Meet joza ink | tattoo artist & visual artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with joza ink and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi joza, how do you think about risk?
Life without risk is like a dish without salt—lacking in flavor and excitement. Growing up in the heart of the Mediterranean, where food is celebrated for its rich taste, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of risk in both personal growth and artistic expression. Just as a painter bravely applies new colors to their canvas, I’ve learned that taking risks is essential for my journey as an artist. It’s through these challenges that I’ve found opportunities to evolve, both as a person and in my craft. Stepping beyond my comfort zone has been the gateway to discovering more about myself and the world around me. In embracing risk, I’ve found the true essence of growth and creativity, as it pushes me to explore uncharted territories and unlock new depths of inspiration. In this beautiful journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration, risk isn’t merely a hurdle—it’s the very essence that fuels my passion and drives me toward becoming the best version of myself

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is deeply rooted in my belief that tattoos are not just ink on skin, but rather a form of expression and exploration of one’s identity. What sets me apart from others is my dedication to creating designs that transcend mere aesthetics and carry layers of meaning and emotion. I take inspiration from various sources, including my background in visual arts, my constant mobility, and my interactions with the art scene both locally and internationally.

One aspect I’m particularly proud of is my ability to seamlessly blend abstraction with vibrant colors in my designs. This unique style has garnered attention and appreciation from clients and peers alike.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with challenges and growth. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to embrace obstacles as opportunities for learning and improvement. I’ve overcome challenges through perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of my artistic vision.

Along the way, I’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of authenticity, staying true to my artistic identity, and constantly pushing boundaries. I’ve also learned the significance of building meaningful connections within the artistic community and fostering collaborations that enrich my practice.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just a tattoo artist; I’m a storyteller, a curator of emotions, and a guardian of personal narratives. My work goes beyond skin deep, leaving a lasting imprint on both the body and the soul. Through my art, I aim to inspire others to embrace their individuality, celebrate their stories, and find beauty in the most unexpected places.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have so many places I really like and enjoy. First, I would bring them for a walk on the beach. Some of my favorites in the area are Laguna Beach, La Jolla Beach, and Malibu. We would enjoy the view and the sounds of the waves. There are also a lot of cool paths there for hiking next to the water.

As for nightlife, I really like Formosa; it’s a great bar with amazing cocktails and food. I definitely recommend it; it has a really cool vibe. I would also recommend going to 4100 Bar because I can play pool, drink some cold beers, and enjoy the outdoor patio area. Another great bar is Rainbow Bar; it’s notorious for its rock history. When it comes to food, I would definitely bring them to the best burger place in the city, Heavy Handed in Venice Beach, and Open Sesame on Beverly Blvd for some authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Some great spots for dessert would be Milk Bar and Salt and Straw.

There are so many great things to explore in LA, but as an artist, I like to spend time visiting different art galleries and museums. First, I would bring them to one of my favorite spots, Beyond The Streets on La Brea. They host amazing artists with such cool events and have an amazing gift shop with so many cool things to see, explore, and buy.

For some more art experiences, we’ll visit the contemporary art museum, The Broad, in downtown Los Angeles. Next to it, there is Grand Central Market for some great food options. We’ll also visit the art district to explore more cool shops and interesting items. We’ll also enjoy some cool rooftop bars on Sunset Boulevard for cocktails and nice vibes.

Some other cool things to do would include exploring Silver Lake, Echo Park, and the Venice Canals. Last but not least, I would take them to Universal Studios for some thrilling rides and attractions. There are so many places to go and things to do, I definitely can’t fit everything in one week but every day something new happens here, and I really enjoy that. There are always cool pop up shops all over Los Angeles so it’s always fun and exciting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although our success and efforts are undoubtedly owed to those who support us along the way, it’s also essential to recognize and credit ourselves. I’ve navigated myself to where I am today, making numerous sacrifices along the way. Therefore, I want to start by giving myself a pat on the back.

With that being said, I extend a heartfelt shoutout to my family. Both of my parents, and particularly my little sister, Evi Zampelis, have been an unwavering support system for me. Evi, who is also an artist in Athens, Greece, holds a special place in my heart. I must also mention the various ink labs in Germany that have provided me with opportunities to excel in this industry.

To all my close friends—Andreas, Kostas, and Supreme Drone—thank you for your unwavering support throughout my journey. However, the most significant shoutout goes to all my clients who trust me to tattoo my art onto their bodies. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Furthermore, I want to express my gratitude to my sponsors, Stigma Rotary for their continuous support and belief in my craft. Their sponsorship has been instrumental in my growth and success within the tattooing community. Additionally, a special mention goes out to Tattoo Noir Munich (a tattoo shop in Germany), Ink District Amsterdam (a tattoo shop in Netherlands), and last but not least 108 Tattoo Studio (another tattoo shop in Netherlands) for their support and collaboration for many years, further enhancing my journey in this vibrant industry.

Website: https://www.joza-ink.com/tattoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joza.ink/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joza.ink

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jozaink

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joza.ink