interview with tattoo artist Michal Ledwig
Hello Michal Ledwig! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this
interview. It really means a lot having you here. Please start by
telling us something about yourself, how it all started? 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 long took you to get where you are today? Was it hard?
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. It starts
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 changed over the years?
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 matters. The
biggest breakthrough was when I meet
Tofi, he opened my mind
and showed me what a real tattoo really is.
Q: You have very interesting style. How would you call it?
A: Thank you, I'm glad 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: Tattoo realism is one of the most popular tattoo styles
nowadays. Many artists take it as a challenge to learn it... I think it takes huge effort and knowledge to be able to
get good results. What's your opinion?
A: To be honest, to be able to do good realistic tattoos, you must
have a a lot of 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.
Q: What details are the most "nerve wrecking" to work on?
A:
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 fuck up is really bad that's why I think the
realism is really
demanding.
Q: What are the pros and cons of being a 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.
Q: I bet meeting a lot of people every day, could be
overwhelming sometimes.
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: Your advice for the new artists?
A: Work harder and be better every day.