Introducing our December cover artist, Alina, also known as Iron Mommi. Explore her inspiring career journey and gain exclusive insights into the tattoo world through her perspective.
Can you please start by telling us something about yourself and your beginnings?
Hello. My name is Alina, also known by the pseudonym Iron Mommi. I came from Russia, from the city of St. Petersburg. I have an art education, which allows me to develop as a master a little faster. I always liked to draw – and on what, it does not matter.
What do you find most rewarding about your career as a tattoo artist?
I really appreciate the trust that people give me when creating portraits. In turn, I give people emotions, memories and often solutions to their problems: someone wants to be more self confident, someone wants to hide scars, cover old unsuccessful tattoos, someone with the help of a tattoo meets more often and changes their worldview
Do you find that clients usually have a clear vision of what they want, or do they give you creative freedom? How do you balance their ideas with your own artistic instincts?
Most clients come through connections with those who have already had a tattoo done by me. They already have some idea of how I work and what kind of result we can get. If something really doesn’t fit into the concept of the work, I will definitely say so and we will find a compromise.
Winning awards at tattoo conventions is a significant achievement. How has this recognition impacted your career, and what do you feel these awards represent in the tattoo community?
Of course, awards are nice and boost self-esteem. Thanks to tattoo conventions, I found support and approval among other tattoo artists. Plus recognition for the brands that sponsor me. I like to compete with strong artists and win. But recently, I happened to get to tattoo conventions where the prizes were given by judges based on connections and really weak artists. Such behavior kills the entire tattoo industry and faith in honest competitions.
Do you have a particular portrait that stands out as a favorite or was particularly challenging to complete? What made it so memorable for you?
Strangely enough, but I remember very well all the projects that I did in memory of people who passed away prematurely. All these portraits were hard for me, because I felt the emotions and saw how people loved these people and all this sadness and pain. It is difficult to forget such emotions in the eyes of clients, when in the mirror they see a finished portrait of the one they lost.
As a proteam member, you likely get access to cutting-edge tattoo products. How do you decide which tools to incorporate into your routine, and have any of these tools changed the way you work?
I am very lucky with my sponsors because I don’t have to pretend to use their products like some tattoo artists do. I actually use their products and enjoy them. Right now it’s the numbing cream, super sharp needles, innovative tattoo healing and aftercare gel, and stencil fluids. These are all things I use every day. They all make my routine easier, especially the needles, because half the success of my work depends on them.
What do you still aspire to accomplish in the tattoo world, and what future projects or collaborations are you excited about?
I would really like to organize my own tattoo convention, where there would be the most honest assessment of the creativity of tattoo artists, a cool show and excellent prizes.
You’ve established a strong brand around the name Iron Mommi. How did you come up with this name, and what does it signify for you as an artist?
I started doing tattoos during a difficult period for me and this nickname shows my core in the best possible way. In all difficult moments of life, when I want to give up, when something doesn’t work out, I always say to myself “Hey, you’re an Iron Mommi, go ahead!”
Would you be open to sharing some personal insights with your fans? What are some of your hobbies, and what do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I love traveling, motorcycles, fast cars, mountains and my family. It’s all about relaxing, recharging and refreshing my mind.
