Check Out Ningjia Zhai’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ningjia Zhai.

Hi Ningjia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like most artists’ stories, my love for drawing began as far back as I can remember. At that time, my artistic materials were simple: just a pencil. Yet, the combination of a blank sheet and dark ink was enough to captivate me. I spent my formative years in Beijing, China, until I moved to the United States for school in the ninth grade.

Culturally influenced, I developed a deep appreciation for Asian traditional artwork, particularly ink sketches. In contrast to vibrant pieces, I found myself drawn to monochrome works, believing they possess more storytelling and vitality, along with a more precise expression of emotions. Consequently, I was intrigued by tattoos at a young age due to their alluring nature.

While studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts, I found my comfort zone in creating black-and-white line art. This preference naturally became one of the driving forces behind my decision to become a tattoo artist. By incorporating the rhythmic and abrupt lines of traditional Asian art into my tattoo designs, I aim to infuse each line with a sense of life.

Additionally, my passion for nature is evident in my work; my themes always revolve around organic elements and lack sharp edges. Since becoming a tattoo artist, I have endeavored to infuse my designs with the nuanced feeling of Asian traditional lines, ensuring that each one pulsates with life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I consider myself very fortunate, and I believe that, like most artists, I have experienced setbacks and inner turmoil in the early stages due to uncertainty about my personal artistic style. However, from a young age, I have been quite certain about my preferences and the style I want to pursue. Of course, a significant part of this certainty is also attributed to my clients. Their involvement in choosing my work and their trust in me have given me greater confidence to create things that I genuinely love.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
All of my creative inspiration comes 100% from nature, whether it’s plants, animals, the human body, or even elements like wind and water. In contrast to the sharp and cold sensation of angularity, I find myself more deeply moved and inspired by the softness of nature. That’s why in my more recent works, I have merged plants and lines, using human body parts as references to create pieces that harmonize with the contours of the body, seamlessly combining nature and the human form.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Extremely crucial I believe luck plays a significant role in my personal journey. Whether it’s good or bad luck, I see it as an integral part of shaping who I am. Speaking specifically about good fortune, there are many mentors and benefactors I want to express gratitude to along my path of growth and creativity. Whether they are peers, more accomplished seniors, or my family and fiancé, I consider every person I encounter as a form of divine assistance. Moreover, many artworks I’ve come across, whether from ancient or modern times, subtly influence my judgment and creativity, making me a more confident and comfortable artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beanbeantattoo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanbeantattoo.nyc/

Image Credits
@beanbeantattoo.nyc