Tattoo Artist Spotlight: Misha Bardak
The Nuremberg Blackwork Artist Who Taught Himself Everything…Including When to Say No
Tattoo Artist Q&A:
What’s your name and how long have you been tattooing?
I’m Misha Bardak. I live and work in Nuremberg, Germany. I’ve been tattooing since 2014.
What got you into tattooing?
I was 14 years old when I got my first tattoo, and I wanted to try making one myself. I bought the cheapest tattoo kit online and, without any hygiene standards whatsoever, tattooed my friend on his heels. They wore off after 3 days :)
Did you start off as an apprentice? If so, what was that like?
I’m entirely self-taught.
What or who has been your inspiration?
The most important thing in tattooing is to seek inspiration outside the industry; otherwise, you’ll just be recycling an existing universe instead of creating your own.
Did you work in other mediums first or go straight to tattoos?
Tattooing was my very first job; I haven't done anything else professionally.
Do you work in other mediums now?
Yes, I do digital art.
Do you have a specific niche or style that you specialize in?
I specialize in blackwork, modern ornamental styles, and unusual visual directions.
How do you handle the pressure of knowing that when tattooing, it’s permanent…there’s no “undo” button.
I don't feel any pressure. A tattoo isn't forever — it's just until the end of your life :)
Some tattoo styles seem to come and go, is there one style that’s gone away that you miss?
If a style goes out of fashion, it will just return in 10 years wearing a t-shirt of a different color and shape. Fashion is cyclical, so there's nothing to miss.
Has there ever been a tattoo request that you’ve refused to do?
I take on almost everything because every experience is interesting. However, I will refuse tattoos that convey bad or foolish ideas. For instance, I won't do stupid facial text tattoos on young people or anything similar.
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?
Both options work for me, but I prefer creating the designs myself.
You’ve probably heard a lot of back-stories “behind the tattoo”, is there one story about a tattoo that you’ve done that’s stuck with you?
There was a very funny/silly story. I was working on a very large tattoo for a guy featuring Roman numerals for 9 (IX). When the tattoo was almost finished, I asked him, "Why 9?" He replied that his best friend had passed away 9 years ago. I said, "Well, next year it’s going to be 10..." He just went, "Fuck."
Aside from that story, do you have a favorite tattoo that you’ve done?
All the tattoos I've done on my wife are my favorites.
What's the worst advice you hear given to new artists?
Bad advice comes from bad people. Look for good mentors and don't waste your time on idiots.
Aside from the actual drawing, what’s a skill a tattoo artist needs that people don't realize? What challenges do tattoo artists face?
You need to genuinely love people and know how to communicate with them, without being arrogant. Many tattoo artists don't even know the name of the person sitting right in front of them. As a tattoo artist, you have to be a psychologist, videographer, photographer, and manager all at once. Being a multi-talented creator is our lifestyle, and you shouldn't be afraid of it.
Please Follow Misha on Instagram
