We were lucky to catch up with Cagla Aykac recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cagla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey of self-discovery. I studied IT and worked in the corporate world for over five years, but something always felt missing. I’ve been passionate about art since childhood—I started oil painting at a young age and even exhibited my work in elementary school. However, I never imagined art could be my career.
Everything changed when I started helping a friend at a tattoo studio. I was immediately drawn to the process, the creativity, and the deep connection between the artist and the client. I realized tattooing wasn’t just about making art; it was about creating something meaningful for people—something they carry with them forever. That realization sparked something in me.
As I learned and improved, I felt an excitement I had never experienced in my previous jobs. Designing tattoos and seeing my clients’ happiness became my biggest motivation. Now, as a professional tattoo artist specializing in single needle fineline work, I know this is what I was meant to do. Tattooing is not just my job; it’s my passion and my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Cagla Aykac, a tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, currently working at B36 Tattoo Studio. My journey with art started in childhood—I’ve always been drawn to painting, and over the years, it evolved into a deep passion for tattooing. My background is a mix of IT and corporate experience, but I eventually found my true calling in tattooing, where I can create meaningful and lasting art on people’s skin.
What excites me most about tattooing is the personal connection it creates. Every piece I work on is not just ink—it’s a collaboration between me and my client, a unique expression of their story, emotions, or aesthetics. I specialize in single needle- fine line, and I put great effort into ensuring my work resonates with people on a deep level.
Beyond the art itself, I’m also focused on growing my presence in the tattoo industry. I continuously refine my skills, experiment with new techniques, and share my work in a way that builds trust and authenticity. Social media plays a big role in this—showcasing my tattoos alongside glimpses of my personal life helps clients feel more connected and comfortable with me.
As for what’s next, I’m excited about expanding my portfolio, possibly guest spotting in different studios, and continuing to push my creative boundaries. I’m always open to new collaborations and projects, and I look forward to creating more meaningful tattoos for my clients!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Adaptability & Resilience – Moving from IT to tattooing, relocating to a new country, and balancing studies with work required a strong ability to adapt. Being open to learning, handling setbacks, and pushing forward despite challenges made a difference.
Advice: Embrace discomfort and uncertainty. Growth comes from pushing past fear and self-doubt. Take on new challenges, even if they feel overwhelming at first.
Artistic Consistency & Personal Branding – Your ability to maintain a unique artistic style while also building a strong social media presence played a key role in gaining trust and attracting clients.
Advice: Keep refining your skills while also thinking about how to present your work cohesively. Post regularly, engage with your audience, and let your personality shine through your brand.
Business & Communication Skills – Managing a studio, understanding customer expectations, and handling logistics were crucial beyond just being a great artist.
Advice: Develop business acumen alongside your craft. Learn about pricing, contracts, client communication, and marketing. Good customer service builds long-term success.
For someone early in their journey, the key is to stay patient, practice relentlessly, and be proactive about learning beyond just the art itself.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Take a Step Back & Breathe – When stress builds up, stepping away—even briefly—can help. Whether it’s taking a walk, listening to music, or just closing your eyes and taking deep breaths, creating a pause helps reset your mindset.
Advice: Try structured breathing exercises (like box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). It helps calm your nervous system.
Break It Down – Overwhelm often comes from having too much on your plate at once. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make things feel more achievable.
Advice: Write things down. Prioritize what truly matters and tackle one thing at a time. Don’t try to do everything at once.
Reconnect with Art & Creativity – Since art has always been a core part of your life, using it as a form of release—without pressure—can be helpful.
Advice: Sketch, paint, or even doodle without the goal of perfection. Let creativity be a stress reliever, not just work.
Lean on Your Support System – Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, talking things out can help gain perspective.
Advice: Don’t hesitate to reach out to people who understand your journey. A simple conversation can lighten the mental load.
Move Your Body – Physical activity, whether it’s a quick stretch, a workout, or even dancing around, helps shake off tension.
Advice: Find a movement you enjoy and make it part of your routine—it’s not just for physical health but mental clarity too.
At the end of the day, overwhelm is part of growth, but how you handle it determines your resilience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cha.tattoo
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