Artist Receives ‘Special Request’ to Tattoo Realistic Fingernails on Man Who Lost Part of His Fingers (Exclusive)

Artist Tattooing Realistic Fingernails on Man Who Lost Part of His Fingers

A man’s unique request led to a remarkable artistic endeavour at a tattoo shop in New York City. The client, named Todd, visited the Inked Tattoo Shop in N.Y.C. with an extraordinary ask – he wanted realistic fingernail tattoos to cover the parts of his fingers he had lost 15 years ago.

Tattoo artist Farid Hadechini, based in Brooklyn, took on the challenge enthusiastically, despite never having attempted such a request before. Farid shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, “I have done a lot of finger tattoos and understand the complexities of working on that area, but this was more about repairing than just decorating the body, so it felt different: It felt more meaningful in a way and definitely a very special request.”

Throughout the entire process, Todd remained trusting and connected, making the experience even more profound for both him and the artist. Farid viewed it as a moment to honour Todd’s past, body, and life experiences, infusing a deeper level of significance into his work.

The intricate nail tattoos took approximately three hours to complete. Farid meticulously paid attention to detail, ensuring that he captured the essence of Todd’s fingers authentically. He delved into the nuances that made Todd’s fingers unique, making the tattoos feel like a natural extension of his body.

Farid shared, “It wasn’t about drawing what I think a finger looks like, but about looking closer and understanding that there’s a story we can read when we see somebody’s fingers, skin, eyes, etc. We can learn so much about who a person is, what their routine is, and so on, if we look closer at their bodies.”

Despite the challenges associated with finger tattoos due to their fragility and sensitivity, Todd remained resilient throughout the process. Farid continuously checked on his comfort levels, but Todd’s strong demeanor shone through, impressing the artist.

Following the completion of the realistic fingernail tattoos, Todd expressed his satisfaction with the results and even shared pictures with his family. The tattooist also posted Todd’s story, along with images and videos of the tattooing process, on Instagram, where the craftsmanship received high praise from viewers.

The social media response to Farid’s artistry was overwhelming, with many commending his work as almost magical, seamlessly blending reality and illusion. Farid expressed his gratitude for the positive impact his art had on others, acknowledging the power of storytelling through tattoos to inspire and connect with people on a deeper level.

Farid reflected on his decade-long journey as a tattoo artist, highlighting how the craft had transformed his life by enabling him to forge meaningful connections with diverse individuals. He emphasized the joy derived from helping clients materialize their ideas, honour memories or loved ones, and facilitate personal transformations through body art.

Tattooing, for Farid, transcends mere aesthetics; it represents a collaborative process of creativity, self-expression, and emotional healing. Witnessing the evolution of a client’s concept into a tangible design on their skin evokes a sense of beauty and profound connection that continues to inspire his artistic endeavours.

In the realm of tattoo artistry, each project carries a narrative, a story waiting to be etched onto skin, embodying the essence of the individual it adorns. Farid’s remarkable journey with Todd exemplifies the transformative power of tattoos beyond skin-deep, illustrating the art form’s capacity to weave stories, evoke emotions, and forge lasting connections with those it touches.