A tattoo is for those who want to change their body without changing themselves

Alexey Mokrov, the founder of the tattoo studio “My Way”, spoke about his passion for tattoos, about what might inspire its creation, as well as about the whole tattoo festival, which will be held in Moscow.

– How did the idea of ​​the studio appear? Background, why they decided to do this.

 

• It all started with the love of tattooing. Not to “tattoos”, not to “tattoos”, but to a tattoo, as an art form. Together with a famous Russian tattoo artist, I traveled all over Europe. We’ve seen the best tattoo studios and festivals. It doesn’t even make sense to compare the level of development of this industry in the West and in our country. Russian salons are not even close to European ones either in scale or in functioning. Returning home, I realized that I did not want to open another salon, where they would get a tattoo from a magazine without a twinge of conscience. And it’s also good if it’s well stuffed. As a model for my studio, I took the largest European tattoo studio, which is located in Austria.

Using her example, I can say exactly how the studio should be designed, how it should function, and what level of service should be. And most importantly, what kind of attitude such a studio requires to tattoo: understanding that a tattoo is a work of art. No hieroglyph, no matter how great the meaning it may carry, can convey the beauty of a real masterpiece. I decided to create a premium studio for people who change their body without changing themselves. “MyWay” means your own way, your consciousness, your self-expression.

– How difficult or easy (quickly) did you manage to carry out your plans? What difficulties were unexpected, how did they overcome?

• We thought of everything well and set clear goals for ourselves. We started the project a year and a half ago, and so far everything is going as we planned. During this time we have done a lot and learned a lot. And they even changed their views on some things. For example, we realized that we should not seek understanding from people who are far from our philosophy. We do what we like, and we are glad to those who respect themselves and value their time. The most difficult thing turned out to be to overcome the stereotypes and opinions that have developed in our country regarding tattoos. Many people get tattoos just for the sake of a tattoo, because it’s cool. Such people will not specifically look for a master, try to draw an exclusive sketch. They need a tattoo. In the pursuit of cheapness and affordability, people get low-quality fakes without even paying attention to quality. Moreover, in absolutely non-sterile conditions, which carries a huge risk of infection. But it is gratifying that beautiful high-quality tattoos can be seen more and more often on the streets in Russia. And people understand that quality, style, and most importantly, health are expensive. It is for such people that the doors of “MyWay” are open..

– Doing business alone or you have partners?

• I started this business with my partner. We have known each other for a very long time, and we went through so much together that we became like brothers. We trust each other in everything, help and support. At the same time, we synchronize our best qualities: activity and creativity – on the one hand, and balance and ability to structure – on the other. And over time, we have gathered a team – people who share our passion for tattooing and our philosophy..

– What is the unique feature of the studio? difference from competitors?

• First of all, we differ in our attitude to work. We are not chasing quantity and do not agree to do work that sooner or later will have to be redone or eternally hidden under clothes. Our main principle is an individual approach to the client. This applies to both the physical and spiritual aspects of our work. On the one hand, it is important to remember that each person is unique. This artist knows for sure that watercolor requires watercolor paper. And the tattoo artist every time finds himself in front of a new “canvas”. The skin can be light, dark, tender, thick, with moles, scars, and so on. As well as the body, everyone has their own. The tattoo artist should consider all these nuances before starting to tattoo. The only universal rule when working with any client is strict adherence to sterility! Needless to say, every unique body must have a unique tattoo. Therefore, we offer each of our guests to develop a unique sketch. Each guest of our studio, each tattoo requires special attention. The main rules of the studio “MyWay” are: quality, safety and service.

– How do you select masters?

• Now there are fifteen tattoo artists working in our studio. Each is a highly qualified master of his craft, with his own unique style. The tattoo artist must know perfectly well and follow the rules of sterility. He must know and fully provide all the information about the rules of tattoo care and the healing process – since this is the most important stage. Among our employees there are world-famous tattoo artists, whose works constantly appear on the pages of foreign magazines and in social networks. Our tattoo artists take part and win international competitions. We don’t settle for anything less.

– You are organizing a whole tattoo festival, it’s true?

• Yes! The idea of ​​the Moscow Tattoo Show 2015 appeared just like the idea of ​​the studio: I wanted to hold a festival at the European level, to show the art of tattooing. We want to convey to people that tattoos are a luxury at the top of the pyramid of needs. A person can live without a tattoo, can achieve a certain status in society and prove himself. Therefore, if you do not have an acute need for a tattoo, the spirit of the tattoo community is alien to you, then you do not need it! A tattoo complements your image, expresses your life attitudes, emphasizes your aspirations and your actions. Therefore, we invite the best tattoo artists from around the world to take part in our festival. And as guests of the Moscow Tattoo Show 2015, we are waiting for connoisseurs of the art of tattooing. We want our festival to become a holiday for people who are close in spirit, but unique – each in its own way. Creative, courageous, aware of themselves and their place in this world, who are not afraid of difficulties and obstacles, ready to develop, improving themselves and their body.

– Tell us about your immediate plans?

We plan to develop and expand. The nearest plans are to open a school for tattoo artists. In addition to the basic course, we will conduct courses in specific areas and master classes. In addition, we invite franchise partners to cooperate. “MyWay” is a successful and profitable project of a professional tattoo studio. The sphere of tattooing is a new sphere for our country, which is gaining and gaining popularity. Our team provides full support at all stages of the business, which allows you to achieve the fastest possible payback.