Pratik’s journey is a beautiful story of following one’s heart, full of ups and downs, and the courage to chase a dream.
Born and raised in Thane, Maharashtra, Pratik grew up in an art-filled environment, surrounded by pure creativity. With a family background in arts, as a child, Pratik’s passion for art eventually grew in time. It inspired him to pick up a pencil and start sketching.
Art wasn’t just something he liked, it was a part of his soul.
From a young age, Pratik would spend hours with his sketchbook. For him, drawing was more than just a hobby, it was a way to express what he felt, a way to put his heart on paper. And while most people thought tattoos were something to avoid, Pratik saw them differently. Shows like LA Ink and Miami Ink opened his eyes to the world of tattooing, even though it was still seen as a taboo in India. He was fascinated by the stories behind tattoos and the way they connected people. This fascination grew into a dream, a dream to turn his love for art into something more, something that would last forever on someone’s skin.
However, Pratik had to take a different path before he could fully embrace his passion for tattooing. For almost five years, he ran a transport business. It paid the bills, but deep inside, he felt empty. There was always a feeling that he was missing something, that he was not living his true self.
“Art is where my heart is,” he would think, knowing he needed to make a big decision.
And one day, he decided to take a leap of faith. He left his business behind and chose to chase his real passion - Tattoo Art.
In 2018, Pratik’s life changed when he discovered Aliens School of Tattoo Art in Mumbai through a Google search. He was in awe of the award-winning tattoo artist - Sunny Bhanushali’s work and felt an instant connection. Pratik knew that if he wanted to be serious about tattooing, this was the place to learn. The excitement he felt on his first day at school was like nothing he had ever experienced. It was a moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one where he would turn his dream into reality.
At first, Pratik tried teaching himself how to tattoo. He even bought his first tattoo machine without any training, all because he was determined to learn. But when he joined Aliens School of Tattoo Art, everything changed. He found himself surrounded by people who shared the same love for art and tattooing. The support, the creativity, and the positive energy were exactly what he needed. He wasn’t just learning to tattoo, he was growing, finding a family, and feeling like he truly belonged.
Completing the course was a huge milestone for Pratik. Soon after, he got the chance to start working at Aliens Tattoo, which was a dream come true. Every tattoo he did felt special. It was a way for him to bring his sketches to life and connect with people in a meaningful way. Tattooing wasn’t just about work, it was his heart, his art, and his passion all coming together. It gave him a sense of purpose and a way to earn a living doing what he loved. For the first time, he felt complete.
Pratik’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He began to receive recognition for his art, and his efforts paid off when he won awards at events like the Heartwork Delhi 2018 and the Guwahati Neon Festival, among others. Each award was a reminder that he was on the right path.
But Pratik’s story doesn’t end there. In time, he became a mentor at Aliens School of Tattoo Art, helping others who shared his passion. Teaching brought him joy and seeing students who reminded him of himself, full of hope and excitement, made him realise how far he had come. Each student he met became a part of his journey, and in helping them grow, he felt fulfilled in ways he had never imagined.
As a mentor today, Pratik now gives back to the community that supported him. He believes that every tattoo tells a story, and it’s an artist’s job to honour that story with care and skill. To him, tattoos are pieces of someone’s heart, their memories, and their emotions. He takes pride in being able to connect with people and help them express their stories through his art.
Even with all his success, Pratik remains down-to-earth. His philosophy is simple: be kind, be humble, and help others whenever you can. He believes that small acts of kindness can make a big difference and that life is about building meaningful connections. To him, life is all about empathy and understanding. Living this way has not only made him a better artist but also a better person.
Despite his busy schedule, Pratik still finds time for his first love - sketching. Whenever he has a moment to spare, he picks up a pencil and sketches simple things. It is his way of staying close to his roots and keeping his passion alive. Even though he doesn’t have as much time as before, these small moments of drawing bring him peace and remind him why he started in the first place.
Pratik’s story is one of a young passionate boy to a mentor and award-winning tattoo artist, his journey shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Pratik has not only found success but also a deeper sense of purpose. His tattoos are pieces of his heart, stories of his journey, and a reminder that when you follow your passion, you can create something beautiful that lasts forever.
Now, as Pratik gives life to thousands of aspiring tattoo artists as a Mentor at Aliens School of Tattoo Art, he leaves a legacy of his own. It is indeed a reminder that when you follow your heart, no matter the challenges, you can create something truly meaningful that will touch the lives of others for generations to come.
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