This is the story of an engineering student who discovered that creativity was his calling and changed the course of his life forever.
The pressure to succeed in engineering or medical might be unbearable in the competitive world of Indian education. Saunak Roy had a predetermined plan: pass the JEE, get into a top engineering school, and follow in his family’s footsteps of business success. Roy discovered that engineering was not his vocation after passing the JEE Advanced exam.
His passion for art quickly led him to tattooing, and after years of commitment and work, he rose to the position of senior tattoo artist with a stellar reputation in the industry.
Although Roy has several celebrity tattoos, his big break came when one of them appeared on the late Hollywood actor Paul Walker’s official Instagram account.
What began as a reluctant foray into engineering ultimately evolved into a pursuit of artistic success and self-discovery in the challenging field of tattooing.
He was aware from a young age that he preferred creative jobs over more conventional ones. But he was under a lot of pressure, much like the majority of Indian youngsters.
His words, “I was as lost as any teenager,” In order to become a doctor, pilot, architect, or even a member of the army, I wanted to get my hands dirty in every endeavor. However, engineering was always a backup plan in case of uncertainty.
He studied for India’s infamously competitive engineering admission exam, the Joint admission Examination (JEE), under pressure to fit in. But despite his long study sessions, the creative spark remained.
“I studied art classes up until 8th grade, but academics forced me to stop,” he responds. “JEE wasn’t even my sole focus point, I was equally talented at biology and actually thought of pursuing a medical career.”
COLLEGE DAYS STARTED WITH UNPREDITION
The first day of engineering college was a reality check. He realized he was in the incorrect spot on the first day. “I had no coding experience, and I could just see that a 14-year-old kid here in the US could likely code better than me,” he says. “The idea just nagged at me — if I can’t be the best at what I’m doing , then what’s the point?”
However, there was a bright spot amidst the disappointment. He learned the accuracy and focus on detail that would eventually characterize his tattooing career in an engineering sketching class that was required.
Thinking back, “That class helped me hone my skills,” he says. “When I think about it now, I’m thankful because it made me a better artist.”
By his second and third year of college, the creative bug became impossible to suppress. He started taking up part-time graphic designing and commissioned sketching to make some extra pocket money for high-end art equipment.
“I was always on the lookout for creative avenues,” he claims. “I used to be certain that I would become a graphic designer. I even convinced my parents — but it didn’t work out because I didn’t have a formal degree.”
Then came the pandemic, which was a life-changing event for him but a time of darkness for many.
“COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise,” describes Saunak. “Quarantine gave me the time and mental space to figure out what I really wanted.”
“I was unable to persuade my parents, but I persuaded my grandfather and my older sibling,” he says. “In December 2020, I took a leap of faith and went to Mumbai. That was the start of my tattooing career.
Moment of Breakthrough
He started working at Devilz Tattooz, one of India’s top tattoo parlors, while honing his craft. He picked up a variety of styles and techniques from seasoned artists who had over ten years of expertise.
There, under the guidance of his master Lokesh Verma, a tattoo artist who specializes in celebrity portraits, he found his specialty in the colored realisma style. “My first foray into coloured realism was a portrait of the late Paul Walker,” he recalls. “I was anxious, but it ended up even better than I imagined.”
With his Nissan Supra and elaborate background, what started out as a depiction of Paul Walker’s face evolved into a whole leg sleeve. When they were done, they took a picture of the tattoo and shared it on Paul Walker’s official Instagram page.
“To my surprise, it got posted on his official page,” he says with a laugh. “That was the point when I knew I had made the right decision.”
He has now carved out a niche for himself in the tattoo industry. However, his advice is straightforward but profound for JEE candidates and anybody else stuck in a drab career:
“Do what inspires you from within,” he instructs. “Life isn’t only about solving other people’s issues. When you do a quality job, others will notice. Other than working hard and being true to yourself, there are no shortcuts.
As tattooing becomes more popular in India, competition is fierce, but so are the opportunities.
From tattoo parlors to engineering schools, his journey exemplifies the courage to break the norms and lead an artistically fulfilling life. And he is aware that he is at the right place as he inks delicate designs onto people’s skin.
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