“Enjoying a hot afternoon around Legian, accompanied by bottles of wine and a nice chat.” Yes, our profile column this month features a man from the friendly city of Malang, whose hobby is to linger with wine (that’s what makes us feel at home to chat with him—ed.). Here is our relaxed chat with Gesang in the midst of busy life for tattoo, photography, and wine... Check this out.
Knowing tattoo from the roads, terminals, and markets association, he became interested in tattoo and the art around the year of 93-94. At that time, he was in high school and began to consider tattooing as a professional job when you were graduated from school. “In principle, all of which form the character of a person is their environment,” he said. Maybe that’s what determines the characteristics of a Gesang. He really likes the decorative pictures (painting), Maori, and biomechanics drawings.
Family and friends also said had been credited with making him as much now. Everything he learned in autodidacts only by pictures. Until finally in mid 99, he moved to Bali with only bring tattoo and painting skills. By becoming a freelance tattoo artist in Bali, many experiences have forged and made him like now. Starting from Dhodho Tattoo, Tattoo Gung De, and Ka’s Tattoo, until finally docked at Irezumi Tattoo which is now better known as Gesang Tattoo. Gesang had learnt a lot with them (Dhodho, Gung De, Rheno, Gus Tu).
According to this one-child-father, the family is a source of happiness and inspiration. Bali is the perfect place for tattoo because they closely relate to tourism. The big number of tattoo studios in Bali is not a problem, the proliferation of tattoo studios are not a hindrance or competition. “Every person has their own abilities, their own market, quality and fortune alone, everything is set by the God,” he said. Defining a work and compete fairly with the work, both promote tattoo. “Indonizing tattoo and tattooing Indonesia,” he added.
Gesang commented, “Magic Ink is a magazine that dared to make a breakthrough to advance the tattoo, as a media of reunion, friendship, and relationship.” He fully hopes that the Magic Ink would make the activities more often, and not too stingy to receive input from anyone, raise the educational contents, strengthen pages, to make society more familiar with tattoo, and hopefully be able to make them realize that tattoo is an art.
Showing posts with label Tattoo Studio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tattoo Studio. Show all posts
Rossemarrie Tattoo Studio
Rosemarie studio dominated by red colour officially opened 2 years ago, at the end of 2008. Located at Benesari Street no.10x, close to the crossroad at Benesari. Thomas and Mada as tattoo artist of the
studio, Ferry, Nanang, Tony gimbal dan Gimbul as staff. Open everyday from 10am-10pm. Interestingly.. owner of the studio is togetherness, its mean that everyone who is working at studio is the owner.
Serves all motif of pictures with minimum prize 600k, depend to the size and difficulty of the picture. Use starbrite, intenz, and korusumi ink. The studio completed by medical sterilizer, internet, AC, TV, and waiting room. Mostly guests is coming from Australia. There is credit card machine at this studio, so if you want to make tattoo but you don’t bring cash money and don’t feel up to go to ATM, no worries because you can use the machine, but off course for customers only :D
studio, Ferry, Nanang, Tony gimbal dan Gimbul as staff. Open everyday from 10am-10pm. Interestingly.. owner of the studio is togetherness, its mean that everyone who is working at studio is the owner.
Serves all motif of pictures with minimum prize 600k, depend to the size and difficulty of the picture. Use starbrite, intenz, and korusumi ink. The studio completed by medical sterilizer, internet, AC, TV, and waiting room. Mostly guests is coming from Australia. There is credit card machine at this studio, so if you want to make tattoo but you don’t bring cash money and don’t feel up to go to ATM, no worries because you can use the machine, but off course for customers only :D
How to choose a tattoo studio
So you have decided about the tattoo design and the location of the tattoo on your body. Now it is time to select the right place where you can get it done properly. Of course it is the tattoo studio but you should check the following in this regard...
- You should first of all check the Tattoo Artist certifications.
- You should check the autoclave and sterilization certifications
- You should make sure that artist wears protective gloves.
- You should be sure about the cleanliness of the equipments that are being used in the process of tattooing.
- You should properly observe that the ointments, ink and water used for the purpose are taken from separate and clean containers.
- You should insist that sterile or new needles should be taken from an autoclave bag in front of you.
- And after the use the needles should be disposed off appropriately.
- You should also insist on the use of fresh inks used as the color of the tattoos.
