Interview with Dmitriy Samohin by Iva Kanceska  23/ 01 / 2012

Hello Dmitriy Samohin! It's a real joy to look at your portfolio. So much talent, dedication ... Your art really speaks about you, perhaps your personality as well. I'm really amazed! There are so many styles that you do and seems like all of them are actually your proof of your dedication and love for this form of art- tattooing. Looking at your portfolio it's a nice way to get inspired and set the thoughts in some other world.

In the very beginning of this interview, please feel free to tell us more about your starts in this job, your first experiences etc...

Q: What made you to become a tattoo artist?
A: I decided to become a tattoo artist during my time in the army. It happened one day when I was going through a tattoo magazine and that is where the interest for tattooing hit me.

Q: Like I said, your tattoo art is amazing. How much time was necessary for you to get into this great level?
A: I have been tattooing for over 10 years now. I gain more experience every day, and as the years go by it allows me to experiment in different areas. The variety in designs given to me by clients provides me more of a chance to learn and grow. I grow and gain knowledge every day. The evolution of material is of course a great help too. I also love to paint and that gives me many new ideas for tattooing.

     

Q: Some people say that it is possible to be self though artist. What are your thoughts about this? What is the best way to learn how to tattoo?
A: I am a self taught artist, so that conclusion agrees with me. However, I speak for myself, not for all artists. For me the best school is experience. And I am blessed as I tattoo on a daily basis. Looking at fellow artist’s work and reading also help me grow.

Q: Seems like your passion is doing color tattoos. Most of them have strong lines and great highlights. Which is so impressive, at least for me. Do you consider this style of work as your specialty?
A: I like to do color tattoos, and the more complicated it is, the more I enjoy it. Black and grey is nice as well. Certain designs look better in color, some do better in B/G. I can do many styles, but color might be my favorite.

         

Q: Portraits are maybe the most remarkable designs in your portfolio. Do you remember when the impression for this kind of work first began?
A: Portraits are fascinating. And for me it’s all about the eyes, the expression. It’s like in our daily life, where the eyes reveal everything. I like to express that reality in my portraits as well. Once again, portraits can be complicated, so more interesting to me as I want to capture the expression, the person, the mood … so much goes on in the face, the look of a person.

Q: Through your portfolio I can see a lot of custom tattoos. In which designs you find most creative freedom?
A: I feel I can be creative with any design really. I am happy to say most, if not, all of my customers come to me with great ideas. It is a huge honor for me when they let me have some creative freedom to complete the entire tattoo. I can truly say I love my work.

 

Q: Maybe the most impressive think about your color work is the shading in layers. Seems like there is 3d work in some of them, correct me if I'm wrong. What can you say that is the most difficult in doing some color piece?
A: I assume that is true, but that is not always done with the intention of having that effect. At times I have a picture where the 3D effect is in it from the start, so I just recreate what I see, what everyone can see. And of course, if I have the freedom to create my own design, with different elements, I will try to create an image with depth and layers. To me it’s most appealing and most perfect for me and for my clients.

    

I have no answer to that. I don’t see color tattoos as being difficult, it’s a challenge that I like to take on every time. I can honestly say that some of my work is even questioned by myself when I see it again months after making it. There are times when I can not really explain to myself how I did it.

Q: What ink do you use in most of time?
A: I always use Intenze Ink. I absolutely love this ink. They have a great variety of colors, and it is great in use. I have never had a client complain about the results of this ink on their body. Everyone tells me how beautiful the colors are. And the ink lasts.

    

Q: I bet doing a color piece is quite more fun. How do you get all the ides of making a color mix? Are you always the "main creator" in every tattoo?
A: It happens, but I am a strong believer of working on a design with my client and always being in full agreement on what is being done. This is their body, their life, and I give much importance in respecting each persons desires.

         

Q: The clients could be crazy, weird, amazed when they came into your studio. What was the crazies reaction from a client ever? Hm any memories to share whit us?
A: That is personal and I like to keep my experiences with my clients to myself. But none were crazy, just nice to have.

     

Q: After your long tattoo journey, do you have any "dream piece" undone?
A: I am still working on a few projects, all of them are nice ones, none of them are any more special or better then another.

Q: Art could be a great influence on someone's personality. What is the best lesson that you've learned from your tattoo journey?
A: I had many great experiences and each gave me value. The nice thing is I know there will be many more great experiences to come and I am looking forward to the future very much.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
A: Never stop learning, follow your dreams.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future? Things that you would like to do and have not done yet?
A: I wish to travel with my wife and go to many different places. Do much more work. See and meet great people and fellow artists. I want to see the world, create more tattoo designs, paint more, meet people with passion for art and life!