Hello Linda! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our magazine. It's always a pleasure to interview a girl who is so creative like you! You're a huge inspiration! Looking at your impressive portfolio, makes me think that you're very dedicated artist, in love with your job. I bet your tattoo journey is your best story to tell!

Q: How it all started? What made you to become a tattoo artist?
A: When I was a teenager, I used to doodle art on my desk while talking on the phone or listening to music. My mom said the drawings looked like tattoos, like I was tattooing the desk. She then said I should become a tattoo artist, cause she really wanted me to have a artistic profession, and not get stuck in a job I never would really appreciate. My mom is an artist her self, so I guess I got some artistic genes from her.

Q: Seeing some of your tattoo masterpieces, makes me think that your talent played a big role when it comes to professional tattooing. Was it hard to learn some of the basic techniques while you were starting? Did you have anyone to guide you?
A: I personally think that in tattooing, talent has somewhat of a big role, it's like in music, either you have a gift or you don't. But you don't need to be a born natural. As long as you have SOME talent, you have the potential to be anything you set your mind to. It's all about prioritizing and focusing on the stuff you want to improve. Nothing is given for free. You have to work hard. As an apprentice, I was given a machine and the basic info on how tattooing works, but I learned the techniques by trying them out myself.

Q: You do almost all kinds of styles, do you have any favorite?
A: I'm most comfortable with color realism, but I also like new school, fine art, and geometric or other modern effects. I have been drawing portraits since I was very young, so photo realism comes very natural to me. But I love stretching outside of my comfort zone. It drives me to expand and keep growing artistically. I fear the day that I settle down with my own limitations and stop evolving. I hope it never happens.

Q: Big, beautiful, color back pieces are definitely my favorite designs in your portfolio. How many sessions usually take to finish a big tattoo? Do you collaborate with your clients? Guide me a bit in the tattoo process.
A: When it comes to the designs, sometimes the clients are very specific and have their own list of thing they want, and I try to give them exactly what they want. But I tell them if there is something I won't do, or don't think will look good and so on. Some clients just give me a word, a situation, or a feeling to work with, and give me the freedom to make whatever I want from that. I always need one word from them, I can't make art without a client's approval. Usually when I do, let's say an upper half sleeve about an A4 size, I usually tattoo the whole thing in one long session. But most of the times I like having one more session, like 3 hours after a moth or so to exaggerate the contrasts and details. I work very fast and effective. I usually make a palm size black&grey portrait in 1 hour. Colors take longer of course. On cover ups I spend more sessions on it, because it usually needs 2-3 layers of ink to get the solid look. A full backpiece takes me about 25 hours, depending on the clients skin, details, colors and more...

Q: After seeing some of your cover up tattoo works, I can say (no doubt) that you're my favorite artist when it comes to this type of work! As far, as I'm concerned covering an old tattoo isn't an easy process, even the clients can be a bit concerned that the outcome won't be as impressive as a tattoo done on a "clean" skin, but, you do some unbelievable job! How much patience and creative freedom you feel you have when it comes to this type of work? Is it hard to cover up old tattoos? Any limitations?
A: I'm a very optimistic girl. I do all my cover ups with very big optimism. I prefer to make them as light as I can, I add more darkness later if it needs it, instead of making it dark from the beginning. I also cover up in several layers, with the longest time healing as possible between layers, so I can keep covering several times, and finally add the extra contrasts and details. This process needs patience, both from me and the clients. The older the old tattoo is, the better, because then it has settled deep in the skin, and the new will be more visible on top. There are some limitations of course, the new tattoo always needs to be a little bit bigger than the old, it also needs to be a little darker most places, and the more clutter, the better. Big, light, soft, solid colors are not recommended.

Q: Tattooing is a very creative job... Is it possible to be constantly creative? Did you ever felt stuck a little?
A: Yes, right on point. Very few people see that. It's like being a musician doing live shows every day, but just by improvising every show, never repeating or copying from the days before. It is hard work, but you just have to keep it up. Every day cannot be a super great day, but at least we keep trying. I have felt stuck sometimes, but then a client comes in with a cool idea, and my mind goes off creating so many ideas I almost can't stop. It is also important to focus on other things sometimes, to rest a little from tattooing, just being with family and friends, traveling, playing with a hobby or working out (which I never do, though I really should).

Q: What are some of the other art mediums you work outside tattooing?
A: Outside of tattooing, I like playing around with digital art, making and editing videos, producing music, and lots more. I am very energetic, I love having several hobbies, and I jump from one to another very fast. These have all been hobbies since I was very young, but they all show up in periods in life, seasonal or emotional. I love learning new things, but there are so many new things popping up, that I feel like I never have the time to really focus on one thing at the time. I also have a family, so I need to focus on them as well, even though my creative thoughts are in my head all of the time. It's a balance thing, I guess.

Q: Norway... one of the most beautiful countries in the world with so much history and art! That's your home! : ) How is the tattoo scene in Norway? Do you think is evolving?
A: The tattoo scene in Norway is alright, I guess. I have been fully booked long ahead in all of my years tattooing. Maybe because I specialize, and people travel from every corner of the country to get tattooed. I'm happy that my clients do their research and are willing to wait. We live in one of the richest and safest countries in the world, so I'm very happy here. It can be very cold, the winters are snowy and long, but the summers feel like tropical dreams, so I think it's good to have that contrast. It makes you appreciate the good things, the sunlight, birds singing and all that stuff ;) Norwegians are somewhat closed up and unsocial during winter like bears, but when spring comes, they all come out of their caves smiling and being social again.

 

Q: You're part of the awesome tattoo studio "Attitude Tattoo" in Oslo. I've seen many great works from all the artists working there. You guys are a really nice crew! My honest compliments!! How much the team work is beneficial for one tattoo artist in order to grow more artistically?
A: My shop, my baby, Attitude Tattoo Studio, I opened in 2008, after tattooing for 8 years already. Now my boyfriend owns and runs it, and I focus on tattooing and being a mentor for my crew. The crew is so important, I like that we all have different styles, but still we help each other, by commenting, criticizing and advising each other. We are like a big happy family and best friends, we care so much about one another.

Q: As a professional tattoo artist, what are some of your recommendations to the new artists out there?
A: I have been tattooing for 17 years, I have won over 50 international tattoo awards. This is my passion, it just took over my life. Tattooing is not a day job, it is a lifestyle. If you are dedicated to this, set your goals, and just work hard. You need to sacrifice some things in life. So prioritize the important stuff, and leave the rest. Listen to your mentor. If you don't have one, that should be your first priority. Get one. And don't make any tattoos before you have an apprenticeship at a professional tattoo shop with a great mentor who can teach you everything you need to know. Good luck!

Link to website: www.electriclinda.net
ATTITUDE TATTOO STUDIO
Pilestredet 47A, 0350 Oslo
Tlf 22201313
www.attitude.no
booking: post@attitude.no
facebook.com/electriclindatattoo
facebook.com/attitudetattoostudio