This month, Ink Legends Magazine proudly spotlights Joza Ink, a Los Angeles–based tattoo artist known for his bold, artistic style and fearless creative voice. With a motto like “Give me trust – give you scratch,” Joza invites clients into his world of raw expression and refined technique.
In our exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey, how to stay true to your vision, and why embracing your own tattoo style is the key to real growth.
Hi Joza, it’s great to feature you again in our magazine—we’re honoured to have you on the cover. To start, could you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
Thank you—it’s truly an honor to be featured. My name is Joza. I’m a tattoo artist originally from Athens, Greece, currently based in Los Angeles. I’ve been tattooing full-time since 2011, and for the past 7 years, I’ve traveled across the world—working, learning, and connecting with people through my art. Each place I’ve lived and each person I’ve met has left a mark on me, and through those experiences, I’ve developed not just as an artist, but as a human being. Tattooing has always been more than a profession for me—it’s a lifelong dialogue between the soul and the skin.
Your style is incredibly unique and artistic. How would you describe it in your own words?
I would describe my style as abstract, expressive, and emotionally driven. It’s a fusion of brushstrokes, sketch lines, patterns, textures, and a play between color and black & gray. It doesn’t fit into traditional tattoo categories, and I’ve never tried to make it fit. I treat skin as a canvas, and every tattoo as a one-of-a-kind artwork. My goal is to create pieces that feel alive—art that evolves with the person wearing it.
What was the journey like in developing your own signature style? Did you ever have doubts or fears that it might not be accepted?
From the very beginning, I never followed trends. I always had my own vision. My style was born out of years of travel, personal growth, and deep engagement with people from all walks of life. These real-life experiences gave me the power to push boundaries and stay true to my creative voice. I don’t really believe in luck—I believe in hard work, clear vision, love, and emotion. In Greece, we have a word—meraki—which means putting your soul, passion, and essence into everything you do. That’s how I approach my work, and it’s what has guided me throughout my career. I’ve never created for acceptance—I’ve always created to express truth.
How do you find the balance between your creative vision and your clients’ expectations? Do you often work with clients who give you complete creative freedom?
Yes, and I’m grateful for that. Most of my clients come to me because they resonate with my style and trust my process. The balance comes from connection. I listen deeply. I take their ideas and translate them through my vision, always aiming to create something authentic for both of us. The best tattoos happen when there’s mutual trust. My motto is: Give me trust, give you scratch. That trust is what allows the artwork to truly come to life.
Can you walk us through your design process—from the initial idea to the finished tattoo?
My process begins with conversation—not just to understand what the client wants, but to feel who they are. That personal connection becomes the foundation for everything that follows. From there, I start sketching—sometimes digitally, sometimes by hand—letting intuition guide the composition. I approach each piece as a collaboration between instinct and intention. Once we align on the direction, the session becomes a creative flow. I work in layers, building the piece in real time, guided by energy, emotion, and presence. Every tattoo is a living process—unique, fluid, and honest.
How important is the connection and overall vibe between you and your clients when collaborating on a piece?
It’s essential. Tattooing is not just about technique—it’s about trust, energy, and emotion. When there’s a strong connection between me and the client, the process becomes deeper, more meaningful. The energy exchanged during the session becomes part of the tattoo. That’s what makes it timeless. A great tattoo isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Your Instagram presence is impressive. How important do you think social media is for tattoo artists today, and what’s your personal approach to online promotion?
Social media has completely transformed the way artists can share their work. For tattoo artists, it’s become a digital portfolio, a global stage, and a space to tell your story. My approach is simple: I use Instagram as a visual journal of my art, my journey, and my personality. I don’t chase trends or numbers—I stay consistent, stay real, and let the work speak. It’s about connection, not attention.
You’re also active in other forms of art beyond tattooing. Is that a lifelong passion of yours, and where do you find your creative inspiration?
Yes, creating art in different forms—like painting, sculpture, and installation—has always been part of my life. I see art as an extension of myself, and I’m constantly experimenting. My inspiration comes from everywhere: travel, nature, music, philosophy, even silence. Every new experience feeds my creativity. The key is to stay curious and never stop evolving.
Lastly, what are your hobbies and interests outside the world of tattoos and art?
I love to explore—new places, new cultures, new energies. I enjoy good food, deep conversations, music, and being close to nature. I live for experiences that keep me present. For me, life itself is art—and I try to live it with full presence and purpose.
