One of many talented artists appearing at the second Tattoo Collective at the Old Truman Brewery on March 17th and 18th in London’s Brick Lane will be Szidonia, who has kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions.
Want to see Szidonia tattoo live? Get your tickets here.
What made you get into tattooing?
I was painting and drawing since I was little kid, but just as a hobby. One day when I was 22, I just woke up and decided I want to be a tattoo artist. I purchased my first machine and never looked back.
What were you doing before you decided to become a tattooist?
I was studying marketing at one of Universities back in Hungary.
What was the first tattoo you had done on yourself and by whom?
Ok, this one is quite funny, actually. I have only one small script tattoo done by a Hungarian artist, but I can’t his name. I know most tattoo artists are heavily tattooed, however, I’m glad I didn’t start getting tattooed at a very young age as this for sure helped me save on laser treatment sessions.
What’s the first tattoo you did on someone?
I very well my first tattoo I’ve done – three little stars on a guy’s wrist.
If there was a UK version of Ink Master, would you take part and who would be the judges and presenter?
I would never take a part in this kind of show. I respect traditional values of tattooing.
What was the first band/musician you felt a connection with?
Back in a day I was a huge fan of Linkin Park. I love Etta James, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Nick Cave – these are the artist that I feel most connected with
Is there a record you play and never get tired of?
Favourite album is by an amazing lady called Beth Hart where she does covers with Joe Bonamassa by other great artists.
You’re in charge of booking five bands for an all-day festival. Who would be the five bands and in what order would they perform?
Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, Black Country Communion
If you had to get a lyric tattooed on you, what lyric would it be and why?
I would never get a lyric tattoo on me so it’s hard to even think of one.
Is there a band and a tattoo artist you would recommend the readers to check out and why?
Good old Guns N’ Roses music is definitely something everyone should check, especially the younger generation. I do really think that back in the day music was much better; lyrics had more meaning.
What advice would you give someone who is going to get their first tattoo?
There’s so many artists I ire, so many amazing ones that I work with at Kamil Tattoos shop, the list would go on and on. The most important is to do your research. You don’t have to necessarily go to a world known artist as there are plenty of amazing ones that most people haven’t heard of, however, knowing the difference between a good and bad tattoo is a must. Also, do not put a price on a tattoo. It will stay with you forever so it’s really not worth getting a cheap tattoo, as it will look cheap too.
How can people get in touch with you?
The easiest way to me is through my Instagram
