A few days ago, we had the pleasure of working with a highly experienced Slovakian tattoo artist. He began his tattoo career with a distinct, realistic, and colorful NewSchool style, and he improved his technique with unshakable love and perseverance, converting skin into lively, stunning pieces of art. Let’s dive in!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello! I’m Furucz Misi from Slovakia. For 13 years, I’ve been brightening people’s skin with vibrant tattoos, particularly the colorful new school style. In my view, every tattoo should be lively and colorful because black and white are just too gray. My message to you: dare to choose colors!
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
Growing up, I was always surrounded by tattooed people, which really captured my imagination and inspired me. By the time I was 15 or 16, I couldn’t wait any longer, so I got my first tattoo done with a homemade tattoo machine by a friend. My first tattoo was a large, tribal design on my shoulder. At that time, I had no idea that I would make a living from this art, but to this day, it still brings a smile to my face whenever I look at it.
How and when did you start tattooing?
The guy who did my first tattoo somehow left his machine at my place. A few months went by, and he still hadn’t come back for it, so I thought, Why not give myself a smiley face tattoo? Once I started, I couldn’t stop, and soon I was lining up my friends and tattooing them one by one. Looking back, I might have gotten a bit carried away. Guys, I hope you still like those old tattoos!
Where are you based?
I live in Slovakia, but I don’t have my own studio because I enjoy variety. I work as a guest tattoo artist, which means I rotate through many different studios. Most often, you can find me in Germany, but I frequently visit Spain and the Netherlands as well. Each country has its own unique tattoo culture, which provides me with a wealth of inspiration. Plus, I love the opportunity to work alongside other tattoo artists and meet new people.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
Some might not agree with me, but I believe that in Slovakia, the tattoo scene is still largely about copying. Many people want the designs they’ve seen on others. In contrast, I work exclusively with unique designs. I create personalized artwork for each of my clients because I believe that a tattoo should reflect an individual’s personality. I advise readers to choose a tattoo artist who is committed to originality and who works wholeheartedly in their clients’ best interests.
How would you define your tattoo style?
When it comes to style, newschool is definitely my favorite. I love vibrant, high-contrast colors and never shy away from using them boldly. The more colorful a tattoo, the better, in my opinion. This style allows me to express myself creatively and freely in each piece of work I undertake.
You seem to have an extremely well-curated Instagram page. How much does this impact your business?
Well, I must admit, I don’t feel entirely at home in the digital world, especially with Instagram, which remains somewhat of a mystery to me. As a result, you might notice that I’m not very active online. Sometimes, I feel like I’m trying to ride a bicycle on a busy highway. I’m making efforts to improve in this area because I know that having an online presence can be crucial for business success, but I still have a lot of room for growth in this aspect.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I find inspiration practically everywhere. The artistic creations of my colleagues, the vibrant worlds of animated films, urban graffiti on city walls, and the diverse cultures I encounter during my travels all fuel my creativity. These elements continuously inject new and exciting ideas into my work, enabling me to create fresh and unique tattoos.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
For me, the most significant challenge is keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital world. The speed of information flow and the variability of social media trends are real tests. I try to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and adapt to the digital environment, but sometimes it feels like I’m trying to stay afloat in a whirlpool.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Every day ends on a high note for me because I’m doing what I truly love: tattooing and enhancing people’s skin. I also get to work alongside incredible artists and meet fantastic clients every day. The most defining moments are when I see the satisfied smiles of my clients at the end of the day—those moments make me feel truly valuable in my work. Additionally, participating in tattoo contests, where the recognition from my peers and the awards won in various categories further fuel my love for my profession,. These successes and acknowledgments really energize me and fill me with pride.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Tattoo conventions are great for building connections with other artists and gathering plenty of inspiration. I love attending these events because they surround me with people who share the same passion for tattooing as I do. It feels like one big community coming together, united by our love for the arts. Additionally, these conventions offer a fantastic opportunity to learn new techniques and ideas from other artists, all while having a great time.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Oh, it feels like it was just yesterday! My first tattoo convention took place in Budapest in 2014. At the time, I was still relatively new to the scene, having only been tattooing for about 2–3 years, but I managed to secure third place in a competition. The excitement was indescribable, and that small success gave a huge boost to my career. That day was truly defining for me, and I always look back on it with joy.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
The primary reason I attend tattoo conventions is, undoubtedly, to win awards. Who doesn’t like to win, right? Receiving the ‘Best of Show’ award at the Venice Convention is an indescribable feeling. Securing the ‘Best of Day’ at the Evian, or even a third place in the ‘Best New School’ category at the Izmir Tattoo Festival, brings immense joy. Equally important to me is the opportunity to meet other tattoo artists and friends, whom I usually only get to see at these events. These gatherings bring new ideas and inspiration and provide a genuine sense of community.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Without a doubt, my favorite has been the Evian Tattoo Show. The organizers really go all out every year, always bringing something new and exciting to the table. The venue is enchanting, and while the event is not very large, this is exactly what creates its intimate atmosphere. The real charm, however, lies in the fact that it primarily gathers new school-style tattoo artists, who are also my personal favorites. Every year, I eagerly anticipate participating again, reconnecting with them, drawing fresh inspiration, and, of course, seeing the amazing new tattoos they’ve created.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you’re thinking about becoming a tattoo artist, first and foremost, you need persistence and humility. This is not an easy path. A lot of drawing is necessary; you should practically never put down your pencil. Successful tattoo artists all have their own unique styles, which can only be achieved through endless practice and determination. So don’t give up, stay persistent, and always strive for the highest standards in your work.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Well, if I were to list everyone I respect, it would be an endless list! But to name just a few: Victor Chil, Jamie Ris, James Tattooart, Timmy B., Lehelperspectiv, Igor Mitrenga, and Levgen Knysh. These artists have had a profound impact on me; I have learned the most from them. Their works inspire me, and I deeply appreciate their artistry, which has helped shape my own style.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Throughout my career, my greatest achievements include the awards I’ve won at international tattoo conventions. I am particularly proud of a few standout successes: In 2017, I won ‘Best of Show’ at the Venezia Tattoo Convention. At the Leuven International Tattoo Convention, I triumphed in two categories, securing first place in both ‘Best of Healed’ and ‘Best Large Color’. In Rome, at the Urban Land Tattoo Expo, I topped the ‘Best of New School’ category. These victories have all reinforced that I am on the right path. Additionally, I’d like to highlight the support of my sponsors, without whom these heights could not have been reached. I am grateful for their support, which allows me to continuously develop and flourish in this wonderful profession.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My goal is to continue winning numerous awards and to travel to even more places around the world. I really want to work with even more tattoo artists, as I learn something new from each artist I meet. I am eager to travel the world and understand how different cultures perceive and practice tattooing. I believe that every new person I work with brings fresh inspiration and ideas, which contribute to my professional development and help me continuously innovate in my art.
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