Viacheslav Danh “Suan” Los Angeles -California USA @suan.tattoos Contact Information: +1 (323) 683-8456 suanovi4@gmail.com

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 a way to tell personal stories with precision and emotion. In this interview, he shares insights into his beginnings, creative process, the technical challenges of realism, and what it means to leave a permanent mark on the skin of those who trust his vision

 1. You’re known for your mastery of black and grey tattooing and for working with internationally renowned figures. How has this style influenced your artistic identity, and how do you think it is reflected on the skin of each celebrity you tatto?

Black and grey has always felt like the most honest way for me to convey atmosphere and depth. It allows me to build each tattoo like a story—layer by layer. Whether it’s on a celebrity or anyone else, I always strive to give the piece its own voice and personality, making sure it resonates both visually and emotionally.

2. You’ve worked with icons from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as Jake Paul, Odell Beckham Jr., and Vinicius Jr. How do you approach the creative process when your canvas is a public figure who also represents a global brand?

First of all, I’d like to clarify that besides those three, I’ve also had the honor of working with many other well-known figures such as Chris Brown, Tyga, Peso Pluma, Arcángel, Jake Paul, Samuel Onuha, Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, Vinicius Jr., Odell Beckham, Lamar Jackson, Leonard Fournette, Devin Haney, Lonzo Ball, Sauce Gardner, Juju Smith-Schuster, Mariano Diaz, Nick Kyrgios, Edgar Berlanga, Quay Walker, Tyrann Mathieu, Rashee Rice, Anthony Richardson, Bones Hyland, Mecole Hardman Jr., Naz Reid, Jermaine Johnson, Joe Milton. Every celebrity brings their own story and identity to the table. Even though they represent global brands, I focus on them as individuals first—understanding their personal vision and translating it into a design that feels authentic to them. It’s about finding the right balance between their public persona and a private story that lives on their skin.

3. Every tattoo tells a story, but when you work with celebrities, do you feel a greater level of responsibility or pressure knowing that your work will be seen by millions of people?

Absolutely, there’s definitely a sense of heightened responsibility. You know every detail will be visible to the world, but I try not to let that overshadow the creative process. I focus on the craft and the meaning behind the tattoo. If the client feels connected to it, then I know the audience will too.

4. You’ve served as a judge at major tattoo conventions. How has that experience influenced your artistic evolution, and what key criteria do you consider when evaluating other artists’ work?

Judging competitions has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of styles and skills in the tattoo world. It’s taught me to appreciate the creativity and technical mastery behind each piece. When I judge, I look at how well the piece flows on the body, the composition, and the connection between idea and execution. It’s all about the harmony between vision and technique.

5. How has your artistic vision evolved from the beginning of your career until now? Are there elements or influences that have remained constant since your early days as a tattoo artist?

In the beginning, I was focused on learning as much as possible, experimenting, and pushing boundaries. Over time, my vision has grown more mature, focusing on emotional impact and storytelling. What’s always stayed with me is my fascination with classical art and architecture—the attention to detail, structure, and depth that inspires every piece I create.

6. Do you have formal artistic training, or was your journey more self-taught? How does that foundation—or lack thereof—impact the way you create and design your work?

I’m entirely self-taught. My learning came from observation, practice, and a deep passion for the craft. That path gave me freedom to develop my own style, but it also means I hold myself to a very high standard—I never stop pushing to refine my skills and grow as an artist.

7. Realism in tattooing demands a high level of technical precision and visual sensitivity. What drew you to this style, and what challenges do you encounter when working in black and grey?

Realism is fascinating to me because it captures life’s essence—the subtle details, the light, and the emotions. Black and grey, in particular, lets me focus on contrasts and depth. The challenge is to make every tattoo feel alive, to avoid it looking flat. It’s a constant balance between precision and soul.

8. Your work is now based in Los Angeles, a key city for creative industries. How did you arrive there, and what impact has that environment had on your growth as an artist?

Los Angeles drew me in with its creative energy and openness. I came here after working in Europe, and it felt like a natural next step to push myself and learn from some of the best. The environment here has only made me better—there’s an incredible openness to different styles, and people here appreciate all forms of art, whether it’s music, cinema, fine art, or tattooing. That energy fuels me every day. The people are open, receptive, and inspiring, and it keeps me motivated to keep growing.

9. Nowadays, with a schedule that connects you to different cities, cultures, and international figures, what does success mean to you, and how do you envision the future of your art?

Success for me is about creating tattoos that truly matter to people, that stay with them for life. It’s about forging real connections through my art. Beyond that, I measure success by the impact my work has on others and on myself—how it challenges me to grow, learn, and evolve. I see the future as a chance to take on bigger, more collaborative projects that blend styles and cultures, and that push me to create work that’s even more meaningful.

10. Is there anyone you’d like to thank or a message you’d like to share to close this interview? This is your space to say whatever you’d like.

I will always be grateful first and foremost to my parents for giving me the freedom to grow and follow my passion for art. I also want to thank my wife, who back when she was my girlfriend supported me, helped me, and pushed me to dedicate myself to tattooing even more. I’m thankful to the people who believed in me and welcomed me into their studio—especially the owner of the first studio where I worked—who gave me the space to develop. I’m grateful to every client who trusts me with their skin; I treat them all like friends because a tattoo is for life and I know there’s no room for mistakes. I truly appreciate that trust. Finally, I want to thank every artist and tattooer whose work has inspired me and taught me along the way.