STARTING YOUNG Inkfidel
Tattooing wasn’t my first career choice; but once I started, I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life
Duncan Viegas
Inking his way to the bank Duncan Viegas’ journey to discovering his passion has defined him as a person and a professional, finds Monaliza Dias
R
ight from an early age itself we are told about what we have to achieve in life. Consequently, we all compete to achieve the ultimate goal of taking a secure job that takes care of us till much later in life. We might not even be close to passionate about the job, but do it only because society expects it from us. However, there are a lucky few who choose the path truly meant for them, however unconventional it may be. Duncan Viegas, Proprietor of Inkfidel is one of the ‘lucky few’. He says, “I was always interested in art. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid and knew I would one day make a career using this talent that I’ve honed over the years. Tattooing wasn’t my first choice, but once I started I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Getting into this field wasn’t a conscious decision, it just happened. I used to work in a call centre and would constantly doodle while taking calls. Seeing this, a friend suggested I take up an apprenticeship with a tattoo artist.” And thus the journey begun. This tattoo artist turned out to be more than just a teacher, he eventually became Duncan’s mentor. “My teacher sent me here from Mumbai to manage his Goa branch. I worked for him for six years, after which I felt I had paid my dues and that it was time to move on. I started my own studio known as Inkfidel Tattoo in March 2013.” Having been born and brought up in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, it would have made sense if he furthered his career in the city of his childhood. But Goa had changed his life in one too many ways for Duncan to move back. He says, “Having worked here in Goa for four years, I had already built my contact base. Also, this is where I found the love of my life Dionne Tassi. Hence, it made sense to stick around.” He further adds, “Being a non-Goan, working in 22 Business Goa
MAY 2014
Duncan Viegas and (below) some of Duncan’s works
Goa was never an issue. Having spent a few years here, people were aware of the kind of work that I’m capable of, so it wasn’t really a struggle. I owe all my success to the support from loyal clients, friends and of course, my girlfriend.” With tattoo artists and parlours popping up at almost every nook and corner of the State, how does Inkfidel manage to stay ahead of the race? Duncan says, “Tourists and locals usually regard me as just another, but that’s only till they’ve been tattooed by me. Unfortunately, a lot of people choose the artist based on his/her charges rather than the quality of work. I’ve lost clients simply because another artist down the road would do it for a lesser price, but ended up doing a bad job. It took a long time for people to recognize my ability as a quality tattoo artist. Even to this day, I have known of people who compromise on price.” So what does Duncan have
within his prowess that sets him apart from the rest of the tattoo artists? He says, “I insist on customizing each design. My designs are never repeated and I don’t copy designs done by other artists. Convincing clients to go with a particular design or size that you know will make for a better tattoo is, however, almost always a challenge.” He further adds, “When it comes to equipment and hygiene I don’t cut corners. I use top of the line products that are used in the tattoo industry worldwide. All my equipment is imported from America and sourced from an authorized tattoo supplier in Delhi.” We strive to do to the best of our ability and sometimes the smallest details of our lives, which may seem insignificant to others, can be our greatest achievement. Duncan too, narrates some of his achievements. “Having my artwork published in an art book in America alongside some of
the artists that I look up to was definitely a highlight in my career. Also having my artwork used as a flip flop design by a major sports label (Puma) ranks high up on my list of professional achievements. Being offered an apprenticeship at a reputable tattoo studio was the best thing to happen to me, and for that, I will always be grateful. Also, I was privileged to learn several techniques and new approaches to tattooing at a tattoo convention where I met a couple of international artists who are held in high regard in the tattoo industry.” There is a perceived image of tattoo artists that exist in people’s minds – unfortunately mostly negative. The ground reality, though, is completely different. Duncan says, “Most people expect tattoo artists to be covered in tattoos. An artist not being covered in tattoos also doesn’t make him a bad artist and an artist being covered top to bottom in tattoos doesn’t automatically make him a good one.” Duncan has made a conscious decision of choosing an unconventional career path for himself and lives each day enjoying every minute of it and the work that he does. “Personally, if at the end of the day I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my stomach and a smile on my face, then I’d say I’m successful. I’m fortunate to have clients, friends and family who support me in what I do. I like to think of life as each chapter unfolding itself. But one thing I would definitely like to do is travel to more conventions – both, national and international, so that I can spread my art to other places as well. However, as an artist, and on a professional level, I have miles to go before I can claim success. I always strive to be better than before.” Duncan concludes the conversation with the mantra he swears by, ‘Do what you love and love what you do!’