We had the good fortune of connecting with Aylin Efendigil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aylin, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
In my tattoo career, a few key habits have been essential to my success. First and foremost, I have a deep sense of perfectionism when it comes to every detail of a tattoo. I approach each piece with the goal of turning even the simplest ideas into a masterpiece. Building strong connections with my clients is another habit that drives my success. I take the time to understand their vision and make sure they feel comfortable and valued throughout the process. Patience and constant practice have also played a huge role in refining my craft, as tattooing is an art that requires ongoing growth and dedication. Lastly, my genuine love for art fuels everything I do, inspiring me to pour my heart into every design.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art has been a part of my life since childhood. Growing up, I created my own toys in my father’s garage, sculpted figures from mud, and imagined stories while making paper ships float on puddles after the rain, reflecting the sunset sky. I spent countless hours lying on the sand, watching the clouds and shaping them in my mind. These experiences nurtured my creativity and deepened my connection to nature, which I believe is at the heart of being an artist.

I am a self-taught graphic designer with over 10 years of experience, having mastered various design programs independently. Collage art was a significant part of my journey, serving as both therapy and a tool to cultivate patience and precision. Photography is another passion of mine, as it allows me to freeze and preserve remarkable moments.

My tattoo career began as a way to explore my identity as an artist, creating meaningful works of art on the human body. I consider myself a naturally gifted artist, born for art and driven to leave a legacy of creativity behind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Recently, my favorite spot to enjoy amazing food has been the Darkroom Restaurant and Wine Bar. It’s always a treat to visit. Outside of work, I love going hiking with friends—it’s a great way to recharge and connect with nature. I also enjoy yoga and find it fun to hit the gym. Yoga, in particular, has been incredibly helpful in strengthening my lower arms, which plays a big role in achieving precision and perfect lines in tattooing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly admire successful artists who have reached the top of their careers. For me, success isn’t just about creating the most amazing art but being in a creative comfort zone and continuing to love your craft after many years. One tattoo artist I deeply admire is @winterstone. He’s one of my favorite artists to follow.

I also have a deep love for surrealism and want to build my entire style around it. Among the most iconic artists from the past, Picasso and Salvador Dalí inspire me the most. I hope to follow in their footsteps and push all my efforts toward becoming a well-known artist, so the world can recognize and appreciate my work.

Instagram: ms_aleen

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