A difficult start in Bulgaria but also a lot of perseverance to bring his art to France and see it shine at the ‘681 Tattoos’ that he runs with his wife Morgane.
Teodor, you started tattooing in Bulgaria, in 2000, and then from 2004, when you arrived in France, everything changed for you…
Yes, I started tattooing in April 2000 in Bulgaria, my home country. At the beginning of my journey, I was still in school, juggling my studies with my passion for tattooing. Once I finished my studies, I made the difficult decision to leave my country and move to France to have better opportunities to refine my craft.
And then what happened?
I arrived in late 2004 and started working in a studio shortly after. After several years working in different cities and studios across the country, I decided to settle permanently in Lyon and open my own shop (IG: @681tattoosshop) alongside my wife, Morgane (IG: @681holly).
Everything changed for me here! I had the opportunity to meet many artists from whom I learned a great deal thanks to their help and advice. I met tattoo artists such as Julien Thibers (IG: @julienthibers) and Alix Gecele (IG: @alixge.tattoo) who are prominent figures in the French tattoo scene and have since become friends. I participated in numerous conventions with them, allowing me to meet even more artists from around the world and greatly enriching my experience.
France was highly developed artistically, and I would never have had this opportunity if I had not left my home country.
Why Black and Grey Realism to give visibility and substance to your art?
I primarily work in Black and Grey, as this is what my clients request the most. I didn’t really choose this path; it happened naturally over the years. In the beginning, I explored all styles, as versatility was essential at the time. After years of practice, research, and personal development, I eventually found my path in Black and Grey Realism.
What I particularly love are strong contrasts and the interplay of light and shadow, reminiscent of classical painters who have always inspired me. Through experience, I learned to use more and more pure black in my designs and to make my compositions as legible as possible. I appreciate simplicity and effectiveness in tattoo readability.
Every now and then explicit Oriental influences become part of your works: why? Would you like to tattoo more in that style too?
My oriental influence comes from my travels. The first time I visited Japan was in 2012 for the ‘King of Tattoo’ convention (IG: @king_of_tattoo_japan) in Tokyo. There, I discovered a different culture and a unique approach to tattooing. It was an opportunity to meet incredibly talented artists. Each visit to Japan has been a huge source of inspiration and has helped me in my work. I started to rethink my Realistic compositions, aiming to create simple and effective designs that would stand the test of time, much like Japanese compositions, while maintaining the Realism of my subjects.
I’ve had the chance to create several Japanese-style tattoos, and I would love to do more in this style.
Who was the greatest mentor in Bulgaria first and then in France? And if we talk about art in general (not only tattoo art), is there an artist from the past that you would have liked to see at work?
In Bulgaria at the time, there were very few tattoo studios, and finding an apprenticeship was difficult. Whenever I had the chance, I would observe fellow artists working in their studios. My idol and mentor has always been Robert Hernandez (IG: @roberthernandeztattoos), by far the most complete artist in our industry. I discovered his work in tattoo magazines like your Tattoo Life, which we always received a year late in Bulgaria.
I never imagined I would one day meet Robert Hernandez, let alone tattoo alongside him in my own shop.
That was one of the greatest moments of my career. I have been influenced by many tattoo artists who have shaped our profession. Unsurprisingly, artists such as Filip Leu, Paul Booth (IG: @paulbooth), and Guy Aitchison (IG: @guyaitchisonart), as well as painters like Caravaggio and Salvador Dalí, have all impacted my approach to tattooing.
Can you tell me about your studio in Lyon, ‘681 Tattoos’? Why that number, 681, in particular?
My studio, ‘681 Tattoos’ (IG: @681tattoosshop), takes its name from the year Bulgaria was founded – 681. It’s a tribute to my origins.
Tell me everything about ‘681 Tattoos’…
We are currently a team of six at the shop: our manager, Mathilde, and five tattoo artists: Morgane (IG: @681holly), Mirfin (IG: @mirfin681), Jade (IG: @jadetaupenas), Angel (IG: @angel_mihov_tattoo), and myself (IG: @teomilev). It’s a great number, allowing for smooth management and a balanced team with three men and three women. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the team is versatile.
Do you feel like a bit of a talent scout?
A talent scout? I do recognize potential in people and know how to guide them to bring out their best. I have trained several tattoo artists in my shop, each with their own personality and learning pace. Some learn quickly, while others need structure or flexibility. I am proud of what they have accomplished today.
And your last famous words are… ?
From my difficult beginnings in tattooing, I have never stopped working hard. With determination and sacrifice, I built a great team, a beautiful studio, and, more recently, a tattoo convention in my own city: ‘The Ink Factory’ in Lyon (IG: @theinkfactorylyon). This event brings together over 300 artists from around the world every year. Morgane (IG: @@681holly) and I are currently preparing for the 6th edition, which will take place at the iconic Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon from September 19 to 21. To conclude, a phrase that truly resonates with me: “Work more, talk less!”
