In an age where career paths often follow predictable blueprints, Prashant Yaduvanshi stands as a bold exception. Once a JEE topper and on track for a thriving engineering career, he made the audacious decision to leave the security of conventional success behind, venturing into the world of body art. Today, he is one of the most recognized names in realism tattooing, with Shaman Ink studios flourishing in both India and the Netherlands.

In this candid Q&A, he opens up about moments of doubt, how realism became his signature, and the emotional stories behind some of his most transformative cover-ups. He also talks about how tattoo culture differs between India and Europe, why he’s passionate about mentoring new artists, and where he sees the future of ink in a tech-driven world.

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From JEE topper to internationally recognized tattoo artist, your career shift defies conventional wisdom. Did you experience moments of doubt, and how did you reconcile intellectual rigor with artistic instinct in your work?

Yes, there was always doubt during the shift and for quite some time after because I had no exposure to the industry and was leaving behind a very promising career without knowing where this new venture would take me. However, once I made up my mind and let go of all the safety nets, it became an all-or-nothing situation—which, I think, is a very powerful space to be in.

Your expertise in realism tattoos extends beyond conventional inkwork to hyper-detailed textures like sticker tattoos, origami, and thread patchwork. How do you approach realism differently from other artists, and what role does engineering precision play in your artistry?

I think my unique approach to black and grey realism lies in my choice of a distinct palette of solid true grey tones instead of the traditional grey wash technique. This makes my work stand out and has become something of a signature style in India. However, when it comes to color realism, I’m still in the process of exploring and evolving.

Cover-up tattoos require more than technical mastery—they demand an emotional and psychological understanding of the client’s journey. Can you share a particularly moving transformation you’ve facilitated through your work?

There have been quite a few, but one in particular stands out. A client from a well-to-do background, who held an important position and regularly presented himself in high-level business meetings with industrialists and capitalists, had a large, poorly done tattoo on his arm. It severely impacted his confidence and self-image. Despite the difficulty, we managed to cover it up, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for him. He couldn’t stop thanking me and shared how much he had given up on the idea that it could ever be fixed.

You’ve expanded Shaman Ink across continents, with studios in India and the Netherlands. How do cultural influences shape the way people perceive body art in these two regions, and how do you adapt your artistry accordingly?

To be honest, I got to enhance my portfolio and worked on amazing pieces in the Netherlands—pieces I probably wouldn’t get the opportunity to do in India initially. The Indian tattoo audience is still relatively new to the craft compared to Europeans, who are much more open to exploring different styles and ideas offered by the artist. However, after building my portfolio and executing a few standout pieces in the Netherlands, I noticed more opportunities opening up in India as well, because people here feel more assured after seeing those works.

 

As a self-taught artist who later honed skills internationally, what gaps do you see in India’s tattoo education landscape, and how do your upcoming masterclasses aim to bridge them?

To start with, having an academic understanding of art is crucial for growth and excellence—something many of us never had exposure to because there haven’t been many focused efforts in that direction. People often learn how to use the tattoo machine, and while that works, my aim is to open a new door for artists like me who don’t want to stop learning and want to explore everything the craft has to offer.

Tattooing has evolved from subculture to high art, yet biases persist—especially in conservative societies. Do you see the Indian tattoo industry moving toward full artistic legitimacy, similar to fine arts or fashion?

I believe it already has moved beyond fine art and is very close to fashion, although there is still a long journey ahead.

With advancements like AI-assisted designs and bio-ink technology, do you see traditional tattooing methods being disrupted? Or will craftsmanship remain irreplaceable in an increasingly digital world?

AI is undeniably a part of the new world and is being used intensively across many fields. The only way to keep up is to use it to complement your skills rather than feel insecure about it. When it comes to tattooing, I believe that as everything moves toward technological reform, handmade work will become even more valuable.

You’ve worked with both individual clients and celebrities like Mohini Dey and Hard Kaur. How does the creative process differ when designing for someone deeply personal versus someone with a public persona?

People with a public persona have a lot more to consider due to their public image and are generally quite particular about what they want. This is completely different from designing for someone who is an art enthusiast—they usually place a lot of trust in the artist, give more freedom, and are open to being surprised.

Tattoo removal and “ephemeral tattoos” (which fade within a year) are gaining popularity among younger generations. Do you see this as a threat to traditional tattoo culture, or an evolution of it?

I think these fading tattoos are just another trend—like glow-in-the-dark tattoos or white ink tattoos—that we don’t hear much about anymore. Styles may evolve, but I don’t see traditional tattooing ever being threatened by technology.