HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF BECOMING A TATTOO ARTIST?
I started drawing early and attended the arts program in high school. The initial plan was to become an illustrator after high school, but there was a lot of pressure from my family, stating that it's not the most practical education to pursue.
Around the first year, I started receiving requests from friends to design their tattoos, which inspired me to consider possibly becoming a tattoo artist. That's when I started my apprenticeship at a tattoo studio in Jessheim.
I quickly realized that tattooing was what I wanted to pursue. Unfortunately, I had an accident where I got hit by a vehicle, forcing me to put tattooing on hold for a few years. During that time, I started studying something else that I found interesting.
EDUCATION IN PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and behavioral science from OsloMet. With this, I have opportunities to work with children and youth with behavioral difficulties, pursue further education with a focus on research, and I was informed that I could also work in child welfare.
I saw it as an opportunity for a highly rewarding profession, but at the same time, I realized that I needed to work with something more creative.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TATTOO ON YOURSELF?
This is a tattoo I have done myself, which is part of a half sleeve that I am expanding whenever I have the opportunity and time. The flowers I have tattooed are called "Anja's eyes" in Russian, and they remind me of my grandmother and the fact that she had almost 10 different types of them planted in her garden when I was little.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT?
The flowers that I have tattooed on myself are called "Anja's eyes" in Russian, and they remind me of my grandmother and the fact that she had almost 10 different types of them planted in her garden when I was little.
So I think about my family, both good and bad memories that shape who you are. Additionally, I reflect on what I have achieved during my apprenticeship as a tattoo artist.
WHICH TATTOO ARE YOU LEAST SATISFIED WITH ON YOURSELF?
I got my first tattoo when I was 17 years old. I've tried to cover it up once before, and I'll probably have to cover it again. It doesn't necessarily have much to do with the design but more that it doesn't fit in with everything else I have.
The positive aspect is that I can use it as an example that your plan for the tattoos you want can change, especially when you are young, and it's okay. You can often find a solution for it.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
It's that I can create art that my clients love and will have for the rest of their lives. Everything from large to small projects can bring someone so much joy. Additionally, I find it incredibly nice to be able to talk to customers and actually get to know new people every day.
WEIRDEST REQUESTS YOU'VE RECEIVED?
It was to tattoo just a few millimeters away from someone's eye, who wanted thick black lines extending from under the eye, across the eyelid, and over the eyebrow. This was also the most nerve-wracking tattoo I had to do.
