FROM INTERIOR DESIGNER TO TATTOO ARTIST
...
RAKSHITH SHETTY
In the beginning, they were doubtful, no one believed in me because I wanted to pursue a career in Tattooing. But finally, they supported me as I was good at it.
Rakshith Shetty, a resident of Mangalore, started drawing and sketching at a very small age. He used to spend his free time sketching and drawing, as his interest grew into this, his interest in studies started fading, he completely indulged himself into the arts. He really liked what he was doing, he didn’t think of making a career in tattooing as he was pursuing his degree in Interior designing but it was his friend who told him to pursue a career in tattooing. Inspired by his friend he was in search of a good training program and then, he found Aliens Tattoo School. He wanted to join but due to financial problems he couldn't join the course, he may have dropped the idea of joining, but his desire to become a tattoo artist didn’t let him do that, so he took a loan from his family and relatives to enroll himself. He says that it was a tough decision that he had to make in order to pursue a new career, different from his profession and having a secured job, at some point he even felt judged and feels some people didn’t treat him well as he wanted to become a tattoo artist, but now he finds himself happier than ever and is content following his passion. After completing the course, he went on to become a successful tattoo artist and now he is a part of the Aliens Tattoo team.
After he completed his complete course in tattoo art, we did a small group discussion with Rakshith just to get feedback and understand how was his experience at Aliens Tattoo School. Following is the brief conversation we had about his experience and journey
What were you interested in as a child?
I was interested in arts so I started with drawing and sketching in my childhood. I didn’t join any class, I learned things on my own, I used to draw sketches from books.
Were you always an artist?
No, not actually, I just used to do the drawings in my free time. I didn’t feel like an artist.
What is your educational background?
I completed my B.Sc in Interior designing from Mangalore University.
How did you come to know about your passion for tattooing?
When I was in college, I lost my interest in studies so I used to draw and do tattooing temporarily on hand with a pen and I even did it in college fest, I didn’t realize it myself that I am passionate about tattooing, until my friends inspired me to pursue a career in tattooing.
Did your family support you to follow your passion?
In the beginning, they were doubtful, no one believed in me because I wanted to pursue a career in Tattooing. But finally, they supported me as I was good at it.
How did you come to know about Aliens Tattoo School?
My friends inspired me to learn to tattoo, so I explored on google and the first name that appeared was Aliens Tattoo. After that, I researched a lot and I talked with Sunny Bhanushali regarding the course. Apart from other studios, I found Aliens as the best as it has school.
How did your parents respond after hearing that you want to join the course?
As I was an interior designer, they were worried, and in the confusion that why are you changing your profession, you already have a good job. They were quite afraid as I was going to have a new and different start. But when they visited the Aliens Tattoo studio they liked it, then they were ready to enroll me for the course.
What fears you had before joining the course?
I was afraid that I would be able to make it or not as I was coming from a different state. I was already in a secure job and starting a new beginning was quite challenging but I wanted to pursue my passion, so I prepared myself.
What was your experience at Aliens Tattoo School?
It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was one of a kind learning experience that I really loved. I hated learning at school and college but I completely enjoyed learning at Aliens Tattoo school because learning didn’t feel like learning, it felt like learning while having fun and it was amazing.
What were your expectations regarding the course? Did it meet your expectations?
My expectations regarding the course were to just learn and excel at Tattooing and then get a job at a good studio. All my expectations were met as I wanted to learn as much as I can about tattooing.
Did you face any struggles while progressing through the course?
No big struggles as much, but when I first saw the machines, then I was like how will I be able to do it? It was hard and a little bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but within 2-3 weeks I learned that as well.
What were you doing before joining this course?
I was having a job as an interior designer in a small private firm in Mangalore itself, but I was not happy in that job, I aspired to be a Tattoo artist.
What are your plans after finishing this course?
I want to get a job in a decent studio, but my dream is to work in Aliens Tattoo studio.
How much scope does a tattoo artist have in India?
It completely depends on the individual, if they are good at it then there is a huge scope.
It all comes down to their dedication, their eagerness to learn, and hard work. If they want to be the best in what they do, then they definitely will.
What is the earning potential of a tattoo artist? How much do you earn per month?
It varies for different artists working in different studios. I earn around 30-35 k per month. To be honest, If I were still an interior designer I would be earning much less and at the same time would not be happy with it.
How confident are you about tattooing after finishing the course?
I am super confident and now I can execute any design.
Would you be happily tattooing your whole life?
Yes, obviously. I have found my passion and I am excited and would be happily tattooing my whole life.