We recently connected with Nikolay Kibkalo and have shared our conversation below.
Nikolay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When I decided to be a tattoo artist, first of all, I researched and watched a lot of videos on YouTube and learned how this industry works, and what supplies and brands artists prefer. Then I went to local tattoo shops and asked artists who do an apprenticeship. One of the artists became my mentor. I already got my first basic tattoo machine and in the beginning, my first clients were fake skin and oranges. At the same time, I started to learn drawing. I practiced a lot. After a few months, my mentor told me – I can start practicing on the real skin. I upgraded my tattoo machine to one of the best ones because I learned how important equipment and supplies are for the tattoo artist. The first tattoo took six hours and that was stressful, to be honest. That’s a huge difference between fake and real skin, and also a lot of small things that I have to keep in mind. But I was happy when I saw the result, it was better than I except. But the first 50 or 60 tattoos that I had done weren’t easy because I always try to do something complicated, that’s helped me to get the maximum experience I can from tattoo sessions. And I never forgot about drawing and painting. I still take classes for drawing and always draw when I have time. With tattoo culture and drawing going together, it’s way easier to learn how to work with a tattoo machine and how to put ink under the skin than to understand the form of the object, how images work, how our eyes read it, and how colors work together. I don’t see any obstacles to my progress because I have enough motivation I’m in love with this craft, it’s always in my mind, and I enjoy it when I see my progress and get feedback from my clients.
Nikolay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name’s Nikolay, I’m 31 and I’m from Russia. This is my third year in the tattoo industry. When I was 22 I met with a tattoo artist on vacation. He introduced to me his work and tell me about this culture, he is still my good friend. I liked the idea and foundation of this culture, but at this time I was a professional dancer and was too busy to learn something else. At 24 I moved to the US and didn’t have time for dance practice but I started drawing often and thinking about tattoos, unfortunately, I had to focus on my new life in a new country, and after five years I recognized if I want to live my life like I want to I have to make a decision now and don’t be scared to try to learn how to make tattoos till it’s not too late. At the beginning of my education, I remember a simple rule if I want to get success I must do everything right and with respect. Always when I’m working with customers I think about how to provide the best experience to them. I use only the best professional equipment for work, top brands of tattoo machines, needles, and ink. I spend most of my time after work for practice to improve my skills. I’m drawing not only for tattoo design I also do it for pleasure. I respect the opinion of my customers and listen to them very attentively because I just deliver their ideas to life and add something to get the best result. I work together with customers. I realized the biggest problem in the tattoo industry is the people who make it for money only. They don’t want to develop the skills and culture, I heard many stories from my clients about the negative experiences from the past. But I respect my craft, and my customers, i don’t have any choice then always do my best.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
After experiments, I focused on Instagram and TikTok. I pay them directly to promote my page to local people. Also, I show my audience I’m productive and always post stories of my drawing, and make good pictures and videos of my tattoos. I spend a lot of time learning how to make a nice picture without blinking and reflecting, I build up a small photo studio for this. A picture of my product is important, it’s my face and helps people to see the quality of my tattoos. I can advise to buy a good camera and buy a promotion from platforms if they offer this option. But also better to watch a few videos on how to set up the right promotion for the right audience. And don’t forget to show your face from time to time, people love to see who stays behind the product.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I just want to do my best, want to improve my skill as maximum as I can, and be a good enough to build up my tattoo shop with the right artist who follows the same idea- improve tattoo culture and let people know about tattoos more.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korl_ink_/