A Polish tattoo artist has revealed the intense pain he endured while inking a striking red vine design across his own forehead, showcasing his dedication to body art and self-expression. August Chupakabra, aged 27 and based in Poznań, Poland, undertook the challenging procedure himself, using a stencil to ensure precision as he worked on his face.
The Painful Process of Self-Tattooing
August Chupakabra has developed an extensive portfolio of tattoos on his own body, covering areas such as his face, hands, arms, neck, and fingers. His latest addition, the red vine that spans the length of his forehead, required meticulous attention to detail and resulted in what he described as excruciating pain. In an interview, August rated the discomfort as an eight out of ten, highlighting the physical toll of such self-administered work.
A Wave-Like Relationship with Tattooing
"I love tattoos and what they represent visually," August explained to media outlets. "My relationship with tattooing comes in waves. There are periods when I get tattooed very intensively, followed by months where I don’t get any new tattoos at all." He admitted that he has never counted the total number of tattoos he has, indicating a deep, ongoing engagement with the art form rather than a focus on quantity.
One of the advantages of performing his own tattoos is the minimal cost involved. "Most of my tattoos were done through exchanges, practice, or personal projects," August noted. "It is also hard to put a number on the amount of hours put into them all together. Some sessions take around five hours, others only 30 minutes - it really varies."
Inspiration Behind the Forehead Tattoo
When asked about the motivation for tattooing his own forehead, August shared that he wanted to rework an old tattoo while introducing new colour. "So I added a red vine and it took around two hours," he said. "I enjoyed doing it because it was interesting and fun but sometimes I don’t enjoy it, because it is also painful."
In a video documenting the process, August can be seen carefully placing a stencil on his head, checking its alignment, and then using a tattoo gun to draw the vine. After completing the design, he applied cream and a plastic cover to protect the fresh ink. Additional images show his forehead with previous grey tattoos before the addition of the vibrant red vine.
Advice for Aspiring Self-Tattoo Artists
August's message to others considering similar body modifications is straightforward: "To anyone wanting to do the same - good luck." This reflects the challenging nature of self-tattooing, especially on sensitive areas like the forehead, where pain and precision are significant factors.
The story of August Chupakabra underscores the lengths to which some individuals will go for personal artistry, blending creativity with endurance in a unique form of self-expression. His experience serves as a testament to the evolving boundaries of tattoo culture and the personal journeys behind such permanent modifications.
