Today we’d like to introduce you to Ersin Tekin.
Ersin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to where I am today started back in high school. That was when I first began painting graffiti as a way to express myself. Looking back, I think it was the spirit of hip-hop culture—its freedom, creativity, and authenticity—that had the biggest influence on me. What started as a simple passion for drawing gradually became the foundation of everything I do today.
That passion led me to study Graphic Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts. During my years there, my focus naturally shifted toward illustration, and I spent most of my time developing my own visual language through drawing.
After graduating, I worked across different areas of visual design, exploring various creative disciplines. Each experience added something new to the way I approach art. Eventually, those paths all came together in tattooing. Today, I see my tattoos as a reflection of that entire journey. Every piece I create carries influences from graffiti, graphic design, and illustration, all brought together through the unique medium of tattooing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but I also hesitate to call it a difficult one. I don’t think we really have that luxury. Every meaningful path comes with its own challenges.
Even though it hasn’t always been easy, being able to end the day knowing I’m doing what I truly love makes every sacrifice feel worthwhile. That feeling brings a kind of peace that outweighs the hard moments.
To be honest, I’ve never really believed there’s such a thing as an easy career. Unless someone else is doing the work for you—or simply handing you the position—every path demands something from you. Every profession has its own struggles, and I think the only real antidotes are persistence, discipline, and a willingness to make sacrifices.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I don’t really see myself as just a tattoo artist. First and foremost, I see myself as a designer and an illustrator. Tattooing is the medium I work in, but my main focus has always been creating strong compositions and timeless designs that tell a story.
My work is mostly centered around black and grey, combining illustrative elements with realism. Coming from a graphic design background, I pay close attention to composition, balance, readability, and visual hierarchy. I don’t believe a tattoo should only be technically well executed—it should also be a strong piece of design that can stand the test of time.
What I’m most proud of is gradually building my own visual language. Every tattoo I create carries influences from my years painting graffiti, my education in graphic design, and my background in illustration. Those experiences continue to shape the way I think and create today.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of those different disciplines. I don’t see tattooing as just the act of putting ink on skin; I see it as the meeting point of design, illustration, and visual storytelling. My goal is always to create something original—something my clients will be proud to wear not just today, but for the rest of their lives.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I’d like to say to anyone thinking about getting a tattoo, it’s this: don’t just look for a well-executed tattoo—look for a well-designed one. Techniques evolve, trends come and go, but a strong design will always stand the test of time.
And to those who want to become tattoo artists, my advice is simple: don’t just learn how to tattoo—learn how to draw. Keep exploring different forms of art, stay curious, and never stop developing your own visual language. A great tattoo always starts with a strong foundation in art and design.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayk_tattoo
