When we hear about one or another grandiose accomplishment in the field of science or art, we begin to study what kind of person is behind this.

Of course, tattooing, as a form of modern fine art, is no exception, and we are pleased to continue to introduce you to the most prominent representatives of the world tattoo culture.

Today a guest of our Interview column was a member of the Pro Team КРАСКА Tattoo Ink - Timur Uzar.

He is widely known both in Russia and abroad as a true master of black and grey realism tattoo. Let's find out from the firsthand what helped him achieve success in the tattoo industry.


When and why did you start tattooing?

- I began to be interested in tattooing since childhood. A big mark was left by tattoos on my own uncle, which he got in the prison. I made my first tattoo by himself at the age of 14, with an ordinary needle and ink (handpoke). The first serious one tattoo I made when I was an adult. At the age of 20 I was already covered my first tattoo (laughs). In September 2011 I started working as a piercer in a tattoo studio. A little later this month, the tattoo artist with whom I shared the area suggested me to trying to tattooing something on a grapefruit. I tried it - I liked it. The next day I was already making a tattoo on a friend of mine. Since then, this is what I live.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

How did you come to black and gray realism? Have you tried other styles?

- Before I started working in black & grey, I tried a bunch of styles. I can't say that now I have a certain style, so I think I have a lot to develop.

What influences to your creative development?

- The environment in which I worked has greatly influenced the style and development. The «strong» artists in the studio did not let me relax. Later, I left to work alone and began to attend all kinds of master classes. I got a lot of useful information from the master classes of Valentina Ryabova, Andrey Kolbasin and Ilya Fominykh. I also went to see Ilya on individual lessons.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

What do you hink about tattoo conventions and festivals?

- Festivals always been like a holiday for me. Communication with the artists of the tattoo industry, master classes, beautiful showcases with interesting goods and much more. I will say more, I realized that it is not so interesting to work at the fest - you miss all the movement. So I always leave one day free to relax and hang out. I hope recent events will not affect the appearance of the conventions in the future.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

Do you still consider tattooing a subculture?

- Unfortunately, in the regions of Russia everything is not so good as in Moscow or St. Petersburg. The awareness level is very low. Clients still ask for 90s plots and think that this is the height of perfection. Fortunately, the community is growing - the guys and I are doing everything for this.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

What do you think about tattoo development in Russia?

- On average, in Russia over the past couple of years, the overall picture is changing for the better. I think there is a need to do more events for everyone, and not just for tattoo artists and their clients. We need to educate people through the media. Yes, yes, there are people who do not sit in social media and do not watch Youtube.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

Tell us how you met КРАСКА and joined the team of professionals КРАСКА Tattoo Ink?

- I met КРАСКА 4 years ago. Like many people in the past, I was skeptical, I think this is another Chinese rebranding. But curiosity got the better of it and I ordered and tasted these inks. I liked it immediately, after the first session, I did not find any differences from the import ones - everything is up to par. And when I saw that the guys were assembling their Pro team, I immediately wrote to them. I am still proud to be a part of this team! I hope to make some collaboration projects with other members of the КРАСКА Pro Team in the future.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

Tell us a little about your professional plans for the near future?

- This year I wanted to go to my first foreign guest spot, but the circumstances were different. Also this year I want to continue collaborations with other tattooists. This is a very good way to exchange experiences with another tattoo artist. But overall, 2020 is a very «lazy» year for me.

And finally, what advice can you give to your fellow professionals, clients and aspiring tattooists who are just starting the path of tattooing?

- From my own experience, I want to give advice to colleagues - do not stand still, develop, try, experiment. There is no limit to perfection, it is never too late to discover something new for yourself. The industry does not stand still - which means that we need to grow.

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia

I advise beginners to invest their funds primarily in the development of technology and style, and not in expensive equipment. But also not to try to prick the staff from China - it will not end well.

For clients - before you write to the tattooer, look at his work, do not ask the artist to do what he does not have in his portfolio. Consider the strengths of his work so that at the end of the session you will have an unforgettable experience of the work done.

I hugged everyone!

Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia
Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia
Black and grey realism tattoo | Timur Uzar | КРАСКА Pro Team | Ufa, Russia