Trained in animation and originally from South Korea, Woojin Choi has spent over eleven years developing an artistic voice that defies conventional tattoo categories. Now based in Los Angeles, Choi draws on influences ranging from classical and contemporary art to design, pop culture, and traditional Asian aesthetics to create work that delivers powerful visual impact and symbolic depth. Rather than committing to a single defined style, Choi has cultivated a strong visual ide

Nissaco is a Japanese tattoo artist whose unique vision has reshaped the way ornamental and cultural design is understood in contemporary tattooing. With over two decades of dedication, he has forged a style that blends the richness of Japanese aesthetics with modern geometric influences, creating pieces that are both timeless and innovative. His career has been marked not only by perseverance and artistic evolution but also by collaborations with world-renowned brands such a

From Richmond, Virginia, Jesse Smith is a New School tattoo legend and an international reference for his unique style that blends graffiti, illustration, and boundless creativity. With over 25 years of experience, he is the founder of Loose Screw Tattoo and organizer of one of the most important tattoo conventions in the United States. This year, Jesse returns as a judge for the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition, standing out for the second time as one of the art

Based in Medellín, Colombia, **Hernán Yepes** has built a strong path within contemporary tattooing, defined by a deep, technical, and conceptual approach. In this interview, he shares how narrative surrealism, black and grey work, and the conscious use of contrast became the foundation of his visual language—one designed to connect with the body while telling real, meaningful stories. Throughout the conversation, Hernán also reflects on his role as an educator, his experienc

From his earliest childhood drawings to becoming an established artist and studio owner in the Canadian Rockies, Derek Turcotte has built a career defined by constant evolution and a strong sense of identity. His work merges symbolism, ancestral influences, comic art, and fantasy universes, creating a powerful visual language that moves seamlessly between painting and tattooing. In this interview, he shares the foundations of his artistic development, the collaborative spirit

Deanna James (formerly Deanna Smith) is a Texas-based fine artist and internationally recognized tattooer known for pioneering a painterly approach to tattooing that has influenced the industry today. Her work, often described as a fusion of classical oil painting and modern tattoo artistry, is celebrated for its depth, emotional resonance, and technical innovation. Raised in Texas, James developed a love for drawing and painting at a young age, gravitating toward portraiture

Master of traditional Japanese Tebori, Kensho is an artist who bridges East and West through his craft, currently working in Noord Holland (Netherlands), Long Island, New York (United States), and Saitama (Japan). Recoanized as an Honorary Lecturer of Traditional lapanese Arts by the AAA Abstract Art Academy, and an ITIC International Professor License Holder in cooperation with the European Union and UNESCO, Kensho is devoted to preserving and elevating the art of Teboriblen

Quito-Ecuador IG: @kathutattoo FACE: @kathutattoo Meet the Grand Winner of the DGN International Tattoo CompetitionWe are proud to introduce Jonathan, the Best of the Best and overall grand winner of the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. Selected by an exceptional jury composed of global icons Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu, Jonathan stood out among more than 100 tattoo artists from around the world. His remarkable talent in full color realism

Bogota - Colombia @camilo.osorio.tatoos Camilo Osorio Timote (born in 1997 in Ibagué, Colombia) is an internationally acclaimed Colombian tattoo artist, celebrated for his refined mastery in neotraditional, neo-oriental, and full-color tattoo styles. With over ten years of professional experience—beginning his career in 2015—he has built a solid and respected reputation in the industry, combining technical excellence with a distinctive visual language rooted in composition, s

MIAMI - USA @ vechirka.tattoo Passionate and precise, this tattoo artist transformed her love for drawing into a career spanning over 15 years. Trained in decorative and applied arts, she went from dreaming of painting churches to creating works of art on skin. She began working in color but found in black and grey a timeless elegance that enhances form and detail. She masters various styles within this palette, with a special affinity for fine-line graphic work, which allow

Denver Colorado / USA @ Josemanrique.art From the moment art became the center of his life, José knew tattooing wasn’t just a hobby—it was his path. With a versatile style that covers both black and grey and full color, and a passion for creating bold, long-lasting pieces, he has built a solid career that’s taken him to many corners of the world. His curiosity, constant travels, and belief that there’s always something new to learn keep him moving forward—growing, sharing, an

@lewis.tattoo Studio:@gangatattoola Email: lewistattooartist@gmail.com Luis, known in the tattoo world as Lewis, is a talented artist specializing in highly detailed and emotional portraits of dogs and cats. His journey into tattooing began under the mentorship of Joaquín Ganga (Gangatattoo) in Murcia, Spain, and after years of dedication, he moved to Los Angeles to work at the prestigious Gangatattoo studio. Throughout his career, he has developed a unique ability to capture

