A Journey of Passion and Mastery
Nick “Laz” Lazaris, a renowned tattoo artist from Adelaide, Australia, has been leaving his mark on the tattoo world for over two decades. With a career that began in the early 2000s, Laz’s journey into tattooing is a testament to his passion for art, determination, and constant growth as an artist.
From a young age, Laz was immersed in the worlds of heavy metal and punk rock, and it was through these musical genres that he first encountered tattoo artists like Paul Booth and Bob Tyrell, whose works adorned the bodies of some of his favorite bands. This connection between music and tattoos sparked Laz’s curiosity and set him on the path to becoming a tattoo artist.
Early Influences and Musical Roots
From a young age, Laz was immersed in the worlds of heavy metal and punk rock, and it was through these musical genres that he first encountered tattoo artists like Paul Booth and Bob Tyrell, whose works adorned the bodies of some of his favorite bands. This connection between music and tattoos sparked Laz’s curiosity and set him on the path to becoming a tattoo artist.
The Artistic Beginnings
Although none of his family members were involved in the arts, Laz exhibited a natural ability for drawing from an early age. His love for art grew as he got older, and at just 15, he got his first tattoo—during a time when tattoos were still considered rare. To avoid being asked for ID, Laz even grew a goatee, an early sign of his dedication to the art form. This marked the beginning of an obsession with tattoos, one that led him to collect tattoo magazines and dream of becoming an artist himself.
Finding His Path to Tattooing
When Laz turned 18, he began seeking an apprenticeship in Sydney, where he was living at the time. After facing rejection a few times, he finally got his break when he was 20. A tattoo shop near his home offered him an apprenticeship after he spent enough time in the shop, getting to know the artists. This was the moment that set his career into motion, and from there, Laz’s journey as a tattoo artist took off.
The Challenges of Mastering Tattooing
However, Laz’s path to mastering tattooing was not without its challenges. While he was a skilled artist, the mechanical side of tattooing proved difficult for him. His apprenticeship was traditional, with Laz spending the first two years of his training preparing the studio, cleaning, and watching the experienced artists work. Unlike some modern apprentices who pick up the craft quickly, Laz took his time to master both the technical and artistic aspects of tattooing. He admits that line work, in particular, was a challenge. Having always focused on realism in his artwork, which doesn’t rely heavily on lines, Laz found outlining to be a skill he had to work on extensively before he felt comfortable with it.
Unwavering Passion for Tattooing
Despite the struggles, Laz’s passion for tattooing has remained unwavering. Over the years, he has become known for his black and grey realism tattoos. From portraits and pets to Spartan warriors and other intricate designs, Laz’s ability to bring his subjects to life with shading and contrast has made him a sought-after artist. His process for creating these tattoos has evolved, and today, he uses Procreate to design and visualize his pieces. By superimposing his designs onto photos of the area where he’ll be working, Laz ensures his clients know exactly what to expect before the needle ever touches their skin.
The Art of Tattoo Application
For Laz, the most satisfying part of tattooing is the application itself. He enjoys the bond that forms between artist and client during the process and takes great pride in his craftsmanship. It’s this connection, combined with his dedication to improving each day, that keeps him motivated to push the boundaries of his artistry.
Continual Evolution as an Artist
When asked how he continues to evolve as an artist, Laz emphasizes the importance of staying inspired by others and keeping up with industry trends. Tattooing is an ever-evolving craft, and for Laz, being aware of what others are doing and pushing his own boundaries is essential to his growth. This mindset has fueled his success and ensures that he will continue to evolve as one of the leading tattoo artists in the industry.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Passion and Craftsmanship
Laz’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and artistry. From a teenager fascinated by tattoos to a master of black and grey realism, Laz continues to inspire both clients and fellow artists with his dedication to his craft. His journey is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of improvement, anything is possible in the world of tattooing.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
