Nadine Mustafa When interviewing this uprising Tattoo Artist, one can only tell that she demonstrates a detail-oriented personality, enthusiasm, and a passion for engaging with clients. Thirteen years ago, Alia Fadaly – the whiz creator and founder of The Ink Shop – went against the noted narratives and pushed the boundaries of the tattooing stigma in Egypt, and started up a parlor on the intersection of 26th of July street is tucked away in the center of Zamalek. Propelling the growth of a tattoo subculture in a community where this kind of artwork is considered taboo by many. We chatted to Alia about the creativity behind her art as well as the effects of the pandemic on tattooing…
How long have you been a tattoo artist?
I have been in this field for almost around eleven years.
What drew you to the world of tattooing?
I started tattooing back in 2010 – while I was still an undergrad student – studying Art and Design in Cairo. During the first year of college, I realized that I want to become a tattoo artist. My brother was my main inspiration, we both wanted to get our first tattoos a long time ago and at the time there was only one tattoo artist in Cairo. When we arrived at the tattoo shop, I changed my mind and then he was like “that looks easy, why don’t you just learn and do it?” and that hit me, which was how I got curious and started working relentlessly to become a tattoo artist. Accordingly, I launched The Ink Shop Ltd. two years later in 2012 and now I am the only internationally certified tattoo artist in the Middle East.
How would you describe your style?
It’s very versatile and inclusive; however, my favorite is realism and Arabic calligraphy. What I am keen on is the quality of my work, simple artwork that speaks an intimate story; yet nonetheless, when you go up close to the item there is still a complexity of detail inside the design. It’s what I aspire for with the tattoos I make on individuals.
Has it changed over time?
My style has definitely developed over time. I worked so hard and still do to this day to better my skills in all styles and to become an inclusive artist.
How long does a tattoo process usually take?
The size, positioning of the body, and amount of care put into the design all influence the process. Depends on the complexity of the work and if it’s off my sketchbook. It also depends on the pain tolerance and threshold of the person.
What inspires your work? What influences you to create your art?
I get inspired when I come across great art that motivates me to create. My favorite thing about being a tattoo artist is being around clients, and how happy they feel after they get their tattoos done. I guess what makes my work different, is my team’s passion and commitment as well as mine and that we don’t treat this as a business. we’re in it because we love it and we love our art.
Tell us about your tattoos, do you have a personal favorite that holds a story or a memory you’d like to share?
It’s very difficult to choose amongst; all of them are special and each holds a special place in my heart.
How have you found the global pandemic, have you found time to be creative, or has it been a rough time?
At first, it was rough because nobody knew what was going on exactly and we were forced to stay at home which made it very stressful. But after some time I started to adapt to the new situation and carry on. I believe that everyone has been forced to modify their way of life in the previous year, and when you feel pushed to do anything, you can’t be joyful, and your work will reflect that. I’ve learned how to live with it now, and I’m actually delighted because I’ve found more time to take it in.
What steps should a client take before getting a tattoo?
They need to have thought it through immensely and understand that it’s a long-term decision so they shouldn’t rush it.
How do you ensure that clients are safe during such a painful process?
I try to talk to them and check on how they feel, if they need a break or if they need anything. I try to make conversation to make the process easy and comfortable.
How do you deal with anxious clients?
I try to explain to them that there is absolutely no rush and if they are not comfortable, we can do it some other time. They need to be relaxed and happy when they get an artwork that resembles eternity on their body.
