Corona caused many to think about everyday working life. Many were also forced to do something completely different. Aljona Nelaeva also felt that she might have to take an alternative path in life. Not necessarily just because of the pandemic, but because she didn’t have a plan b. – There was a lot of uncertainty about the future within academia. That’s why I reflected on whether I actually had a plan b. Now she lives out both plan a as a researcher, and plan b as a tattoo artist. Aljona uses an old technique called “handpoke”. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik Researcher during the day Ten years ago, Aljona Nelaeva came to Norway from St. Petersburg in Russia. The big city with 5 million inhabitants was replaced by small Bodø, with 50,000. Nelaeva has never looked back – and is enjoying herself. – I thought it was a good idea to study here. It’s quiet and I’m a person who doesn’t like too many people around me. Aljona Nelaeva first took a master’s degree in Bodø. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news After completing a master’s degree at the Norwegian Business School, the path continued to a fellowship and a doctorate. In January, she defended her thesis at the university. Now she works in a project that will monitor and evaluate the cultural project Bodø2024. – We will evaluate the project. Look at the effects it has on society both economically and socially, she says passionately. Bodø2024 had an opening ceremony earlier this year. An estimated 15,000 Bodo residents made the trip to watch. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news But despite research and academia being exciting, Nelaeva has felt that the creative side of her might not get enough space. And when the corona hit Norway in 2020, she got extra motivation to do something completely new and different. A childhood activity was brought up; drawing. Maybe there can be something to live on if the research does not provide a living? Aljona comes straight from university to the center of Bodø where she now runs a small tattoo parlour. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news Ancient technique – What can I find that there is a market for in Bodø, i.e. something I can make money from, but which I can also have as a hobby? The researcher, or tattooist, reflects on why she started tattooing and started the salon Bodhipokes. After some back and forth, she came across “handpoke”, an ancient tattooing technique. In contrast to “regular” tattoo artists, Aljona does not use electric machines. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news – When I found out that such a technique exists, I went to a handpoke queen in Portugal. After the lesson, I talked to her a bit and found out that this is actually quite easy to start with, says Nelaeva. – But what is “handpoke”? – I use needles that are used in the machine, but I do it manually, she explains. Handpoke is also called “stick and poke” and is a very old technique. The tattoos often take much longer to create, but are seen as less painful. – It also doesn’t irritate the skin as much, adds Nelaeva. Aljona Nelaeva went to Vienna to take part in a course in “handpoke”. Here she is getting ready for tonight’s customer. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news Hoping to become a full-time “researcher tattooist” Between the questions, tonight’s customer comes in the door. Lena, who is in her final year of high school, has been “crazy” for tattoos. – I took some yesterday too, but then with normal technique, she says and laughs. Aljona and Lena discuss where the tattoo fits best. It is in the details that perfection lies. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news – Aljona, you may be a bit special in this industry. Surely there aren’t that many tattoo artists who do research during the day and create tattoos in the evening? Aljona shrugs and laughs. – But what is most difficult; to be a doctor at a university, or a tattoo artist? – There are difficult things in both. But within academia there is perhaps a bit more pressure through the fact that we have to publish in good journals. In addition, we have to teach. There is a lot going on. Lena’s first tattoo was made using the “handpoke” technique. She says it hurts less. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news – Many people talk about having a “side hustle” these days. Will there be any money from this? – When I get a name, maybe. In the first year, there were a lot of expenses in rent and parking in the city centre. But when I can take on bigger projects, of course there can be some money. – Do you want to make a living from this, over and above your job as a researcher? – Yes, I have thought about it. At the same time, I really like the job and the challenges at the university. But maybe it could be fifty percent work in both places? she asks a little surprised. The small tattoo, with the text “dreamer” takes around an hour to make. There is not much equipment needed for the text to be immortalized. And everything must be documented for social media. – But then I enjoy the fact that it’s a hobby. Maybe it will feel more like a job if I depend on the income. – It’s not about being tough The “dreamer” tattoo is coming to an end. Lena doesn’t want to reveal what she dreams about, but hardly notices that Aljona is poking her with a needle. – What do your colleagues at the university think about your alternative career choice? – I don’t know if everyone understands why, but some of my closest colleagues think it’s exciting that I’m making more of my hobby – and say more people should do it. Do you have a tattoo? Yes No No, but I really want Show result – What made you just jump into it? Aljona replies that perhaps she has only become this way through growing up in an environment where hard work is important. At the same time, she is crystal clear that more people should follow their dreams. – It’s not about being tough. There are always things you can do, but you have to make the choice to learn something new. Why don’t more people do it? She concludes: – If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. It is not more difficult. Old style Tor Olav Svennevig has been a tattoo artist for many years. He works in Ihuda Tattoo in Bergen and is also co-author of the book “Norske sjømannstattoveringer”. Svennevig says that “handpoke” as a tattoo style has become more widespread in recent years. – The technique is based more on how you tattooed in the past. One mainly tattoos by hand and avoids using a machine. You simply do more yourself. This was the result after the tattoo session. Photo: Sondre Skjelvik / news The experienced tattoo artist explains that the style has existed for a very long time. It is difficult to say exactly when it was invented. – There are traces of tattoos in people 5,500 years back in time. Tattoo machines first appeared in the late 1800s. Like Nelaeva, there have been more tattoo artists in recent years. – There has been an enormous influx into the subject in recent years. There are many people who are attracted to doing something that is more unique. It’s cool to hear that she just jumped into it. Hi!Thanks for reading the whole thing. Feel free to send me a tip if you want me to write about something else! Want to read more? Here are some tips:
ttn-69
Researcher at Nord University runs handpoke in the evening – news Nordland
