The world of tattoos, as a form of self-expression art, is in a constant state of evolution, enriched by bold and creative ideas from artists.
Allow us to introduce you to Tala – a tattoo artist originating from Inner Mongolia, China.
Despite humble beginnings, he now owns his own private studio in Shanghai, China. His unique style blends Eastern traditional motifs with daring elements of realism. In this interview, Tala will share with us his journey in the realm of tattoos, the art of self-expression, and his move from a small town to the cosmopolitan hub of Shanghai. He'll delve into his ideas, inspirations, and plans for the future, as well as reveal how he managed to overcome creative and professional challenges on his path to recognition on the global tattoo art stage.
Could you briefly introduce yourself? Where do you work now?
- My name is Tala, I am from Inner Mongolia, and I am Mongolian. Now I run my own private tattoo studio in Shanghai, China. I have been doing tattoos since 2012, so about 11 years now.
You are from Mongolia. How's the tattoo scene there? Why did you decide to move to Shanghai?
- Well, it's pretty chill there when it comes to tattoos. But the numbers and techniques are a bit limited compared to the big cities. That's why I packed my bags and set up shop in Shanghai to really spread my creative wings.
When did you decide to become a tattoo artist? Who is your teacher? What is it like in general?
- I was interested in tattoo culture when I was in school. Tattoo culture had me hooked back in school. Got my first tattoo right after I graduated, and that's when the obsession started. My tattoo teacher is Mr. Liu Peng from Shanghai God of War tattoo.
Do you have professional art education?
- I once studied with Mr. Battelle from the Inner Mongolia Oil Painting Association for one year, but I never went to an actual art school.
Is tattooing art, work, or something else to you?
- It's a mix of everything. It's what I'm passionate about, what I chase after, it's what I cover my own body with, and what I make a living from.
In your work, you combine oriental traditional tattoos with unconventional and even realism. How would you describe your style of work? And what is it about this combination that appeals to you?
- I like the themes in traditional tattoo styles; they all have stories and meanings, and I want to express them more vividly. I might not be perfect yet, but I'm all about learning and evolving.
What unique features can you identify yourself in your work?
- I think what I care more about is the overall effect of the tattoo pattern. Its combination with the body parts makes it look fit with the human body.
Can you tell us how you create your project? In your work, is the client's idea or your own?
- The first is to communicate, understand the ideas of my clients, and then give them my ideas and suggestions based on my experience. When we agree on the idea, I start designing and tattooing (usually smooth, because my plans often jive with the client's vision).
What tattoo theme is your favorite to work with?
- I'm all about Asian traditional styles – they're my jam, and luckily, I'm pretty good at them. Makes life easier!
Do you have any favorite projects? Can you tell us about them?
- I've tackled some wild cover-up jobs. You know, those super dark and huge tattoos that went south? I craft traditional designs to cover them up, and the transformation is epic. Seeing my clients' surprise and happiness? Total satisfaction right there.
You are a frequent visitor and winner of multiple awards at tattoo conventions. Please tell me about your experience. How many awards have you won in total? Which are most important to you and why?
- Yes, I have worked at many conventions here in China like the Shanghai Tattoo Extreme & Body Art Expo, The Shanghai Cross Border Expo, Shanghai China International Tattoo Art Carnival, etc. I was thrilled to secure an award in the traditional big picture category at the 2018 Shanghai Cross-Border Art Exhibition. The winning piece was a Japanese-style octopus and flower full-arm tattoo.
And, of course, we know you are part of a professional team of Tattoo Lovers Care. Congratulations! Tell us, what does it mean to you? How does it affect your work?
- Yeah, super proud of that. Boosts my confidence, you know? My work gets a shoutout on the team's behalf, plus it's great aftercare for tattoos. I am big on my clients protecting their tattoo investments with the best tattoo aftercare available out there. Big thanks to the crew!
Who is a tattoo artist that you actively follow and use as a role model in your work, and who is your personal top?
- I have studied and followed many top tattoo artists. At this stage, I will learn more traditional Chinese arts, such as meticulous painting and ink painting, and use them as prototypes to create tattoos.
Can you share your recent plans?
- In terms of work, while running my own tattoo shop in Shanghai, I have been going out for study and exchanges. I plan to go to the United States to work and live if I can get a work visa in the United States. There are my friends and a more mature tattoo market and tattoo technology there. If all goes well, I will be tattooing in Sacramento, California, at Ms. Tings Shanghai Tattoo, the sister shop of Shanghai Tattoo here in China.
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