Meet Ali: Montreal Tattoo artist at Tattoo Abyss
Starting a career in tattooing isn’t easy—most people want to see a portfolio, but what if you don’t have one yet? That’s where a good mentor makes all the difference. Ali, a 25-year-old tattoo artist in Montreal , was lucky enough to learn from an excellent mentor at Tattoo Abyss in Griffintown.
Who is Ali?
Born in Moscow, Ali grew up in Montreal with her family. She studied visual arts at CEGEP before exploring video game design and criminology at the University of Montreal. A creative soul, she quickly realized that tattooing was the perfect means of expression for her.
What motivated her to become a tattoo artist?
Ali has always been fascinated by the world of tattooing. For years, different styles influenced her drawing, until one day she took the plunge and landed an apprenticeship to turn her passion into a profession.
Did she have an artistic background before she started tattooing?
Yes! Ali studied visual arts at John Abbott College in 2015, which gave him a solid foundation before getting into tattooing.
When did she start tattooing?
Ali started tattooing in the summer of 2021 , learning everything from his mentor.
What style of tattooing does she practice?
She primarily works with black and grey dotwork , but hopes to expand her expertise to combine dotwork and traditional tattooing in the future. Check out her work on Instagram!
What types of projects would she like to do more often?
Ali loves tattooing animals, but she would particularly like to do more big cats , such as tigers and leopards.
What inspires him in the process of creating a tattoo?
What inspires her most is creating works that her clients will keep for a lifetime. She also enjoys meeting new people and designing unique tattoos for each of them.
What was her very first tattoo?
Ali’s first tattoo was a shark tooth on the back of her boyfriend’s leg! She was stressed at the time, but she loves seeing how far she’s come since her beginnings.
What is his latest project?
Her latest tattoo was a Doberman on a client’s arm , a flash design she had been looking forward to doing for a while.
What is his favorite project?
Her favorite tattoo is an anatomical heart surrounded by barbed wire , a design she created before she started tattooing. After a while without anyone wanting it, she finally tattooed it on a friend—and despite its outlineless style, which initially worried her, it became one of her favorite projects.
Which project represented his greatest challenge?
For her, the biggest challenge in tattooing is managing clients’ pain. She has to ensure their comfort while remaining focused on her work to guarantee a perfect result. When clients move because of the pain, it makes the tattoo even more technical.
Want to get a tattoo from Ali?
Visit our website to book an appointment with her now!