Tattoo Artist Q&A
What's your name (and studio name/location), how long have you been tattooing?
My name is Ashish Gupta, I run Scream Zone Tattoo out of Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Been tattooing for over 10 years now, started as an apprentice and built it up from there.
What got you into tattooing?
I was always drawing as a kid, and later learned professional sketching | depth, realism, lighting and shading techniques - which I could transfer into tattooing. But tattooing is a whole different responsibility and thrill compared to paper - this is permanent art on someone's skin.
Did you work in other mediums first or go straight to tattoos? What else do you like to create?
I sketched and did pencil portraits before tattooing. Still do it sometimes when I need to slow down and just create without the pressure of skin being involved.
When you were starting out, who were some artists that inspired you?
Mostly local artists I apprenticed under, honestly. Watching them handle difficult skin types and tricky placements taught me more than any online tutorial did.
How do you handle the pressure of knowing that when tattooing, it's permanent…there's no "undo" button?
You get used to it, but never fully comfortable - which is good. That pressure is what makes you double-check placement, line weight, everything, before the needle even touches skin.
Do you have a specific niche or style that you specialize in?
Fine line and realism portrait mostly. I like linework that ages well, not just looks good and fresh.
Do you prefer clients who come with a finished idea, or ones who give you a vague concept and let you run with it? Do most clients give you freedom to be creative?
Vague concepts are actually more fun - gives me room to design around their body instead of just copying a reference. Most clients do trust the process once we talk it through.
Was there ever a tattoo that you turned down, and why?
Yeah, a few times - usually when someone wants something on their hands or neck as their very first tattoo. I'd rather they start somewhere they can hide if needed, and come back later if they're sure.
do you have a favorite tattoo that you've done?
A calf mandala - took multiple sessions, but watching it come together slowly was satisfying in a way single-session tattoos aren't.
Aside from the actual drawing, what's a skill a tattoo artist needs that people don't realize?
Reading the client's comfort level. Half the job is making someone relax enough that their skin isn't tense while you're working.
Visit: ScreamZoneTattoo.com
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