Interview with tattoo artist Evgeny Antsupov
Hello Evgeniy Antsupov! Thank you so much
for taking the time to do this interview. Start by telling us something about yourself and your
background. What got you interested in tattooing? Do you have any
formal art training? As long as I can remember, I
always found time to draw, in the 6th grade I went to an art school,
but a year later I was successfully thrown out of there because I
missed all lessons except pencil drawing ) As a result, I entered
the engineering university and dropped out again. Tattooing has
always attracted me because it was something forbidden. As a result,
my friend pushed me to seriously think about it and I went to the
tattoo studio to try to try, 6 studios refused me, but the seventh
accepted, so it all started.
Q: How long have you been tattooing? What type of tattoos
you use to do as a beginner?
A: I have been doing tattoos for 4.5 years. I have done all types of
tattoos, starting with a traditional tattoos and I even tried to do
color realism, but eventually I settled for black and gray
tattooing.
Q: I bet you figured out the process of tattooing much
quicker than most, you're very talented. However, how long it took
you to figure out the creative process? Technically speaking, was it
hard to learn the basics? Did anyone help you?
A: Yes, according to many, I quickly began to do good work, but for
2 years I came to the studio every day from 10 am and left at 11-12
am, made sketches, trained on my friends, drew. I couldn't and still
can't stay at home and just relax. The studio became like a second
home for me, there was a period when I lived in the studio for 2
weeks and I fucking liked it. Only after 3 years I became really
satisfied with my work, yes, I always know how to do better and what
I missed, but this is visible only to me. I lived in a small town
and couldn't find a person for myself whose work I like, so I had to
study only through YouTube videos, it was difficult, but it was
perceived as a game in which you need to go further.
Q: Tattoo realism is no joke! One must be not only creative
but precise and ready to give the best results. The expectation is
much higher in my opinion. But of course, I bet it's a pleasure to
see a happy client after a long session. What do you like the most
about tattoo realism?
A: I really like the way it looks, it's a fucking classic that never
gets old. And indeed, people with a new tattoo come out very happy,
it fills me with energy to go further and do better.
Q: When I saw the big back tattoo, I was blown away. It's
been a while since I've seen anything like that. Truly impressive! I
wish it was on my back to be honest! The design, the placement, the
shading and just the overall awesomeness! Again, impressive work
Evgeniy! Tell me, who's idea was this tattoo? Yours, your client's?
A: Thank you. To be honest, I would also like to get such a tattoo)
I made this design a long time ago, but my friend was the first to
trust me with a full back and I am very grateful to him, he gave me
the perfect skin for work.
- How long you worked on this? How many sessions took to
complete it?
Almost the entire back was ready in 6 sessions (each session 6-8
hours) but it took us about 4 more sessions on the neck and as a
result 10 sessions for the whole tattoo.
Q: Angles and religious themes in general are very
interesting as a tattoo design. There's something very beautiful but
mystical too. Like old Rome or Greece art and architecture mix too.
I like all of them. Is it something that you prefer to tattoo or
your clients know that you do this kinds of designs so they come to
you?
A: I have always been inspired by architecture and statues. I like
the idea that they were made many years ago, but still it is
insanely beautiful. It's a pity that architects and sculptors can't
see what their works are wearing on their hands, it even sounds
crazy. Mostly people come to me with sample ideas for tattoos, but
there are also guys who like absolutely every work and I do any
tattoos at will, I am grateful to everyone for their trust.
Q: Sometimes people just have an idea of what they want to
tattoo, but they still can't decide. How do you help them?
A: I do not help them, if a person is ready and has decided, then we
are on the same page, if a person does not yet understand what he
wants and whether he wants to get a tattoo, then he must first
decide on his thoughts and then go, but if he understands exactly
what his idea for the tattoo is, it looks like my work. I will
completely change the design, but lately I don't remember a person
who would like to leave everything as it is, I really appreciate
what I do and development means doing something new and
experimenting every time.
Q: Something that sets you apart from many artists, is your
technique. I like that there are no bold, black outlines but still
there is a nice balance of black and white ink so the tattoo will
look great even years after it heals. I really like it. Tell me more
about the technique. Will you stick to this or there's room for some
creative experimentation?
A: Yes, I have a formula in which black, gray, and white spots
should be evenly scattered over the entire area of the skin. The
tattoo looks solid not only due to smooth, harmonious transitions
and a solid composition, but also due to the uniform distribution of
the paint tone on the skin. This is the golden rule that I will
continue to follow.
Q: Talking about creative experimentation, will you try
color tattooing? I think you will do just as good as black and white
tattooing.
A: I'm sure if I master a different style, then after a while it
will also turn out great, but I damn much like how a black and gray
tattoo looks, for myself I decided a long time ago that I would
develop only in this direction.
Q: Where are you located now? Are you available for
bookings? Please write your email and studio location.
A: Now I live in Bali, yes of course the places for booking are
free. My email address is: evgenymirnew@gmail.com
Q: Nowadays tattoo artists travel more for guest spots,
conventions etc. I think that is a great opportunity to meet new
people and fellow artists, but also learn from them. How often do
you travel for work? Do you have any favorite place to be?
A: I try to travel mainly to Europe every six months. I'm resting at
work.
Q: I think we grew a lot as an industry in the past ten
years, things are very different now. New equipment, new styles, new
artists, it's this new generation of artists, just young people that
are so creative and dedicated to keep the level high. Insane
competition sure, but also great quality. Right? I love the
progress. How is the tattoo scene in your country? Do you see
progress?
A: Yes, of course, there are a lot of novice tattoo artists who are
of excellent quality, but on the contrary, I really like it, it
means that more and more people have high-quality tattoos.
Q: Tattooing is a special process. You're gifted with your
talent, they're gifted with a beautiful art for a lifetime. I think
it's a special energy exchange between the artist and the client in
a way, right? What do you like the most about tattooing?
A: Of course, tattoos are something unique, they open up your client
and endear you to yourself and then you remain excellent
acquaintances or friends. I like to sit and do monotonous work for
6-8 hours every day, I go into my own world and it's like
meditation.
Q: But sometimes, it can be a challenge to be creative and
do your best... How do you manage a busy schedule? Where do you find
your inspiration when you just need some time off but you're still
booked and there are people waiting on you?
A: When I lived in Russia, I had an appointment for six months in
advance and I worked 25 days a month every month. I didn't have time
for a classic vacation, I didn't have time to stay at home and get
sick, this is my usual schedule and I adore it, I am always inspired
by work, there has never been a burnout period from such a busy
schedule.
Q: Evgeniy what would you tell to all young people who will
see this interview, and will be inspired to try getting into this
business?
A:Go on, and don't listen to anyone, if they tell you that you did
beautifully- don't listen, if they tell you that you did terribly-
don't listen, follow your inner state, develop inner beauty and do
the maximum every time, do sessions for 13 hours if you don't have
enough time, yes it's possible the skin will already be overloaded,
but you will gain experience, you will understand more.