There are an infinite variety of colours in our universe, and Ivana Belakova is on a mission to make use of all of them in her tattoos. Born and raised in a small city in Slovakia, Belakova grew up in a rustic the place tattooing was nearly nonexistent. But, regardless of her upbringing, she’s made tattooing her life’s work and her profession has taken her all over the world. Right this moment she calls Los Angeles house and has attracted among the largest stars in Hollywood into her tattoo chair—from rappers to world-renowned grownup entertainers. We chatted with Ivana to find out about her distinctive signature type, her first superstar shopper and what units her other than the pack.
Take us by means of your upbringing and the way you have been first uncovered to tattooing.
I grew up in a tiny village known as Kostolné in Slovakia. It had round 200 individuals and it is in the course of nowhere—you want a automotive to entry something. I grew up surrounded by nature, taking part in soccer day-after-day, taking part in and dreaming massive. I additionally grew up in communism, which was a really fascinating time for me.
The primary time I used to be uncovered to tattooing was by means of watching MTV and seeing all of those closely tattooed musicians. I used to be fascinated with Weapons N’ Roses and I used to attract Axl’s tattoos on myself and my brother.
Once I was 16 I bought my first tattoo at a bar in Slovakia. We didn’t actually have tattoo retailers in all the nation and I used to be additionally underage, so this was the way in which to go. On the time it didn’t even happen to me that this was one thing I used to be going to do with my life.
What made you determine to turn into a tattoo artist and the way did you go about studying? Once I completed school, I moved to a little bit city known as Trenčín the place I began to tattoo. Sooner or later my buddy requested me if I wish to attempt to tattoo and I agreed. From the primary time I held the tattoo machine in my hand and the needle touched the pores and skin, I used to be hooked. I knew proper there that this was what I wished to do for the remainder of my life.
I began by tattooing my brother and associates with out gloves or any skilled gear. My buddy bought me a tattoo machine from Canada and I came upon after a while it was’’t even an actual tattoo machine. It was a machine for beauty tattooing, however I might do small decorative tattoos with it.
I discovered the onerous manner and it took me longer to determine issues out, however I’m very grateful for the way in which I discovered. I didn’t need to abide by any guidelines on how you can tattoo—what to do first, what to not do, how you can apply coloration, and so forth. It was excellent and I’m fairly positive that’s what helped me develop my very own distinctive type.
What was the tattoo trade like on the time and the way has it modified over time?
In Slovakia, tattooing was taboo. It was related to bikers and prisoners for a considerable amount of time. No person wished to show me how you can tattoo. We had two tattoo retailers in all the nation once I began. The final 10 years have been utterly totally different. There’s this new era of artists who’re on an entire totally different degree—pushing boundaries and breaking stigmas. These days, it’s all about artwork. There are tattoo retailers in all places, and we’ve some wonderful tattoo artists with actually distinctive types. It makes me actually joyful to see it.
How would you describe your signature type?
My type mixes a number of totally different components collectively, however what makes me distinctive as an artist is all of the vitality I put behind my tattoos. I see colours throughout me. Each particular person is exclusive and radiates a distinct vitality, which I apply to my work. Right this moment, my tattoo type comes naturally to me. I don’t actually observe different individuals’s work, I solely tattoo what I really feel. After so a few years of honing my expertise, I’ve developed my very own distinctive type that I’m nonetheless crafting and making higher day-after-day.
I might describe my type as “funky coloration.” I draw inspiration from avenue artwork and graffiti, coupled with excessive trend. Once I was little, I might spend hours drawing and chopping out footage from magazines to create collage tapestries. Together with utilizing daring colours, I incorporate graphics, geometric shapes and squiggle ornaments into my tattoos. This is the reason I describe my tattoos as organized chaos as a result of nothing is ideal, identical to life.
What are a few of your favourite animals to tattoo and why?
I really like all of them. I really like animals with humorous expressions, bizarre faces, enjoyable colours and fascinating shapes. As an illustration, I really like tattooing unique birds. I really like how colourful they’re and I really like their totally different layers of feathers.
Inform us among the experiences you’ve had tattooing celebrities. Who was the primary celeb you tattooed?
I’ve tattooed many celebrities from all around the world, however my first massive one was Chris Brown. I’ve additionally tattooed Lil Wayne, Quavo, Lil Twist, Wealthy the Child and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. It’s an excellent expertise for me to fulfill my favourite hip-hop artists. I really like with the ability to hearken to their new music or albums earlier than they’ve been launched but.
The tattoo you probably did on Mia Khalifa was particularly significant. What’s the story behind this piece?
It’s my custom with Mia to offer her significant tattoos. Mia’s newest tattoo is a portrait of Asia Ramazan Antar. Asia was a Kurdish Ladies’s Protecting Unit fighter who defended Syria towards ISIS. She died at 19 whereas working to free the town of Manbij from Islamic extremists. The opposite items I’ve completed for her are impressed by hope, change, acceptance and love. The primary tattoo I did on her was a part of a fundraiser for the Lebanese Crimson Cross, the place she raised over $100K for charity. She’s considered one of my absolute favourite celebrities to tattoo, I really like her vitality and humorousness.
What kinds of tattoos would you love to do extra of sooner or later?
Childrens’ drawings, whimsical tattoos and playful items. I’d additionally prefer to work on massive artwork items over a number of classes, resembling animal items or flowers blended with my funky design components.
Apart from tattooing, what different artwork mediums do you want working in?
In the intervening time, I’m portray luggage for Louis Vuitton and that provides me a whole lot of pleasure.
What else ought to our readers learn about you?
I’m the one lady on this planet whose tattoos are licensed as modern tremendous artwork by the Macro Museo in Rome.
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