This interview is with Okan Uckun, Tattoo Artist / Founder at MONOLITH STUDIO.

Okan Uckun, Tattoo Artist / Founder, MONOLITH STUDIO

Okan, could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a bit about your background as a tattoo artist and creative director?

I was born in Turkey and have been living in New York for seven years. I completed my art education as an architect and then earned my master’s degree in modern art and interior architecture. However, I started tattooing during the first years of university, which attracted me and made me so happy that I decided to continue as a tattoo artist for the rest of my life. This decision changed my life over time. With the development of Instagram and social media, I started gaining recognition abroad and worked as a tattoo artist in more than 55 countries. About seven years ago, I received a job offer from the United States and moved to New York in 2017 on an artist visa. My tattoos, influenced by my education, feature elements of architecture and modern art, focusing on minimalist and fine-line tattoo styles.

Your career path, blending architecture, modern art, and tattooing, is truly unique. Could you walk us through the pivotal moments that led you to where you are today?

One of the biggest turning points in my career was finding my style. Due to my education, I often create designs inspired by architecture, striving to build minimal, clean, and flawless tattoos. My education and its influence on my style were significant milestones. Later, with the advent of social media and the effects of Instagram, I suddenly found myself becoming a followed and recognized artist.

You’ve mentioned the importance of storytelling in your work as a creative. Can you elaborate on how you approach incorporating narratives into your tattoo designs and brand work?

Over the years, I’ve realized the importance of storytelling in both my tattoos and creative work. Regardless of the design field, I find that designs inspired by lived experiences or real-life observations are always impactful. I’ve started incorporating this approach into my style, drawing inspiration from nature and space, and sometimes using my clients’ personal data to connect their stories to reality. I believe that there is nothing more real and inspiring than true-life stories. Life itself has a unique design sensibility, and simply observing and imitating it can lead to remarkable and inspiring results.

As both a tattoo artist and a creative director, how do you balance your artistic vision with the needs and desires of your clients or brands you collaborate with?

Over time, I’ve developed my own style and design philosophy, so the people I work with are familiar with my approach. When they come to me, they already know what they want aligns with what I’ve been creating for years, leading to satisfying results for them. I believe that instead of just trying to meet others’ expectations, I work with people who need what I create, and I see this as one of the gifts I’ve been given.

In your experience, what are some common misconceptions people have about the tattoo industry, and how has your perspective as an artist and entrepreneur shifted those perceptions?

When I started tattooing in 2008, the industry was often viewed negatively, considered ‘underground’ and associated with being dirty. However, over the years, as people with formal art education entered the field, the tattoo industry evolved into a respected art form, gaining recognition and respect. As one of the early pioneers of this movement, I’m proud to have contributed to this shift and am happy that we’ve helped change the public perception of tattoos. Of course, I didn’t do this alone; it was achieved alongside many other tattoo artists who are now considered pioneers of modern tattooing worldwide.

You’ve emphasized the significance of staying updated with industry trends. How do you personally stay informed about the latest advancements in both the tattooing and creative design realms?

There aren’t many platforms for tattoo content in the tattoo world, but I’m fortunate to know or be friends with nearly all the successful tattoo artists worldwide. Sharing the latest details and updates with each other is always enjoyable. Recently, I co-founded MONOLITH STUDIO with my partner, Oscar Akermo. Our goal is to bring together contemporary tattoo artists from around the world and shape the direction of modern tattooing.

Building a strong team is crucial for any successful venture. What qualities do you look for when assembling a team, and how do you foster a collaborative and inspiring work environment?

I prioritize having good people on my team, and of course, being creative is also important. When these two qualities come together, they lead to great results. Many creative people fear collaboration, believing it’s difficult or impossible in the creative sector, because artistry and creation often involve ego. However, I believe that when these qualities align and work together like well-oiled parts of a machine, the outcomes can be outstanding. This synergy is one of the things I aim to achieve at this stage of my life.

Maintaining a consistent brand voice across multiple digital platforms can be challenging. Can you share some practical tips on how to adapt content for different platforms while staying true to the brand’s identity?

Each platform has its own habits, which can change over time due to updates or shifts in people’s tastes. While it’s not crucial to follow trends, it’s very important to stay true to the brand’s vision. I try to manage each platform in a way that aligns with the brand vision I want to create, while also keeping up with trends. This helps us grow our follower base while remaining faithful to the brand image we aim to establish.

Looking ahead, what are some exciting trends or innovations that you believe will shape the future of the tattoo industry and the creative field as a whole?

Like many fields, tattooing is evolving with technology and AI. While this is currently most visible in design, I believe we’ll eventually see robots performing tattoos and AI tools assisting clients. This doesn’t scare me because I see technology as a tool for humans, an integral part of nature. As long as we use these innovations correctly, there’s nothing to fear.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

This year, together with the world-renowned tattoo artist Oscar Akermo, we launched our dream contemporary tattoo studio, MONOLITH STUDIO, in Brooklyn, New York. Our goal for the coming years is to grow this brand and make it a home for modern tattoo artists worldwide. We hope that MONOLITH STUDIO will soon become a name you’ll hear often.