Interview
Nadia Mostafaee
Nadia Most is a Toronto-based tattoo artist specializing in small realism. With a Bachelor of Drawing and Painting from OCAD University and a lifetime of artistic practice rooted in her family, she embarked on her tattoo career in 2016. Nadia has been in high demand for her realistic and detailed work. Her meticulous approach, stringent standards, and passion for quality inspired her to establish Grey Pastel Studio.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I did my bachelors degree in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University, and about a year after graduating, I started apprenticing to become a tattoo artist. I started my actual art journey a very long time ago, when I was only 4 or 5 years old. I started with drawing with dry media first, then after a few years, started painting in oils. I still have oil paintings from when I was super young!”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work revolves around individuality, and helping people feel better in their own skin. To make their skin beautiful and give them the power of confidence. I have addressed social issues in my work in the past, issues such as Women’s Freedom and equality.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I definitely plan my work in advance. I like to be very meticulous with my process, planning is one of the most important part of a well executed tattoo. I would like to work on my design weeks before my session, and prep the stencil the day before, and do any final edits prior to my client’s arrival to the studio. Studying the piece is very important, so you can focus on the application later.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“The most important art world trend right now in my opinion, is keeping up with social media! It is very important to be able to reach the right audience, and in order to do that, artists should really utilize the platforms that are available. Making amazing art is necessary, but showing the work to the right people, and lots of them, is extremely important as well!”
“My work revolves around individuality, and helping people feel better in their own skin. To make their skin beautiful and give them the power of confidence.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“Inspiration for my work comes from any art that I see. I find the right photographs, then I use programs such as Photoshop/Procreate/Concepts to edit my designs. Sometimes, these designs are based on what my clients have asked for, and sometimes they include the work that I would like to do, that people can pick later. I post my available designs on Instagram, and people pick what they like and we proceed to booking a session, and done!”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art means my world. I define myself through my work. My life and everyday mood depends on the work that I do, and I would be nothing without my craft. I’m sure a lot of artist think the same!”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favourite artwork of all time are perhaps the works of Michelangelo. His paintings, and sculptures are phenomenal, and no artist has ever reached that level for me.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have been a part of Mozaik Philanthropy’s virtual exhibition in 2022, the exhibition shows one of my tattoo works that was made for "arts-based expression of global solidarity." My art submission titled “Freedom” was selected for a 2022 Future Art Award.”
Website: greypastel.com
Instagram: @nadiamost