- Also make sure that each color of ink comes from a bottle that is poured into a small cup specifically for your tattoo.
- Satisfy yourself by ensuring that neither a needle is reused nor the remains of prior used ink could be used on you.
- You should see prior designs of tattoos made by the artists in the studio.
- You should allow the Tattoo Artist touch your skin only after being fully satisfied about his talent.
- Never mind even if it takes a long time to find a neat and clean parlor as well as the artist.
- After all it is the question of health and hygiene.
Tattoo Artist Interview : Unyil Hanafi
Unyil is one of tattoo artists that prefers horse than Harley. He loves culinary as well as Celtic world. Used to open his own tattoo studio in Malang and Jakarta, and finally now he is in Bali joining Suku-Suku Tatau Studio. For him, tattoo is the highest art which will be carried on forever. Below was the interview between Magic Ink and Unyil who just got ready traveling to East Java!
How long have you been in Bali?
I’ve been here for a year, but before that I used to have a studio in Malang, also in Jakarta. Those studios were closed for some mistakes, but I’d learned from it.
How’s the story so that you finally end up in Suku-Suku Tatau?
It’s simple. There are many tattoo studios, but I’m here because of the similarities in concept, art, and treble style.
Talking about tattoo style, what do you incline to?
Actually there are lots of tattoo styles, but I’d more likely to call them character or pattern, not style. Just like most people who look from the art character, I incline to Celtic.
And why are you so expert in Celtic patterns?
I don’t know, maybe because I like Celtic pictures, the complexity in it amazes me. I guess that’s why I love Celtic, hahaha..
Is there any difference among tattoo art in Malang, Jakarta, and Bali?
Maybe the difference is in the customers. Bali is more superior for it’s in the international scale, because it connects with the tourism. Because of tourism, I can learn much and try new things, but not only for trials and errors, ok. Hahaha..
Anyway, how did you learn tattoo art?
I learned autodidactly, never really had a specific learning. I work by following the nature, from what it gives to me. I started doing tattoo in 1990, but productively in 1996.
Why don’t you become an entrepreneur?
Hahahahaha, I prefer becoming a tattoo artist. I think it’s impossible for me being an entrepreneur. I mean, tattoo artist is also an entrepreneur, but there’s no way becoming a real one.
Do you have a will to pilgrimage?
Hahahahaha, I guess not. Maybe I’ll make my wife a pilgrim.
We’re curious, do you like music?
Hahaha, I like foods better. Wherever I come and stay, the first thing I look for is always culinary.
Ok man, give us your wise words!
I hope tattoo can grow better in our community. Thanks to my family, my parents who already delivered me to this world, especially my wife who always supports me. “I’m nothing without my
family,” and hopefully Magic Ink will be bigger and more familiar.
Last question, why are you called Unyil?
That’s my nick name since I was a little kid. Until now I’m the biggest one, I’m still called Unyil. But I got that name from the street, so it should be saved, hahaha..
How long have you been in Bali?
I’ve been here for a year, but before that I used to have a studio in Malang, also in Jakarta. Those studios were closed for some mistakes, but I’d learned from it.
How’s the story so that you finally end up in Suku-Suku Tatau?
It’s simple. There are many tattoo studios, but I’m here because of the similarities in concept, art, and treble style.
Talking about tattoo style, what do you incline to?
Actually there are lots of tattoo styles, but I’d more likely to call them character or pattern, not style. Just like most people who look from the art character, I incline to Celtic.
And why are you so expert in Celtic patterns?
I don’t know, maybe because I like Celtic pictures, the complexity in it amazes me. I guess that’s why I love Celtic, hahaha..
Is there any difference among tattoo art in Malang, Jakarta, and Bali?
Maybe the difference is in the customers. Bali is more superior for it’s in the international scale, because it connects with the tourism. Because of tourism, I can learn much and try new things, but not only for trials and errors, ok. Hahaha..
Anyway, how did you learn tattoo art?
I learned autodidactly, never really had a specific learning. I work by following the nature, from what it gives to me. I started doing tattoo in 1990, but productively in 1996.
Why don’t you become an entrepreneur?
Hahahahaha, I prefer becoming a tattoo artist. I think it’s impossible for me being an entrepreneur. I mean, tattoo artist is also an entrepreneur, but there’s no way becoming a real one.
