Meet Mika Kovacs | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Mika, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The bond I create with my clients as bloodxbonds is rooted in trust, creativity, and shared experience, and I believe this connection is the heart of my success. Tattooing is far more than just placing ink on skin—for me it’s about collaboration, taking each persons vision, story or emotion and transforming them into art with care. There’s a quiet beauty in these bonds, in the way a client entrusts me with their skin, allowing me to bring it to life in a deeply personal, permanent way. By truly listening and engaging, I’ve built relationships that extend beyond the moment, connections that grow and evolve like the art itself. I think this trust allows clients to feel not just understood, but empowered, knowing their vision will be brought to life with care and precision. The name bloodxbonds reflects this devotion to forming meaningful, lasting connections. These bonds are not only what create art—they create beautiful experiences, and I think that’s why clients return, again and again, to continue this shared journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to becoming a tattoo artist hasn’t been easy. I endured a military-like apprenticeship for 2.5 years at a tattoo shop that fostered a toxic environment, one that left me questioning whether I even wanted to be in this industry. After a lot of contemplation & encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to stick with it. Which lead to me finding Rodeo Tattoo, a private studio in Lincoln Heights where the welcoming atmosphere and incredible artists I now work alongside helped shift my perspective. Rodeo showed me that there are good people in this industry—people who genuinely support one another and foster creativity—they helped reignite my love for tattooing. Although my journey in learning how to tattoo has been quite a rollercoaster, I don’t regret going through that experience—it taught me so much and pushed me to not only become a well rounded versatile artist but also a stronger more empathetic person.

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.
We would start the day with breakfast & coffee at Saffy’s, Laveta, Doubting Thomas, Kitchen Mouse Cafe, Popping Yolk, or Kumquat.
Then either head to a museum (Mr Brainwash, Hammer Museum, The Museum of Jurassic Technology, LACMA, MOCA, The Natural History Museum)
a relaxing spa day (WI Spa, Hideko Spa or a scalp massage at Yangsiguan Spa)
or a silly interactive activity (Shot of Art, Sender One, Top Golf, Bitter Root Pottery, or the Escape Game LA)
And end the night with Dinner & Drinks at Bestia, Yunomi Handroll, Saffy’s, Mother Tongue, Dama, Cento, or Bavel.
If we’re not ready to turn in yet then I would take us out for more drinks at Bar Flores, Paper Tiger, the Black Cat, Tiki Ti, Varnish, Gold Line, Arts District Brewing Company or The Cellar.
or dancing at the Queensberry, Blind Barber, General Lee’s, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, the Short Stop, or the Rythm Room.
& If we’re in need of a bite to eat after our drinks I would take us to Dan Sung Sa, Anju House, Jones, Sun Nong Dan, 464 or Angel’s Tacos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much of my success in my tattoo career to the unwavering support of my friends and family. They’ve been there from the very beginning, encouraging me to pursue my passion even when the path was uncertain. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, pushing me to refine my craft and keep growing as an artist. Whether it was celebrating my achievements or helping me navigate challenges, their love and encouragement have been the foundation of my journey. I’m incredibly grateful to have such a strong support system, and I couldn’t have come this far without them.

Instagram: @bloodxbonds