Jeff Kozan – Vatican Tattoo

Discover the insights and experiences of Jeff Kozan, a skilled tattoo artist with over two decades of expertise at Vatican Tattoo.

This Q&A originally appeared in The Atlantic Current, showcasing Jeff’s journey and philosophy in the art of tattooing.

Interview Questions

1. How long have you been tattooing?
   21 Years.
2. What’s your favorite style of tattoo?
   Japanese and American traditional.
3. How old were you when you got your first tattoo?
   15 (definitely below legal age).
4. Do you have a least favorite tattoo on yourself?
   Not really, no.
5. Colored ink or black ink?
   Both.
6. What is the most trendy tattoo in your opinion right now?
   Micro-fine line tattoos. They are a bad idea, all around.
7. Where is the most painful spot to get a tattoo?
   Depends on the person. Torso, armpit, etc.
8. Strangest place you’ve ever tattooed someone?
   Use your imagination. Haha.
9. What are your workday essentials?
   Good tunes and my machines.
10. What keeps you going through a long session?
    Knowing the final outcome soon approaches.
11. What style/tattoo will you NOT do?
    Color realism (ages horribly) and racist imagery. Don’t play those.
12. Do you listen to music while you work? What kind?
    Old punk, reggae, classic country, southern rock. Anything but rap, honestly.
13. Can you describe your ideal client?
    Hard-working and loyal. Someone who understands the commitment of time, pain, and cost, and is punctual.
14. Have you ever had to cover up a name tattoo?
    Dozens at this point. Too many to count. It’s job security!
15. Who is your favorite tattoo artist or one you look up to?
    Chris Garver, Filip Leu, Henning Jorgensen. Those are the living few. Many that are passed.
16. Tips for readers getting their first tattoo?
    Look at portfolios! Quality and consistency are key! Line work is always most important. Oh, and they are FOREVER!! Think about that before making foolish, trendy decisions.
17. Do you love or hate when people ask you for the meaning behind your tattoos?
    Neither. I typically ignore that question. None of their business.
18. What’s your biggest no-no for tattoo aftercare?
    Tattoo Goo or other Tattoo Branding companies that make healing creams. They are snake oil salesmen. Just keep ’em clean and lightly moisturize. Don’t fall for the aftercare brand gimmicks.
19. Have you done any tattoos on yourself?
    Yup.
20. How would you compare art on skin to art on other media?
    It ages. Shirts, posters, paintings… the canvas does not change. The human body does. You must understand how your tattoo is to age WITH your body, and how it will look when you are old and gray. It’s in a class of its own. Tattooing is something that must be thoroughly understood and respected.
21. What’s your favorite tattoo you’ve done?
    The next one!

Learn more about Jeff Kozan and his dedication to the art of tattooing by visiting Vatican Tattoo.