We are very proud to present today the first interview with a Lebanese artist: please meet Ali Hijazi. Ali’s career has taken him from Beirut to conventions and guest spots across the globe. Known for his versatility and dedication, Ali creates tattoos in several styles, including realism, neo-traditional, and Japanese. In this open and candid interview, he shares insights into his journey, inspirations, and the challenges of being a tattoo artist in 2025.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Ali Hijazi, a Lebanese tattoo artist based in Beirut, Hamra Main Street, working out of Alixztattoo Studio.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Lebanon these days?
The tattoo scene in Lebanon has grown immensely in recent years, it’s now a vibrant, thriving community.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Versatile.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattoos started when I was a kid. I would draw with ballpoint pens on my friends’ arms at school, turning them into my first “canvases.”
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
For me, tattoos are special because they’re the one piece of art you carry with you for life. That permanence makes them deeply meaningful.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
Coming from our culture, my family wasn’t initially supportive of my decision to become a tattoo artist. But as my work gained recognition and people began telling them how talented I was, their perspective changed.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
I’ve done guest spots in several countries including Nigeria, France, Italy, Jordan, Turkey, and more and I look forward to expanding that list in the future.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I usually determine pricing by the session, or per piece if it takes less than a full day, always agreed upon in advance.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The most challenging part of being a tattoo artist today is the high competition there are so many new artists emerging combined with the constant social media pressure to create content. Many clients are also deceived by overly photoshopped work online, which makes our job of earning trust even harder.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part is seeing a client’s idea transformed into a meaningful piece on their skin and the privilege of meeting so many different people while creating personal, lasting experiences with them.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I work with Cobra by Ink Machines paired with Kwadron cartridges, and I recommend Ink Trox second skin for the initial healing stage, followed by Hustle Butter.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I’m a versatile artist, working across styles like black and grey realism, neo-traditional, anime, Japanese, and geometric tattoos.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
When starting a new tattoo, I gather as much information as possible from the client references, style preferences, and personal meaning. We communicate closely to ensure the design is something we both feel proud of.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me architecture, landscapes, and cultural elements always spark creative ideas, especially in places like Italy.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
I prefer not to do micro-realism.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
Respect is a core value in my work we interact with people from all cultures and backgrounds, so keeping an open mind and understanding different tastes is essential.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
Tattooing is a lifelong learning process. I attend as many conventions as possible to observe and learn from elite international artists, and I invest in online seminars whenever I can.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
Be patient and focus on the details, especially towards the end of a tattoo.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
The biggest misconception about tattoos is that you’ll eventually get bored of them.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I believe AI will become a valuable and helpful tool in the tattoo industry.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Some of the artists I admire most are Benjamin Laukis, Victor Portugal, Dave Paulo, Dmitriy Samohin, and Levgen Knysh.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I’ve attended conventions such as Marmaris, Amsterdam, Milano, Mondial du Tatouage, London, and Athens. This year, I’ll be returning to Amsterdam and Marmaris.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
Recently, I participated in the Lebanon Tattoo Convention, where I completed a full back piece in just three days and won first place in the Black & Grey category.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
I’ve also enjoyed collecting tattoos from artists I admire, including Norm Loveletters and Levgen Knysh, and will be adding more to my collection.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
One of the tattoos I’m most proud of was my first attempt at color realism, it marked a major step forward in my career.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Never give up, practice relentlessly, and be patient.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My near-future goal is to travel more, do guest spots in new countries, and keep expanding my horizons.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
As a tattoo artist, I hope to leave behind a legacy of meaningful, high-quality work that continues to inspire both clients and fellow artists.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
Push your limits, stay humble, and never forget why you started. Tattooing is a journey enjoy every step, and always aim to make your next piece better than your last.
Leave A Comment