Do you have a will to pilgrimage?
Hahahahaha, I guess not. Maybe I’ll make my wife a pilgrim.
We’re curious, do you like music?
Hahaha, I like foods better. Wherever I come and stay, the first thing I look for is always culinary.
Ok man, give us your wise words!
I hope tattoo can grow better in our community. Thanks to my family, my parents who already delivered me to this world, especially my wife who always supports me. “I’m nothing without my
family,” and hopefully Magic Ink will be bigger and more familiar.
Last question, why are you called Unyil?
That’s my nick name since I was a little kid. Until now I’m the biggest one, I’m still called Unyil. But I got that name from the street, so it should be saved, hahaha..
Bali Tattoo Studio: Dolphin Studio
This Tattoo Studio can be said as a unique one. It’s not easy to be found as it is located inside of Kuta Art Marketplace, but still full of customer everyday. That’s right, placed in Jl. Dewi Sartika which lately known as an oldest Tattoo Studio in Bali. This studio was built in 1975. There are three rooms, one is used as a tattoo execution, and another is used as a sitting room and a small rest room. Here they have two Tattoo Artists, Wayan Isu and Made Daplonk. This studio suits for about two-three clients. Whilst they wait, the waiting-list costumer or they who are just accompanying their friend could be well sit and enjoy a bunch of tattoo magazine and their sample of works. It is guarantee you won’t feel bored or maybe you will get ideas from it. Just in case you get bored, you may walk outside and go to Kuta Art Marketplace to shop or just look around there, to kill times. This studio is facilitated with television, air conditioner, and Medical Sterilizers. About the ink, they use Starbright and Kuro Sumi ink. In a week, this studio handles more than 20 costumers.
Bali Tattoo Studio: Karang Tattoo
This tattoo studio has begun for 3 months. Divided into 2 rooms with roominess 6x6 meter. When we come in, we will find a very comfy guest room. The tattoo studio is next to the guest room. The studio is cozy and can receive many customers all in one place. For about 4 people can sit while have the tattoo. The facilities are AC, medical sterilizer in the tattoo studio, a guest room with AC and TV, nice for the queuing customers or those who wait for their relatives getting the tattoo. The
price is negotiable and depends on the picture of the tattoo. While for the ink, this studio uses Intend and Kuro Sumi. The tattoo artist is Adi Benk who is already in the field for 7 years. Since the studio is new and a little hidden, many people have not discovered it yet. The clients are approximately 5 people a week. It is in Kuta Theatre or mostly known as Mushroom alley. So, after you got the tattoo or while waiting for your friend, enjoy the mushroom! Yeah!
price is negotiable and depends on the picture of the tattoo. While for the ink, this studio uses Intend and Kuro Sumi. The tattoo artist is Adi Benk who is already in the field for 7 years. Since the studio is new and a little hidden, many people have not discovered it yet. The clients are approximately 5 people a week. It is in Kuta Theatre or mostly known as Mushroom alley. So, after you got the tattoo or while waiting for your friend, enjoy the mushroom! Yeah!
Bali Tattoo Artist : Shotonk
Shotonk started knowing tattoo when he was only a junior high school student. Because of his drawing ability, a friend lent him his equipment and body to be the learning means. “Almost all over his body is full of my works,” Shotonk said.
A buffalo head was Shotonk’s first work on the body of Kadek Suardika, his friend. He said it was ugly and in disorder, but he always practiced on his friend’s body ever since. After he was confident enough, in 1998 he opened his own tattoo studio in Singaraja. But it was only a year before he decided to move to Kuta.
At first in Kuta, Shotonk became a temporary tattoo artist in Matahari Mall Legian. Then he reopened his own studio named Bulldog Tattoo in Kuta Square, but unfortunately it only lasted for a year. After that, Shotonk joined in Legian 64 studio, then moved to Mr. Barong, and finally went back to Legian 64 for 7 years before he again opened Shotonk Tattoo Studio. He decided to run a private studio because he thought it was impossible to work for someone else forever, also it was about time for him learning to be responsible of his own future. Up to now, he still keeps in touch with his old friends in Legian 64. Even when he was asked about the person who had a big influence in his career as a tattoo artist, hard for him to answer. “Some people have influenced me, but mostly Agung. We became partners for quite a long time..,” he answered.
