Indianapolis Tattoo Artist Wins Three Black & Gray Awards at Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival 2026

Indianapolis-based tattoo artist Aleyna Erkoc Atesli brought home three placements from the Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival in March 2026, all of them in black & gray. The results add to a competition record that her profile lists as four international awards.

The results

• Best Small Black & Gray: 3rd place
• Tattoo of the Day, Black & Gray (Saturday): 4th place
• Tattoo of the Day, Black & Gray (Sunday): 4th place

The pieces behind the placements

Sunday's placement went to The Jester, a black & gray micro portrait of a sad jester in a bell hat, photographed on the convention floor with its owner holding the plaque. The award posts from the same weekend also featured a micro portrait of a girl in round goggles with a flower in her hair. Both pieces are in the portfolio.

Why small black & gray is so demanding

Small-format realism leaves almost no room for error. Every millimeter of shading has to read clearly on the day, and still hold together as the tattoo heals and ages. Aleyna designs each piece on a tablet and plans needle control, pressure and pacing around how the skin will heal, not only around how the tattoo looks when it is fresh.

From Istanbul to Indianapolis

Aleyna is a tattoo artist and graphic designer from Istanbul. She built her practice at Sez Tattoo Gallery before moving to the United States, and today tattoos at Cleopatra Ink in Indianapolis, Indiana, working in micro realism, color and fine line. See the full list of awards and honors.

Book an award-winning piece

Aleyna tattoos in Indianapolis and works with clients from across the US. Share your idea and reference photos through the booking form.