Today we’d like to introduce you to Burcu Belen
Hi Burcu, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Burcu, I’m 28 years old. Five years ago, I came to Los Angeles from Istanbul to learn English, thinking I’d stay just a few months before returning home. But life had other plans, and I found myself falling in love with LA, deciding to make it my home.
Back in Turkey, I graduated at the top of my class from the Fine Arts Faculty, majoring in Fashion Design. After graduation, I worked as a fashion designer for two years but realized that the fashion industry wasn’t where I truly belonged. I felt the need to explore something new, so I left my job and moved to LA. After completing my language studies, I pursued a Master’s in Business, but again, it didn’t feel like the right fit for me.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been passionate about working with needles. I used to spend most of my time doing embroidery and weaving rugs, which I’ve always loved. In fact, it’s been a dream of mine to one day start my own handwoven rug business. While experimenting with different things, my partner, who is a tattoo artist, encouraged me to try tattooing. So I did—and I loved it! I practiced on my partner’s arms, and after some time, I realized that this was exactly what I had been searching for. Tattooing became my safe space—a craft that brings me joy and peace, as I get to create art on human skin.
Now, over a year into my tattoo journey, I’m working as a tattoo artist in the Los Angeles area, all while continuing my love for embroidery and rug making on the side.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, there have been many challenges along the way, and honestly, they still continue. Starting from scratch in a completely foreign country, in a culture you don’t know, without speaking the language, was incredibly difficult. I felt exhausted, but over time, I learned to live with that exhaustion. On top of that, as someone with career aspirations and concerns about the future, I often felt lost. Up until about a year ago, before I started tattooing, that sense of emptiness was overwhelming. Tattooing filled much of that void for me.
Right now, the hardest part is being far from my family and friends. But at the end of the day, it was my choice, so I try not to be too hard on myself about it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in fine line, abstract, and micro-realism tattoos. My work often blends delicate lines with detailed, realistic elements, creating a balance between simplicity and complexity. I think what sets me apart is my background in fashion design and my passion for working with needles, which started with embroidery and rug making. This has given me a unique perspective and precision in my tattooing.
I’m most proud of how quickly I found my voice in this industry. Even though I’ve been tattooing for just over a year, I’ve already developed a style that feels true to me and resonates with my clients. Every tattoo is a piece of art, crafted with intention and care, and seeing how my work connects with people on a personal level is what makes it so rewarding.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is finding happiness, but not at the expense of others. I believe in pursuing my own joy while being mindful not to hurt or harm anyone along the way. A clear conscience is incredibly important to me, and I always strive to achieve my goals with kindness and integrity. For me, true happiness comes from knowing that I’m not only staying true to myself but also treating those around me with respect and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1mmtattoo.com/burcu-belen
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/needles.bb
