Prestige Magazine Paphos Feature 

Written by Lenia Tsadiotou

Nic – the well known tattoo artist and music producer!

Tattoo or body art, one thing is for sure: Nic knows how to masterfully handle the needle and uniquely decorate the human body. And to think that all this started as a joke between friends in London, where he lived. More than fifteen years have passed since then, enough time for him to admit that he is simultaneously a musician and a tattoo artist, and that he manages both extremely well. Today, he spends his time between Cyprus and abroad, where he is invited as a guest tattoo artist at international studios.

In the space of Gorilla Tattoo Paphos, where we chat while drinking our coffee, a superbike is parked, more as decor, as Nic himself explains to me. After a serious accident where he remained in a coma and broke his arms and legs, he decided that the streets of Paphos are not suitable for such pleasures. The bike, however, blends nicely with the modern paintings and tasteful minimal decoration. Nic himself possesses all the qualities of an artist, as evidenced by his achievements in the music industry and his wide recognition in the field of tattooing.

“Music and tattoos started almost at the same time for me, from a young age. Although my family encouraged my brother and me to develop whatever talents we had, there came a time when pencils and markers were hidden from me because I tended to draw everywhere, on walls and furniture. My family comes from the now occupied Kyrenia. Often at home, we heard grandparents and parents passionately talking and reminiscing about what they lived and left behind. These narratives strengthened my imagination, capturing these memories in my own way, as graffiti on walls and surfaces.

Tattooing started as a joke with friends. Then it became serious and turned into a passion. Fifteen years ago, tattoos were a bit dark and not for everyone. There was prejudice towards both tattoo artists and their clients. Let me remind you that the art of tattooing has existed for six thousand years. What changes are the techniques and materials. Personally, I talk to my clients, especially young people, about their decisions, and I have often prevented them from doing something they would later regret. It is important that a tattoo is done in the right place and for the right reasons. I advise them many times, even at the expense of my pocket.”

A cosmopolitan tattoo studio

In Nic’s sought after studio, one can meet people from all over the world who come to Cyprus exclusively for his tattoos. “When you work on someone’s body for countless hours, on projects that may take years to complete, human, friendly, and timeless relationships are built,” he says. Additionally, Gorilla Tattoo Paphos serves as a meeting place for artists and displays contemporary works of art.

The music career

Nic maintains a production and recording studio from which remarkable works emerge. He has already excelled in a solo career in electronic music under the name Nick Elia. His decision to return to Cyprus was not easy in terms of adaptation. “I feel,” he says, “that I live another man’s life.” “Different culture, mentality, and habits. But the truth is that while renowned Cypriots abroad honour Cyprus, the homeland itself consumes its children”.

Nick’s tattoo workshop, Gorilla Tattoo Paphos, at Democracy Ave 23, Paphos 8028 complies with all hygiene and safety regulations.