We are always excited to highlight tattoo artists with years of dedication to their craft. Today, we’re pleased to introduce Igor Colovic, a Serbian-born tattoo artist who has been perfecting the art of realism and surrealism tattoos for over a decade.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi. I am Igor Colovic, 30 years old, born in Serbia. I am a very open person, happy to meet new people and always make everyone smile. Spread the good energy, that is something that would characterize me very well.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
It probably starts with the classic story of most of the tattoo artists out there: passion for art, in any form. For me it started with drawing and painting murals. After that, tattooing felt like the right medium to continue to express myself and also to have a career that would offer me the feeling of being on the right path in life.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I had some friends by this point that were already into the industry and that helped me to have an inside look on how some things work. From there on, I took the reigns myself and I started tattooing at home on the side while also having a full-time normal job. It was a tough period of time, with many, many hours of work and very little sleep. Around that time my first daughter was born as well, but that motivated me even more to push the career as a tattoo artist, and slowly I could see myself getting better. At around 3 years in, I took the next step and opened my own tattoo studio and from there one everything went only up.
Where are you based?
I am currently based in Vienna, Austria.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in (your country) these days?
The tattoo scene is pretty much like any other country out there. Different tattoo artists with different styles. I would say that generally the scene is dominated by realism and traditional tattoos.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Generally my style would be defined by realism with a touch of surrealism. I like to give special attention to how the light defines my compositions, and I always follow the anatomy of the clients to give the feeling that the tattoos belong on the body.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
By far the projects that give me the most satisfaction and big projects. Probably because when I have a big area to cover, my brain explodes with ideas and it is also quite of a challenge, a challenge which I am always happy to take on. The satisfaction at the end, after all those long sessions and hard work is always something that makes me proud.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I am generally inspired by nature, but it is difficult to pinpoint a source of inspiration in tattooing. It could come from the personality of my clients, the mental state that I have at the moment or even a photo that I saw that sticks into my mind.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Generally I think the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist, not only in 2025, is the work hours. The extra days of work and the toll that it takes on my life outside of work.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
That feeling at the end, when a tattoo is finished, that feeling of being proud of the work that I put in. That and the feeling that I am always getting better.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I think conventions are an excellent opportunity for every artist to meet other artists, to share their skills and passion through the art they create. Behind all the beautiful moments so far, there was hard work for me. An opportunity to compete with better artists than myself. And enjoyed even that. :)
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Of course, I remember the first convention in my life. At the same time, it was one of the most beautiful moments that I will remember forever. Although I wanted to apply myself, I was preempted by a call from Michael Murolo. He offered me to attend the convention in Rome in 2022, and I took that as a sign that I should definitely go there. I managed to win first place in my category “Black and White”! It was a big turning point in my career and the art I was creating. From that moment on, my consciousness went to a higher level. Those are the moments that I simply cannot forget.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Tattoo conventions generally mean for me a way to connect to the people that are part of the industry. It’s the place to share ideas and take in honest criticism. It could also be very well the place where my work is recognized by a jury as being one of the best, but that is not necessarily a main motivation, just a nice thing when it happens.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Take it easy, step by step. It is a journey more than anything and the journey can get very difficult, but in the end, it is all worth it. Keep your head up and never stop learning and keep yourself dedicated to making the best tattoo, every time.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
There are many artists who simply push the boundaries in some different directions. I would not like to mention only a few of them, so as not to offend the others. I think that I admire the people who do what they love the most, and what they are simply made to do in this life. And even more those who are ready to share their unconditional love with the world, in this case through their art.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Having the opportunity and freedom to create art on someone’s body. Being able to incorporate something into my design that will remind my client of something beautiful/important/useful. Which will have a great meaning in his life. What they will wear on their skin with pride.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
In addition to tattooing, I paint and draw. I write various things from time to time, and in the past it was also songs. By profession, before tattooing, I was also a graphic designer. So my range of expression as an artist is very wide.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Create even more art with love, and find a way to make it even better, more beautiful, more meaningful, more magical.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Life begins when you discard wrong beliefs and programs. When you find yourself! When you find light and boundless love within yourself! Only then does life make sense. And only then do we begin to create a world in which everyone would like to live.
WE ARE ALL ONE. ONE LOVE!
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