Hello Steve Foster! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself, how it all started? Hi and thanks for this opportunity! I got my first tattoo at the age of 17 and tattoos have been a part of my life ever since, but another 12 years passed before I got into doing tattoos myself. However I never felt ready for doing it, though my drawing skills were not too bad even as a child, but I always looked at it as a serious responsibility. One day at an appointment with my tattoo artist, who had become a close friend during the years, I did my first piece on my own calf, a little freehand skull and it did't feel as strange as expected and the outcome was not so bad, the whole process felt pretty familiar. That night I got my first tattoo machine as a gift - an old customized spaulding.

Q: How long took you to learn the basics?
A: When I started, I set myself a target - if I would not do a remarkable progress within half a year, I would quit! Three months later, I quit my job and started my own shop. I guess that having tattooers as friends has helped me a lot and also gave me a basic knowledge even before I started, but as a beginner, let's say 5 years I was eating, breathing and sleeping tattoos. I spent my entire spare time on drawing, practicing and learning. I was really passionate even obsessed!

Q: How important is to be good at drawing?
A: I figured that there are quite a few decent tattooers who are not the greatest artists, but the ability of drawing extends your limits. You can learn the craft of tattooing, but the ability of drawing gives you the freedom to create whatever you want for your clients. So talent is always an advantage in what we do!

Q: Do you have any favorite tattoo style?
A: In my opinion you should do all kinds of styles, before you focus and specialize on a specific one. Know the basics, know the rules then you can go on and find your own way. In my case it is realism & fantasy art that attracts me the most.

Q: I bet, clients expect only the best results from you, but how they handle the long tattoo sessions?
A: It differs, I always do one customer a day, no pressure, no limit. That way I can focus on the person. I always try do give it all and do my best & that's what I expect from my clients too. I know how it hurts as I have gone through that myself! People can take quit a lot, if they really want something. Though tattoos got a nice acceptance in society, they are not meant for everyone. A beautiful tattoo comes along with strains and pain - you have to be aware of that! On the other hand, dealing with a lot of different people you learn to be sensitive how far you can take it and where to stop. Also you get a feeling what kind of behavior is individually helpful for the client to cope with the situation. Most important is, that the connection is good that way both sides will get over it!

Q: Clients nowadays want a unique design. Do you collaborate with them before the session?
A: Of course, It's the basic of every new project! I try to get as much input from my clients as possible to get the idea they want me to execute on their skin and avoid conclusions before I work on their design. I take pictures of the body part they want to have tattooed. When all is said and done I start the creative process - alone, in silence, well actually with metal music blasting out the ear plugs, but I guess you know what I mean!;) When it's done I show to my client and if they like it we book.

Q: How we can book an appointment?
A: I run a collective with nine artists with my wife Kinga. She is taking care of the first consultations for new clients, where they get all the necessary information and can depose the details of their desired project. They will be suggested an artist, who is most likely the best choice for what they want to get done. I'm making concrete appointments twice a year for people I'm currently working on or people I've at least talked to already about their projects and created a design. Once I finish a project I open up new spot for new clients.

Q: Your plans for the feature?
A: Last year I've done Las Vegas, Moscow and Berlin convention. I think it would be nice to do London together with my mates from the studio, but as we know, it's not easy to get a booth there ;)

Q: Any advice for the new artists?
A: Love what you do and be grateful every day for the gift you have been given! Work hard and always do your best! Be attentive and open minded you can learn at least something from everyone! Never consider yourself to be accomplished! Do it for your clients and yourself, not for the fame! If you wanna be a rockstar go get yourself a band, if you do it for the money, go to business school and become a broker! Cherish the spirit of tattooing and be real.