interview with tattoo artist Priit Salusoo
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.