Mazacio (read Mazačio) is a tattoo artist and graphic designer and a new addition to the hell family. If you like drawings, comics and illustrations, Mazacio is the tattoo artist for you.
People already know you as an illustrator, how did you get into it in the first place?
In art high school we were taught drawing and painting, we didn't use much of a computer, so you got your hands on technology. Then I got to the High Graphic Design, where I did graphics again. I've always been more of a drawing, so I tried to use drawing in graphics when I could. Well, so I became an illustrator.
How does a graphic designer decide to pick up a tattoo machine?
I got into tattoos when my classmates started tattooing. Suddenly, it started to look nice. It seems to me that with hipster culture, tattooing has become a real art. It no longer means that whoever has a tattoo sat in the base. That's when I really started to be interested. Then someone lent me a tattoo machine. The machine was absolutely horrible and the tattooed orange didn't turn out very well either, but I told myself that I would not give a first impression and I went for it to the fullest. I bought my own machine and started tattooing oranges and bananas.
And when did you exchange fruit for human skin?
After about three months. First, my sister went under the needle. Fortunately, I have a terribly tolerant family, so gradually I tattooed them all. I really enjoy tattoos. On the one hand, I will finally find a place for what I have always enjoyed. I've been drawing in notebooks all my life, and now I finally have the opportunity to use it somewhere. I also have contact with people, which I missed as an illustrator working from home.
So you enjoy tattooing things that you've been drawing since time immemorial?
Before, I never thought I could be a tattoo artist. I didn't draw any of that with that idea. I love working with a pencil, it's a versatile tool. That's what I enjoy translating into tattoos.
When you're designing a tattoo, do you approach it differently than drawing?
The main thing is that it must fit on a given part of the body cleanly. So I don't make designs in landscape, but in portrait. I also want no line to merge with another. What works on paper doesn't necessarily work on the skin.
Where would you like to develop your tattoo style?
Now I combine the tattoo with black with one more color. One extra color will complement and highlight it well. In the future, it is possible that I will combine this illustrator's style with elements of realism or geometry. I really like full photorealism, but I wouldn't have the nerve to do it.
Do you prefer to make suggestions in advance and tattoo them with the person who applies for them, or do you work with the client from the beginning?
I definitely prefer to work with the client. I believe people come to me because they know what I'm doing, they like my tattoos and they want my work on their skin. Not because I'm the tattoo machine person they know. My favourite thing is when the client is involved in the design from the beginning. I don't like it when a client comes completely without imagination and just wants to "tattoo something".
