Valen

Upon gazing at one of Valen’s tattoos it’s natural for you to wonder if the tattoo you’re looking at is even real. While still early in her career, Valen’s ability to pack large amounts of detail into the tiniest of spaces is a skill that often takes artists decades to perfect. We spoke with Valen about her process for designing a tattoo, the unique challenges presented when working in micro realism and more.

When did you first develop an interest in art?

When I would draw back in high school.

When did you first become interested in tattoos?

When I got my first tattoo.

How did you go about becoming a tattoo artist? Did you have an apprenticeship?

I started tattooing at home, then I got an apprenticeship later on.

What led you to black-and-grey? Did you work in other styles first?

Everything we see as reference is originally in color, yet by using only two-tones we’re able to still determine the image. No, I haven’t done other styles of tattooing.

What’s something you haven’t tattooed a lot that you’d like to do more of?

I’d like to do more micro-portraits.

What are some of your favorite subject matter to work with?

When the tattoo has a significant message behind it.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest artistic influences are Zlata Kolomoyskaya and my mentor Narniaink.

Can you walk us through your process of creating a tattoo?

When creating a tattoo I always like to be in a flow state of mind. When working with the client, I always listen with an open mind and gather their ideas with my vision and come up with a sketch.

Can you tell us about some of the unique challenges when working in micro realism?

One of the unique challenges is making sure you’re creating enough detail where it won’t blend in over time and look smudged. Another challenge is making sure you’re actually applying ink in the skin and not cutting it due to the thin sharp needles needed for the micro spaces.

If you weren’t tattooing, what would you like to do for a career?

If I wasn’t tattooing, I would have been in the medical field.

Where do you see your art going in the future?

I see my art all over the world impacting a lot of people in different ways.