We met with one of the artists at ‘Mona Lissa’ studio in LA and asked him how he manages to excel in the refinement of the Realistic and the use of colors.
Sasha, can you tell me a little about yourself? What was the spark as a teenager that made you realize that tattooing would be your main path?
The spark came when I got my first tattoo I guess. Tattooing quickly became my main path due to its unique blend of artistry and storytelling.
Yours is a Realistic style that turns human skin into a kind of photographic film. How do you achieve such perfection besides talent and hard work?
It requires a lot of things – passion for what you are doing first of all. Then attention to details, suitable reference images, advanced tattooing techniques, proper equipment, continuous learning, effective client collaboration etc.
I think one of your absolute strengths is your use and choice of color, which is often really bright and magnetic within your work. This process (choosing the palette, combining one ink with another etc) I imagine is also very challenging…
Indeed, selecting and blending colors in tattooing is a vital aspect of my work. It can be challenging but highly rewarding.
It involves a deep understanding of color theory, ink properties, and how colors interact with different skin tones.
It’s a process that requires both artistic intuition and technical expertise to achieve the desired results.
What is the artistic environment at ‘Monna Lissa’ in Los Angeles? Is it exciting for you to work there?
It’s incredibly exciting and inspiring. Being surrounded at ‘Monna Lissa’ tattoo studio (IG: @monna.lissa_) by talented artists is both motivating and fulfilling. We constantly push each other to excel, share creative ideas, and collaborate on projects. I feel fortunate to be part of such a dynamic and supportive community of artists.
How did you get involved with a company like World Famous? And tell me specifically about your RGBY Skin Tone Set and the four colors that make up that palette?
We got involved through my dedication to tattooing and WF high-quality pigments. I’m honored to have my signature set as part of their product line.
Human skin color is not a single, fixed hue, but a complex range of shades influenced by various factors.
So we created this set that can universally represent basic human skin tones in different lighting scenarios.
The palette consists of four boxes: Red (R), Green (G), Blue (B) and Yellow (Y). Mixing them with each other allows artists to create a diverse range of skin tones to achieve stunningly realistic effect.
Do you have plans for international tattoo conventions and guest spots between the end of 2023 and the beginning of the new year?
I can’t provide any specific details at the moment. I have already visited all the conventions I’ve planned this year, but I can always go somewhere spontaneously.
If you had one artistic dream, just one, to realize in 2024, what would it be?
I wish clients always say yes to my designs… (smiles)
