Interview with Sergey Vinni | Realism Tattoo Style | Russia 18/04/2022
Hello Sergey Vinni! Thank you so much for
taking the time to answer some questions for our readers. Please
start by telling us something about yourself and your background.
How did you learn the basic skills of tattooing? Did anyone help
you? My name is Sergey. I was drawing portraits with a pencil for two
years I started tattooing. Then I tried to do airbrushing but it
wasn’t successful and I’ve decided to try tattooing. I have been
studying tattooing for a long time before practice. There were a lot
of questions because I didn't know how should I start. Finally, I’ve
found the answers to almost everything. When I bought all the
necessary equipment, I tried to practice on artificial skin for
several times. I did my first tattoo in 2015. I started with a small
tattoo on my friend’s leg. I did it with the help from my friend who
is a tattoo artist. Generally, I’ve studied by myself without any
masterclasses and special education.
Q: What type of tattoos you use to do as a beginner? How
long took you to gain confidence in your work and regular clients?
A: I started with graphics and ornamental tattoos: dots and lines. I
liked this style and it's easy to do these designs as a beginner. At
that time, I began to make myself a sleeve in dotwork style. It's
cool when you can make something interesting with simple shapes or
make a portrait with dots. In the summer of 2016, I tried to do some
realistic tattoos. Then for the first time, I’ve tried to use the
Soft Magnum needle type. I really liked it! The speed of work has
changed and shadows have become smoother. Since then, "realism"
mixed with graphics began to appear in my portfolio. As for me,
everything changed in May 2019. I started making storyboards from
films and miniature portraits. I really liked to convey the essence
of the film in three frames, make miniatures so that they heal
perfectly, and were readable for many years. Since then, I have been
doing only realism. I’ve tried to combine it with different elements
from other styles and build interesting compositions.
Q: There are many tattoo styles nowadays. People like to
experiment with new, cool stuff and artists love it. But no one can
deny that tattoo realism is one of the most popular, and difficult
style to master it. What do you like about tattoo realism? Why only
tattoo realism?
A: I like realism because I get a lot of pleasure by working in this
style. I like to convey the volume of objects, details of various
elements, and of course, facial expressions and emotions.
High-quality and contrasting realism looks very impressive.
Q: No color ink? Would you try color tattooing in the
feature?
A: Yes, I don't work with color, but I've had some experience. My
friend Bobby wanted me to get him a tattoo with Schwarzenegger and
Chuck Norris in color. Although he knew that I have never worked
with color and still trusted me. It was not easy but it was
interesting. I hope I did it well. I am not interested in color at
the moment. If we are talking about color realism, a lot of factors
should converge for a good result.
Q: Tattoo realism, especially portraits require very
detailed, precise touch, no any mistakes... One must be fully
prepared to give the best, because clients expect perfection... What
details take a lot of time to finish?
A: Without any doubt, I can highlight the eyes. I pay more attention
to them. At the same time, do not forget about other parts of the
face. If there is an open smile, it is worth carefully working out
the teeth without clear contours, so that it does not catch your eye
much. If the face in the photo has a good chiaroscuro, it does not
cause any difficulties. Sometimes it takes time working on a complex
hairstyle in a portrait or on detailed clothes.
Q: Even though, portraits require the precise work but still
there's a little room for creative freedom like adding some cool
backgrounds or interesting details like roses etc. Do you draw
sketches for each client prior the session or it can be done
freehand meanwhile tattooing?
A: Yes, of course, each sketch is prepared individually by the
peculiarities of the placement of application and anatomy. I always
take measurements from the area and then prepare a sketch for it in
Procreate. I try to prepare everything in advance. It is extremely
rare to add something meanwhile the session. I prefer to make not
just a portrait but to add various dynamic elements to it (lines,
inscriptions, objects associated with the portrait), of course, if
the client likes such an idea.
Q: I saw some really cool drawings, you are very talented. I
bet each new way to create is like a "wake up" call to try. Drawing
on artificial leather? Tell me more.
A: Working with artificial skin is a very interesting direction in
tattooing. You can create cool works on artificial skin of any
scale. At the same time, you don’t worry that the client feels pain
or is limited in time. You can create your own masterpieces in a
comfortable environment. By the way, it’s a great practice;) The
peculiarity of working with artificial skin is that the tone is
typed very slowly, compared to human skin. It means that you can
make very smooth and soft shadows, and accordingly, you will get a
realistic tattoo. Be patient and it will be rewarded with excellent
work! I did my work on artificial skin in 2020 during a COVID-19
lockdown in Moscow. I had a lot of free time and I even recorded a
full timelapse with one of the works, which you can find it on
YouTube.
- Are you a fan of these new devices like tablets etc? I
think it can save a lot of time before a session with a client, if
you just design the whole tattoo and print it...
I am a huge fan of modern technology and I try to use it in
tattooing. Besides, I like to optimize the session time as much as
possible. For example, I do not transfer manually and use a filter
in Photoshop. So, you can simply print it out through a transfer
printer (Brother, Epson). Also, I use applications and services to
improve photos. As for me, the ideal session is when I have prepared
a sketch or at least images in advance (agreed with the client), and
I come to the session just to do a tattoo.
Q: So many portraits, do you have any favorite person you
would like to tattoo on someone's skin? What would be a "dream
piece" ?
A: I can't single out one person. I really like musicians,
especially from the rock genre. My "dream piece" is a project with
Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister, it can be a whole sleeve, or
maybe half an arm.
Q: As an artist I bet it's very easy to get inspired and be
creative (almost) every day, but sometimes a busy schedule can
overwhelm people. How do you cheer up yourself? Do you have any
interesting hobbies?
A: I try not to overwork too much and keep the balance of work and
personal life, so not to "burn out". Regular sport helps me in this.
In winter I prefer downhill and cross-country skiing. In summer, I
like wake-surfing and going to the gym. Firstly, it boosts my
energy. Secondly, it unloads the head well. Music is a huge
inspiration. It sounds corny, but it is) When I don't have any
strength to work, I need to do other things, which I want at the
moment.
Q: How do you see yourself in the feature? Any career goals?
A: In the future, I want to develop my skills as a tattooer and to
study academic drawing more deeply. I want to create my own
workspace for myself and other like-minded craftsmen. I plan to
visit America in the nearest future, it will be interesting to
explore this country better.
Q: What tattooing as a profession taught you? Would you
change something?
A: To be more responsible, because the tattoos I do for my clients
will stay on them to the rest of their life. Also, I want the
customer to be satisfied with the result for many years.
Furthermore, sociability is an important skill for a tattoo artist.
All people are different and you need to have a good approach.
Q: Where are you located? Are you available for bookings? If
so, please write down your email.
A: Nowadays, I live and work in Moscow but I plan to move to another
country in the nearest future. You can always write to me and find
out where I am at the moment.
My email is sergeyvinnichuk@gmail.com
Q: Sergey, what would you tell to all young people who are
scrolling through Instagram and want to become a tattoo artist? What
is the best approach?
A: The main advice is not to be afraid to start tattooing. Be sure
to draw and develop this skill! It really helps a lot in tattooing.
Your level will grow very quickly if you do a lot of training. I
recommend working responsibly and honestly with the client. Always
listen to advice or criticism from other experienced tattoo artists.