Maksym Yanko , artistic name -YanoxLos Angeles, USA Instagram: @yanox.art

From Los Angeles, USA, Yanox combines his background in painting with his passion for tattooing, creating realistic designs that stand out for their detail and depth.

His love for art began in childhood, and over the years, he has refined his ability to merge the precision of tattooing with the artistic sensitivity of painting. Every piece he creates, whether on skin or canvas, showcases his mastery of light, shadow, and composition.

Learn more about his work and let his story inspire you.

1. Do you remember your first tattoo? How did this journey begin?

Yes, I remember it vividly. My journey into tattooing began unexpectedly at the age of 16. A friend built a homemade tattoo machine from an MP3 motor, a sharpened guitar string, and pen ink. Since I was the “artist” in our group, he trusted me to test it on him. That moment ignited a passion in me—not just for creating art but for the idea of leaving a permanent mark that carries meaning for someone.

After that, I began tattooing friends in my small hometown, balancing this new passion with schoolwork. At 17, I moved to a big city for university and joined my first professional tattoo studio. This was a pivotal moment where I transitioned from experimenting to fully committing to tattooing as a profession. Over time, I combined my artistic foundation with the technical skills of tattooing, and what started as a hobby quickly grew into my life’s work.

2. How does your experience as a painter influence your realistic tattoos? Do you find common ground between both disciplines?

Absolutely. My background in painting laid the foundation for my approach to realism in tattooing. Painting taught me the importance of light, shadow, and composition, all of which are critical for creating lifelike tattoos. Additionally, painting gave me a strong understanding of color theory, which I apply to my work, whether it’s black-and-gray or full color.

Both painting and tattooing are forms of storytelling, and I see them as connected disciplines. While a canvas allows unlimited freedom, tattooing challenges me to adapt my skills to the unique shape and texture of the human body. It’s this balance of art and technical precision that keeps me passionate about both forms of expression.

3. What came first in your artistic life, painting or tattooing? How did these two worlds connect?

Painting was my first passion. Growing up, my mother, who graduated from art school, introduced me to the world of creativity. I started drawing in notebooks and decorating school assembly halls at a young age, using art as a way to express myself and stand out.

Tattooing came later, but it felt like a natural progression. When I started tattooing, I quickly realized that the skills I had developed through painting—like working with composition, shadows, and details—could be applied to tattooing. Over time, I’ve learned to integrate both art forms, blending the emotional depth of painting with the technical challenges of tattooing.

4. When you create a tattoo design, do you draw inspiration from techniques or styles you use in your paintings?

It’s not so much about techniques as it is about fundamental knowledge, such as understanding light, perspective, and color theory. However, these principles can’t be applied fully because skin varies greatly. Each type of skin requires an individual approach, and I adjust my work accordingly to achieve the best results.

But the way I blend colors or create light effects in a painting directly influences how I approach tattooing.

Ultimately, every tattoo I create carries elements of my painting background, which allows me to approach each piece as a work of art.

5. What do you feel tattooing allows you to express that painting cannot, and vice versa?

Tattooing and painting are both unique mediums of expression, but they allow for different kinds of connections. Tattooing gives me the opportunity to create deeply personal and meaningful art for individuals. Each piece tells a story or symbolizes something important to the client, and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding. It’s a collaborative process, and the result is something permanent and intimate that becomes part of someone’s life.

Painting, on the other hand, offers me complete freedom to express my own thoughts and emotions without constraints. While tattoos must align with the client’s vision and the physical limitations of the body, painting allows me to explore abstract ideas, experiment with techniques, and create purely for myself. Together, these art forms give me a balance between personal expression and creating meaningful connections with others.

6. In your paintings, do you explore themes similar to those in your realistic tattoos, or are they entirely different creative spaces?

There is definitely some overlap, but they are also different creative spaces. In both my paintings and tattoos, I often focus on realism and attention to detail. However, with tattoos, the themes are usually dictated by the client’s vision, which allows me to step into their world and bring their ideas to life.

In my paintings, I explore more personal themes that reflect my own emotions, experiences, and imagination. They are not limited by the physical constraints of tattooing or the collaborative aspect with a client. This freedom allows me to experiment and push boundaries, which in turn inspires my tattoo work. Both mediums feed into each other and keep my creativity flowing.

7. If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be and why?

There are so many artists I would love to collaborate with, each bringing something unique to this amazing industry. However, I’m afraid the list would be too long, and it would be difficult to highlight just a few of them.

8. What exciting projects do you have planned for this year, both in your tattooing career and your painting journey?

This year, I plan to focus on large-scale realism projects that challenge me as an artist. These include full-sleeve and back-piece tattoos with intricate designs. I’m also excited about participating in international tattoo conventions, where I can meet talented artists and showcase my work to a broader audience.

In my painting journey, I want to explore more personal themes and develop a series of works that reflect my own story and emotions. My goal is to combine these two worlds—tattooing and painting—to create a unique portfolio that showcases my versatility as an artist.

9. Who supports you in this profession?

Throughout my journey, my family and close friends have been my greatest supporters. At first, it was challenging to convince them that tattooing was a legitimate career, as it seemed unconventional. However, once they saw my dedication and how I could provide for myself at a young age, their perception changed.

Today, their encouragement means everything to me. They celebrate my achievements, inspire me to keep pushing boundaries, and provide emotional support when challenges arise. Additionally, my clients and followers also play a vital role in motivating me, as their trust and appreciation for my work remind me why I love what I do.

10. If someone wants to contact you, how can they reach you?

The easiest way to contact me is through my Instagram page, @yanox.art , where I regularly share my work, updates, and availability. I’m also happy to answer direct messages there for inquiries about tattoos, bookings, or collaborations.