interview with Alan Balcerak

   Hello Alan Balcerak! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself and your beginnings. I started tattooing three years ago. My learning began with Lukasz Smyk at "Dead Body Tattoo" studio. He encouraged me to start. He took me under his wings. He taught me how to use machines, select needles, tattooing technique etc. The beginning was not easy for me. A piece of paper cannot be compared with human skin. Not only Lukasz's advice and tips helped me a lot but also my stubbornness and self-confidence was important. The more practice the better you become. I wanted to create more detailed tattoos that will be captured on the client’s skin.

Q: Did you have any artistic background? What do you think about tattoo apprenticeship?
A: I don’t have any artistic background. I learned everything by myself. I have been drawing since childhood. I didn’t have anyone who could teach me something about it. I have learned everything from my own mistakes because I believe that practice makes it perfect. I also know, that in this kind of art you need to have some artistic background and I'm not talking about artistic education, which I do not have, but about the passion for drawing and many hours spent drawing on a piece of paper with a pencil, where you also build patience, accuracy and imagination. This is very important in this profession. With such abilities, it's easier to start the tattoo adventure.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I mainly do realistic tattoos based on realistic situations that have been remembered in the picture. They are photos that perfectly reflect, good play of light and shadow, I focus on depth and contrast.

Q: Tattooing itself is not an easy skill to learn. How much the knowledge of tattoo ink and skin reaction plays a big role? Are there any specific rules of applying a certain ink to a different skin type etc?
A: General knowledge about tattoo ink is fundamental, without that, the work is poorly done. Knowledge about ink as chemical composition is significant thing. It is worth knowing which ink should be used for each person since the top-of-the-line ink and even pure chemical composition can harm our client. Not only is the knowledge about human anatomy and the quality of skin, is important but also the skin tone should be considered. It's like with a sheet of paper. If it's fair, drawing/tattooing is going to look nice and clear. If it's dark, our tattoo is not clear and many colors are pale or faded. The more hydrated and healthier skin, the better. It is also good to pay attention if the pattern matches on our client’s skin. Knowledge about skin care is also important before and even more, after the tattoo has been made.

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Q: What details are the most difficult to work on?
A: Portraits are not easy to tattoo. You have to stick to the pattern. The most important and the most difficult is to stick to the face and location of the eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips and hair. The basis is a very good face shading, without it all, the face that we tattoo will lose its real image. The best portraits are those that have very good play of light and shadow, well-cast light on the face will allow us to make a perfect portrait. If I do a portrait of someone's child or someone close to someone, it's better to have it smiling because we want to remember the most-loved person and immortalize it on the skin.

Q: Any favorite person or face expression?
A: When it comes to the faces of famous people like actors, singers, etc faces look better when some emotions are expressed. Every detail is important: a wrinkle, a scar, a birthmark even a spot mark because it can reflect the origin of a given face.

Q: What's the best part of being a tattoo artist?
A: Is to be able to express myself, show my style and do it perfectly. Every time we are learning, meeting many people, a lot of awesome artists to swap experiences. It's very important to not give up and want more, then we will be able to achieve further goals.

Q: Anything you look forward?
A: Living in the world of tattoos, dealing with this every day I am waiting for a time where I will be well known among great artists. I am waiting for the upcoming conventions, tattoo festivals where I will be able to show myself to a wider audience, thus building my persona. I would like and I also dream that my work will be appreciated at tattoo conventions. It would certainly motivate me more to continue working and improving.

Q: Any advice for the new artists?
A: Don’t give up, because always after defeat there is win. A lot of time spent working with no compulsion but with big passion, and a lot of patience and sacrifice on this with all heart will bring positive result. In my opinion critical self-assessment is needed, because it causes more commitment if you want to go forward. You need to choose your style and work on it. It’s worth spending money on good quality equipment like needles, inks and hygiene, this enable us to do professional work.