Bhavin Gandhi

My name is Bhavin Gandhi, and I’m a professional tattoo artist with over 4 years of experience in the tattoo industry. I specialize in realism tattoos, portrait tattoos with a strong passion for black and grey realism artwork. My mission is to turn meaningful stories into timeless tattoos that reflect both emotion and detail.

Hello and welcome!
I’m incredibly excited to share my journey into the world of tattooing – a path that has been shaped by passion, perseverance, and a deep love for art.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to the world of drawing and sketching. During my school years, I actively participated in art competitions across different schools and even won several awards. Art wasn’t just a hobby for me – it was a part of who I was.

But like many stories go, life took a different turn. As I moved ahead with my education, I gradually drifted away from sketching. My focus shifted toward academics. I was pursuing a Bachelor’s in Commerce (B.Com) and simultaneously preparing for Chartered Accountancy (CA). I cleared the first level (CPT) and began preparing for the next one, IPCC.

Then came an unexpected pause – the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exams kept getting postponed — first for six months, then almost a year. I was stuck at home, like the rest of the world, and during that stillness, something within me stirred again. One day, I pulled out my old sketchbook – dusty, forgotten, but filled with memories. And I started sketching again… day after day.

I reconnected with the artist in me – the one I had buried under expectations, responsibilities, and “practical” goals.

One of my close friends saw my sketches and said something that really struck me:
“You have such a strong hand in drawing… why don’t you try tattooing?”

It felt like the universe had whispered exactly what my heart had been trying to say for years. I had always been fascinated by tattooing – but while I was focused on becoming a CA, that dream got pushed aside. Now, with everything on hold, I asked myself:
“Why not now?”

That question changed my life.

Tattooing had always fascinated me, but I never considered it seriously while I was pursuing CA. But now, with life on pause and my heart pulling me toward art again, I decided to give it a real chance.

I enrolled at Sam Tattoo Academy, where I began learning tattooing from basic to advanced level – everything from sketching to practicing on synthetic skin, and finally, creating tattoos on real human skin. I focused deeply on realism and hyper-realistic styles, the ones that breathe life into art.

After three and a half months of intense training, I completed my course. And just as I finished, I received an offer to join the team at Sam Tattoo Studio. I took it without hesitation.

That was the turning point.

It was then that I made a bold but clear decision – I chose to let go of CA and pursue tattooing full-time. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. I realized that my true focus and passion belonged to this craft – to telling stories through ink, and creating emotion-filled art on skin.

One of the most defining moments in my tattooing journey came in 2022, just a year after I started learning the art of tattooing. With only one year of experience, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Inksoul Tattoo Festival, an international level convention.

At that time, I was surrounded by many senior artists some with 10 to 15 years of experience and I felt like a complete newcomer. Naturally, I was nervous. But I told myself, “No matter what, you have to go for it.” That mindset pushed me through.

But none of it would have been possible without the support and guidance of my mentor, Saiyam Patel.
He played a major role in giving me this opportunity. He was the one who recognized the potential in me, believed in my abilities, and encouraged me to participate. From motivating me to guiding me every step of the way, his support made a huge difference and for that, I am truly grateful.

That competition became a turning point. Among so many experienced artists, I won Second Runner-Up in the Black and Grey – Large Category. It was a proud moment being recognized in the presence of top national and international artists, some of whom I had always admired.

That experience gave me more than just an award it gave me confidence, purpose, and a hunger to grow even more as an artist. Now, whenever I participate, I don’t just aim to be there I aim to win.

In 2025, I was honored with two awards at the Kula Tattoo Convention – Best Emerging Artist and Small Black and Grey. These recognitions felt like a powerful affirmation of my hard work, passion, and growth as a tattoo artist.

Every tattoo I create carries a part of this journey – from a young boy sketching in the back of his school notebook to a professional tattoo artist turning emotions into permanent art.

If you’re someone torn between passion and practicality, I hope my story reminds you:
You don’t have to abandon your dreams. Sometimes, you just need the courage to chase them.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.
I’m Bhavin Gandhi – and this is just the beginning. 🙏