Today we have the pleasure to present a true Tattoo Master who has hugely influenced the tattoo community with his signature Bio-Organic Horror tattoo style. Let’s get to know more about Stepan!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Stepan Negur. I have been tattooing for 20 years, and for the past 9 years, I have specialized in organic style.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I have loved drawing since childhood and experimented with different materials and techniques. I tried drawing with pencils, charcoal, ink, pastels, and paints. Furthermore, I dabbled in graffiti, wood burning, and even wanted to try airbrushing. One day, I discovered tattoos. This art form fascinated me because the human body was the canvas, and the tool was a needle. This way of creating images seemed like a mystical ritual that transformed the spirit of the person receiving the tattoo. It felt significant, and I was captivated.
How and when did you start tattooing?
It happened almost by accident. It was 2004, and I was 14 years old. A friend of mine learned how to make a tattoo machine and decided to build one at home out of boredom. This primitive device was made from a bent spoon, a CD player motor, a sharpened guitar string, and a pen barrel. When I saw it, I immediately asked to test it. Later, I made my own machine and started tattooing anyone willing. That’s how it all began.
Where are you based?
Currently, I am mostly based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
How did you develop into your own tattoo style?
At first, I did everything. I just loved the process. Gradually, I wanted to take on more complex and interesting projects. One day, I got my hands on a tattoo magazine, where I saw various styles and a high level of quality that I had never imagined before. The realistic “3D” tattoos caught my attention the most. I thought it was the most challenging direction in tattooing and decided to pursue it. During the first years of my professional career (2010-2014), I focused on realism. But then someone asked me to do a sleeve in an organic style. I liked this style and decided to try it. Then another person requested organic, and then another. Soon, clients started coming to me specifically for organic tattoos. It turned out that not many artists specialized in this style, and I was quite good at it. Eventually, this style became my specialization.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your creations?
Nature has always been my main source of inspiration. The interesting shapes and textures of trees, corals, mollusks, fish, insects, and the macro world are fascinating to me.
What’s the working process to develop tattoos for your clients?
I do not prepare designs in advance. I create and draw each design directly on the client’s body on the day of the session, taking all their wishes into account.
You are sponsored by very high profile tattoo brands as Cheyenne. What’s your experience working with Cheyenne machines?
I have been working with Cheyenne since 2012. These machines revolutionized the tattoo industry, and I continue to use them because they are the best choice for me.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
Nowadays, the hardest part is promoting yourself on social media and creating content. I remember when you only needed to do good tattoos to gain recognition and respect. But at some point, social media changed its algorithms. Now, being a good artist isn’t enough. You need to make beautiful videos, speak to the camera, and try to catch the attention of the scrolling audience. This system also allows many artists who are not very skilled at drawing but can create appealing videos to gain popularity. I wasn’t prepared for this. I just wanted to draw and never liked being on camera. But everything changes, and you have to adapt.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Besides the fascinating process of creating tattoos, the most rewarding part is seeing my clients happy and satisfied with the results. It gives life a sense of meaning.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have been participating in tattoo conventions since 2012. These events allow me to meet colleagues, exchange experiences, and showcase my work to a broader audience.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
My first tattoo convention was in Moscow in 2012. It was a memorable moment in my career because I won 3rd place in the black-and-white tattoo category.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Conventions are a unique platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas, allowing you to grow and develop in the profession.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
So far, the most memorable festivals for me have been in Langfang and Milan. These events stood out for their high level of organization, amazing atmosphere, and the opportunity to meet many talented artists from around the world. In the future, I plan to attend festivals in New York, Canada, and other major events to continue expanding my experience and horizons.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
If you’re considering trying tattooing and are genuinely interested, definitely give it a shot. Let it start as a hobby and see where it leads. For many well-known artists, including myself, it all began as a hobby. Eventually, it turned into something meaningful and became a way of life.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
The list is long. Dozens and dozens of names. I constantly find new interesting tattoo artists and start following them on Instagram. I can name a few who particularly inspired me early in my career and continue to do so: Pavel Angel, Paul Booth, Victor Portugal, Den Yakovlev, Markus Lenhard (luxaltera).
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I believe I was the first to combine greywash and color. While such works might have existed before, I don’t recall seeing them. I made the combination of greywash and colored inks my distinctive feature, especially my “bio-glow” which became my signature style. My works are easily recognizable among many others in the same style. This led to a rise in followers and imitators worldwide. My works have significantly influenced the tattoo community and culture. I brought something new to this culture and inspired many tattoo artists to bring their unique contributions. This, I believe, is my greatest achievement. But to be honest, no one creates something genuinely new out of nothing. We are all inspired by someone or something. The main secret is to take a little from various sources and skillfully combine, digest, and transform it into something completely new. Apparently, I managed to do that.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
In my free time, I paint with oils. Unfortunately, I currently don’t have the opportunity, but I will definitely return to it.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My main goal now is to establish my new life and find my place. I might open my own studio in the future and try doing tattoos differently, like creating fully colored organic tattoos. It’s important to try new things.
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