen to get to practice more. Obviously this was more paint time than I had anticipated but I believe it kept me sane and kept the wolf from the door bill wise! I’m aware I have been very lucky though and know this wasn’t the case for everyone around the world. 

On a final note I want to say thank you to everyone who supports my art and tattooing. I’m always looking to expand my skill set and learn what I can to improve. I’m thankful to have done a catch up with you and hopefully we can do another in a few years! 

You’re more than welcome! Make sure to read Owen Paull’s first interview with us and follow him on Instagram for more incredible tattoos.

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

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Tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin’s masterclass on photograhing tattoos

It’s never been more important to get an amazing photo or reel of your freshly made tattoo. Not only are you a tattoo artist but you also need to be a social media manager and photographer too. To help you capture your art in the best way, realism tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin is sharing his top tips…

Black and grey realism is a style that remains one of the most popular trends in the world of tattoo culture to this day. Grigorii Butrin (@butrin.tattoo) is a talented artist, many would say he’s up there with the best tattoo artists working in this style.

Grigorii conquered the world’s tattoo community with his realistic tattoos consisting of striking contrasts, complexity and detail. They bring the image to life so that it looks 3D on his client’s skin. His sense of detail, light and composition makes his work different from others in the industry.

Gregorii’s tattoos are known in many countries, they have been frequently appreciated by judges at international tattoo conventions around the world. Grigorii Butrin is a member of several professional teams and clearly understands how to make black-and-grey realism truly spectacular. It’s this understanding of the craft which has gained him hundreds of loyal clients across the globe, and allowed him to give master classes to other artists. He’s also collaborated with world-known brands and giants in the tattoo industry – he’s a tattooer on the rise.

Looking at photos of his work from a professional standpoint you can see how he scrupulously works on photographing his tattoos. According to Grigorii, “this is very important, because it is not enough to make a high-quality tattoo, it is necessary to present it correctly to the audience.”

“Practice shows that you need to photograph tattoos immediately after the session. The reason for this is very simple: in 90% of cases, the creator will never see this tattoo again, and there is no point asking clients to take photos later, because they will not be able to do it correctly.”

Grigorii Butrin shares his recommendations in photographing tattoos to his colleagues:

  1. Do not turn off the light in the studio completely, dim it. To illuminate the work itself, use a light together with a polarising film – this makes the picture more natural, especially if you are photographing a miniature tattoo. Many tattooers prefer to photograph the work with a single light source, which makes the photos gloomy due to the lack of background.
  1. In the case of using several illuminators, glue the films to them in the same way, in accordance with the instructions. If the lights are not synchronised, then they will have to be turned over in order for them to work correctly. Cut the film according to the size of the luminous surface of the lamp, do not allow non-polarised light to get into your work.
  1. On your phone, use the first three settings for the final edit of the photo: Exposure, Shine, Light areas. They have the least effect on image quality. You can also adjust the Saturation. In order to increase the set of processing tools, I recommend installing photo editing applications.
  1. Remember that the photo will only show what was projected by the lens into the phone’s memory. If the photo is highlighted and if the whole tattoo is flickering with highlights, then it ‘s not possible to restore what did not get into the phone’s memory, when you took the photo no matter what subsequent processing you do. That is why you need to use polarising filters. Processing will only correct some flaws, but will not change the image itself in any way. Take high-quality photos initially.

Find out more about the realism tattoos Grigorii makes in our interview with the tattoo artist.

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

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Interview with tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin

Tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin @butrin.tattoo creates incredible realism tattoos in Germany. We chatted to the tattooer about his journey into the industry, tattooing style and influences…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing since 2014-2015. I started it like a hobby when I was in my last year of medical college, because I realised that I wanted to be an artist.

I had been drawing all the way through school and I entered my work into city and school drawing contests. While I was at medical college I would always help with the creative decoration of information stands and themed banners for teachers of multiple disciplines.

What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? I saw the works of Dmitriy Samohin and Den Yakovlev on the internet and I was shocked. At that moment I started to understand what I wanted to do with my life.

From around 4-5 years old I would spend a lot of my time drawing and making sculptures. I was also watching videos on YouTube, like Alexander Ryjkin’s channel and creating my own drawings.

How would you describe your style? My style is grey wash realistic tattooing, but it’s not copying. To make an image I use my experience during the drawing process so I don’t make a 100% copy of the image, so it’s academically a realistic tattoo.

What inspires your designs? I’m usually have an inspiration from music, movies and designers. I’m also the biggest fan of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. His art is unbelievable and his work with shadows is perfect. So, perhaps he is the reason why I work with deep shading.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? The most important part of my work is making a good design. You need to think a lot about anatomy, composition and dynamics in your design – 90% of a good project is a good design.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? My favourite thing to tattoo is portrait work. I really like to do this and usually my customers come for this kind of work.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think I’m gonna add a lot of stuff from drawing in my style in the future. Also I’m gonna make more colour realistic stuff to make a collaboration between different styles.

What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? The first tattoo I did was an anchor on a shoulder in the old school style. Yes I still love it, because it’s my first one. One day I’ll make it much better, but for now I and the guy I did it on are still in love with it.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? It was Israel. I was there in 2021; a really beautiful place with beautiful people. I was there for 3 months and I still get inspiration from this place.

Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? No, but I guess maybe the USA in the future, because there are a lot of artists I am inspired by there.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing? I spend my time with family, drawing and also I love photography.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? It was the moment when my teacher, Alexander Oberov, said he was proud of my work.

Make sure to follow @butrin.tattoo for more amazing black and grey tattoos.

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Interview with tattoo artist Neil Chetcuti

Tattooist Neil Chetcuti works out of Skinlabel Tattoo Studio, in Malta. We chatted to the artist to find out more about his tattooing style, his love for the craft and the tattoo scene in Malta…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been a tattoo artist for six years now. My passion for art and sports started at a young age and I was mostly committed to football prior to my tattooing career. Back then I used to sketch something every day, however after suffering a knee injury that ended my football career, I had more time to focus on my art. I was posting more of my artwork online and received a lot of positive feedback, leading me to pursue a career in tattooing. I started my training in 2016 and became a professional tattoo artist in early 2017.

What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? My passion for art stems from my family’s history of artistic talent. Growing up surrounded by my great grandfather’s paintings, I was always drawn to art and began drawing from a young age.

My interest in tattooing was sparked by watching programmes such as Miami Ink, and my appreciation for the craft grew over time.

During my rehabilitation for my knee injury, I received my first tattoo from one of the most sought after artists, Denis Sivak, who served as an inspiration for me to pursue a career in tattooing.

What drew you to black and grey realism? Have you always tattooed like this? I have always been drawn to black and grey realism because of my love for graphite and fine paper, which I used for creating most of my drawings. The contrast between black and grey creates a soothing effect which I find appealing. During my first year of tattooing, I experimented with different styles to broaden my knowledge and build my client base. Although I am interested in colour realism, I have noticed that people in my region (a warm, sunny island) tend to have tanned skin which is not ideal for colour tattoos.

What inspires your designs? I dedicate a lot of time to creating designs for my tattoos because I believe that the design plays a significant role in the overall quality of a tattoo. I am always seeking inspiration from various sources, whether it be other forms of art such as paintings and movies, or from other artists who have been an influence on my work. Each new project presents a unique opportunity to create something special while still staying true to my style.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I am currently fond of tattooing skull references but my preferences tend to change over time. I do not have a particular liking for furry references, but it may depend on the photo and the direction the project is taking.

I appreciate clients who are open to new ideas and give me the freedom to unleash my imagination and create unique, one-of-a-kind projects with original concepts, which I thoroughly enjoy doing.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? In 2019, I introduced a new aspect to my tattoos by incorporating wording, calligraphy, and especially graffiti elements. This addition has been a game changer for me as it adds balance to the contrasts in my references and enhances the flow of my work. I am currently feeling confident in my projects and my style, but the future of my art is always unpredictable. I am constantly searching for ways to push the boundaries and create unique pieces.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I’ve had the privilege of traveling to some amazing places for my work as a tattoo artist. While every place has its own unique atmosphere and charm, my favourite destination so far has been the Milano tattoo convention. It was a truly unforgettable experience to be part of such a large-scale event, surrounded by some of the best artists in the world. The convention offered a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow as an artist, and I will always be grateful for such experiences.

What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? How has your tattoo collection developed since then? My first tattoo was a statue of the archangel St. Michael, which I got in 2014. Although I don’t regret it because of its sentimental value, I have since filled up my left arm sleeve with various tattoos and come up with better ideas for the theme. My right leg sleeve, which was done by my mentor Matthew @Skinlabel, is a tribute to art and features portraits of famous artists such as Picasso, Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Caravaggio, along with recreations of their works.

Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? I’m always open to the idea of traveling for work and doing guest spots, it’s a great way to network and learn from other artists. My schedule is quite busy, but I try to fit in as many guest spots and travels as I can. Currently, I have plans to attend the Brighton tattoo convention in a few weeks. I also receive numerous guest spot requests, which are difficult to accommodate due to my busy schedule, but I do plan to visit some studios that I have been to before and maybe even explore some new ones this year.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? The tattoo scene in Malta is growing and gaining more acceptance in society. Despite the increase in popularity, there is still some hesitation from certain parts of society and in workplace policies. However, this is changing, as demonstrated by the police force’s acceptance of tattoos. The tattoo industry in Malta is competitive due to the relatively small size of the island, but this is a common occurrence in any industry. The increasing popularity of tattoos has also led to a rise in the diversity of styles and designs being seen.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? When I’m not focused on my tattooing or designing, I like to prioritise my well-being by incorporating physical activity into my routine, such as taking walks with my dog or hitting the gym. I also enjoy exploring new food and restaurants with my girlfriend and friends, as well as taking trips to experience new cultures. I often take on new hobbies and am currently reading a book in my free time. Overall, I strive to find a balance between my work and personal life, and make the most of my time outside of the studio.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? It’s been difficult to pinpoint one specific moment as my proudest in my career, but the recognition I receive for my work is what truly makes me proud. Whether it’s at conventions where my work is acknowledged or while guest spotting, when I receive compliments and appreciation from other talented artists in the industry, it’s a fantastic feeling.

It’s not just about winning awards or prizes but knowing that others value my work and see its worth is what drives me to continually improve with each new project.

Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to perfecting my craft, and these moments of recognition are a testament to my hard work and dedication to the art.

Follow @neil.tattoo for more incredible realisim tattoos.