"Pinyu: Elevating Tattoo Art in Leeds, UK" 

How did you discover your passion for tattooing, and what inspired you to make it your career?

My first tattoo was done on a friend of mine around the year 2000; at that time, it wasn’t something I thought would become a passion. Through the years, I kept doing tattoos on friends who asked me, but it was an after-work kind of activity, nothing serious. Slowly I got more and more interested and got better at it, so I thought I should get more seriously involved.

How would you define your tattooing style, and what makes it unique?

My style is mostly realistic or illustrated style, but I can do most styles to be honest; it’s the old ways that taught me to be an all-rounder until I realized that realism is the way I think when I create my designs.

Which artists or styles have influenced your work the most

In the early years, I was inspired by artists like Guy Aitchison, who I consider it was and still is one of the greatestpioneers, and his contribution to this industry is huge. Also, many other artists helped me shape my way into the tattoo world. I want to mention Zsolt Sarkozy from Dark Art Tattoo in Hungary, Boris Tattoo also James Tattoo. From the international artists, I would mention Joshua Carlton, Robert Hernandez, Victor Portugal, Denis Sivak, Dmitriy Samohin, and many more.

What’s the most meaningful or challenging tattoo you’ve ever done, and why?

 I consider that every tattoo I choose to do is meaningful for my clients, and all of them are a bit challenging; I couldn’t name one in particular, but I make sure if I accepted to do it, it will be done in the best way possible.

How do you handle the emotional connection between a client and their tattoo?

As a professional, I have learned to be able to separate the emotions that might be attached to a project. As I said before, I have a task to do, and that’s my priority, and if the communication between client and artist is good, the result will be just fine.

What is your process for designing a custom tattoo for a client?

The designing process is probably the same as most artists are doing; I have a consultation if necessary where we discuss every aspect and ideas; reference images are fine, but I always create my own version, I don’t do the same design twice (don’t like repetition) never keep my stencils or even the project is deleted after I finish a tattoo

What’s your take on how the art of tattooing has evolved recently?

We live in a fast-evolving world all together and the tattoo industry is no different, it’s a good thing though having quality products available which allows us to entirely focus on the art itself, so many talented young people are joining in and many of them have already completed an art school which I think adds to the quality level that is being pushed higher and higher each year.

What advice would you give to someone considering their first tattoo?

My advice to anyone considering getting a tattoo, especially a big one, is to take their time to find the right artist for their project and have a chat, or if they can meet them in person, see how they feel about the artist, and if they are sure they want to go for it, listen to every advice and also pay the price. Remember, “Your body is your temple “If you decide to decorate with something that lasts forever, make sure it’s the right decision.

What tools or techniques do you prefer to use, and how have your methods evolved?

Tools and techniques are changing all the time; after all these years, I think I have my technique established and a good understanding of the tattooing process. I also understand that keeping changing your equipment/machines is just slowing down the process because it’s time spent learning about the “newest” machine. So I understood that when you find the right machine for your style, it’s best to stick to it, kind of “ if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” situation. I know I’m guilty of it going down that path, trying everything new, but I’m done with that part.

What are your goals or future projects as a tattoo artist?
My future plan is simple. ·. I want to create as many interesting designs and enjoy this beautiful art form as long as I can, and trust me, I still have loads of ideas.