Jaroslaw Jalowiecki

"Jaroslaw Jalowiecki: A Visionary in Tattoo Artistry and Realism"

When did you discover your passion for tattooing, and how did it all start?

My passion for tattooing began when I was very young, back in primary school. My first experience with a tattoo machine happened when I was around 16 or 17, but it wasn’t with professional equipment. Instead, I started using makeshift, prison-style machines. It all began with Darek M., the person who gave me my first tattoo in exchange for a bottle of vodka. I met Darek after he was released from prison. Despite his rough circumstances, he was widely regarded as one of the best tattoo artists where he came from.

Who introduced you to tattooing, and how did it shape your early journey?

The tattoo Darek gave me wasn’t perfect, but it worked, and from that moment, we became friends despite the age gap. Darek appreciated my drawings and eventually introduced me to tattooing. He already had a machine, albeit a simple one, and shared his knowledge, teaching me tricks like making needles out of guitar strings. He corrected me when I wasn’t inserting the needle deep enough and even physically guided my hand during one of my first attempts at tattooing. That moment solidified my confidence, and from there, everything started improving.

How did your personal circumstances influence your journey in tattooing?

After my father passed away, I lived alone in an attic apartment at 16. Although I was in foster care with my grandparents, I chose not to stay with them. I continued attending school, lived off my father’s pension, did odd jobs, and tattooed friends—not for the money, but because I loved it.

How did your career progress over the years?

I eventually took the next steps in my journey, learning how to build coil machines and training in Wrocław, Poland. Later, I opened a tattoo studio in Warsaw’s Praga district, where I worked for nine years. During this time, I trained at the Tattoo Academy and honed my craft further.

Where are you currently based, and what has been your recent focus?

For the past two and a half years, I’ve been based in Chicago, working in two renowned studios: Chicago Realism Tattoo Studio and Król Tattoo Club. Between 2023 and 2024, I’ve won 20 awards at tattoo conventions, including four Best of Show titles.

What styles do you specialize in, and what excites you most about your work?

I specialize in various tattoo styles, but I particularly enjoy working with color. I also take great pride in mastering cover-up techniques and staying updated with the latest advancements in tattooing technology.

What keeps you motivated as an artist?

I’m constantly striving to grow as an artist, learning from other tattooists and exploring new techniques. Tattooing isn’t just my profession—it’s my lifelong passion, and I’m dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve in this ever-evolving art form.