We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Azat Kamaletdinov. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Azat below.
Azat, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
Yes, I have indeed faced skepticism directed at me. The funniest instance was when my art teacher handed me my art school diploma and said I would never become an artist.
I believe that most people who tell you that you won’t succeed lack any real expertise themselves. They are often guided by their own fears and insecurities. On the other hand, those who are truly knowledgeable understand that achieving great things is possible — it’s just a matter of identifying the path and being willing to pay the price to walk it.
If you’re starting at point A and want to get to point B, it’s crucial to figure out the steps that connect those two points. By breaking a big journey into smaller, manageable steps, you can progress steadily and ultimately reach your goal.
The most important thing is to keep your goal in sight and never stop moving. When it comes to long-term objectives — over 7–10 years, for example — success usually comes to those who are disciplined and keep working consistently. I see myself as one of those people: I’ve never had dramatic breakthroughs, but through persistence and steady effort, I’ve achieved success over time.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a tattoo artist and illustrator with over 10 years of experience, known for my unique style and personalized approach to every project. For me, it’s not just about creating designs but about bringing meaningful and unique works to life that truly reflect the individuality of each client.
My preferred workflow is as follows:
Consultation: This stage forms the foundation of the entire process. During the consultation, we discuss the tattoo concept in detail, exploring ideas, inspirations, and the story behind the design. To help the client visualize the idea, I draw a preliminary sketch directly on their skin using a marker. This allows us to see how the tattoo will look on the body and make any necessary adjustments before starting the work.
Creating the Final Artwork: Once the concept is approved, I move on to creating the full-color artwork. At this stage, I refine all the details to ensure the design fully aligns with the vision and aesthetics. The final artwork serves as a precise guide for the tattooing process and provides the client with a clear understanding of the final result.
Through close collaboration with each client and attention to detail, I strive to make every tattoo not only a beautiful piece of art but also a meaningful reflection of its wearer’s personality.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I can identify three key qualities and skills that have had the greatest impact on my journey as a tattoo artist:
Artistic Vision and Creativity
This is essential for becoming a successful tattoo artist. It’s not just about being able to draw but also about the ability to see unique shapes and adapt them to the client’s body. Every body is a canvas with its own individual characteristics, and it’s important to understand how the design will look in motion and evolve over time.
Advice: Draw constantly and experiment with different styles and techniques. Study anatomy to better understand how designs interact with the body. Try your hand at other forms of art—painting, graphic design, or illustration. All of this will enrich your creativity.
Communication Skills and Empathy
Being a tattoo artist is not just about creating art but also about understanding and connecting with people. It’s crucial to listen to your client, learn their story, and help them express themselves through the tattoo. Sometimes, the process of creating a design becomes a collaborative journey where you act as both an artist and a guide.
Advice: Learn to ask the right questions and remain open-minded. Develop active listening skills, as this will help you better understand your clients’ desires and build trustful relationships.
Technical Skills and Striving for Excellence
Tattooing is not only an art but also a craft. Knowledge of equipment, tattooing techniques, sterilization, and skin care are all critically important. Every tattoo artist should aim for their work to be not only visually stunning but also technically flawless.
Advice: Never stop learning. Take courses, attend workshops, and seek advice from experienced artists. Invest in high-quality equipment. And most importantly, respect the principles of safety, as the client’s health must always be a top priority.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it is important to strike a balance between developing your strengths and working on your weaknesses. Focusing exclusively on your strengths can lead to stagnation, while trying to become a jack-of-all-trades may prove unproductive. The key is to understand which skills are fundamental to your journey and which can be compensated for or delegated.
The two greatest passions in my life have always been engineering and working with metal structures, as well as drawing. By education, I am an engineer, and before pursuing tattooing, I worked in my field of expertise. However, I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember. At one point, I found myself at a crossroads and had to make a choice between these two pursuits. Both were incredibly important to me: engineering represented precision, structure, and problem-solving, while drawing was a way to express creativity and individuality.
However, I realized that I couldn’t become a professional in multiple areas simultaneously, so I decided to focus on just one. In the end, I chose to dedicate myself to art, as it allowed me to combine creativity and craftsmanship in a way that brings me true fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delai_dzen/
