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When we spoke to Indians about their first tattoos, we were provided with several motivations - some came from the sheer will to express through art, and some, simply because they wanted a tattoo! While the person with the tattoo leaves the tattoo artists’ shop with a full and happier heart, we wondered, what goes in the minds of the artists themselves?
Like many other forms of art, the expression of parts of one’s identity is an important aspect. People with tattoos will stand testament to that. But as sections of India, especially younger generations, move to a space where different and unique identities are embraced, not shamed, we thought to hear from those that provide us with these beautiful pieces of art.
We reached out to three talented Indian tattoo artists – Shreya Josh, Bossatron, and Sanya - and posed them with questions about the art of tattooing, what it means to them, and where it stands in the country. They kindly gave us the low-down, only for us to share it with you.
From inception to execution, how do you bring to life each tattoo you do?
Shreya Josh is a stick-and-poke tattoo artist, who came across this particular type of tattoo art in art school in Chicago and then decided to make it a thing in India!
“I spend a lot of my free time drawing flash tattoo designs, most of my designs are nostalgia-driven, with a childlike drawing style - colorful and organic shapes. I like to offer my clients my flash book (that has now turned into a google drive folder) to look through and pick one of my designs that resonate with them. Sometimes we make slight changes to fit in with their aesthetic, or if the colours need to be changed to work better on their skin tone.”
“I personally do not take deposits as I feel like the client should have the option to change their mind last minute, a tattoo should never feel pressured onto them since they have paid an advance.”
— Shreya
Bossatron, whose work consists of more glitched artwork, black spill style, and bold linework with loud character, lets us in on her process.
“Behind each tattoo I design, I try to put their subject in a way where my style is reflected, too. I try to make every tattoo of mine unique, it doesn’t matter if it’s the same subject. I try to design in a way where it’s more ‘new’ to the people.”
— Bossatron
A self-taught tattoo artist, Sanya is also an illustrator and graphic designer. With the philosophy of bringing art alive on one’s skin, she tells us her thoughts.
“I always encourage my clients to get something that is unique to their own body because that’s what makes it special. When it comes to execution, I sit down with my client and prepare them for each step, whether it has to do with the pain levels or the aftercare. Once the tattoo is done, I make sure my client is well informed about the whole process because after all, it’s their body and it’s my responsibility to let them know what they’re getting themselves into.”
— Sanya
How do tattoos lend to one’s identity expression? Does any special instance come to mind when you think of expressive tattoos?
Goa-based Shreya got her first tattoo machine at the age of 16, so we’re sure she has much experience with tattoos and expression.
“In 2021, I was visiting Delhi to give tattoos and I had an appointment with someone for some tiny dot tattoos, but when she arrived for the session she was going through a phase in her life that made her say, ‘Why don’t you just draw something on me?’. I took a marker and started from the top of her chest and kept drawing to the bottom of her belly, it was a beautiful flowing river and we decided to go ahead and tattoo it. The whole design was stippled with a very thin needle and took about 3-4 hours but it’s one of the most expressive tattoos and experiences. The tattoo felt like a milestone in her life and in my career too; to allow yourself to create permanent art on skin without inhibitions and being fluid and really living in the moment. That’s how expressive freehand tattoos are.”
— Shreya
Bossatron is currently focusing on doing solely custom artwork, making her point of view on tattoos and expression an extremely insightful one.
“Every tattoo, with or without meaning (illustration or scripts), all reflect one’s choices. Every person has a different choice of the category of the style they want, which reflects their own personality. Some people like to carry heavy pieces, some like to carry small minimal ones, which says a lot about them. As a tattoo artist, you can figure much about your client according to the work they’ve had done or want to get.”
— Bossatron
Also known as LaSanya, 23-year-old Sanya fell in love with the art of tattooing as it gave her full control over her body, and wonderfully, made her feel empowered.
“Just like your clothing, jewellery, or makeup, tattoos are also a form of self expression for a lot of people. Whether they’re meaningful designs, or just decorative ones, each tattoo is special. I’ve given tattoos of designs that capture memorable experiences, some people get tattoos for their loved ones, some because they resonate with certain designs and some simply because they look cool (well, they always look cool).
— Sanya
What does the vast majority of Indians get wrong with their pre-conceived notions about tattoo artists and tattooed people? How can they broaden their horizons?
25-year-old Shreya has been taking handpoke workshops and selling DIY tattoo kits since 2018, along with promoting flash tattoos by hosting pop-ups and virtual parties all over India! Her exposure to the Indian apprehension was conveyed perfectly.
“Sometimes I’ll hear people comment, ‘You don’t look like a tattoo artist,’ which I find quite funny because what does a tattoo artist look like? There’s no one way to be, and not all tattoo artists are fully tatted up. You should get to know them without judging them for their tattoos. Tattoo artists are actually really sensitive, passionate beings and amazing listeners.”
— Shreya
The Chandigarh-based 23-year-old Bossatron works with mainly red and black tattoos and makes custom flash art, too. She tells us her thoughts.
“People here are just still living in the past with the same concepts. Same tattoos, same topics and same notions. People need to also accept that not every tattoo needs to have a deep meaning; some tattoos just exist to make one happy. Overthinking about the ‘forever’ fact kills people’s acceptance for creativity. Being heavily inked only should reflect that one is confident about their choices and doesn’t care to be judged. I think that’s the most beautiful thing - to be one’s self proudly.”
— Bossatron
Sanya began her tattoo artist journey only a year ago but quickly realised this was something she could do for the rest of her life. Her clients’ satisfaction always brings a smile to her face, and the bond she shares with each one of them is special, but also gives us an insight into what it means.
“Even though tattoo culture is growing in India, it is still taboo in many sections. This is ironic because tattoos have been in Indian culture since ancient times. Tattoos are frowned upon by our parents, or our uncles and aunts because they see tattoos as a form of rebellion or they might feel that it depicts a ‘bad image’ and fail to see the beauty in this form of art. I think as the tattoo community grows, we will be able to normalise getting inked without having to deal with the feelings of guilt or shame that it carries for certain people.”
— Sanya
Find Shreya Josh here.
Find Bossatron here.
Find Sanya here.
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