It's only a short step from graphic design to tattooing, a step that Lehel Nyeste took without too much difficulty over ten years ago. Since then, the 32-year-old Hungarian has concentrated on a technically impeccable new-school style, among other analogue artistic disciplines.
Can you tell us a little about the graphic references you grew up with?
I used to watch cartoons when I was young and I started drawing naturally. Then, as a teenager, a whole bunch of influences came into my life. I listened to a lot of rap music, rock music, watched music videos, played extreme sports and did graffiti. I think all of these worlds kind of shaped my vision.
Do you have other influences?
I am of course inspired by other tattoo artists, painters, exhibitions I have seen but also by the trips I have made. Meeting people with a different way of thinking helps to build and develop your universe.
Before tattooing you studied graphic design, how do you use these skills today?
I studied graphic design for two years, so I can mostly use my skills to make digital art, prints, stickers, etc. But before the IPad era, knowing how to use Photoshop was also good :)
How satisfying was it to return to an "analogue" profession?
I have always drawn and painted a lot with pencils, paper and brushes. For me, it was just normal to create in this way. So when I started tattooing it was crazy to be able to do something on another surface like the skin.
More and more tattoo artists are coming from graphic design and art schools, is this something you see around you too?
That's right. These people already have some knowledge of drawing, composition and creativity. If someone has enough talent but also enough motivation, then they can easily adapt their style to tattooing. Why not? The only important thing to keep in mind to become a real professional is not to miss the technical steps.
When you started in 2009, what was society's view of tattooing and what were your first years as a tattooist like?
It wasn't that long ago, but it was different. I mean back then, tattoos were already growing in popularity but you didn't see as many people with sleeves as you do today. There weren't many tattoo artists who specialised in one particular style. My first year of tattooing was an apprenticeship, in the studio where I studied. Then I became a tattoo artist doing all styles. It became my routine, learning the different techniques. I used to draw a lot at home and do custom designs for my friends. It was a great time, thanks to everyone who was part of it.
Your work is distinguished by the excellent legibility of your tattoos, is this something you have always paid attention to?
It's really important for me to see what's happening on the skin, that's why I always try to put the design in its largest size in relation to the surface. This gives me enough space to do the details and create a nice gradient.
Your colour schemes are also very neat.
It's always a difficult question but for me it's normal to do as clean as possible. I don't do any particular tricks, I just try to fill the whole skin with pigments and above all, I take my time, I'm never in a hurry, it's just a lot of practice. You have to find the needles, machines and setups that work best for you.
Today's customers are more discerning and demanding, and the competition is also stronger. How do you feel about this relative pressure?
It's difficult, for sure, but on the other hand it's also nice to keep up and be motivated. When I have a client with an impressive collection of tattoos, it makes me more nervous but I do my best. It's the only thing I can do.
Is burn-out a risk to watch out for in this profession?
I think it's a big risk for many reasons. For example, some people work too much and then lose interest in creating. For me, I try to recharge my batteries by taking breaks, going on holiday and finding new goals to achieve. On the other hand, I think that the "pressure" of social media is particularly harmful and not helpful at all, as it can lead us to believe that we are not good enough.
Comics, video games, movies, music... do you have any cult works you'd like to tell us about?
Anime tattoos are particularly popular these days. I prefer an older graphic style, like the one from the movie "Akira" (adaptation of the famous Japanese manga by Katsushiro Otomo) or from Vampire Hunter D. But even if all the characters already exist, I always prefer to do something personalized. In fact, my favourite pieces are always the ones that are entirely based on a theme or a freehand motif.
You also paint walls, is graffiti something you've been doing for a long time?
Yes, absolutely, I've always been interested in painted walls but it was in high school that I got a bit more serious about it. Later on, when I started tattooing, I changed my mind and focused more on making characters, especially animals or skulls. If I have time, I still do them, meet my friends and enjoy the fresh air. + IG : @lehelperspektiv Eisenherz Tattoo und Piercing Magdebourg Breiter Weg 13 39104 Magdebourg Allemagne IG : @eisenherztattoopiercing
