Kunst, die unter die Haut geht – Tattoos von David Francia
 
 
How did you discover your passion for tattooing, and what inspired you to make it your career?
I was always an active child. I practiced karate for eight/nine years, learned Latin dances, and did breakdancing alongside school. When financial difficulties forced me to stop everything in high school, I felt a deep void. I grew up during the Nu-Metal era, which introduced new music, fashion, and thinking styles. It was a generation questioning superficiality, wars, and oppression. Music has always greatly impacted me, leading me to explore art. Few people know, but I did graffiti for many years! I wanted to attend art school, but my family discouraged me, saying it wasn’t a real profession. I eventually studied electrotechnics, but life guided me back to art. I wanted to create a small world of my own, where I could hide, and the rest is history.

How would you define your tattooing style, and what makes it unique?
 My style is Blackwork, combining large black surfaces, sketch/trash elements, realism, and organic textures. It's hard to define, but "surreal organic trash blackwork" might fit.

Which artists or styles have influenced your work the most?
Many tattoo artists inspire me, including Borbás, Mozorov, Julian, and Moriel, to name a few. Music has a major impact on me, as well as folklore, legends, movies, real-life situations, and even the dark and whimsical aspects of the human mind. I draw inspiration from all areas of life and try to reflect that in my work.

What’s the most meaningful or challenging tattoo you’ve ever done, and why?
It’s impossible to choose one. Every tattoo has its own beauty and technical challenges. Each piece is close to my heart.

How do you handle the emotional connection between a client and their tattoo?
Every tattoo is a decision, a story, and an emotion. I love it when tattoos have meaning or symbolism. It’s an honor when a client trusts me with their story and allows me to create something for them. Often, I can relate to their stories, and it’s motivating to know that the person who enters my studio is not the same as the one who leaves—not just because they have new ink, but because something inside them has changed.

What is your process for designing a custom tattoo for a client?
First, I gather as much information as possible about what and why the client wants a specific design. This helps me dive deeper into its symbolism and be more creative. It helps if the client points out which of my works they like, ensuring we create something we both love. I’m not the kind of artist who sends sketches days before the appointment, but I still manage to match the client’s expectations 90% of the time.

What’s your take on how the art of tattooing has evolved in recent years?
When I started in Serbia, tattooing wasn’t considered a real profession and remained underground. Nowadays, many people get into tattooing because they see it as easy money. After COVID, fine-line tattoo artists multiplied, and many started selling educational seminars. While sharing knowledge is great, a lot of it is just about generating profit. Social media has created trends where people tattoo while skateboarding, pour ink into people’s mouths or even urinate on walls to create abstract stencils. Sex-sell content is often disguised as feminism. This is a new wave I don’t wish to ride, or maybe I’m just too old for it. Tattooing has become mainstream and oversaturated, making it harder to stand out. I’m curious to see what the future holds.

What advice would you give to someone considering their first tattoo?
Every tattoo starts with a decision. If you’ve decided to get one, think about what style you want on your skin and find an artist comfortable in that style. Always check their portfolio. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—ask the artist, not a “tattoo expert” friend or neighbor! Don’t bargain—this isn’t a marketplace! Most importantly, trust your tattoo artist! And remember, good, fast, and cheap tattoos don’t exist.

What are your goals or future projects as a tattoo artist?
I don’t have grand ambitions—I just want to create larger, more complex tattoos. I don’t seek fame; I just want to be a stable tattoo artist who produces timeless work. The biggest challenge in this career is balancing technical and mental growth. Tattooing is a lifelong journey, and I’m focused on improving as an artist and person every day.