About

Mertkan Öngün tattoo

About

About

About

WHO? I’m Mertkan Öngün, an independent visual artist and tattoo artist based in Istanbul, soon in Europe.

Professional Journey:
I have been working professionally since 2007, with a strong background in fine arts, tattooing, and creative direction. In 2011, I founded Studio Kırmızı, where I developed my artistic approach and completed numerous custom tattoo projects.

Artistic Philosophy:
My education in fine arts and visual disciplines deeply shapes my tattoo work I approach tattooing not as a trend based service, but as a permanent visual language placed on the body.

Current Focus:
Today, I continue as a freelance artist, focusing on custom tattoos, visual art projects, and selected collaborations. I value clarity, craftsmanship, and meaningful concepts over fast production, approaching every project with long term responsibility both artistically and professionally.

Creative Projects & Collaborations:
Alongside tattooing, I work on exhibitions, brand visuals, and creative collaborations with cultural institutions and international clients. These experiences give me a multidisciplinary perspective and the ability to work independently across different creative fields.

Let’s work together to create something lasting and meaningful.

Experience

Experience

Experience

2007 - 2013

Yıldız Technical University, Faculty of Art & Design, Photography & Video Department

Focused on photography and video while building a strong multidisciplinary foundation in fine arts and visual design.

2007 - 2009

Professional Tattoo Assistant

Gained foundational training in tattoo artistry and mastered studio workflows.

2011 - 2021

Founder & Artist, Studio Kırmızı

Led custom tattoo projects, developed artistic approach, and collaborated internationally.

2015 — PRESENT

Founder & Creative Director, Meri Creative

Managed creative projects including art direction, brand identity, illustration, and exhibition setups.

Press

press

Press

2011

Interview focused on custom tattoo work and artistic approach.

Hürriyet Trendy Magazine

2013

Two-page feature covering watercolor and cover-up tattoos.

Working Mother Magazine

2015

General interview on tattoo artistry and creative approach.

Online Magazine İncili Küpe

2016

General interview about tattoo culture and practice.

Online Magazine A'dan Z'ye Haber

2011

Ekşi Sözlük | Mentions and discussions about Studio Kırmızı.

Online Blog

2011

Ekşi Sözlük | Customer reviews and feedback about Mertkan Ongun

Online Blog