Love them or hate them, tattoos are hard to ignore. And there’s a reason for that—statistics suggest that around 25% of adults aged 18 to 50 worldwide have at least one tattoo. What’s even more interesting is that among younger generations, that number is nearly double. Tattoos have slowly moved from being seen as rebellious to becoming a widely accepted (and often celebrated) form of self-expression. Whether it’s a tiny, meaningful symbol or a full sleeve, people today are using tattoos to tell their stories in a very personal way.
With so many people embracing tattoos, it’s no surprise that conversations around designs, techniques, and experiences are everywhere online. While tattoo enthusiasts often share their own opinions, we wanted to hear directly from someone in the field. So, we spoke with Harkesh Rajpoot, a seasoned tattoo artist with over a decade of experience, to understand what really goes into creating a great tattoo and what people often overlook.
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Harkesh believes that what truly sets a great artist apart isn’t just skill, but passion. “For me, what really makes an artist stand out is their passion for the art and their attention to detail,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of building strong fundamentals before jumping into complex designs. “Never skip the basics,” he advises. “If your foundation is solid, everything else becomes easier to master.”
When it comes to the technical side, Harkesh explains that there’s much more involved than people might think. “An artist needs reliable machines and a variety of needle cartridges to work effectively,” he notes. Hygiene is just as critical. “Proper safety gear, medical-grade disinfectants, and clean table covers are non-negotiable,” he adds. These aren’t just professional standards—they’re essential for both the artist’s and the client’s safety.
Understanding the human body is just as important as mastering the tattoo machine. As Harkesh explains, skin moves, stretches, heals, and changes over time. “An artist needs to know how to adapt designs for skin,” he says. What looks perfect on paper may not translate the same way once it’s inked onto the body. Fine lines can blur, small details can fade, and certain placements tend to wear out faster. That’s why experienced artists often adjust designs slightly, making lines bolder or spacing elements differently so the tattoo still looks good years later, not just on day one.
It’s also something clients don’t always think about; your tattoo will age with you. As the years go by, skin naturally loses elasticity, which can cause tattoos to stretch or soften in appearance. Sun exposure can fade colors, and areas that see a lot of movement may lose sharpness more quickly. Even lifestyle factors, like skincare and how well you follow aftercare instructions, play a role in how your tattoo holds up. In a way, getting a tattoo isn’t just about how it looks now; it’s about how it will look five, ten, or even twenty years down the line.
