Max Pniewski has earned the Featured Tattoo Artist slot of May for his realism tattoos, and another style of his own devising called LEGOLISM.
Max Pniewski started tattooing in 1999. As he grew up, he watched his mother painting landscapes and portraits. He was enraptured by the process, so he wanted to try it for himself. Max also liked heavy metal explaining, “as we all know those two things go together very well, so tattooing was just next step really.”
When asked about what he likes most about being a tattoo artist, Max said “definitely traveling.” He likes going to new places and meeting all kinds of people; he says tattooing allows that whenever possible. The creativity involved in tattooing keeps him busy, and he says he dislikes sitting and doing nothing. “It’s amazing how people can put through for so many hours to memorize some moments of their life or to show their personality on the skin and still smile on the end and be happy with what they got tattooed.” Max also says that he enjoys the challenge.
Max can tattoo in all styles but he specializes in realism, and of course his LEGOLISM. He likes the challenge that realism offers. “It’s not just about transforming the picture onto the skin but you have to catch that individual ‘character’ every person has ‘written’ on the face or animal has on the particular picture.” The other artists at Southmead Tattoo Studio have their own specialization as well and Max considers himself lucky to be a part of what he describes as a “perfect team.”
LEGOLISM is a combination of the Lego blocks world with realism. The idea came to Max during a family shopping trip. He picked up a Lego Star Wars box and looked at the picture on the back of a Stormtrooper with Endor Forest blurred in the background, thinking it looked very similar to the techniques used in his realism. From there, pieces fell into place and he started creating his LEGOLISM. Today LEGOLISM is a strong tattoo style all over. “LEGOLISM is my little thing.”
Tomasz TOFI Torfinski is Max Pniewski’s biggest influence. They worked together for two years and became good friends. Max says it is amazing how easily Torfinski’s greatest ideas come to him, and that he can still surprise him even with their familiarity with each other.
Max’s advice for someone looking to get their first tattoo:
“Don’t rush your decision, and choose wisely. Make sure you do your homework and browse the Internet for the right artist for the tattoo you want. It’s very easy to find the one using the net. Don’t be scared to travel and spend some money on it, it’s for the rest of your life! I always say it’s easy to get a tattoo but you have got to live with it. So take your time and make sure you will get THE tattoo you want!”
Max’s advice for tattoo artists who are just getting started:
“Work hard, tattooing is not easy as it looks on TV. Make sure you draw every day because that’s where your progress is, really. If you are looking for quick and easy career and a lot of money, this job is not for you. Have some respect for tattooing and it will pay off sooner or later…”
Contact Max:
Southmead Tattoo Studio
231 Southmead Road
Bristol, United Kingdom
Phone: 0117 9507030
Email: info@southmead-tattoo.co.uk
Facebook: Facebook.com/Max.Pniewski
Instagram: @maxpniewski
***DON’T FORGET TO MENTION YOU SAW HIM ON PERFECTTATTOOARTISTS.COM!
Images © Max Pniewski
