Dino tomic, a talented tattoo artist based in Croatia but living in Norway, likes to create realistic drawings when he's not tattooing clients. His drawings, whether turning to elements of horror, science fiction, or looking for realistic models, seek inspiration with an incredible pulse.
Tomic, he is a relatively young artist, he has a lot of advice for those who want to improve their skills with art. "The best way to learn is to copy other studies work". «As you make such copies etc, you will create your own style. You learn one thing from an artist and then from another, until you polish your style ». Here is a video with some pieces of his works, and later a interview what they did about their jobs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V6DcOSx9vM
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Dino Tomic and I was born in Croatia, but I have lived in Norway since I was 14. I just turned 27 years old. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, and I work full time as a tattoo artist in my own shop in Notodden, Norway.
When did you start drawing?
I've always liked to draw, when I was little I was always doodling everything. But at the age of 16-18 was when I really started to focus on art. From that moment on I have hardly ever had a day that I did not draw something.
His series of family portraits is fantastic. What challenges do you face when making these pieces?
Thank you. It was all challenging and there is no better way to demonstrate your skills of working on a large scale with colored pencils. I also quickly realized that I would need to mix other media in the project to make it work, such as acrylic and chalk.
There were a lot of bugs, but that's the fun part of it. You learn from the mistakes you make, and use them to your advantage.
What does your family think of your works?
Well only my mom and dad have seen them. My grandparents live in Croatia, so they haven't had a chance to see them yet. Right now I am working on my last large scale portrait and when it is done I will try to see if I can find a gallery in Croatia so that you can see them.
Who or what does your work inspire?
I have a huge list of artists. But the real inspiration comes from knowing that other artists work as hard as I do. Anyone who has mastered their craft gives me inspiration. Just watching what people do and knowing how much knowledge and years of hard work goes into it gives me great inspiration.
What is your favorite piece of work and why?
Can't say which one is my favorite. But the ones I am most proud of are the large scale family portraits that I did. Just with the amount of time it takes me to complete them, I feel very attached to them and I feel like I'm giving everything I have, and more to make them perfect.
What advice would you give someone who is starting in drawing?
Don't give up, and practice. Set a goal and don't get distracted. Using YouTube, there are more than enough good videos out there that you can learn everything you need to know.
You are also a tattoo artist. Is it easy for you to translate your drawings into tattoos?
No, i do not do it. The skin is a medium that is very difficult to work with, it has a lot of restrictions. I am thinking of stopping my career as a tattoo artist, focusing on drawings and paintings.
It's fun, but you have to be very social to work in the tattoo industry, and I like my space and freedom when I'm creating art.
What does the future hold for you?
I have my next project planned, which I am keeping a secret. So if you want to know what it is you will have to follow me on Facebook / Instagram / DeviantArt. But I'm just going to say this, it will be the biggest and most demanding project I have created so far.