Interview with Andreas Christodoulou

 Hello Andreas Christodoulou! Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself, your background and how did you get into this business? I’m a 27 year old tattoo artists born an raised in Cyprus. My background varies a bit, no one in my family really has the artistic gene in them. Growing up in Cyprus, tattooing, drawing, graffiti wasn’t something well known. I was always intrigued by art, drawing and graffiti in general. In a way, I sort of knew that I wanted to be a tattoo artist, especially it being something ‘frowned’ upon and more underground in my country.

Q: Was it hard to learn the basics?
A: Of course it was difficult in the beginning, you are basically drawing something on someone and it’s going to be there forever. But the thrill of that challenge and the concentration makes it easier in a way for me. Tattooing actually helped me with drawing and made me better.

Q: What type of tattoos were popular back when you were starting? How long took you to figure your way?
A: I can say that old school tattoos were the most popular at the time. It took me roughly one and a half years to find my style, but what helped me along was that I wanted to do something opposite of what was popular back then.

Q: Do you still keep some photos of your old tattoos? As an artist myself, I do and when I look back I have an "urge" to call my then clients and fix their tattoo haha Thank God they are still my friends! How was your experience?
A: My first tattoos were actually on my family members so I have to see them every day even if I don’t want to. Thankfully they still haven’t got rid of me and still talk to me hahaha. But yes of course, I still save pictures (in a secret file haha) of my old tattoos as a reminder of where it all started.

Q: I really like your work today. How long took you to gain confidence?
A: First of all thank you for your kind words! I haven’t been tattooing for that long, I’ve been tattooing realism for about 3 years but for me to get where I am now, took me about 2 years. I also like to add different concepts because I want to make something unique! My confidence in my work though, really boosted when I won my first tattoo convention award 1st large black and grey.

Q: Building a portfolio is stressful. It's crucial to show off your skills and gain customers but also to connect with other artists, booking at conventions etc. What are some of your recommendations about building a successful portfolio? What the new artists should be aware of?
A: My number one recommendation is to take their time, pay attention and have patience. No one is rushing, so just take a breath and take it easy. Also, find your style, get out of the comfort zone, go for it and try different things. If it’s something you love and enjoy, people will recognize that.

Q: Do you have any favorite artists you look up to?
A: Of course I have favorite tattoo artists just like anyone I would say like Neon Judas, Eliot Kohek and others. Everyday I build connections with others artists and talk to them. I think that in this industry we are all in this together and it’s all about the respect.

Q: What is the biggest mistake one should not make?
A: I think the biggest mistake that people do in their journey of becoming a tattoo artist is letting the money take over their lives. We all know that making that much money at the end of the day could end up doing bad decisions. I have seen some great artists being overwhelmed by the money, that they ended up using drugs and not tattoo anymore.