Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikol Sedef
Hi Nikol, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Nikol, and I’m a 29-year-old multidisciplinary artist from Istanbul, Turkey, with a primary focus on tattooing. My journey began seven years ago as an apprentice at a tattoo shop in Istanbul. After just six months, I launched my own business, which marked the beginning of my career. Since then, I’ve traveled and worked in various cities around the world, building a diverse client base that extends beyond my hometown. My work is a mix of how I see the world and the stories my clients bring to me, with a big focus on making every detail count.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
These past seven years have been a wild ride. The first thing that comes to mind is COVID—it hit the tattoo industry hard. I was in Istanbul, and we had to shut down our businesses. Being a traveling tattoo artist, I couldn’t travel for a couple of years, and neither could my clients. Social media has also been evolving rapidly, and keeping up with it can be challenging, but I suppose that’s just part of the job in this new era of tattooing.
Another challenge was that the tattoo industry used to be very male-dominated, which made my early years difficult when I was trying to learn the craft. However, once I created my own space and learned through experience, I found more freedom and a safe environment where I could continue developing my art. It’s definitely not an easy industry, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in dot work and blackwork tattoos, and what really sets my work apart is my saturation and use of black ink. My tattoos are bold, sharp, clean, and smooth, with an illustrative style that blends realism and abstract elements. I often incorporate base elements like checkers, eyes, and flames into my designs, which have become something of a signature for me.
My style and unique designs are what I’m known for, whether it’s flash designs or custom pieces. Being unique is my main focus, so I create every tattoo design specifically for each person. For example, when I’m working on custom designs, I sometimes don’t use my original drawing as a strict reference. Instead, I create the shading and details on the fly while I’m tattooing. I love doing freehand tattoos and adding new elements as I go.
I’m proud that I’ve been able to learn and master different styles since I started. I’ve had the opportunity to observe and learn from a variety of artists and to work with different types of equipment. All of this has given me a wide range of options in what I create, and I’m glad that I can explore and do whatever inspires me at the moment.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about LA is definitely the weather and the endless opportunities—just like most people, I’d guess. As I’ve grown older, I’ve moved away from enjoying moody weather. The sunshine here gets me up early and ready to start the day. When it comes to opportunities, it’s hard to overstate just how much this city has to offer. You never know who you might run into or meet in LA; the best and most famous artists are either living here or passing through. Art is everywhere, and with so many cultures from around the world, inspiration is easy to find. Coupled with the perfect weather, it’s an incredible place for artists.
On the flip side, I’d say the parking situation is something I like least—it can feel like solving a math equation at times. Also, I wish there were more people walking around outside; it’s a bit unusual how few people you see on the streets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikolsedef.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicolesedef
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesedeftattoo?mibextid=LQQJ4d
