Meet Jiri Tomanek

We were lucky to catch up with Jiri Tomanek recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jiri, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

To be honest, I wouldn’t even call it optimism in the traditional sense. It’s not about believing everything will be okay. It’s about knowing I’ll handle it whatever it is.

That mindset didn’t come from a book or a coach. It came from standing in the middle of things falling apart emotionally, physically, financially and realizing I was still breathing. Still moving. Still showing up. And over time, something clicked: I don’t have to control what happens. I just have to control how I respond.

When you go through enough cycles of pain and transformation, your confidence stops being loud. It becomes quiet, steady. You stop hoping for easy days, and instead you build the strength to face hard ones. And that shiftthat’s where my optimism comes from.

It’s not blind positivity. It’s earned peace.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a tattoo artist. But more than that I create experiences.

My work blends fine art with memory, pain with transformation. I specialize in watercolor and abstract styles, and I run a private studio where tattooing isn’t just a service, it’s a ritual. Every client brings a story, and I help them mark it into their skin in a way that feels personal, powerful, and deeply human.

What makes it special? I think it’s the energy. I work one-on-one, by appointment only, because I believe art should never be rushed—and people shouldn’t feel like a number. Whether it’s someone flying in from another country or a local returning for their tenth piece, I want them to feel like they’re stepping into something intentional. Safe. Exclusive. Honest.

My brand-Bratr Víra-is rooted in emotion, contrast, and a bit of rebellion. The aesthetic pulls from industrial cities, neon nights, and the kind of vulnerability people usually hide. It’s not for everyone. And that’s the point.

Right now, I’m building something bigger a creative studio that blends tattooing with design, fashion, and storytelling. I’m also launching limited-edition merch and collector pieces that carry the same energy as my tattoo work: raw, bold, meaningful.

This isn’t just about ink. It’s about identity, memory, and the courage to wear your story on your skin.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1.Resilience over motivation.
Motivation comes and goes. But resilience? That’s what keeps you moving when everything feels pointless. There were days I felt like giving up, like none of it mattered. But I showed up anyway. That’s the muscle that matters most. For anyone starting out: don’t wait to feel ready. Just start. Get uncomfortable. Keep showing up, especially when no one’s watching.

2.Emotional intelligence.
I think this is actually my superpower. Tattooing isn’t just about skin and ink, it’s about trust. You’re holding someone’s story, trauma, or dream in your hands. Learning how to read energy, how to listen without needing to fix, how to hold space without ego… that changed everything for me. If you’re starting out, work on your craft but don’t ignore the human part. It’s what separates artists from machines.

3. Vision.
There will always be trends, noise, and opinions. If you don’t know who you are and what you stand for, the world will shape you into whatever’s popular. I’ve made peace with the fact that my work’s not for everyone. But it’s mine. For beginners: find your voice early. Let it evolve but don’t dilute it to fit in. The people who resonate will find you.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, the biggest challenge is navigating growth without losing depth.

As my brand expands more clients, international guest spots, merch, new projects there’s a real risk of getting pulled into the noise: algorithms, numbers, deadlines. It’s easy to start creating for attention instead of meaning. And I never want to lose the intimacy, the ritual, the why behind what I do.

So the work now is internal protecting my focus. Saying no more often. Creating space to reflect, not just produce. I’m building systems that support creativity instead of suffocating it. Delegating what doesn’t need my soul in it. And grounding myself daily, through training, silence, and time with people who see me, not just the brand.

Success is only worth it if you’re still in touch with yourself. That’s the balance I’m constantly working on

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bratr_vira