Viacheslav Danh, known in the tattoo world as Suan, has established himself as an international reference in black and grey realism. With flawless technique and a refined artistic sensibility, he has worked with high-profile figures such as Vinicius Jr., Odell Beckham Jr., and Jake Paul—building a career that took him from Europe to Los Angeles, where he now develops much of his work. Self-taught, perfectionist, and deeply committed to his craft, Suan approaches tattooing as

Sandry Riffard, a tattoo artist from Le Puy-en-Velay, France, has revolutionized tattoo art with his unique style of macabre hyperrealism. Starting in 2012, when he first picked up a tattoo machine, Sandry has transformed his passion for drawing into a career dedicated to exploring the duality between life and death through striking skulls and surreal elements. His work blends the darkness of macabre themes with the dynamism of animation and color, creating pieces that tell d

Ramón Nieves is passionate about realism in tattooing, mastering both black and grey and color. His art has been influenced by great masters and enriched by his connection to painting and fine arts, disciplines that continue to nurture his creativity and technique. His talent and dedication have led him to stand out on the international circuit, earning multiple awards at conventions and being recognized among the top five artists in DGN Magazine’s competition—an achievement

Myke is an old-school artist, a pioneer of American traditional tattooing with over 30 years of experience. His life and career have been a source of inspiration for many in the industry. He has served as a judge in prestigious competitions worldwide, and it was an honor for us to have him as a judge in our own competition years ago. His impact extends beyond the tattoo world, gracing the covers of international magazines and being featured in numerous reports and interviews

Alexey Mashkow, a renowned tattoo artist and judge of the international competition DGN TATTOO MAG, has captivated the global tattoo community with his distinctive style and bold creativity. Born in the Moscow region, near Sergiev Posad, Mashkow's upbringing in an artistic family laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for painting. A professional tattoo artist since 2011, Mashkow has spent over a decade honing his craft and leaving his unique mark on the industry. Befor

From Las Vegas, we present Ilya Cascad: Master of Ornamental Tattooing and Optical Illusions Ilya Cascad has established himself as a leading tattoo artist specializing in the ornamental style. Known for his unique designs that combine optical illusions and three-dimensional art, he transforms the body into a living canvas. Founder of Ornamental Ink, his studio is dedicated exclusively to this style, attracting like-minded artists and building a global community through annua

We are honored to present an exclusive interview with this tattoo master. Boris, a pioneer of realistic tattooing since the ’90s, has been recognized as a contemporary artist by the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO) and has closely collaborated with leading manufacturers in the tattoo industry. His dedication to teaching and influence in the development of modern techniques have left an indelible mark on the art of tattooing. Since the ’90s, Boris has shared his know

1.How  was your first encounter with art? Do you remember the moment you realized that creating was something natural for you? I started drawing long before I realized it was a form of art. I did it instinctively—wherever there was space: in the margins of notebooks, on book covers, and beyond. It felt as natural as breathing. I can’t point to one exact moment when it “clicked,” but over the years, it became increasingly clear that expressing myself through images came muc

Welcome, readers, to an exclusive glimpse into the world of Shamack, a tattoo artist whose journey is as intricate and captivating as the designs he creates. From the raw passion ignited in his teenage years to the culmination of his artistry today, Shamack's story is a tapestry woven with dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. 1.How did you start your career in the tattoo world? What attracted you to this form of art? I began my journey as a 15-yea

The art in one's hands holds an invaluable worth, and this concept is applied to the fullest extent by Paolo Grillo, a distinguished artist renowned for his hyperrealistic jewelry and intricate sculptures, which seamlessly blend classical artistry with contemporary craftsmanship. From a young age, Paolo was inspired by his father's skillful hands and creative pursuits, which laid the foundation for his dedication to art. With over 30 years of experience, he has transformed hi

It is an honor to have with us today Dan Starr, the brilliant artist who has conquered the international competition of DGN Tattoo Magazine in its 20th edition. Originally from Russia, Dan Starr has emerged as the grand winner among over 100 talented artists from around the world. His distinctive style of black and grey realism, enriched with astonishing skill in calligraphy and play of light, has captured the imagination of the distinguished jury composed of Mashkov, Heng Yu

Xiao Dong stands out as one of the most distinguished and visionary pioneers of modern tattoo art in China. With a profound passion for both traditional Chinese art and contemporary tattooing, he has developed an unparalleled and distinctive personal style. In his creations, these two influences masterfully fuse, resulting in works that are true pieces of art. The vast global culture shines through his work, always maintaining a solid foundation deeply rooted in the rich hist

Welcome to a captivating conversation with Trâm Đinh, a talented female tattoo artist hailing from Vietnam. Her dedication and passion for the art of tattooing have shaped her life and career in extraordinary ways. Currently based in the bustling city of Hồ Chí Minh, Trâm Đinh has carved an impressive path in the tattoo industry, standing out for her ability to experiment with various styles, such as Neo-Traditional and Fantasy. Throughout this interview, we will delve into t

