Baris yesilbas of Boston on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Baris yesilbas. Check out our conversation below.

Baris, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
We welcomed our baby girl just a month ago, and she completely changed the way we see life — and the future we dream of as a family. It’s a feeling so deep that words hardly do it justice. I’m over the moon. I knew I’d fall in love the moment I saw her, but I never imagined I could feel this much love for another human being — apart from my wife and myself — until now.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Baris is a Brooklyn-based tattoo artist whose work blends the vibrant artistry of watercolor tattoos with the precision of fine lines, creating tattoos that are as unique as the individuals wearing them. Known for his innovative approach and unmatched attention to detail, Baris has not only transformed the tattoo experience for his clients but has also gained recognition on a global scale. His collaborations with internationally renowned brands like Nike, Upton, Levi’s, and Jack Daniel’s speak to his versatility and creative vision, seamlessly bridging the worlds of tattoo art and commercial design. Whether it’s crafting meaningful tattoos or partnering with iconic brands, Baris continues to push the boundaries of what tattooing can achieve.

Baris’s watercolor tattoo designs are a vivid celebration of creativity, drawing inspiration from the dynamic worlds of anime and manga, iconic films, and the bold aesthetics of pop art culture. His tattoos breathe life into beloved characters and moments, transforming them into wearable art that resonates deeply with fans and enthusiasts. With his signature style, Baris captures the energy and emotion of these influences, using vibrant colors, fluid brushstrokes, and intricate fine line details to create pieces that are both striking and timeless. From the whimsical charm of manga to the dramatic visuals of cult classic movies, every tattoo he designs is a tribute to the art forms that inspire him and his clients alike.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
There are many things that can break the bond between two friends, and everyone has their own limits — but for me, it’s dishonesty. I come from a background where you present yourself as who you truly are — not to impress others, but to show your genuine self. I expect the same honesty and integrity from the people I connect with, yet it’s rare to find. Too many people put on an act, so focused on being liked that they lose touch with who they really are, eventually becoming someone entirely different — and that kind of self-betrayal only leads to pain in the end.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering places you in a space you never wanted to be — somewhere unfamiliar, uncomfortable, even unsettling. It forces you to confront yourself, to question your choices and the actions that led you there. But through that pain, you learn, you grow, and you make a silent promise to never fall back into that dark place again.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Not everyone has to think the same way, share the same values, ideas, or beliefs — there isn’t just one universal truth that everyone must follow. As long as we can coexist and respect each other in this chaotic world, where each person has their own version of truth and set of beliefs, we’ll be just fine. But somehow, most people I meet seem convinced that they hold the ultimate truth — as if their perspective is the only one that matters.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
It’s not regret, but I sometimes wish I had taken certain steps earlier in my 20s — opened my own studio sooner, moved to the States earlier, or even had a kid a bit sooner. Still, I don’t regret any part of my life; I’ve truly enjoyed every bit of it and continue to do so. Life’s too short to dwell on what could’ve been — if there’s something you wish you’d done differently, start changing it today.

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