interview with Adrian Lindell | tattoo style | Sweden 25/07/2018
Q: How long have you been tattooing? What inspired you to
start learning about this beautiful art form?
A: I’ve been tattooing since november 2015. So I'm pushing 3 years
at the moment! What inspired me to start was probably the “Miami
ink” TV shows that always aired in Sweden a couple of years back. My
dad always told me when we watched the shows together that I should
be tattooing because of my big interest in art. I didn’t really
think of it that much until I discovered Instagram I guess, hah.
Q: Was it hard to learn? What is your opinion on tattoo
apprenticeship?
A: The learning process was hard at first but I didn’t really think
of it as hard. More challenging I would say. I’m still learning to
this day and I think I won't ever master the craft of tattooing to a
full extent. I hope I won't at least because then I think I’ll grow
tired of it. Apprenticeships is the best way to get to learn about
how to tattoo and how the industry works, but it’s key to find a
serious teacher that really wants to see you grow and become a
better artist. I actually started at home way back but I didn’t
really understand anything until I started working in a studio.
Q: You have a very remarkable style. These days, seems like
every single day there is a new style, many artists are coming up
with new cool ideas, it is hard to create a unique "signature"
style. But here you are, every tattoo you did is something special
with so much depth in the design itself. At least, that is how I see
it. Very nice composition, brilliant balance of black and white ink,
that makes the final result impressive. How would you describe your
style? Would you give it a name?
A: Well, thanks a lot for those words! Of course it’s hard to create
a “Signature look”. It feels like so much has been done already so I
really like seeing new unique styles showing up here and there. I
feel like I haven’t found my own style yet. It’s constantly changing
but lately I’ve been quite fund of the double exposure/realistic
style with heavy contrast. That has been done a lot but I’m working
on getting my own twist on it.
Q: Tattooing itself is not an easy skill
to learn. How much the knowledge for tattoo ink and skin plays a big
role? Are there any specific rules of applying a specific ink to a
different skin type etc? Give me a bit of guidance here.
A: I’m only working in black and grey at the moment so my technique
applies to all of my clients. But If I work with any colors, the ink
and skin type plays a big role. I’d say the darker the skin tone,
the more vibrant colors I put in my work. That way it just pops
better as a healed result in my opinion.
Q: Realistic tattoos definitely took a big presence in the
"new era" of professional tattooing. It's something that the last
decade artists can take pride in being able to create a new way of
doing tattoos and therefore stunning results. Taking the tattooing
itself into a whole new level, I honestly see it as a big progress.
Talking about your style... Despite the nice balance between the
black & white ink, are there any other ways like applying some 3D
effects or a nice background to compliment the whole design and
bring the "realistic note' even more, what's the secret? heh
A: My tip on getting a realistic look Is just to put a lot of time
and effort into the tattoo and using heavy black in the darkest
areas. The white and black in the design must complement each other
to get that 3D look and really make the finished result pop. I guess
that’s all I can share!
Q: How much experimenting is important for
artistic progress? Have you ever tried something different than the
style you're known for?
A: Experimenting is very important in finding your own style and
making things interesting. I guess that’s the best way of finding
your “Signature style”. When I was new as a tattoo artist I took all
kinds of work from old school, neo trad, Japanese, scripts... The
list goes on but I felt black&grey/realistic was for me. So yes, I
have tried some different styles than the one I’m known for.
Q: Big tattoos like sleeves and backpieces can take 4-5
sessions to complete or maybe even more, depending of the complexly
of the design, but when it's all done, I bet it's a pleasure for
both, you and your client. Are this types of tattoos a big challenge
(not just time & energy consuming) but at the same time a great way
to really show off your skills even more?
A: It’s always a challenge. But I always have fun with it. It’s also
a great opportunity to show off some nice art especially if I get to
create whatever I want! Then I can show people my own art and not
just some plain pinterest reference. I'm not saying that’s wrong but
It’s been done so many times.
Q: Tattooing is a job that requires love
and complete dedication. The journey of self development as an
artist and maybe as a person outside tattooing can lead you to many
interesting experiences and teach you some valuable lessons. There
are ups and downs, lots of competition and pressure to become better
on daily basis. Anything you can say that you cherish about being a
tattoo artist?
A: The things that I cherish the most is all the friends I’ve got
through tattooing both clients and artists. I’ve learnt a lot about
myself aswell. It’s also awesome I get to travel this much and still
get paid for it! I don’t really put any energy in the competition
and negativity that is flying around. I know there is a lot of it
but I’d rather lift people up than to talk shit and drag them down.
In the end it just comes down to me so I guess I'm my own
competition.
Q: While doing a tattoo, customers usually reveal the story
behind the design and the whole experience changes for both.
Suddenly you learn about life struggles, coping strategies, love,
compassion, victories of veterans etc etc. So many emotions that we
humans have and express so differently. How much the good connection
with the clients is important for one artist? Do you help your
clients with some ideas for their design?
A: For some of the tattoos I’m creating there is a story behind it.
The tattoo can also represent a feeling and sometimes if not more
often nowadays, it’s just supposed to look nice. But yes, whenever I
create a design I try to make it my own. If my customer tells me a
story they want to turn into a tattoo I try to put their concept
into a metaphor. In that way I can use my imagination more and
create something unique.
Q: Winter is probably the best time to get a tattoo, but
seems like people are in a rush to get tattooed this time of the
year. What are some of your best recommendations for getting a
tattoo during summer and its aftercare treatment?
A: My recommendations is not to dwell in the sunlight with your new
tattoo. If it’s unavoidable I would recommend to put on SPF50 and at
least try to hide in the shadow. Even healed tattoos should be
moisturized with SPF50 to protect them from the sun and keeping them
look good. During the tattoo session you should be well hydrated
too, it’s important during warmer seasons!
Q: What would you say to someone who plans to start
tattooing? What's the best approach?
A: Go to an art school and learn. Get that solid base to start from.
You wouldn’t trust anybody with the tattoo machine who doesn’t have
any artistic background, right? Even if you have artistic talent
it’s still a good idea to go to art classes. After that you should
be out looking for a studio you think you’re going to learn from. Go
to the shop and introduce yourself personally, It’s a way more
efficient way of maybe getting a spot than just shooting an email.
Adrian@stucklife.com
www.stucklife.com