A worldwide icon and reference in the tattoo industry, showcases how his art validates his position at the forefront of tattooing. From his humble beginnings, he has built a reputation for excellence and attention to detail. His relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to infusing soul into his art set him apart in the industry. His international clientele and participation as a judge in prestigious events, such as the DGN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, speak volumes about

Meet Shiryu, a visionary tattoo artist whose journey from curiosity to mastery is as captivating as his art. With a background rooted in New School Irezumi, Shiryu has evolved his craft into the distinctive Neo-Japanese style. His designs, driven by a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, reflect his deep dedication to creating unique, personal artworks. Based in a challenging environment where tattooing remains controversial, Shiryu's innovative approach and com

**Introducing Our Distinguished Judge and Prestigious Artist for the INTERNATIONAL DGN TATTOO MAGAZINE 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION:** Step into the world of tattoo artistry with our distinguished guest from Yueyang, China. A professional tattoo artist since the age of 28, his innovative and realistic style has garnered global recognition. Despite his impact on the industry, he remains modest, emphasizing continual learning. Known for collaborative creations, he shares his knowle

Hello Carolina! I want to tell you right away that it is an honor for us to have you in our magazine and to be able to share your art with our readers from all over the world! All your pieces are a delight! I am fascinated by colors, brightness, contrasts, designs, etc, etc... you are a great artist! I'll start with the first question. How did you discover the tattoo? How many years have you been tattooing? HI! Thank you so much for this opportunity! 12 years ago I met my par

"Ewelina's Artistic Odyssey: From Adversity to Mastery in Tattooing" Ewelina, the visionary artist behind TWARDA SZTUKA TATTOO in Poland, has transcended childhood setbacks to emerge as a renowned painter. This interview delves into her transformative journey from painter to tattoo artist, exploring the challenges, inspirations, and triumphs that shape her distinctive artistic identity. 1. Ewelina, what inspired you to enter the world of tattooing, given your background in ar

Brushing Life onto Skin: The Artistic Odyssey of Andrey Kolbasin Meet Andrey Kolbasin, a prolific tattoo artist hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, USA. His canvas extends beyond conventional boundaries, reaching the realms of realistic tattoo artistry and traditional painting. Let's delve into the dynamic and inspiring journey of this artistic visionary. 1. Tell us about your journey into the world of tattoo artistry. What inspired you to embark on this career? I b

"Tattooing with Passion, Respect, and a Lifelong Dedication" Embark on the artistic journey of Melow Perez, a renowned tattoo artist from Barcelona, Spain, whose love for tattoos began in his early years, inspired by family roots and a profound connection to tribal and ornamental styles. In this exclusive interview, Melow takes us through his evolution as an artist, the intricacies of his unique style, and the deep significance tattooing holds in his life. 1. Do you remember

Explore the captivating life and journey of Steve Butcher, the master of hyperrealism who has left an indelible mark on both skin and the history of tattooing.   Born on August 13, 1989, in Auckland, New Zealand, Steve Butcher has carved his path in the intricate world of tattooing, carrying an overflowing passion and unmatched talent. His story is more than a narrative of awards and recognitions; it's a journey from childhood to international fame, where each stroke tells a

A Journey of Passion and Artistic Mastery: Welcome to the captivating world of Sol Ressia, a visionary artist who has captured the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide. Hailing from Argentina, Sol's artistic journey is a testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and unparalleled talent. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Sol's remarkable evolution as an artist, her inspirations, and the profound impact she has made in the realm of body art. In the fascinating wo

My story unfolds like a tale—a fairytale or a nightmare, depending on the perspective one chooses to embrace life. I am Lena Diamanti, hailing from a small town in Greece. However, this year, I am fortunate enough to call New York my home. Recently, I had the privilege of being selected for an exceptional campaign by FK Iron, celebrating the indomitable spirit of women and their unwavering dedication to hard work and achieving their goals—the so-called "Wonder Woman." During

Tell us about your style... Realistic based on black and gray I'm trying a lot to express my own texture. I'm having a lot of thoughts and making efforts to create rough and soft expressions freely. I think it's very difficult for an artist to be able to say "This is Loze's work" when they see my pieces. In particular, I think it is very difficult to express my own style as a worker in the realistic genre. So I tried to learn my own description, and expression, within this ge

Social networks @melektastekin_tattooer www.melektastekin.com tattoo studio Today we present a young tattoo artist from the city of Ankara, Turkey. Melek studied at the University of Gazi and then decided to dedicate himself to tattooing, going through various styles, including neotraditional, but she did not settle and went further in search of realism and hyperrealism. In 2014, she opened his own store in his native country, fulfilling one of his objectives, but as we have

