Getting to Know Ivana Belakova the Tattoo World’s Fine Art Maven

I am changing people’s lives positively. Some tattoos heal trauma; some are purely aesthetic and nice to look at; either way, my tattoos have a great positive impact on an individual.

Do you have a favorite piece of work?

So many! Just to mention a few- it’s the ‘iconic’ pieces I call them which are known worldwide. They won the most prestigious competitions worldwide, were published in many magazines.. tv…

Some of my favorite pieces are close to my heart- when I felt I pushed boundaries, discovered something new or it’s purely fun piece what makes me smile when I look at it.

It’s also memories created with a particular tattoo that makes it my favorite piece.

What’s been the greatest lesson you’ve learned from one of your pieces?

Always give 100% no matter what! (no excuses) And always give your best! No compromises when it comes to using the best tools and products!

Who outside of your own work inspires you?

Life itself really and everything that belongs to it! My main source of inspiration is the beauty around me- my environment. I love luxury and quality and that gives me the inspiration to be part of that with my art. Nature and animals also inspire me.

I take inspiration from every day of my life. I’m grateful for every new day and what it offers!

Your work has gained the status of fine art, what does that mean for
you?

It means that finally tattooing is taken seriously as an art form; not just some expression that is related to bikers or sketchers.

Me becoming the first woman in the world who was certified as a contemporary fine art tattooist paved the way for all the younger generation of tattoo artists in the art world. They will be taken more seriously and they will be making a great living out of this career.

How has your art worked its way into the fashion industry?

In 2018 I launched my own clothing brand named ITA LOS ANGELES (@italosangeles) https://italosangeles.com

The Ivana Tattoo Art Los Angeles brand stands for individuality, creativity, and celebrating the spirit of those who aren’t afraid to stand out. Sophisticated streetwear pieces include premium distressed sweatshirts, thoughtfully constructed with different washes and finishes as well as t-shirts that are statement pieces. Ivana Tattoo Art, Los Angeles is streetwear elevated for the modern creative.

My pieces reflect some of my fans’ favored tattoos depicted in premium prints. The style of my clothing intentionally blends my world-renowned “funky color” style with the rebellious spirit of tattoos onto contemporary high fashion.

The ITA LOS ANGELES TATTOO LUXURY BRAND is an elevated brand that reflects an opulent tattoo lifestyle. It includes Premium distressed sweatshirts, thoughtfully constructed with different washes and finishes as well as t-shirts that are statement pieces.

Do you have a specific process when creating a piece or is it more of a feeling that gets you going?

It’s more feeling and my current mental state. I never can repeat same piece/artwork after myself.

Every piece I do is individual and designed for a particular person. When I meet my client I see colors; it’s my clients energy they give off. Based on this I decide about dynamic. Each body type and shape gives me idea of flow and placement.

It’s more factors what influence my work and final decision of piece.

Every client for me is unique and exudes different energy; so I like to
create for them design on spot once I see them in person; of course upon my own preparation of a particular subject.

You teach the craft as well, what is your best guidance to those just coming into the industry?

Yes, I teach tattoo classes (which are very detailed) or seminars (for much bigger audience and these takes around 5 hours)

My best guidance for them would be literally to take a course first so they can learn fundamentals and hygiene and buy the best tools on market so when they start to practice they cannot blame tattoo machine being faulty.

Tattooing craft is constant learning, constant improving and when somebody has passion and dedication for this; it can be very rewarding career.

Learning how to tattoo takes time. I always encourage beginners to learn from the best. There’s so many great teachers who can definitely help you to speed up learning process. Tattooing these days is incomparable easier! There’s so much free information online these days too! If possible, look for a mentor; work on your craft daily, be obsessed, practice as much as possible to become excellent! Get the most quality equipment, inks and aftercare. Educate yourself as much as possible!

Put yourself into situations and an environment where you can work with the best artists; where you can absorb creativity and all this energy. End of story- learn from the best and from somebody who’s highly successful.

Outside of the art world what are your passions?

Traveling, luxury, interior, and exterior design, fashion, music, books, food

What’s the most important thing we should know about you?

I am around for a long time!:)  Whether it’s with my art or my motivational talks I am doing. I am the only woman in the world who’s tattoos are certified as contemporary fine art by the Macro Museo in Rome. I am a celebrity tattoo artist, master teacher, and trailblazer.

If I have to choose only one thing: I am self-made.

(I am coming from a tiny village in the middle of nowhere in Slovakia – around 200 ppl live there and straight shoot to be one of the best artists in the world. Also, I am a self-made millionaire)

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