Prolific tattoo artist Prashant Yaduvanshi guides The Pioneer through his artistic process!
Shraddha Neware
In many different contexts, tattoos represent self-expression, identity, perseverance and confidence. Prashant Yaduvanshi, an accomplished tattoo artist, took up the art form and quickly gained notoriety. Through his art, he conveys his profound connection to the spiritual and shamanic realms.
“At first, I worked under the name Ayahuasca Ink, symbolising the consumption of knowledge and artistic inspiration akin to the transformative experience of Ayahuasca,” the tattoo artist says, describing a highly personal quest for meaning and expression. “I accepted tattooing as my identity as I developed, emphasising my responsibility to pass on the knowledge and abilities I have gained along the way.”
His intense love of art led him to make the crucial decision to leave his engineering college. He sees tattoos as a significant way to establish a spiritual connection. The founder of Shaman Ink states, “I want to capture the essence of spirituality and transformation, assisting people in healing and discovering a deeper connection with themselves.”
His upbringing in India also gave him a deep love for narrative and symbolism. The renowned cover-up tattoo artist tells us that symbolism and storytelling are fundamental to his designs, which enable him to produce tattoos that are not only aesthetically striking but also culturally relevant and significant. He discusses how this cultural background has influenced his artistic style!
Regarding his abilities to cover up tattoos and blend old ink into fresh, he is apparently a recipient of numerous international awards. He says that integrating technical prowess with creative vision is a complex process. After having a thorough consultation with people, he grasps their goals and narrative. “I study the old tattoo, considering factors like its size, colour and placement,” the artist reveals. “I create a design that not only covers the existing tattoo but also enhances it, transforming it into a work of art that people can wear with pride using my proficiency in colour and black-and-grey realism. He claims that the seamless appearance of the cover-up stems from his special ability to conceal darker parts with lighter shades of grey.” Instead of being a correction, he continues, “It almost seems like the client’s first choice!”
The artist continues, “Every element I incorporate holds a significant meaning, transforming the tattoo into a narrative that resonates with the people’s life experiences and aspirations,” further elaborating on how symbolism forms the foundation of his creations, particularly for cover-ups. In addition to making the designs aesthetically pleasing, he makes sure they offer a sense of completion and fresh starts that are full of meaning for the individual.
The tattoo artist goes on to say, “Through thorough consultations, I build a rapport with people, ensuring their stories and preferences are reflected in the final piece.” This further explains the importance of consultations and active listening in his approach to creating individualised tattoo designs. “By actively listening, I am able to distill their ideas into artwork that accurately reflects them.”
He must take a very collaborative approach in order to strike a balance between the people’s requests and his artistic vision. The artist further shares, “I think it’s important to involve people throughout the design process, incorporating their inputs while subtly guiding them towards choices that align with my artistic integrity establishing a synergy that guarantees the people’s individuality and creative abilities are harmoniously blended.”
He also tells a moving tale about one of his creations: “It’s about a person who came to me with a tattoo that symbolised a painful chapter in their life. During our talks, I gained knowledge about their process of recovery and development. We changed the previous tattoo to represent rebirth and tenacity—a phoenix emerging from the ashes. Rewarded with a tearful response from the person, which served as a reminder of the transformational potential of art!”
It’s assumed that obstacles are a part of the process for all artists and tattoo artists are no exception. The seasoned tattoo artist tells us of one major obstacle he encounters: “Balancing artistic vision with people’s expectations is a significant challenge. To overcome this, it is necessary to ensure that people are aware of the nuances of tattoo art through education and clear communication.”
He goes on to say that in order to provide a range of styles and patterns, it is important for him to stay current with emerging techniques. He often attends conferences, workshops and international seminars in order to do this. The winner of the Belgium Tattoo Convention’s “Best Cover-up Artist” title also enthuses, “Networking with other artists and engaging in continuous learning through online platforms and courses keeps me at the forefront of the industry.” For a tattoo artist, maintaining personal cleanliness and safety are essential. He said that using disposable needles and tubing for every session, together with strict sterilisation methods, are crucial. “I use premium inks that are safe for skin and my studio is always well-sanitised. In addition, I teach people on how to take care of themselves in order to avoid infections and guarantee healthy healing,” the tattoo artist adds.
We now learn about his future goals as our conversation draws to a close. With the words, “I want people in India to know that they can receive world-class tattoo artistry right here in their own country,” he expresses his desire to mentor up-and-coming artists and encourage others.
