Life & Work with Azat Kamaletdinov of Westwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Azat Kamaletdinov

Hi Azat, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as an engineer at a metallurgical plant, but my passion for drawing led me into the world of tattooing. Initially, I practiced creating tattoos for friends, constantly improving my skills by watching and learning from experienced artists.
Over time, I developed my own unique style, specializing in tattoos of a new school with bright colors, clear lines and detailed designs. My dedication and hard work have earned me recognition, including many awards at international tattoo conventions.
I had the opportunity to work with internationally renowned artists. One of the highlights of my journey was working at Family Art Tattoo in Barcelona under the guidance of Victor Chil, who helped me further refine my artistic vision.
Today I work in one of the best tattoo shops in the world under the guidance of Sergey Shanko and I continue to expand the boundaries of my creativity, sharing my knowledge in master classes and constantly looking for new inspiration. For me, tattooing is more than just art, it’s a way to communicate with people, tell stories and leave an indelible mark.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most challenging stages was finding my own style and developing a unique artistic signature. The tattoo industry is full of talented artists, and to stand out, it’s not enough to simply master the technique—you have to offer something truly special. In the beginning, I had to experiment, searching for a balance between the influence of other artists and my own vision. It wasn’t always easy to find clients willing to trust my creative approach, but over time, I proved that my style is unique and in demand.
Like any creative person, I had moments of doubt. There were times when I felt stuck, thinking that I lacked originality or technical skills. In such moments, the most important thing is not to stop—keep searching for new sources of inspiration, connecting with fellow artists, and participating in conventions and masterclasses. That’s what helped me grow and overcome the fear of trying something new.
Leaving a stable job as an engineer for a creative career was also a difficult decision. At first, I faced financial struggles, uncertainty about the future, and the fear that I might fail. But over time, I realized that true fulfillment comes only when you follow your passion. That risk paid off, and today, I do what I truly love.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My approach to tattooing is based on attention to detail and careful preparation at every stage of the process. For me, it is important not only to transfer the image to the skin, but also to harmoniously fit with the anatomy of the body, emphasizing its natural lines and creating a composition that looks organic and expressive.
The first step is a hand-drawn sketch that I draw directly on the client’s body. This process allows me to adapt the design to each person’s unique physique, highlighting the key elements of the composition, placing accents and balancing the details. As a result, the tattoo becomes a natural extension of the body, and not just an image applied to the skin.
Once the basic shapes and proportions are determined, I create a full-fledged digital artwork in color. This stage is crucial because it allows the client to get a clear picture of the final result.
They can immediately see how the tattoo will look on their skin, what colors will be used and how shadows and highlights will be distributed. This approach helps to avoid misunderstandings and disappointment — the client knows exactly what to expect, and I can be sure that our appointment will lead to the ideal result!
This method not only minimizes possible errors in the tattooing process, but also provides a comfortable environment for the client. They get not just a tattoo, but a carefully crafted piece of art that perfectly fits their body, matches their aesthetic vision and, in many cases, exceeds their expectations.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is the opportunity to do what I love and see how my work resonates with people. For me, tattooing is not just an art form, it is a way of communication, a way of conveying emotions, ideas and stories through visual images. When a client looks in the mirror after a session and sees exactly what he imagined, and sometimes even more than he expected, this is an invaluable feeling.
I find inspiration in the creative process itself, in the opportunity to constantly develop, master new techniques and improve my style. Each new project is a challenge and a chance to create something truly unique. What makes it even more special is when a person trusts me not only to color their skin, but also to bring an important idea to life, to fill a work of art with meaning and emotions.
Happiness for me also lies in the freedom of self-expression and the opportunity to travel.
By participating in international conferences and collaborating with talented artists from all over the world, I not only share my experience, but also get a lot of inspiration. The opportunity to grow, improve, and leave behind works of art that will stay with someone for the rest of my life is what truly makes me happy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delai_dzen?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@delaidzen7199?si=cf4Z9ueWgL4HlW_Z