I saw Not Bob‘s work at the Cluj-Napoca Tattoo Expo this summer where he won 3 prizes: Best of Color I, Best of Day II and Best of Realistic III. His art is pretty much colorful and amazing and although we didn’t get a chance to talk there I thought I’d ask him a few questions via facebook and get to know him a little better because he’s definitely one tattoo artist to keep your eye on. Here’s the interview and a few photos of his work that he shared with us.
1. Hello! Who are you and where you’re from?
Hey! I’m Not Bob. I’m from Bucharest, Romania.
2. Where are you tattooing at the moment?
At the moment I’m doing my thing at home. Been here and there, but now im working on my own and started doing guest-spots everywhere i can.
3. How long have you been doing this?
I think it’s somewhere around 7-8 years now. I don’t really remember the exact moment in life when this chose me.
4. How did you end up being a tattooist?
Guess I just did. I liked seeing tattoos on people since i can remember. From that to here it was only finding out what i really am or should be.
5. Preferred style to tattoo / How would you describe your tattooing style?
I just mix and juggle whatever i feel comfortable with. I can’t label it.
6. Favorite tattoo artist/mentor.
The one guy I always thanked and always felt like my own is Alex Petcu. The talks we had got my thoughts in sync and gave me the right mindset with which i tackled tattooing. Favorite artist? None, I guess. I just like good work, no matter the style. And for every “good artist” there is, there are 100 more that do better work. Picking one is awful.
7. What kind / brand of machine do you use?
I’m currently sponsored by VANITY. I’ve been using this for a couple of months. Get yours now !!! Don’t imagine i get a share of the sales or whatever, I just honestly recommend it.
8. What’s the best tattoo aftercare in your opinion?
By far it’s Dr. Pickles. Too bad that’s not really the easiest aftercare you can get your hands on here.
9. Why do you think tattoos have started to be such a big trend nowadays, opposed to the stigma they have gotten back in the day?
Well, some do it for the “dirty looks” but some, a very few, do it for the art itself. It became somewhat of a dream job because of the money it’s thought it brings. The industry grew a lot and there are new tattooers popping out every day, some of which you may considered “different” from the rest, but still you see the same “angel/pocket watch” sleeve rip-offs. It’s a subject i can rant on about for hours. Let’s keep it simple. People want them, so they get them.
10. Do you think it’s important to have a background in art before you start tattooing?
I just think you have to come with a certain set of skills. Not all that have a degree can do killer work.
11. Do you think it’s important, as a tattooist to do only original and unique work?
I think it is and when you see people biting on you, you know you are doing it right. That’s how you play it good. Of course it takes time, but little by little you’re getting there and people start asking for the stuff you do more often. You build trust and that how you get your client base. Always STAY READY !
12. How has being a tattooist change your life?
Uhhhm…i just got the chance to travel more than some get to and met people along the way, both cool and crappy. Nothing special, no yachts, no bmws, no expensive shit. It’s not like the discovery channel, that’s for sure. It’s just a way of living for me. I’ve never done anything else so… nothing changed, really.
Not Bob’s Facebook &
