Eye Candy In September: Michael Joss

Hi Michi, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about how you got here?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always drawn. Then, through the skate and punk rock scene, I came into contact with tattoos. It was love at first sight. By the age of 15, I already knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist one day. After school, though, I first did an apprenticeship as an automation technician and later studied Industrial Design at ZHdK. On my 25th birthday, I decided to drop out. I’d known for years what I actually wanted to do, and I finally felt ready to start tattooing.

Officially, tattoo artist isn’t a recognised apprenticeship. But I was lucky enough to find a studio where I could learn everything from scratch. It definitely wasn’t an easy time – a bit like The Karate Kid – but I learnt an incredible amount. After two years of training, I moved on, and for the past eight years I’ve been running the tattoo studio Birmensdorferstrasse 37 together with Basil Girard.

Where are you based?

My studio is in Wiedikon, Zurich. Unfortunately, the building is being demolished in February 2027. So together with my new business partner, Flurina Gretener, I’m now looking for somewhere of a similar size in Zurich.

And where do you feel at home?

Zurich definitely feels like home. I grew up in the suburbs but always spent a lot of time in the city. I really like how international and diverse Zurich is while nature is still never far away.

How would you describe your style?

I’d describe my style as illustrative blackwork. I’ve always liked depicting flora and fauna. I think these motifs are among the most timeless and work perfectly as tattoos.

What do you want your work to evoke?

I like tattoos that look mysterious. That’s why I really enjoy working with metaphors that I develop together with my clients. A tattoo is decoration, but it’s also something very personal. In my eyes, the meaning of a tattoo shouldn’t necessarily be readable to everyone.

Which song inspires you?

At the moment, “Eluvial” by Russian Circles, although that changes all the time.

Apart from your art, what else brings you joy?

I really enjoy travelling – it recharges me creatively every time. I recently spent a week in Lithuania, which I really enjoyed, and I’m heading back to Japan in October. Otherwise, I like doing all sorts of sports: cycling, working out or – since this summer – SUP, which I’ve been having a lot of fun with.

Do you have a favourite piece among your work?

At the moment, it’s the Harpy backpiece. The client gave me a lot of creative freedom. I love the mystical quality of it and the energy the motif has.

Our readers will now be finding your images in their inbox every morning for a month. Is there anything you’d like to leave them with?

Be kind to one another, drink enough water and, if anyone knows of a vacant commercial space in Zurich of around 100 m², please get in touch.