Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilayda Atlas

Hi Ilayda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Over time, I pushed myself to expand beyond these initial boundaries. I delved deeper into the philosophies that fascinated me, blending the concept of Wabi-Sabi—finding beauty in imperfection—into my evolving artistic vision. This wasn’t just a shift in technique; it was a transformation of my worldview. Each tattoo became a reflection of the transient and imperfect nature of life, carrying stories, emotions, and connections.

My fascination with Asian culture—fostered by years of study and time spent in the region—drew me further into the intricate world of Asian ornamentation and symbolism. I was both inspired and intimidated by the depth and reverence of these traditions. As a Westerner, I worried about whether my work would be seen as respectful or intrusive. Yet, I reminded myself of the essence of Wabi-Sabi: nothing needs to be perfect. Embracing this philosophy, I returned to Asia, immersing myself once again in its art, culture, and wisdom. This period became a transformative chapter, allowing me to integrate what I had learned into my tattoo practice with greater authenticity and respect.

As the years passed, I began to understand that tattooing is more than creating art on skin. It is an act of connection. Each client brings their unique story, emotions, and energy. Whether it’s heartbreak, resilience, protection, or transformation, every tattoo I create is a collaboration—a merging of their narrative with my artistic expression. The process is deeply spiritual and profoundly human. It’s about listening, understanding, and translating these stories into meaningful designs that become a part of someone’s identity.

Five years have passed since I began this journey, and I’ve grown with each person I’ve met. Every culture I’ve explored and every story I’ve heard has shaped my art and my perspective. Together with my clients, we’ve created not just tattoos, but moments of connection and transformation. This work has shown me that art is not just about creating; it’s about connecting, learning, and evolving—a continuous collaboration between souls.

For all of this, I am deeply grateful. The path I’ve walked has been one of imperfection, discovery, and beauty. It’s a journey I continue to embrace with an open heart and a steady hand.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Life, much like a heartbeat, ebbs and flows. My career has mirrored this rhythm—marked by highs, lows, and uneven terrain. To claim that my journey has been a smooth road would be disingenuous; such perfection doesn’t exist. But that’s where the beauty lies—within the imperfections, the challenges, and the transformations they spark.

Burnouts, self-doubt, and the persistent question of whether I am showing the respect my craft deserves have often accompanied me. As someone navigating cultures and identities, these struggles were magnified by a constant need for balance: respecting the traditions I draw from while remaining authentic to my voice.

However, I’ve learned that these challenges aren’t meant to be faced alone. The trust others place in me and the openness to ask questions, admit vulnerabilities, and receive guidance have been instrumental. Moments of discord or misunderstanding, especially when I push for excellence, are inevitable. They’ve taught me that the weight I carry on my shoulders is sometimes self-imposed. And more often than not, these obstacles are surmountable when approached with clarity and intention.

At the heart of it, the road has been anything but linear. And yet, this unpredictability is what makes it a true journey—rich, transformative, and profoundly human. For every struggle, there’s been a lesson; for every detour, an opportunity. It’s not about having a perfect path but about embracing the process, imperfections and all.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work extends far beyond the tattoos I create; it’s about the connections I foster along the way. When someone asked me recently what sets me apart, my answer was simple yet profound: connection. I believe the essence of what I do lies in the human bond—the ability to truly see and understand someone’s story and reflect it through my art.

I specialize in creating deeply personal, meaningful designs that resonate with the individuals I work with. My clients bring me their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and vulnerabilities, and I’m honored to craft something that holds all of that emotion within it. Whether it’s a memorial piece, a celebration of strength, or a marker of a transformative moment, my work is as much about their journey as it is about the art itself.

What sets me apart isn’t technical perfection, though I continuously strive to grow in my craft. It’s the comfort I offer—an openness that allows people to share their most private thoughts and moments without fear of judgment. It’s the trust we build, the stories they entrust me with, and the safe space I create for their self-expression.

At the end of every session, what fills me with the most pride isn’t just the completed tattoo but the connection we’ve shared. A heartfelt thank-you, a smile, or a hug reminds me that this work is about so much more than ink—it’s about humanity. That’s what makes every piece special and what makes me love what I do.

How do you think about luck?

Luck has played an intricate, almost paradoxical role in my life and career—like the balance of yin and yang, it has brought both blessings and challenges. On the bright side, the rise of social media has been a stroke of good fortune. It’s made my work more accessible and allowed me to reach people in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. It has connected me with clients from diverse backgrounds, giving me the chance to grow my craft faster than traditional paths might have allowed.

But with growth comes a new set of challenges. The constant exposure and visibility can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, fueling self-doubt, anxiety, and an unrelenting drive for perfection. The pressure to improve and the weight of comparison are ever-present, yet I’ve come to see these struggles as essential. They’re part of the same cycle that drives my endless desire to grow and innovate—they keep me grounded and hungry for self-improvement.

Then, there are the societal perceptions that still linger. It’s almost comical, but often frustrating, how people react when I say I’m a tattoo artist. The prejudices and misconceptions—thinking it’s not a “real” profession or failing to see the artistry in it—can be disheartening. But I’ve found that through open conversations and letting my work speak for itself, I can slowly chip away at these outdated ideas.

In the end, I’ve learned that good luck and bad luck are inseparable forces, working together to shape this journey. Each challenge brings growth, and every bit of fortune fuels my passion. Accepting both has been a powerful lesson—because without the struggles, the triumphs wouldn’t feel nearly as rewarding.

Pricing:

• I’m working bigger project as per hour system and my per hour is 250 euro
• if we are doing available already ready design it is depending 500-900 euro
• If we are talking about very bigger project I m making per session periods but I cannot calculate how much depending session

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ilaydatlas.work
• Instagram: ilaydatlas
• Facebook: ilaydatlas