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Tattoos are more than just skin deep - they're a form of self-expression that can last a lifetime. The vibrant inks and the buzz of the tattoo machine make the entire experience even more alluring.
But, before we get into the details of the craft, let’s answer a quick question.
How many colours do you see in this Tattoo?
One of the recent designs by Danish
Most of us would be inclined to say 2. Some with a keen eye for detail might even say 3. But, you’ll be shocked to know that this tattoo has 4 colours! And to top it off, one of the colours is white.
Not possible, right?
But, it is.
This amazing piece of art was made by Danish Ahmed, a Chandigarh-based tattoo artist who is the owner and founder of Danish Tattooz House. He graciously agreed to share his journey and insights about the science and art behind tattoos. Let’s get started!
What was the inspiration behind becoming a tattoo artist?
“For me, it happened naturally. I’d always been interested in arts and took up tattooing as a hobby during my school days. I took a lot of classes all over India and by the end of my graduation, I had set up my studio and had a decent income coming in.”
“There’s nothing better than when your passion becomes your profession,” he mentioned.
Tell us a little bit about your first tattoo.
“I’d practised making tattoos on one of my friends’ machines using synthetic skin. Then, when the time came to try my skills on human skin, one of my cousins volunteered to be the first client. His ask was for a name tattoo,” recalls Danish. Now, almost a decade later, the tattoo is still adorning his cousin’s arm without the need for a touch-up or cover-up.
What is the process behind making a tattoo? Is there something that needs to be kept in mind at all times?
“Earlier people used to think it's just a machine with some ink which is used to make tattoos. But as time passed, our knowledge of the subject grew. Now artists and clients, are aware of the need for maintaining the hygiene of the setup,” said Danish.
There is a chance of getting some serious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, etc, if one’s wound gets infected due to improper hygiene.
He continued, “Tattoo-making is very similar to a medical procedure, just like an injection needle pierces your skin, so does the tattoo needle. Also, it’s not just the needle that needs to be changed, unlike popular belief.”
What is the science behind tattoos? How does getting a tattoo actually work?
The scientific aspect of tattooing is quite intriguing too.
“Our skin has 3 layers, the epidermis the dermis and the hypodermis. The ink for tattoos is deposited in the dermis layer. The depth at which the needle is inserted is important, as going too deep, to the hypodermis, can cause scarring while staying too shallow, near the epidermis, can cause the tattoo to fade quickly,” explained Danish.
He also emphasised that it is a fine balancing act, “the artist needs to find the sweet spot between the layers of the skin, where the needle should deposit the ink. And, this comes only with experience.”
Is there an ideal tattoo placement?
While many people would recommend places in your body where the chance of fat accumulation is less, Danish had a very interesting take.
“Let’s suppose you get a tattoo in your 20s, you flaunt it for 15 years or so. During your late 50s or 60s, it becomes a memory, something adventurous and fun.”
He believes that when you get a tattoo, you have a reason and a story behind it. As you age, your skin changes and so does the tattoo. It doesn’t have to look as perfect as it did the day you got it.
Once you get a tattoo, it becomes a part of you. A part that grows old with you.
What about colour tattoos? Are they any different from normal ones?
Danish described the science behind coloured tattoos with a very simple and effective explanation.
“Imagine you have two canvasses, a white and a brown one. Let’s say you paint a black line on both. The colour would pop more on the white canvas. Similar is the case with tattoos. On lighter skin tones, most of the colours would pop out more. While on deeper skin tones, no colour other than black would pop. This is the reason we majorly only see black tattoos on Indian skin tones.”
What is the most exciting part of your job?
“As long as I am getting to create something new, I am happy to spend hours on it.”
For Danish, the simple act of bringing someone’s story into a new and innovative design is enough to keep him going.
“Last year, I did a thumbprint tattoo design that generated quite a buzz, it was something fresh and I loved working on it. It’s not about the time spent on it or the detail, it's about the outcome.”
Do you have any favourite tattoos?
“Every tattoo is a favourite until it becomes common.”
After his thumbprint tattoo went viral and everyone wanted to get one for themselves, Danish yearned for an opportunity to create something fresh and out of the ordinary.
Speaking of new designs, how do you come up with those?
“Most of the time, clients help you with it. Today we have access to art from all across the world. So, clients bring in the design inspirations with their unique asks and we start working from there,” he explained.
How does it feel to see your work of art travel the world?
“That is the only beauty of tattoo art. People see your designs and want to recreate them, rather than us copying someone else’s designs,” says Danish.
Having Indian-made designs being replicated all over the world, is a feeling Danish cherishes the most.
In one word/sentence, what is the art of making tattoos for you?
With only one sentence, Danish summarises the feeling of having one’s passion as their profession, “Tattoo making, or even getting a tattoo, for me is a therapy.”
So, that was an insightful journey into the world of tattoo art. What did you find the most interesting?
Disclaimer: The information posted here represents the views and opinions of the interviewee and does not necessarily represent the views of PurpleBlue House.
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