I can’t wait to introduce you to someone who absolutely blew me away with his incredible talent! In this digital age, so many artists use cameras to create masterpieces, but finding someone who makes breathtaking art with just a pencil? That’s rare! A few years ago, I met a young man whose talent left me speechless. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I was this amazed by someone’s work!
Just a few days ago, I asked him if I could share his art with the #hive community—because trust me, you NEED to see this! And guess what? He said YES! Woohoo!
The first time I saw his work was when he gifted a drawing to my husband. At first, I thought, “Oh, what a beautiful photo!” But then I looked closer and my jaw DROPPED. “Wait… you DREW this? With a PENCIL?!” I couldn’t stop staring. It’s one thing to see amazing art online, but to meet someone in person with such extraordinary talent? That’s a whole different experience.
( Yes, this beauty is hanging on our wall)
I just had to ask him some questions and share his work with you all. I hope you’re as blown away as I am. Let’s dive in!
When did you first realize you had a talent for drawing?
I realized I had a talent when I watched my granddad and my father draw. I wanted to do it just like them, but at first, I wasn’t great. I kept going, and in primary school, I noticed I was improving faster than other kids. That’s when I knew—talent isn’t just something you’re born with... it’s about never giving up. Just keep going!
How old were you when you started drawing?
I really got into drawing in sixth grade. One day, our teacher asked us to draw him. When we put our drawings down, I looked at mine and thought, “Wow… I can actually draw!” But I didn’t sign it because my dad always told me, “Don’t sign it if you don’t think it’s good enough.” My teacher picked up my drawing and asked, “Who did this?” A classmate pointed at me and said, “That’s Dani’s.” My teacher smiled and said, “Ah, yes, it runs in the family!” That’s when I knew—maybe I really do have something special.
What do you love to draw the most?
Faces. Portraits. Details. There’s something so satisfying about turning a blank piece of paper into a realistic 3D face. It feels like sculpting, but with a pencil. That’s my thing.
What inspired you to start tattooing?
My biggest inspiration? My father. He’s my role model. The man can do anything—seriously, whatever he touches turns into something amazing. As a kid, I admired him so much and wanted to be just like him. Eventually, tattooing became a business, and since nobody else was doing it, I jumped in. I was only 14 or 15 when I started.
How is tattooing different from drawing on paper?
Completely different! When you draw on paper, you feel like a pro. But the first time you hold a tattoo machine? WHOA. It feels so strange. My first attempt wasn’t terrible, but it took me 4-5 years to really get the hang of it, and 10 years to master it. After 12-13 years, it became second nature. It takes time to learn how deep to go, how to handle the needle, how to work with skin. It’s a whole different game.
Do you remember your first tattoo design?
Oh, absolutely! It was on my brother—his one and only tattoo. The Metallica logo! We were young, maybe 13 and 15, and totally obsessed with Metallica. We thought we’d listen to them forever! (I still do sometimes, but not as much.) Anyway, we did the tattoo, and when my dad saw it, he went absolutely NUTS. But yeah, that was my first tattoo.
What’s the hardest part of tattooing?
For me, the neck. I hate tattooing necks! 😂 The skin is just too flexible. I prefer areas like the forearm, upper arm, or leg. But the neck? Nope, not my thing.
Do you prefer drawing or tattooing?
Pencil. 100%. Tattooing is great, and it helps me earn a living, but drawing? That’s my passion. Give me a blank piece of paper and a pencil, and I’m in my own world. Whether I make money or not, I don’t care—I just LOVE it.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Never quit. If you love something, do it. Don’t listen to negativity—only take advice from people who lift you up. And never be afraid of criticism! Accept it, learn from it, and use it to grow. Think of criticism like the dynamo on a bike—it pushes you forward. Stay focused on your dream and keep going.
What is your dream as an artist?
My dream has always been to travel, see new places, and just be a free spirit. But honestly? The real dream is in the journey itself. If you put five hours of work into something today, tomorrow, you’ll feel the satisfaction of knowing you did something amazing. That’s the dream—living each day doing what you love. That’s what matters.
WOW. Just WOW. This guy is truly incredible. I’m beyond grateful that he took the time to share his story with me. Talent like this makes the world a better place, and sharing it? That’s what makes life so special.
So, here’s my message to YOU Dani: Never give up on what you love. Keep creating, keep pushing, and believe in yourself! YOU are a real artist.
And hey—if you ever find yourself in Slovenia and want a tattoo, trust me, Dani is your guy. Worth. Every. Penny. Oh, and just for you, Hive community members— there’s a small gift waiting for you in the studio! 😉
I’ve posted some of his drawings and tattoos for you to check out, but you can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram to see what he creates next.
FB: Daniel Černi
Instagram: aureustattoo
Daniel, THANK YOU for sharing your talent. And one day—when I finally work up the courage—I’m coming to you for an epic tattoo. 😉 (Yeah, yeah, I know… I’m a chicken! 😂)
What do you think, guys? Should we bring him into our community and let him share his talent with the Hive community? I say YES! Let’s make it happen! 😉
p.s. If you have any questions I missed and want to ask him, write to me in the comment section, and if we have enough, I will make part two.
( Mister Daniel)
“A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell
