From an accomplished fine arts educator to a seasoned tattoo artist, Nurullah Aydın embodies the rare intersection of academic discipline and contemporary realism. With over a decade behind the machine and nearly three decades in the classroom, his approach to tattooing is grounded in deep artistic understanding, technical precision. In this interview, he opens up about Turkey’s evolving tattoo culture, the philosophy behind his Color and Black & Grey Realism, and the rigorous creative process that defines his work.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Nurullah Aydın. I have been in the tattoo industry for 13 years and have been working as an art teacher at a state institution for 26 years. I consider tattooing a true branch of art, and I take great pleasure in every type of work I create in this field.
Where can clients find you?
I continue my work in İzmir, Turkey, at my own studio called DaVinci Tattoo.
How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as someone who loves his job, takes it very seriously, never sees his current level as sufficient, and is always open to growth and innovation, constantly striving to improve himself.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Turkey today?
In the last 7–8 years, the tattoo industry in my country has developed significantly and is growing rapidly. At least three or four tattoo conventions are organized every year, where artists from all around the world meet and interact with local artists. Additionally, there is strong participation from our country in international tattoo conventions, allowing us to follow new trends closely and bring them back to Turkey.
Where does your interest in tattoos come from?
My interest in tattoos started thanks to a tattoo artist friend of mine. Our close friendship eventually led me into the industry.
What does getting a tattoo mean to you personally?
I see tattooing as a way to express great happiness, deep sorrow, grief, or sometimes emotions that cannot be easily expressed in words.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
After doing my first few tattoos, I realized how much I truly enjoyed the process. It gave me a different kind of satisfaction than painting on a canvas. That’s when I decided to continue tattooing professionally.
How did your family react when you started your tattoo career?
Since my family already knew about my background in art, they believed I would be successful in this field and supported me.
Did you receive apprenticeship training? What was the experience like?
I didn’t receive formal apprenticeship training. Honestly, I started by watching YouTube videos, and I practiced on synthetic skin with materials I ordered online.
What was your first tattoo like?
My first tattoo was a lettering piece I did for my wife’s friend. Even though the stencil wiped off quickly, my drawing skills saved me.
Do you often work as a guest artist? If so, what has that experience been like?
Since the day I started, I’ve always worked in my own studio environment.
What does your daily routine as a tattoo artist look like?
I work as an art teacher at a Fine Arts High School, so I go to school in the morning and teach my students. My classes finish around noon, after which I go to the gym. I usually schedule my tattoo appointments for after 6:00 PM, and I work on my clients from then on.
What’s one surprising thing about being a tattoo artist?
One surprising aspect is the popularity and respect you receive from people. This is not something you encounter often in many professions.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
I base the price on how much time the piece will take to complete.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Honestly, for me, there isn’t anything particularly challenging since we now have access to every possible resource.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part is when my work is greatly appreciated and praised, both verbally and in writing, that’s the best reward for what we do.
What tools and machines do you prefer?
My two go-to machines are the FK Irons EXO 4 stroke and the Ink Machine Cobra 2 3.5 stroke.
What’s the most important aftercare advice you give to your clients?
I always advise my clients to keep their tattoos very clean and moisturized.
How would you describe your current tattoo style, and how did you decide to focus on it?
Color realism and Black & Grey realism are my favorite styles. The recognition and appreciation my realistic works receive encourage me to focus even more on this area.
Could you walk us through the process of creating a new tattoo for a client?
Clients usually contact me through social media, and we meet on the appointment date. After a conversation to understand what they want, we enter a design process together. I keep communicating with the client during the design phase, this helps shape the design according to their wishes and helps me understand their expectations.
If I sense hesitation, I postpone the session and reschedule. If they’re confident, we set a time based on how long the tattoo will take. I also give pre-session instructions. During the appointment, I complete the work in a comfortable timeframe and provide detailed aftercare information. I also follow up remotely during the healing process.
How do you maintain your creative inspiration?
I constantly follow and study world-class tattoo artists and analyze their creative compositions. I collect references for designs and always carry my drawing tablet with me so I can create ideas anywhere for myself or my clients. I also research deeply before working on a new design.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
Everything beautiful provides aesthetic pleasure. If I can transform a client’s request into a more aesthetic suggestion, they usually love it and are easily convinced.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I’m interested in almost all styles. I follow them closely and study them in depth because each has its own discipline.
What is the least known tattoo style?
In my country, almost all styles are known, but abstract tattoos are the least preferred.
What is the most overrated tattoo style?
Definitely color realism!
Are there any tattoos you wouldn’t want to do?
Probably Ornamental tattoos.
Do you have any sponsors? If so, what can you tell us about them?
I have a sponsor for aftercare products, a brand called Lady Witch. Their products are mostly natural, and their glide is excellent. I believe sponsors are essential for the growth of this industry, and every artist should have a few.
Is tattoo ethics really important to you?
The human body is extremely valuable. Since we are working on a living canvas, it’s essential that the work we do is ethical.
What’s your favorite way to keep learning as a tattoo artist?
My favorite and most enjoyable way to learn is being around many successful artists, that’s something I achieve by attending at tattoo conventions.
Do you enjoy teaching or mentoring future artists?
Yes, I really enjoy it. I actively teach at an academy focused on Color Realism.
What’s the best advice you’ve received to improve your tattoo technique?
Learning about the right color palette and material knowledge were among the most valuable tips for me.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By never compromising on quality and staying visible and active.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
It’s all about how they see and approach details.
What do you think about society’s increasing acceptance of tattoos?
Familiarity, combined with the fact that tattoos are now seen as both aesthetic and powerful forms of expression, has made society more accepting of them.
What’s the biggest misconception clients might have about tattoos?
I haven’t really encountered any major misconceptions from my clients.
What’s the biggest trend you’ve noticed in the tattoo world over the last 5 years?
People now believe that any image they see can be turned into a tattoo. Thanks to social media, they see tattoos from all over the world, at all quality levels, and their expectations have risen.
What do you think about the rise of AI in tattooing?
If used correctly, it can bring a new perspective to the industry by helping create visuals for emotions that are hard to express, making life easier for both artists and clients.
What would you change about the tattoo industry?
I would like to see quality and application standards introduced to all tattoo studios, with regular inspections.
Are you working on any other projects within the tattoo industry?
Not at the moment, but I will in the future.
Do you engage in other art forms besides tattooing?
As I mentioned, I’m an art teacher, so I create my own paintings and sometimes exhibit them in solo shows or art fairs both in Turkey and abroad.
Who are the people you admire most in the tattoo community?
Dmitriy Samohin 👌
How has your experience been at tattoo conventions so far?
I’ve participated in conventions with many successful artists. These events give me a chance to present and showcase myself, meet new people, and observe the techniques and experiences of other artists.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
I study the past editions of the event and the profiles of participating artists. I design a piece specifically for that convention. Once I find a model suitable for my design, I prepare the necessary tools and materials. I also prepare my booth setup to represent myself and my studio.
What’s the main reason you participate in tattoo conventions?
To showcase my art in different places, introduce myself, and network with other artists. It’s also a great way to discover new techniques and styles that can help me improve.
What has been your favorite tattoo convention so far, and why?
The 2025 World of Ink Tattoo Convention in Poland. Because of the quality of participating artists, the attention to detail in the organization, and the support provided for artists.
Have you ever participated in a tattoo competition? Please mention any awards.
- Istanbul Tattoo Convention 2019 – 2nd place in Color Realism
- Istanbul Tattoo Convention 2024 – 2nd place in Color Realism
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
No, I don’t.
How do you think conventions can be improved for both artists and the public?
Conventions are places where artists present their best work live to the public. The audience gets the chance to watch and meet top artists in person, which changes their perception of tattoo art. Artists, on the other hand, get a larger platform to showcase themselves.
Has there been a special moment that significantly boosted your career?
Yes. Winning an award for an Ivar portrait I did at the 2019 Istanbul Tattoo Convention greatly increased my recognition and popularity.
Is there a tattoo you’ve done that you’re particularly proud of?
Not a specific one, but all the colorful tattoos I’ve done at festivals are works I’m very proud of.
What do you consider your greatest achievement as a tattoo artist?
Creating pieces at festivals that are highly appreciated by the public.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a tattoo artist?
I would definitely recommend having an endless passion and desire to learn.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To participate in tattoo conventions around the world as much as possible, promote myself everywhere, meet many artists, gain more experience, and share that knowledge with other artists.
What kind of legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
I want to bring a new perspective to tattoo art, make learning easier for young artists, and develop application techniques to leave as a legacy.
Lastly, what is your final message to our readers?
Tattooing is like an endless love, both creating and wearing it will always bring us infinite pleasure.
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