Bora Burci, a talented tattoo artist from Turkey, is a selected feature in the January issue of Ink Legends Magazine. In this special spotlight, Bora shares his personal story, artistic journey, and the vision behind his work — and you can explore his tattoos and featured artwork below.
For me, tattooing is not something that is finished the day it’s done; it’s a process that lives, evolves, and gains meaning over time with the person who carries it. That’s why clarity, balance, and longevity are always my main priorities. Creating work that can remain strong and readable years later is at the core of how I approach tattooing. This mindset is shaped by my respect for classical tattoo discipline and my intention to create lasting pieces.
I don’t feel connected to a single style. I mainly work with neo-traditional, black & grey, and cover-up tattoos. Over the years, the technical and visual experience I’ve gained across different styles has become especially important in my cover-up work. My goal is not simply to hide old tattoos, but to completely eliminate what’s underneath and build a new, solid, and cohesive composition. I see cover-ups not as a limitation, but as a creative problem-solving process.
Line work is always the backbone of my tattoos. I focus on clean, flowing, and readable lines that can stand the test of time. When it comes to color, I often prefer warm palettes and aim to create a slightly dark yet balanced atmosphere in my work. I draw inspiration from Japanese and traditional tattoo culture, but rather than copying them directly, I reinterpret these influences through my own perspective.
The moment I truly felt like a tattoo artist was at my first convention. Being able to produce, share, and connect with people face to face helped me understand the essence of this profession more clearly. I still see myself in a learning phase, believing that growth is a natural and never-ending part of this craft.
For me, a good tattoo is one that speaks not on the first day, but years later.
