Hello Michal Ledwig! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. It's a pleasure to share some of my thoughts with you. I bet your journey as a professional tattoo artist is very interesting, and I believe many out there will be inspired by your story.

Q: How did you become interested in tattoo art? Do you have any artistic background?
A: I did my first tattoo when I was in the army back in 2006, it was a lighter connected to a walkman motor and the smallest string from a guitar. Cell phone charger was a power supply, very first rotary badass liner.

Q: Getting into the business sometimes can be challenging. How much time took you to get on a pro level? Was it hard to learn how to tattoo?
A: I have been tattooing four years now, but I would call myself a pro one year, since I took control over the whole creative process, from a concept to a ready tattoo. To be honest, the beginning wasn't so hard, it was exciting and fascinating experience. The steps start when you want to be more than just a guy with a tattoo machine. Then you need to not only improve your skills but also open your mind.

Q: How your style shaped throughout the years of experience? Did you feel inspired by someone?
A: My style changed completely over the years. When I started tattooing, I did only black & gray tattoos. That's funny because I always said "Black ^& gray forever" now I think color tattooing is cool too. My first inspiration was Victor Portugal with his awesome style and of course the freehand master Robert Hernandez. I also admire the incredible work of Bob Tyrrell, Paul Booth and many others. Everything changed when I started experimenting with colors, I realized that I can express myself a way better and show more. First breakthrough happened at the Boris Tattoo Seminar, he showed me that every small detail in tattoo matters. The second and the biggest breakthrough was when I meet Tofi, he opened my mind and showed me what a real custom tattoo really is.

Q: Today you have very interesting style. So creative! I love the fact that you create custom made designs for each of your clients. The 3D style and perfect mix of color really makes your work unique. How would you call your style?
A: Thank you, I'm glad that you like it. My tattoo works are my inner visions, I have no idea how to call my style, I never thought about it, I just do my stuff.

Q: You love to play a lot with color inks, almost all tattoos you did are full color. All looking impressive! Do you think color ink gives the tattoo process a bit more of a creative freedom, especially when it comes to realistic style?
A: Sure, color gives a lot of freedom in this particular style, but I find it the most in doing color tattoos based on 3D modeling, because I can make everything the way I want. I can control the light, which is essential for me, I can play with shape, shadow and details, and blur which gives me limitless way of expression.

Q: Tattoo realism is one of the most popular tattoo styles nowadays. Many artists take it as a challenge to try to work this style... I think it takes huge effort and knowledge to be able to bring a solid work... What's your opinion?
A: To be honest, to be able to do a nice realistic tattoos you must have a huge knowledge in the technical aspects such as saturation, and how to play with colors. Yes, it's a challenge to transfer a realistic photo on the skin.

- What details are the most "nerve wrecking" to work on? : )
When I do a realistic tattoo, the most stressful part is doing the T-Zone of the face. We have to remember that the human's skin is not a piece of paper, we have no eraser, when you fucked up, the is fucked up, that's why I think the realistic tattoos are really demanding.

Q: What are the pros and cons of being a professional tattoo artist?
A: It's hard to say what are the pro's and con's of being a pro artist. I think in every area of life there are positive and negative things. I never look at the negative things in my life, just focus on the positives, work with passion and enjoy every challenge in your life.

Q: I bet meeting a lot of people every day, hearing their stories can be sometimes a very eye opening experience. Have you ever learned some important lessons about life?
A: I think not only good communication is important, but also understanding. Clients need to understand what we do, what style we do. I had a lot of situations when somebody came to me and ask for something completely different than what I do. Times have changed, now people need to realize that not every artist do every kind of tattoo.

Q: What are some of you plans for the near feature?
A: Work harder and be better every day.

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www.instagram.com/michalledwigtattoo

Mr.Michal Ledwig, Thank you so much for the interview,
Kind Regards,
Iva Green