Grigorii Butrin Los Angeles/USA @butrin.tattoo www.butrin.art

Grigorii Butrin has built a solid career within black and grey realism, establishing himself as an artist who understands tattooing not merely as a craft, but as a disciplined art form grounded in precision, depth, and professional responsibility. With a medical background and an artistic foundation developed since childhood, he has successfully merged technical knowledge with visual sensitivity, shaping a distinctive and refined style.

In this interview, he reflects on his beginnings, his evolution toward realism, the meaning behind international convention recognitions, and his perspective on tattooing as a lifelong story carried on the skin. A conversation that reveals discipline, continuous growth, and a deep respect for both the art and the clients who place their trust in his work.

1. What motivated you to start in the tattoo world? Did you have any previous artistic background?

I have been drawing since childhood. It has always been a natural part of my life. Later, I received a medical education and worked in the field for some time, but the desire to create visual images never disappeared. At a certain point, tattooing became the perfect combination of these two directions for me: art and an understanding of the human body. It was not a spontaneous decision, but rather a logical stage in my path.

2. How do you remember your first steps in this field?

The first steps were very challenging. At that time, there was not as much information available as there is today. I had to learn from my own mistakes, practice constantly, and carefully analyze my work. My family and friends were very supportive throughout this period. I began with traditional American tattooing and later studied realism through masterclasses. I dedicated a great deal of time to understanding form, light, and volume, which eventually became the foundation of my style. It was a long journey of experimentation and continuous self reflection.

3. What led you to choose and develop the style that represents you today?

Black and grey realism, for me, is about honesty. There is no distracting color, only form, light, depth, and emotion remain. This style requires maximum precision and attention to detail, which is exactly what resonates with me. It is important to me that a tattoo looks alive, with a sense of depth and story within it. And perhaps it is a matter of personal taste, but I also appreciate how black and grey tattoos heal over time

4. If you had to define your journey so far, how would you describe it?

It is a path of constant growth and discipline. I have never seen tattooing as just a craft. For me, it has always been an art form in which I strive to improve every day. This path is about responsibility to the client, to my reputation, and to myself.

5.What do the awards and recognitions from tattoo conventions mean to you?

It is an important confirmation that what I do is valued within the professional community. But even more important to me is the trust of my clients and their recommendations. That is what builds my reputation in the long term

6. What was it like to be a judge at a convention? What do you value most about that experience?

Being a judge is a great responsibility. You look at the work not as an artist, but as an expert, evaluating technique, composition, and complexity. It really develops your eye and allows you to understand the profession on a deeper level. I am always pleased when organizers invite me to be part of the jury again. It means a lot to me and makes me feel my significance within the industry

7. how do you see yourself in a few years, both professionally and artistically?

I see myself as an artist with an even more recognizable style, working on more international projects and possibly running my own studio. I am also interested in developing an educational direction and sharing my experience with other artists

8. Are you planning to attend conventions or host guest spots this year?

Yes, I actively take part in tattoo conventions and plan to continue doing so. It is an opportunity to exchange experience and connect with artists from all over the world

9. If someone wants to get in touch with you, how can they do it?

The most convenient way to reach me is through Instagram and my official website (www.butrin.art), where you can find all the up to date information about booking. You can also contact me by email (butrin.booking@gmail.com)

10. Any special message?

A tattoo is not just an image on the skin. It is a story that a person carries with them for a lifetime. That is why it is important to choose your artist thoughtfully and approach the process with care. For fellow artists: experiment, grow, and love what you do.