In the middle of his activities as a tattoo artist, Shotonk always has some time to go back to his hometown, Singaraja, every twice a month to see his 4 children. It has been 3 years he becomes a single parent.
And in the end of the interview with Magic Ink, Shotonk shared his hope that all tattoo artists keeping up the quality in order to make tattoo as one tourism attraction, so together they can grow the art of tattoo. To Magic Ink, he wanted us to support each other. “If we support people, they will support us, too. There is karma in it..,” he ended that afternoon conversation.
A buffalo head was Shotonk’s first work on the body of Kadek Suardika, his friend. He said it was ugly and in disorder, but he always practiced on his friend’s body ever since. After he was confident enough, in 1998 he opened his own tattoo studio in Singaraja. But it was only a year before he decided to move to Kuta.
At first in Kuta, Shotonk became a temporary tattoo artist in Matahari Mall Legian. Then he reopened his own studio named Bulldog Tattoo in Kuta Square, but unfortunately it only lasted for a year. After that, Shotonk joined in Legian 64 studio, then moved to Mr. Barong, and finally went back to Legian 64 for 7 years before he again opened Shotonk Tattoo Studio. He decided to run a private studio because he thought it was impossible to work for someone else forever, also it was about time for him learning to be responsible of his own future. Up to now, he still keeps in touch with his old friends in Legian 64. Even when he was asked about the person who had a big influence in his career as a tattoo artist, hard for him to answer. “Some people have influenced me, but mostly Agung. We became partners for quite a long time..,” he answered.
In the middle of his activities as a tattoo artist, Shotonk always has some time to go back to his hometown, Singaraja, every twice a month to see his 4 children. It has been 3 years he becomes a single parent.
And in the end of the interview with Magic Ink, Shotonk shared his hope that all tattoo artists keeping up the quality in order to make tattoo as one tourism attraction, so together they can grow the art of tattoo. To Magic Ink, he wanted us to support each other. “If we support people, they will support us, too. There is karma in it..,” he ended that afternoon conversation.
Some Things Should Consider Before Making Tattoo Designs
Do you want to make a tattoo design? It's okay, but do not take risks. You must ensure all equipment is clean and made by people who are experts in their field(tattoo artist). You also need to consider technical matters so that your tattoo designs are perfect, and do not cause problems later on.
Some things you should consider before making a tattoo design:
Some things you should consider before making a tattoo design:
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs (especially aspirin) on the night before tattooing.
- Do not make tattoo designs when you are sick or your body is not fit.
- Make sure all tattoo needles used are sterile and disposable only.
- Make sure the tattoo studio has a functioning equipment sterilize instruments used.
- Make sure the tattoo artist had washed his hands and using sterile gloves.
- Make sure the tattoo studio areas clean of objects that are not sterile like a water bottle, wallet and so on.
- After tattooing, follow the recovery instructions carefully, including the use of antibiotic ointment.
Daplong is a tattoo artist who does not have a tattoo design
Most tattoo artists to experiment in his own body tattooing. But unlike Daplong, a Bali tattoo artist does not have a tattoo design on his body. "Yaah .. let alone different plasticity, once the intention to create a tattoo designs, but there was always a barrier, maybe I should not have a tattoo designs" he said with a laugh. Then how initially become a tattoo artist?. Long-haired tattoo artist was admitted to the junior high when he tried to experiment with his friend, assembling a simple tattoo equipment and use the INTA ROTRING moment. The first person he had a tattoo designs was a friend, and there is also a recycling traders experiments meatballs. "Time for a tattoo I just get the money from 2000 until 6000 rupiah" he recalls with a laugh.
Then the journey continues in the world tattooed in Padang Bai. For about 2 years he became a freelance Bali tattoo artist, because at that time he has not had a tattoo studio. "I just door to door to that time, my reply was a guest came to his hotel for tattooing" he said. And in the 2000s he came to Kuta and become a tattoo artist in Mr. Dolphin Tattoo Studio until now. Daplong known as a good tattoo artist in the style of black and gray. Her talent in the art world this is already descended from his family, his grandfather was a sculptor or sculpture maker, and almost his entire family are artists. The difference is only Daplong own art carved in leather.
The man who hobbies are playing music ethnic want a tattoo in the future in general and Indonesia in Bali, especially for the more advanced. And Bali tattoo artist more professional. Do not forget he also wanted to convey that tattoos was not a criminal, tattooing is an art. Go... Bali tattoo.
