Inking his way to glory: How Lokesh Verma put India on the global tattooing map

Lokesh Verma

Delhi-based Lokesh Verma, the founder of Devil'z Tattooz studio, is India's first award-winning and internationally-experienced tattoo artist. He began tattooing in 2003 by inking himself while pursuing his MBA during which he worked odd jobs to save money to purchase his first equipment. This maverick is also known for pioneering Soundwave (Audible) tattoos and Permanent Tattoo Removal (Pico Laser) service in India. Lokesh holds a Guinness World record for inking a maximum number of flags to be tattooed on the human body. Many celebs have flocked to his artsy stores to get inked including the likes of cricketer Ishant Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan and actresses like Taapsee Pannu and Swara Bhaskar. Let us hear more from the trendsetter himself.

Tell us a bit about your rise to being someone who gets featured in the World's Top 10 tattoo artists list on Google search.

I had no idea about this list until someone sent me the link. I was one of the early adopters of this art in the country. I've been consistently working towards putting our country on the world map. I guess, finally someone noticed. We need more Indians on this list because we are immensely talented.

You run tattoo studios. When and why did you decide to become an educator in this field?

Just like I had no plans of taking up tattooing as a career, I didn't plan on teaching tattooing. I'm completely self-taught. However, more people wanted to learn this art and so, I got my first request back in 2007. That is when I took my first apprentice in. Many more joined my classes with time. It is all very organic.

Can you share an interesting anecdote about inking a celeb?

I remember tattooing filmmaker Remo D'Souza and his wife Lizelle, a decade back. We made a portrait of their son on Lizelle's arm. Years later, Remo's son showed up in our studio to get a tattoo. So, it was quite a complete circle.

Any major changes that you have witnessed in the tattooing sector since you joined the industry?

When I started, no one was doing portraits. My urge to do something different got me to specialize in the most difficult styles of tattoo - portraits in black and grey. I think it made a lot of youngsters follow my style. Around 2011-12, I was the first artist in the country to attempt colored portraits and now I see a lot of artists trying to go the same way. However, I believe people should be more original with their artwork and try different styles.

What is the thought behind accepting cryptocurrency as a payment option?

Cryptocurrency is a decentralized form of currency. But more than the currency part itself, it is a technology of blockchain and Web 3.0 that gives the power in the hands of people and that's why I'm its big proponent. Being a risk-taker, I always try to get into new things. Without risk, there is no reward. The future is exciting and I am open to new possibilities and ideas.