Black and grey tattoo artist Fanel Alexe started tattooing in 2011 when he decided to buy his first kit. There weren’t any studios in the city where he grew up, so he relied on the internet and his high school art experience to teach himself the skills he needed to improve his art. By 2013, Fanel had his first job at Vivid Ink Tattoo Studio in the UK.
His favorite style is black and gray realism. Ever since he started drawing, he was passionate about portraits. He enjoys the detail required to make a realistic image. Artists like Niki Norberg and Carlos Torres have influenced him and he strives to be as good as them one day.
Fanel’s advice for people getting their first tattoo:
“Do your research about the artist before getting tattooed!”
Advice for tattoo artists who are just getting started:
“I don’t think that I’m at a level where I can give advice about tattooing. But, I’ve seen many tattoo artists with no artistic background whatsoever that think that if they get an apprenticeship and study technique they’ll become good artists. My opinion is that they should learn how to hold a pencil before a tattoo [gun]… And you can’t do that without talent. My advice for everyone that wants to get in the tattoo industry is to test their drawing skills first.”
Images © Fanel Alexe