Then the journey continues in the world tattooed in Padang Bai. For about 2 years he became a freelance Bali tattoo artist, because at that time he has not had a tattoo studio. "I just door to door to that time, my reply was a guest came to his hotel for tattooing" he said. And in the 2000s he came to Kuta and become a tattoo artist in Mr. Dolphin Tattoo Studio until now. Daplong known as a good tattoo artist in the style of black and gray. Her talent in the art world this is already descended from his family, his grandfather was a sculptor or sculpture maker, and almost his entire family are artists. The difference is only Daplong own art carved in leather.
The man who hobbies are playing music ethnic want a tattoo in the future in general and Indonesia in Bali, especially for the more advanced. And Bali tattoo artist more professional. Do not forget he also wanted to convey that tattoos was not a criminal, tattooing is an art. Go... Bali tattoo.
Wayan Batu is Owner of Mr. Liack Tattoo Studio

This tattoo artist is one of senior tattoo artist in Bali. Their work in the tattoo art began in the 80s. Since his age 15 years, Wayan Batu has opened the tattoo studio in Denpasar Bali. An then in 1988 he moved to Kuta Bali with a few friends contemporaries. Keep learning and trying, also based on the art of blood from his family to become more adept bali tattoo artist. Some tatto studios in Kuta Bali have used his services as a tattoo artist, among others, are Mr.. Barong and Mr. Dolphin. But in 1996 Wayan Stone opened his own tattoo studio is named Mr. Liack Bali.
one decades involved in the tattoo art makes her no difficulty to be tattoo artist.All types of tattoo can be made perfectly. But he will be very pleased if there are clients who want to create an oriental-style tattoos. And clients from abroad are coming back to find Wayan Batu to create a new tattoo. Since they already believed by Wayan Batu as a tattoo artist.
When asked when he first time have a tattoo design, he said while sitting in 6th grade in Primary Schoool. "My first tattoo was made by a police. And the tattoo is a beautiful angel. Until now he already have two tattoo studios. But sometimes he also became a freelance tattoo artist in Mr. Barong Tattoo Studio, Beach Boys Tatto and Bali Family. Wayan Batu is a busy tattoo artist, almost every day he works to make tattoo designs. He said busy is fun, because the tattoo art comes from the soul as well as a hobby.
At the end of the conversation, Wayan Batu did not forget thanked profusely to his teacher Made Surya as Master Tattoo in Bali. He was the first tattoo artist in Bali, and he learned a lot from him.
Kuta Ink Tattoo Studio
Average Kuta Ink get 4 to 6 clients every week. For the price the determine from difficulty level and color. And most their clients come to studio came from foreign tourists.
Kuta Ink studios also sell tattoo ink and needle.For the Ink they sell with price IDR 65,000, while for the needle the price is IDR 6,000. And it is imported from Australia. If you want to make a tattoo design in Kuta Ink tattoo studio, you can choose lot of their design. Or the tattoo artist named Putu Remaja can make special design for you.
click here for original article in Bahasa Indonesia
Twice Tattoo Studio
Since Established in 2001, Twice Tattoo Studio is one of part twice bar is located in poppies 2 street. This studio is not big, but still comfortable. According Jerinx as the owner of Twice Bar & Twice Tattoo Studio, this studio established because he like tattos. Also studio tattoo business is not make inflict a financial loss.Moreover image of bars and tattoo studio is matching.
"Although over the studio is not guessable, but I think we still can survive" as Jerinx said.
Tools and equipment for the studio, they claim all of the goods imported from foreign. Except the artists, twice tattoo services still use the original local products, that is Made tattoo. The price in Twice Tattoo is quite flexible, and usually starting from five hundred thousand.
When asked about the relationship between music and tattoo, Jerinx's answer is related. Because almost of musicians are tattoo fans.
"Many musicians who make tattoo in this studio, Rufio band and keyboardist of Nidji band make a tattoo in this studio."
Image of a bar, music and tattoo seems to be quite interesting in this place. While future plans for the studio, the possibilities will be enlarged. But may not be in the near future, "may be 2 or 3 more years", Said Jerinx.
In the future, Twice Studio's guys hopefully is.. "RUU APP hopefully not be passed."
original article in Bahasa indonesia you can click here
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