Tattoos have always been more than just ink on the skin; they are a form of self-expression, an image of personal stories, and a record of one's journey. Few stories in tattooing are more inspiring than Hasththa's, a professional tattoo artist and mentor at Aliens Tattoo Art School. From humble beginnings to famous honours, Hasththa's story shows drive, dedication, and continuous learning like no other.
Early Interest in Art and Tattoos
Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India, Hasththa held a strong interest in painting since he was a child, sketching and drawing whenever he could. This passion for art was more than a hobby, it was an important part of his identity.
The bright culture and detailed traditional designs of Tamil Nadu had an important influence on his artistic goals. Tattoos, in particular, fascinated him. The way tattoos merged art and storytelling caught his interest. The ancient art styles and patterns he saw around him built the base for his future career as a tattoo artist.
His interest in tattoos was not simply attractive; he considered them as a means of expressing one's personality and telling personal experiences through art.
Even as a child, Hasththa spent hours drawing and creating his sketches. His family and friends recognized his skill and encouraged him to pursue his dreams. However, the path from a young student with a passion for painting to a professional tattoo artist was anything from simple.
Beginning of the Tattoo Journey
Hasththa was inspired by his friend's insight and decided to pursue tattooing seriously. He started his training at a nearby studio in his hometown. This hands-on training was crucial, as it taught him every aspect of the tattooing process, from hygiene to mastering the tattoo machine. Hasththa began his professional tattooing career in 2015, balancing his employment with postgraduate study. This period was defined by strong learning and growth.
Each tattoo he created was a step further in developing his craft while proving himself as a dedicated and creative artist. He used every opportunity to study, observing experienced tattoo artists and experimenting with various techniques and styles. The apprenticeship helped him build a firm foundation in the basics of tattooing. He learnt about the necessity of hygiene and safety, the many types of tattoo equipment and needles, and how to draw clean, accurate lines and shading. He also realised the value of listening to clients and creating designs that reflected their unique experiences and tastes.
Realising the Need for Growth and Knowledge
Despite his gaining expertise, Hasththa experienced a sense of stagnation after seven years tattooing. He recognized that, despite his years of experience, he still didn't know much about advanced techniques and professional procedures.
Tattooing is an ever-changing art form, therefore remaining static was not an option for someone as passionate and dedicated as Hasththa. He recognized that in order to fully excel and progress as an expert tattoo artist, he needed to seek out new learning experiences and push himself. The news led him to look into many options for tattoo education and training.
In 2022, while looking for ways to improve his talents, he discovered Aliens Tattoo Art School online. He was drawn to the school’s reputation for providing extensive and professional tattoo training. Hasththa, determined to advance his craft, enrolled in the Diploma program and this decision was another milestone moment in his career.
Training and Transformation at Aliens Tattoo Art School
Hasththa found the diploma program at Aliens Tattoo Art School to be a life-changing experience. The program was challenging, covering all areas of tattooing, including advanced tattoo skills, design principles, and more. The school environment promoted creativity and precision, motivating him to succeed in ways he had never explored.
Hasththa improved his skills and developed fresh methods to improve his craft while working with skilled mentors. The course not only increased his technical talents, but it also expanded his understanding of the art form. This thorough training was an important moment, preparing him for the next chapter of his career.
Becoming a Mentor
After finishing the diploma course, Hasththa was selected for an internship at Aliens Tattoo Art School. In time, the shift from being an intern to a mentor was quick, showing his ability and desire to share his knowledge with others.
As a mentor, Hasththa is now responsible for helping students through the tattooing process, from learning basic techniques on skin pads to creating elaborate tattoos on the skin. Mentoring allows Hasththa to give back to the community by guiding aspiring tattoo artists through their own experiences. He feels huge delight in watching his students grow and develop their skills. His approach is sensitive and helpful, making each student feel confident to exceed their limits and express their creativity.
Achievements and Recognition
Hasththa's journey has been marked by amazing achievements and recognition. In 2023, he won the 2nd place in Best Collaboration at the Goa Tattoo Carnival, a renowned space that celebrates the best in the industry. He also bagged the 1st place in the Best Large Black & Grey at Kula. These achievements are proof of his hard work, devotion, and great talent.
These honours are important chapters in his career, showing his ongoing growth and success in the competitive tattooing industry. The praise from these major events raised interest for his work and created new options for collaboration and creative discovery. It also sparked his belief in the value of lifelong learning and striving for greatness in his profession.
Mentorship and Legacy
Hasththa, as a mentor, approaches teaching with patience and support. He understands that each student learns at his or her own speed and has unique skills. He guides students through the tattooing process, ensuring they develop the essential skills and confidence.
From learning basics on skin pads to creating detailed tattoos on human skin, Hasththa is there every step of the way. He highlights the importance of having a unique artistic vision and improving tattooing methods. His mentoring technique promotes creativity, precision, and an in-depth study of the art form.
Mentorship is more than just teaching technical skills, it is also about inspiring and molding the next generation of tattoo artists. Hasththa takes pride in seeing his students grow and prosper, knowing that he played a role in their development. He urges people to think about their work, be open to critique, and always look for opportunities to improve and innovate.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Hasththa's dedication to creating a helpful and supportive environment for young tattoo artists is clear in his work. He believes in the value of mentoring and lifelong learning. By sharing his skills and experiences, he hopes to inspire the next generation of tattoo artists to push boundaries and reach greatness.
Looking ahead, Hasththa hopes to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the tattoo industry. He wants his students to succeed in their jobs by designing unique and meaningful tattoos that reflect their artistic vision and technical expertise. His commitment to teaching and mentoring assures that his influence in the profession will be seen for years to come.
Hasththa hopes that his mentorship will create a community of artists that support and learn from one another. He believes that by creating a collaborative and welcoming environment, the tattoo industry can continue to grow and expand. His aim is to see more artists who are not only skilled in their craft but also enthusiastic about using it to convey stories and connect with others.