Hello Priit Salusoo! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself, how it all started? Hello! I started tattooing when I was in high school. But all this period was just the beginning...searching, learning. The hardest part was to find my own identity through the art. It has been a long journey and I still feel that I have so many things to learn.

Q: What kind of art interested you? Any favorite artists?
A: I was inspired and fascinated by dark style. In 1997 I saw the tattoos by Paul Booth and I was sold! It was so impressive. I have had a lot of influences... life itself offers you tons of references like nature, photography. But of course I have some favorites from the tattoo industry like Dmitriy Samohin, Den Yakovlev, Nikko Hurtado, Denis Sivak, Alex De Pase etc.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I don't know how to name it. Mostly it's realism mixed with surreal elements, contrast and highlights. Some crazy ideas with crazy colors. No compromise with quality!

Q: Do you have any favorite designs?
A: I like a lot of designs. And yes, I have some preferences, a bit weird elements, techni-color lights on face, dark contrasts. Actually it doesn't matter, I can turn a random dog portrait or figure to a cool mode! Everything depends how you are thinking... Most important thing is that the tattoo has to speak for itself!

Q: I bet everyone will say that color tattooing is more challenging than the other techniques, especially when it comes to realism. Do you agree?
A: For sure! Working with colors is a big challenge! Years ago I was afraid of working with colors, because I didn't know how to mix them technically, I only had theories... Theories that may work in your head but don't always work in practice. Since I started to paint regularly and working together with really good artists I got a lot of answers to my questions. I moved on technically very fast... I am very happy about that!

Q: So the preference?
A: So many people asked me that question. I prefer both! Of course some effects are better with colors like eyes, blood, texture, shining materials etc. Working with colors is more difficult, it needs more time than black and white tattooing and the technique how to apply the colors is totally different from black and white work. Both styles, colors and black & white are based on some rules you need to follow!

Q: How much the talent plays a big role in tattooing?
A: Talent is a gift. But nothing comes by itself... Everything is important! Art education, seminars, workshops, sketching, drawing, painting... practice and hard work. Also learning from your mistakes and the respect for yourself and others.

Q: So the tattoo is done... What's your favorite client's reaction?
A: It's not a special reaction... I just see and feel when they are satisfied. It's more based on feeling... But of course if I will get a messages later where the client thanks me, then it's a good and warm feeling.

Q: Do you cheer up the ones who are afraid of the pain?
A: I don't understand being afraid of pain! It's like an urban legend without a serious background. You want the tattoo or you don't. If you choose the right professional tattoo artist then the process will not be so painful. It's all about your thinking... and size of the picture, technique, type of needles etc. Usually my clients are surprised that it is not so painful.

    

Q: Where are you now located?
A: I have my private gallery in Estonia. It's called Dark Symmetry. I paint there a lot and do some special works for my friends. Those who are interested can contact me via e-mail or facebook! Also I work almost regularly in Tattoo Studio Nadelwerk in Austria. Tattoostudio Nadelwerk/Austria Dr. Kossstrasse 7 / 4600 Wels, Austria
Check out our Facebook Page - Tattoostudio Nadelwerk

Q: Do you work as a guest spot artist?
A: I've worked in Germany, Stuttgart 0711 Tattoo Studio with very nice people and nice crew. And regularly in Tattoo Studio Nadelwerk.  I've had a nice opportunity to work together with Csaba Müllner and Adamik Erik.

Q: The every day motto?
A: If you really want - you can do it! Make things for yourself and share them with good friends.

Q: The best career achievement so far? Any plans for the feature?
A: I have met a lot of my favorite tattoo artists and nice people around the world. Also I won some special awards but I prefer the real life... family, nice friends, colleagues, my own art gallery. I try to move step by step, paint more and move technically to a higher level.