We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Baris Yesilbas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Baris below.

Baris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When people inquire about how I began my journey in tattooing, I often find that my story stands out as the most unique one I’ve ever come across. While I always had a fondness for tattoo parlors, working in one provided me with a fresh perspective on life.

Having graduated from one of the top high schools in my country, I immediately enrolled in university, as it seemed like the necessary path to secure a respectable career. Becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t initially a burning desire of mine; my true ambition was to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an architect. However, my mother insisted that I study economics, and so I did. But during my final year, I made the decision to drop out and embark on a new adventure in Istanbul, where I found employment as a consultant in a courier delivery services company. Unfortunately, after just three months, I unexpectedly lost my job, without ever understanding the reason behind it.

From that point on, my life took an unexpected turn. It was during this period that my tattoo artist approached me and offered me a job at his parlor, suggesting that I work there until I found another opportunity. Naturally, my family opposed the idea of me working in a tattoo parlor, considering the sacrifices they had made for my education. However, it was the pivotal moment when I decided to take a leap of faith and accept my tattoo artist’s offer, becoming his apprentice and committing to doing whatever it took to become a tattoo artist myself. To this day, it remains the most significant risk I’ve ever taken, as I had no certainty of succeeding along this path. Yet, after completing my first tattoo, I discovered that this was my true calling, a lifelong passion. Creating tattoos allows me to express my authentic self, as each design is a personal creation inspired by the individuals who will carry them throughout their lives.

I have no regrets about the decision I made 12 years ago. As a tattoo artist, I have had the privilege of encountering countless individuals, hearing their stories, and becoming a part of their lives and families. I’ve listened to their experiences and learned valuable lessons from their mistakes. Moreover, I strongly believe that I have served as a source of inspiration for many, encouraging them to embrace risks and make bold choices in their own lives.

Baris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As i mentioned on my previous answer, my tattoo artist approached me and offered me a job at his parlor, suggesting that I work there until I found another opportunity. Naturally, my family opposed the idea of me working in a tattoo parlor, considering the sacrifices they had made for my education. However, it was the pivotal moment when I decided to take a leap of faith and accept my tattoo artist’s offer, becoming his apprentice and committing to doing whatever it took to become a tattoo artist myself. To this day, it remains the most significant risk I’ve ever taken, as I had no certainty of succeeding along this path. Yet, after completing my first tattoo, I discovered that this was my true calling, a lifelong passion. Creating tattoos allows me to express my authentic self, as each design is a personal creation inspired by the individuals who will carry them throughout their lives.

From that moment onward, I consistently pressed ahead, undeterred by significant obstacles that crossed my path. I possessed a clear vision of my destination and the person I aspired to become, setting me apart from other artists in my field. Rather than simply reveling in the rewards of my profession, I tirelessly exerted myself to mold the identity I embody today, perpetually unsatisfied with my achievements and perpetually driven by an insatiable hunger for more.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In a pivotal moment during my senior year of college, I made the bold decision to drop out, recognizing that the path I was on didn’t align with my true aspirations. Uncertain of my direction or destination, I understood that finding myself and creating a livelihood required a starting point. Having studied economics, I initially believed that utilizing those skills as an international trade consultant would be a suitable beginning. However, after just three months, I came to regret that choice, and my turning point came when I inexplicably let go. Determined to forge a non-traditional path, I embarked on a quest for self-discovery, and it was during this period that my tattoo artist, who had been adorning me with ink, offered me a temporary job as a means to get back on my feet. Seizing this opportunity with a “yes man” mentality, I leapt into the unknown, ready to embrace a new and unexpected chapter in my life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey has been fraught with countless challenges and hardships. From enduring financial struggles, barely having $5 to my name for an entire week, to the inability to pay my rent, I experienced the depths of adversity. Circumstances even forced me to leave my home country and start anew, rebuilding my reputation in a foreign land. I embarked on the daunting task of starting from scratch, working tirelessly for nearly 17 hours a day for nearly two years. The beginning was far from glamorous; I received a meager $50 a day, regardless of the value of the tattoos I crafted. While my fellow tattoo artists worked based on percentages, I labored relentlessly for a mere $50. It was disheartening to create tattoos worth thousands of dollars and only receive such a small compensation. I toiled beyond regular hours, even tattooing people for free or in exchange for a meal, all in pursuit of improvement and growth in my craft.     

Contact Info:

• Website:www.barisyesilbas.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/barisyesilbas