Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleksandra Stojanoska.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aleksandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m an artist. More specific, I’m a tattoo artist. Sounds cool right? But, the path I paved to get here wasn’t sugar-coated. Eight years ago, I came to America from this small country called Macedonia. I came right after my graduation from the College of Fine Arts. That sounds cool too. Wow, you graduated, and now you’re a real artist! Not really. I just asked myself “And now what?” So, I came to the land of opportunities, because where I’m from, there are almost no chances for success as an artist.
I had many other jobs before I started tattooing, worked as a cashier, waitress, hostess, drive-thru attendant. As a creative person, I felt like my creativity is being suffocated. I didn’t know where to start, everything was so unfamiliar. But I came here to make progress, I came here to build myself from zero. So, I did.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I said, it wasn’t easy at all, and even now I don’t consider that I “made it.” I still have so much more to learn, there are so many good artists out there that make me feel like I know nothing, that I have to improve and to continue to grow.
It’s an honor to inspire other women, especially in the tattoo industry. Imagine, back in the days there were only a few female tattoo artists! And now, look at us! Growing stronger day by day. My advice is to always step out of your comfort zone. “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump. Otherwise, you end up in the same place your whole life.” So, even if it seems scary, even if it seems impossible – try! And if you make a mistake, it’s ok, that’s how you learn and that’s how you become wiser.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in color tattoos, more specific, watercolor tattoos. I just love colors. Every tattoo is a unique, custom design, and my favorite thing is that they look like mini paintings. I also love when you can see “movement” in them, like a brushstroke, or color splatter, or sketchy lines. It looks like emotion. And it’s like I’m having my own art gallery on different people and all of my paintings are going to see the world. I’m tattooing for four years now and the fact that I create something that is going to be on people’s skin even after their death still amazes me.
I work at the best tattoo shop in the world, Iris tattoo in Miami. This place has the best work environment. The location, the view, the atmosphere, the people I work with. There’s such good energy in this place and you can feel it the moment you enter the shop. I just couldn’t be happier where I am at this time of my life.
Contact Info:
- Address: Instagram – @ane_aleksandra
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ane_aleksandra/\
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