They Said Color Micro Portraits Couldn’t Be Done, Then Edit Paints Happened

While the phrase may go back decades, it feels like “good things come in small packages,” was personally written for Edit Paint’s tattoos. The Tel Aviv artist has taken the industry by storm, crafting delicate and divine color realism tattoos on an exceptionally small scale. Paints brings childhood nostalgia to life with her pint-sized pieces, many of which reference celebrated scenes from pop culture classics. We sat down with the talented artist to learn about her favorite films to tattoo, how she found her niche in color realism and if she’ll ever expand her style for larger pieces.

Take us through your upbringing and how you got into tattooing?

I grew up in a kibbutz in the Northern state of Israel and knew nothing about tattooing. Once I joined the army, I became exposed to tattooing because I traveled around and saw tattoo shops. I thought it would be really cool to try it since I was a painter and knew how to draw. I went into the first tattoo shop I saw and asked if they could teach me. They said yes, but it was a horrible experience and I stopped trying completely, getting my Bachelor’s degree in art. Then, I met Avihoo. I saw that he’s an amazing tattoo artist and the industry had completely changed. I decided that I wanted to give [tattooing] another chance.

How did you find your current style?

When I started, I tried a lot of different styles to see what fits me best. But, even when I used to paint, I always did it realistically. I loved painting portraits, movie scenes, motifs and pop culture things that are relevant right now. Once I started tattooing, I decided to do that and focus on doing it small. When you do tattoos on the body you have a space limit and I like to frame my pieces because I come from the painting industry.

What are some of your favorite films and TV shows to tattoo?

I really love classic movies, from horror to kitsch to cheesy movies. I’m really obsessed with Tim Burton’s movies but also classics like “Pulp Fiction.” One of my favorites to do was the “Friends” tattoo, that’s a show that I grew up with and symbolized a special era in time.

What are your favorite artists to listen to while you tattoo?

I really love cheesy songs and then really hard rock. I like to listen to Bullet for my Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold and Green Day. I also like Alanis Morisette, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Britney Spears. I like both ends of the spectrum.

Do you ever see yourself doing larger pieces?

No, since I’ve already been there. When I started tattooing, I did large projects like sleeves just to try it. There was this war between Michaelangelo and Da Vinci where Da Vinci told him that doing statues was dirty, sweaty and hard work. I kind of saw that when I did big sleeves, it wasn’t fun for me and it didn’t flow like when I do small pieces where I can really concentrate