Certified Artist 2026

Manuel Hertel

Versatile Precision & Driven Evolution

Interview

How did you first get into tattooing, and what motivated you to start this journey alongside your other commitments?

My passion for tattooing began with a childhood dream I can still vividly remember — I imagined decorating a body with colourful designs. It wasn’t just fantasy; it felt like destiny.

At 14, I had my first opportunity to enter the tattoo world, but my mentor suddenly left the country and everything fell apart. I moved into a regular apprenticeship in a different field, spending years doing something that didn’t fulfill me. The fire inside never went out — it only grew stronger.

After being repeatedly rejected for apprenticeships, I shifted into airbrush design, building a small business and learning from respected professionals. But even that didn’t satisfy me.

During one airbrush session, I met my wife. She immediately recognized the passion burning inside me and gifted me a KillerInkTattoo starter kit for my birthday. That moment reignited everything.

I immersed myself in theory, studying “Learning to Tattoo from A to Z,” practicing lines and shading daily. Friends trusted me with their skin, and slowly I improved. Word spread about my fine, high-quality work, and I transitioned from working at home into a professional studio.

After setbacks with my first shop, I eventually partnered with the owner of MR INK. Today we are a team of five — four tattoo artists and one piercer — each specializing in different styles, and our journey is just beginning.

You mentioned your first years were part-time — how did that period shape your discipline?

Working part-time taught me responsibility. Every appointment mattered, so preparation and quality were non-negotiable.

That period strengthened my patience, elevated my personal standards, and deepened my passion for tattooing.

How would you describe your tattoo style today, and how do fineline, black & grey, and colour coexist in your work?

I would describe my style as versatile. Fineline, black & grey, and colour coexist naturally because they are built on the same principles — clean lines, thoughtful composition, and controlled contrast.

Rather than focusing on one aesthetic, I adapt style to subject and story while maintaining a consistent foundation of precision.

What attracts you to working across different styles rather than focusing on just one?

Versatility allows growth. Each subject and each client carries a different mood and story. Working across styles enables me to respond intuitively and authentically.

This flexibility keeps me alert, challenges me, and pushes me to continually refine my craft.

Can you describe your creative process from idea to execution?

Every project begins with conversation. I gather references, understand placement, and connect with the story behind the design.

From there, I focus on composition and balance, ensuring the tattoo flows naturally with the body. The goal is always harmony between idea, execution, and longevity.

What technical aspects are most important to ensure clean and long-lasting results?

Precise linework is essential — lines must be clean and consistent. Contrast and thoughtful shading ensure longevity.

I pay close attention to skin tension, needle selection, and working speed to minimize trauma. Hygiene and aftercare are equally important. For me, precision is a combination of planning, technique, and careful execution.

How do you approach trust and communication with clients, especially first-timers?

Tattooing is built on trust and communication. I take time to explain the process, listen carefully, and make sure clients feel understood and secure.

Every tattoo is more than technical work — it’s collaboration rooted in honesty and respect.

What challenges have shaped your journey?

Rejection, studio setbacks, and difficult beginnings taught me resilience.

Every obstacle reinforced patience, flexibility, and the importance of continuous learning. Tattooing is not just craft — it’s communication, creativity, and growth.

How do you see your work evolving in the coming years?

My focus is continued growth — technically and stylistically. I want to create work that clearly reflects who I am as an artist while honoring the stories of those who trust me.

Experimentation and refinement will always be part of my path.

What goals would you like to achieve in the near future?

I aim to further develop my personal style and present my work at international conventions.

Exchanging ideas, gaining inspiration, and sharing my work with a wider audience are important next steps in my journey.