We were lucky to catch up with Tural Makhiaddinov recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tural, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My name is Tural, and my story of how I found my calling is full of twists and turns. As a child, my father always dreamed of seeing me as a doctor. It was a tradition in our family – being a doctor meant being successful and respected. So, following his expectations, I chose the path of a dentist. I studied hard, as this profession was always prestigious and lucrative, but inside me, a completely different desire was growing.
From a very young age, I loved to draw. It was my passion, my way of self-expression, but my father disapproved of this hobby. “A man should stick to manly things,” he said. I tried to hide my artistic inclinations, knowing that I had to do what was expected of me. However, even in university, behind the walls of the lecture hall, I continued to draw.
One day, while living in a dormitory, my classmates noticed my artwork. They showed me their tattoos and suggested that I create some sketches for them. I was excited about this idea but also scared: what if my father finds out? Nevertheless, I accepted the challenge and made my first tattoos. It was an incredible feeling! I had never felt more alive and free than at that moment when the needle touched the skin.
For a long time, I kept my new passion hidden from my father. Every time he asked about my studies, I told him that I was still a determined future doctor and that I was just making a little extra money drawing. In reality, I continued to embody my ideas into art. Drawing became not just a hobby, but a way of life. Each sketch created for another person became an act of love for the art. I knew that this was what I truly wanted to do.
Over time, my father noticed the changes in my mood. I became more confident and happier, and soon he began asking what I was engaged in. I gathered my courage and decided to tell him the truth about my passion for tattooing. Despite his initial bias, he slowly began to see how this activity filled me with energy and joy. In the end, he agreed to support me on this new path.
Now I am a tattoo artist and the winner of a tattoo convention, eager to share my art with anyone who wants to permanently express their emotions on their skin. I pour my soul into every tattoo because I know how important it is to do what you love. Finding your purpose isn’t always easy, but I am glad that I ultimately found mine in drawing, tattooing, and self-expression.
So, if you are looking for a tattoo artist who can convey your thoughts and feelings through art, I am always ready to help! Do what you love and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Over the years of working as a tattoo artist, the technical process of applying tattoos has become more of a routine task for me. What truly excites me is the creation of unique designs. I have immersed myself in studying composition and various stylistic techniques that can enhance future tattoos. I would like to learn as much as possible about the art of composition, contrast, color, and light to make my tattoos even better and more beautiful.
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?
The first quality is discipline and diligence. This can be referred to as the skill of acquiring the skill itself.
When you’re doing what you love, discipline doesn’t require as much effort as when you’re working on something you’re not passionate about. However, even in a beloved pursuit, there are moments of dull routine or tasks that don’t inspire you. During these times, it’s important to summon your willpower.
The benefit is that if you truly enjoy the activity, over time, you will enter a creative flow, and the work will start to bring you joy. Discipline is only crucial at the beginning of the process to overcome initial barriers and find your rhythm.
The second quality is the courage to embrace new experiences, even in the face of mistakes and failures. It’s important to accept yourself as a beginner and to show curiosity and interest, rather than fear or shame for your imperfections. Trying and trying again is ultimately what leads to success and mastery. In a way, experience is the sum of the mistakes you’ve made, and each disappointment becomes a step towards achieving your goal.
The third aspect that has helped me is an inspiring environment that has always supported and motivated me. When you are surrounded by passionate and goal-oriented people, their energy and drive for success propel you forward. You simply cannot stay still when everyone around you is creating, innovating, and striving for meaningful goals. So, surround yourself with those who share your values and aspirations. Put yourself in such an environment, and you’ll notice how it will naturally move you ahead.
In conclusion, I would advise everyone who is just starting their journey to pay attention to developing these three qualities: discipline, courage, and environment. They will help you navigate challenges and achieve success on your path.
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?
My ideal client is someone who truly enjoys what I create. If, looking at my work, they think, “Cool!”, then we will find common ground. If the client likes my art, it indicates that we are on the same wavelength and can become partners in the process of creating their tattoo.
When they trust me as their artist, it allows me to offer my ideas more freely and confidently. In such an atmosphere, the client entrusts themselves to my hands, knowing that I will not let them down and will strive to deliver the highest quality work. I aim for the result to bring them joy and inspiration every day.
Ultimately, the ideal relationship with a client is built on trust and mutual understanding, which makes each tattoo unique and special.
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