84 • SKIN DEEP MAGAZINE
I think all artists deserve respect.”
We get talking about Istanbul, about the tattoo scene
there and how it might be different to that of the UK or
mainland Europe. Rather fittingly, Jefree is based in the
Galata district, one of the most prolific parts of the city
when it comes to nightlife, culture and art. “Istanbul is an
exciting and metropolitan city,” he points out. “There’s
always something to do, something for everyone regard-
less of their interests. The streets of Beyoglu, where I live,
is like an open museum. There’s a lot of graffiti art, and
street dancers and musicians on every corner.”
While it’s very much a happening city, art-wise, there
is still a certain stigma attached to tattoo art in Istanbul.
But, as Jefree explains, like just about anywhere in the
world it really depends on the district you’re in. “Tattoos
aren’t accepted everywhere here. While you can walk
down the streets of Taksim with tattoos all over your face
without being judged, Fatih is a different story. But gener-
ally people are getting more used to it.”Of course, the more accepted tattooing becomes, the
more diverse the tastes of those wanting to be tattooed
become. But is it that going to be enough to feed a work-
ing tattoo artist? Peddling a left-of-centre style is sure to
get you noticed on Instagram, but it can limit an artist’s
appeal to clients walking in off the street.
This is not a problem right now for Jefree.
“My customers appreciate my art,” he says, pointing out
how it’s all about the bond between the artist and client,
the trust that is fostered through that relationship. “They
come in and say, ‘I love your work, do what you think will
look good.’ They believe in me.”
And for Jefree, an artist dancing to an altogether differ-
ent tune, such belief can take you very far indeed. Facial expressions
and gestures are my
biggest inspirations