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On the Verge

Saira Hunjan, Tattoo Artist

April 2008

Though Hunjan, 27, has been inking tattoos for eight years, she’s been on her career path since childhood. “I have early memories of drawing designs that my grandmother would use when decorating my hands with henna,” says the London-born artist, who is of Indian descent. “And at school, I just started drawing on myself and then on friends.” Today, her skin art can be seen on Kate Moss and other members of the model’s Primrose Hill set. Hunjan, who has also designed T-shirts for Luella Bartley, finds inspiration in vintage American sailor tattoos, pinup motifs and goth themes. “I really enjoy designing work around the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, so that includes sugar skulls”—the colorful confections traditionally made to celebrate the holiday—“and flowers and religious imagery,” she says. “I like the play on death but making it look beautiful.”

The Family Business Tattoo Shop, London, 44.207.278.9526

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