“I always had an interest in drawing through my childhood, but I only tried my hand at it after my Master’s in 2014. Most people take to paper or walls, but I was drawn towards the body. To me, tattooing is just like any other form of art, but on the skin. Of course, there was a lot of conflict with my parents because they wanted me to get a job, but I never wanted to work for somebody else, I wanted to do something of my own, specifically with tattooing.
I set out looking for courses, and did a three year apprenticeship in Hyderabad. I must’ve done about 8000 tattoos through those years under guidance, and probably another 2000 on top of that here in Vijayawada. It’s not as big a rage here as it is in bigger cities, but it’s picking up slowly.
I did this watercolour tattoo recently which was my favourite so far because it was my first time doing a watercolour tattoo! Each tattoo is a challenge, and I love pushing the boundaries and learning new things constantly.

Team HoA: What would you say was the happiest moment of your life?
Nagesh: Everyday!”