Viktoriia Kovtun: A Tattoo Artist Triumphs in the International DGN Tattoo Magazine Competition
In the fascinating world of tattooing, each artist has a unique story to tell, a narrative that is etched onto the skin of their clients. Today, we delve into the life and mind of Viktoriia Kovtun, a talented tattoo artist who has left an indelible mark in the realm of black and grey realism tattoos. From her humble beginnings to her ascent on the international tattoo scene, this interview takes us on a journey filled with passion, perseverance, and creativity.
Viktoriia isn't just any tattoo artist; she's a winner of the prestigious International DGN Tattoo Magazine competition, where she stood out among 130 artists from around the world and was selected by a high-caliber jury. Her exceptional skill and focus on realism have earned her a prominent place in the tattoo world.
In this exclusive conversation, Viktoriia shares her insights into her distinctive artistic style, how she found her path in realism, and how she has honed her craft over the years. We discover the challenges and sacrifices she faced to reach where she is today and how this victory in the international competition will impact her future as a tattoo artist.
Join us as we explore the world of Viktoriia Kovtun, a true master of tattooing who continues to push the boundaries of tattoo artistry and has become the undisputed winner of the International DGN Tattoo Magazine competition.
Victoria, tell us about your beginnings in the world of tattooing in 2017. What inspired you to embark on this artistic journey, especially without prior drawing experience?
I have always been inspired by tattoos as a form of self-expression. In fact, I taught myself to draw with the help of online resources. Starting late posed a real challenge, but I dedicated hours to practice. This interview itself is proof that my efforts have paid off.
You mention having experimented a lot in the beginning. How was the process of finding your style in tattooing, and why did you gravitate towards realism?
From the start, I decided to steer clear of color realism, opting for a graphic style. In the initial phase of my active practice, I focused on contour precision. However, when it came to drawing (rather than tattooing), I yearned to explore new colors. This desire led me to venture into color realism.
Realism is a style known for its expressiveness and astonishing detail. What attracts you the most to this style, and how do you work to perfect it in your tattoos?
Realism captivates me with its vividness and the burst of colors, especially in portraits, which evoke genuine delight. It provides a unique opportunity to capture images of loved ones on a human canvas. I don't have any secret techniques; I simply experiment with colors and have crafted a palette at the intersection of realism and painting.
You mention paying special attention to details and unusual color solutions in your work. Can you tell us more about your creative approach and how you develop these features in your designs?
Primarily, I select a reference with striking lighting contrast. Subsequently, I delve into color correction to align the image closely with the palette I've refined.
Winning the international DGN Tattoo Magazine competition and being chosen by a high-level jury is an exceptional achievement. How did you feel when you found out you were the winner among 130 artists from around the world?
Initially, I believed the email about my victory was a mistake, so I didn't let myself get too excited. Then, a similar message reached me on Instagram. Awareness didn't hit me immediately.
The competition featured the participation of 130 artists from around the world and a high-level jury. How did you choose the tattoos for the competition?
Selecting the tattoos was straightforward. I chose pieces where clients granted me complete freedom in design and color choice.
Realism is your distinctive style. What do you think made your tattoos stand out to the jury in this competition? Were there specific aspects of your work that you believe impressed them particularly?
Throughout my career, I've realized that countless tattoo artists deserve recognition for their work. This time, the jury chose mine among all the entries. I have no idea about their criteria, but I'm immensely grateful for the recognition. I focus on maintaining a balance between quality, composition, and detail, guided by my inner sense of the process to achieve results that closely align with the images in my mind.
This victory in the international competition surely has had an impact on your career. How do you think it will influence your future as a tattoo artist and your artistic projects?
Primarily, it demonstrates that my work has garnered public recognition. I'll continue working in the same direction, refining the expressiveness of my pieces through creative light combinations and compositional experiments.
Can you share some of the most valuable lessons you've learned throughout your career as a tattoo artist that have led to your success in such prestigious competitions?
Over my six years in the tattoo industry, I've concluded that skill is a vital component of success, but luck plays an equally significant role. Success can sometimes be akin to a lottery ticket – it's a matter of whether luck favors you or not.
As an internationally renowned tattoo artist, what goals or projects do you have in mind for the future? Is there any artistic style or approach you'd like to explore more deeply?
Regardless of the extensive projects in my plans, their realization ultimately depends on whether they resonate with an audience and clients. In any case, I intend to delve deeper into photorealism, striving to add a sense of "endurance" to my works through innovative color solutions.
For those who wish to get in touch with you or schedule an appointment, what is the best way to do so, and where can they find more information about your work?
If you want to view more of my work and receive prompt responses for appointment scheduling, the best method is to contact me through Instagram, where I regularly engage with messages and update my portfolio.
Finally, do you have any message or words of gratitude that you'd like to convey to your followers and those who have supported your career so far?
I'd like to express deep gratitude to my audience and everyone who appreciates my work. Your support and loyalty guide me in determining the direction of my artistic journey. In essence, there is no "me" without my audience.