Mo Naga (Moranngam Khaling) Profile :: one of India's Best Tattoo Artist

Rooplin Sharma *

Mo Naga at work

Mo Naga (Real name: Moranngam Khaling)
Owner and Artist, Mo Tattoos, New Delhi
Founder, Headhunters' Ink Tattoo School, Guwahati

A clear visionary, way ahead of his time and age, 27-year-old Mo Naga is the owner and founder of the Delhi-based tattoo studio- Mo Tattoos. A qualified fashion designer and a self taught tattoo artist, Manipur's Mo has been on the forefront to uphold the dying tribal tattoo art from different regions of India.

In October 2008, Mo Naga established his first tattoo studio, Mo Tattoos in the Hauz Khas Village of New Delhi. The same year, Mo also became the local brand ambassador for Lee Jeans (V.F Corporation), for the Delhi/NCR area from October to mid December. He became the face of Lee Jeans once again from June, 2009 to July, 2010. Lee Jeans added another feather to his cap as they promoted Mo Naga as India's Best Tattoo Artist in this campaign.

Researched and rated amongst the Top-3 Tattoo Studios of India by Hindustan Times, Delhi, Mo Tattoos was invited to be a part of India's biggest Tattoo Convention Tattoo Republic held in Pune, Maharashtra last November. There, Mo Naga got a chance to showcase his tattooing expertise amongst many world renowned and internationally acclaimed tattoo artists. (more information on http://www.tattoorepublic.in/)

An icon in the tattoo industry today, Mo holds over 7 years of experience in tattooing and studying the art. Now, he chases his long-standing dream of promoting the dying tribal tattoo art of North-East India. He plans to give the people of his region the highest standards of tattooing experience, and to share his knowledge with all the tattoo enthusiasts here. Keeping this vision in mind, Mo Naga has established his second venture, Headhunters' Ink in Guwahati. While his debut venture in Delhi, Mo Tattoos would continue to function as the main studio, Headhunters' Ink would be an extension to his tattoo business, and also serve as North-East's first professional tattoo training school.

A Tattoo design from Mo Naga

Headhunters' ink- Mission & vision:

Headhunters' ink aims to provide safe, hygienic and international standard tattooing experience to the North East. They aim to promote the Traditional Tattooing Art of North Eastern Tribes and to make North East India a force to reckon in the world of tattoo art. Mo comments, "The tattoo industry is booming in India. North East should also be a part of this welcome change. The people here are gifted with talents. They have the exact skills and the right attitude. We just wish to help them transform into real professionals with our vast experience in design and art, and our thorough understanding of the industry."

Though tattoo has emerged as a fashion craze amongst youngsters, for most people tattoo is something deeper, much more personal and meaningful unlike the clothes or the makeup we wear. Mo says, "Having or getting a tattoo is the most overwhelming experience where Art, Fashion and Design come together in the most meaningful ways for an individual. We wish to help define who they are, and hence make the experience something really special and close to their heart. "

Headhunters' ink Tattoo School:

Headhunters' ink Tattoo School first official tattoo training institute in North-East India. It is also the biggest tattoo school in India, with an area of 800 sq feet, and world class facilities. The course is offered in two modules- Amateur Course, of 4 weeks duration, and Professional Course, of 10 weeks duration.

The Amateur Course includes the basics of sketching, colour, designs, tattoo machine and equipments, etc. Since clinical hygiene and sterlization standards also play a vital role in the tattoo industry, due attention is provided to these two aspects as well. Besides, students also get hands-on experience in tattooing skills on both fake and real skin.

The Professional Course is a more detailed module including aspects like Photoshop, advance sketching techniques, art sppreciation, design study, professional tattooing techniques, exposure to practical knowledge and practice etc. The course also offers insights on the Indian Tattoo Industry and studio set up and working experience Besides, the school also works towards personality development of each student.

Striving to offer the best in tattoo art education, the Headhunters will admit only 5 students per class to ensure personal attention to each student. Certificates will be provided after successful completion of the courses. The best student of the class will be eligible for 6 months apprenticeship under Mo Naga. Thereafter, Mo Naga will decide whether to grant the apprentice the Headhunter status (Meaning : to become a part of the Headhunters' ink family and join as an official artist at any Headhunters' ink tattoo studio).

Admission is open to anyone who has the right attitude and passion for the art. Education qualification is not required, except he or she should understand Hindi or English.

See a Press release on opening shop at Guwahati here