interview with Michal Ledwig | Ledwig Tattoo Atelier | 30/10/2018
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.
Please write your contact info
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www.instagram.com/michalledwigtattoo
Mr.Michal Ledwig, Thank you so much for the interview,
Kind Regards,
Iva Green