Meet Julia Penza

We recently connected with Julia Penza and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, 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?

I wouldn’t say I have haters. At least I haven’t encountered a lot of negativity. However, I meet many people who are subject to stereotypes. I’m a tattoo artist without tattoos. So people, and often other tattoo artists, don’t take me seriously, thinking I’m not in this field. However, I am deeply convinced that having tattoos does not bring more professionalism to the wearer. Only a tattoo artist’s portfolio can speak to their professionalism. Without self-confidence, you feel uncomfortable. However, after gaining professional qualities, it becomes completely unimportant. I’d even say it’s fun to watch people’s bewilderment.

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

I am a professional tattoo artist with relatively little experience in this industry. I’ve been tattooing for 4 years. My personality doesn’t match wearing tattoos, I prefer not to be stereotyped and to remain devoted to myself, so I don’t have tattoos. However, I am excellent in my work, despite my little experience and a clear external difference from most tattoo artists. In my beginning career, I managed to reach incredible heights and win several awards at prestigious tattoo events. I am attracted to large color microrealism with a golden effect. It’s the style I want to develop and be recognizable. However, I work in all styles.

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?

My previous experience was related to analytical activities. The ability to analyze the approach to the beginning of the process, the process itself and its result, I consider the most significant in any field of activity. It may seem strange, but I think that in realism painting, it is the basis of skill. It is necessary to choose the right tools, think about the stages of applying paint/ink, observe proportions, light and shadow. All of this is part of the analytical process. The next quality I would include the ability to be objectively self-critical. It is necessary to be proud of progress, but look for shortcomings in order to improve your skills with each new work. The last thing is to be better. It’s not meant best. It means better than you were yesterday or even a minute ago. Working on yourself in all directions brings incredible results. A positive attitude to life brings pleasant surprises and helps life growth.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

I’m the youngest child in the family. My brother is 1 year older than me. With 2 children of about the same age, it is quite difficult to pay equal attention to both. Since my brother’s health was not perfect from the beginning, the most attention to the parenting process went to him. It didn’t mean I didn’t get love. On the contrary, I understood that my parents loved me, but I was free from parental care and grew up on my own just watching life circumstances. Now that I’m an adult, I think that’s what gave me awareness, self-confidence, and independence. I’ve been the owner of my life since I was a kid, which I’m very satisfied with.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @juliapenza.tattoo