02 Nov “I don’t have a fixed style – I’m always experimenting and trying something new,” interview with tattoo artist Sol

NYC-based tattoo artist Sol (@solgrim_) thinks the meaning of a tattoo can only be defined by his clients. His interest lies in composition and how his tattoos work on the human form. He draws his designs directly on to skin – from the initial composition to the intricate details of the finished tattoo. Here he shares his tattoo journey, his inspiration and what he gets up to outside of tattooing…

How long have you been tattooing and what made you want to become a tattoo artist ?

I started tattooing in 2019 and I’m mostly self-taught. My motivation was to study visual balance and explore how form, proportion and composition interact on the human body.

Do you have tattoos, what was your first tattoo?

I tattooed my own finger. It’s shaped like a talisman, though it doesn’t have a particular meaning. I remember testing colour saturation — going deeper in some parts, lighter in others, and varying the speed of my hand to see how it would heal.

What was the experience of tattooing someone for the first time?

From preparation to the end of the session, I was running countless simulations in my head. I felt a rush of dopamine and adrenaline, and a sense of growing in real time. It was an exciting experience.

You create a lot of blackwork cyber/industrial tattoos, how did you refine your style?

My work is an accumulation of intuition. I’ve explored composition, expression, the human body and both eastern and western art. Gradually combining the elements that resonate most with my taste.

How would you define your style?

It’s the totality of my intuition. I don’t think of it as a fixed style; I’m always experimenting and trying something new.

What inspires your work?

It always changes. After visiting Europe recently, I became fascinated by architecture, and I’ve also been inspired by the drawings of Japanese manga artists.

Repetition quickly becomes boring for me, so I like to mix in visual elements that capture my attention in the moment.

Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?

Not necessarily. My work now is purely about achieving visual balance by harmonising the client’s idea with the placement on their body. I think the meaning is something only the client defines.

Do you prefer to do flash pieces or custom work?

I do almost entirely custom work — about 99 percent.

How long do pieces take?

It really depends. Some pieces take around four hours, while others can reach twenty-five. Unless it’s something very large, I usually finish within one or two sessions. I work quite fast.

Do you freehand your designs on to the body?

I freehand nearly everything, not just the details, but from the initial composition.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing?

I usually dive into whatever I’m curious about at the time — studying its essence, forming hypotheses, and testing them.

Lately, I’ve been entering poker tournaments, researching strategies based on my own studies to find the most effective ways to win. Other times, I focus on brand design or recording new ideas.

What’s been your proudest moment of your career so far?

Whenever I’m fully immersed in my work, my thoughts become faster and clearer. Realising that my deepest growth happens in those moments gives me a strong sense of self-efficacy.

Thank you Sol for chatting to us and being part of Things & Ink! Follow Sol on Instagram to see more tattoos, email libre.room501@gmail.com to get tattooed.

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