“The most attractive aspect of being a tattoo artist is the opportunity to share stories and connect with people from all walks of life” Before embarking on his journey as a tattoo artist, Cloutier pursued a career as a photographer, capturing captivating images of music bands and live performances. He also earned a master's degree in Graphic Design and worked as an Art Director in the advertising industry. However, she eventually felt a strong desire to connect with people o

"In 2012, fresh out of graphic design university, Valentina Riabova found herself drawn to the world of tattooing. What began as a personal experiment quickly developed into a full-blown career, with Riabova teaching other artists and receiving prestigious awards within a year and a half of starting. With a background in both art and rope shows, Riabova found tattooing to be the perfect outlet for her creative and adventurous spirit. Today, at the age of 32 and based in New Y

"Victor Portugal, a renowned tattoo artist and international competition jury member, reveals the challenges he faced when deciding to pursue tattooing as a career. From starting with the typical beginner tattoos like tribal and Maori, to perfecting his unique style over the course of 10 years, Portugal credits his growth to observing and learning from those around him. Today, Portugal is celebrated for his traditional Black and Gray style that withstands the test of time, br

Adrienn Kern is an artist from Hungary, specifically from the city of Budapest. Captivating and imposing, Adrienn, apart from being a photographer and artist in various techniques, is currently a realist tattoo artist. Breaking all barriers and going full steam ahead, she has become a worldwide reference, specializing in full-color realistic tattoos, introducing a play of lights, shadows, and focusing on the details, something that always fascinates her... Begin by telling us

Utrecht Netherlands Alex Pancho, an illustrious tattoo artist, embodies the epitome of versatility and skill within the world of body art. His studio, the "A.D Pancho Tattoo Studio," nestled in the heart of Utrecht, serves as the canvas where his artistic genius flourishes. His portfolio, a mosaic of diverse styles, reflects not only his adeptness but his unwavering passion for the craft. Embarking on the Artistic Odyssey For Pancho, the journey commenced during his formative

Reflects on Two Decades in the Inked World In the vibrant tapestry of South Korea's tattoo scene, one artist has left an indelible mark with a unique style and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Haewall, a celebrated tattoo artist from South Korea, recently shared insights into his remarkable journey in the industry, shedding light on his beginnings, inspirations, and the profound connection between art and emotion. Haewall's journey commenced in 2003 when he ventured int

Viktoriia Kovtun: A Tattoo Artist Triumphs in the International DGN Tattoo Magazine Competition In the fascinating world of tattooing, each artist has a unique story to tell, a narrative that is etched onto the skin of their clients. Today, we delve into the life and mind of Viktoriia Kovtun, a talented tattoo artist who has left an indelible mark in the realm of black and grey realism tattoos. From her humble beginnings to her ascent on the international tattoo scene, this i

INTERNATIONAL DGN TATTOO MAGAZINE COMPETITION: THE GRAND CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS An Inspirational Journey and Triumph in the World of Tattooing Ever Luis Rivero, a prominent tattoo artist, invites us to explore his fascinating journey from Cuba to the United States, a journey that not only transformed his life but also deeply influenced his path to becoming a professional tattoo artist. Through his story, we will discover how his artistic education, tattoo studio, and recent tr

"The journey of a former architect turned tattoo artist, Dave Paulo, is a testament to the transformative power of passion and dedication. Beginning in 2013, Paulo entered the tattoo profession with the hope of creating an interesting and challenging life. Since then, he has developed a unique style, fusing pop art and realism in his designs. Mastering this style was not easy, as he faced difficulties finding his own artistic identity. However, his persistence and commitment

Amynaut Tattoos, a 27-year-old tattoo artist based in Blackburn, UK, has been making waves in the tattoo industry with their unique and evolving style. Having started tattooing at the age of 20, Amynaut Tattoos has been in the industry for 7 years now, with the last 3 years spent owning their own studio, Year 23 Tattoo. In this article, we will delve into their journey in tattooing, including their first contact with tattooing, their experience in different styles, and how th

"Miami's opulent tattoo studio fuses medieval elegance with cutting-edge artistry, an international draw for ink enthusiasts." Ink Castle Tattoo Studio, a true tattooing fortress, is nestled at 1950 Federal Highway in the coastal city of Pompano, Florida, just a stone's throw from the paradisiacal Miami. This artistic haven beckons ink aficionados from around the globe with its unique blend of opulence and state-of-the-art technology. From the moment you step inside, the stud

In this fascinating interview, we delve into the exciting world of art and tattooing with Kristina, a multifaceted artist who has...

In the vast artistic landscape of tattooing, some artists transcend geographical and cultural boundaries to carry their passion to every corner of the globe. One of them is Diamante Murru, a talented artist born and raised on the captivating island of Sardinia, Italy. From an early age, Diamante was drawn to the art of tattooing, though her journey in this artistic path was far from a perfect line. Through an intense search for her artistic identity, Diamante shares with us h