Viacheslav VolkovBursa, Turkey@slava.volkov.tattooFacebook: slavavolkov.tattoovk: slava.volkov.tattootiktok: @slava.volkov.tattoo

Alexis Dgn
May 14
12 min read

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 much more naturally than using words.

People around me noticed my artistic inclinations early on—I often received encouraging words, and in school, I was asked to design posters and bulletin boards. Even during my military service, I drew portraits of fellow soldiers for a small fee, which gave me even more motivation to keep creating.

I began consciously exploring ways to develop in this direction during my teenage years. I got into digital graphics, took courses, and later enrolled in an art and humanities college, where I studied anatomy, composition, color theory, and light. With each new step, my belief only grew stronger: art isn’t just a part of my life—it’s the very foundation of it.

2.What does art represent in your life today? Beyond tattooing, how does it influence the way you see the world?

Art has taught me to see beauty in the details — in the texture of old walls, the play of light on a person’s face, the fleeting silhouettes on the street. It’s like having a different kind of vision: you don’t just look, you observe, analyze, feel, and notice what others often pass by.

Although tattooing holds a central place in my career, art follows me everywhere — in oil painting, sculpture, photography, and in my fascination with architecture and history. Each of these fields shapes my worldview, expands my perception, and makes me more attentive to symbolism, form, and emotion.

Art helps me stay grounded. In moments of stress, reflection, or personal change, I return to creativity — it offers answers without words. It's a source of inspiration that never runs dry. I truly believe that an artist never stops growing, and the more facets of art you explore, the deeper your craft becomes — and the more you evolve as a person.

3. How did you get into tattooing, and how long have you been working professionally in this field? Was there a turning point, or was it a gradual journey?

I didn’t come to tattooing right away — the path took shape gradually, through exploring different forms of art and searching for myself. At first, I tried graphic design, worked on a tablet, experimented with illustrations. But all of it felt somewhat distant. I was missing the tactile experience, the real connection with materials — and most importantly, with people. I wanted my work to not just exist on a screen, but to have meaning, to move someone, to become part of their personal story.

The turning point came after I finished art college. That’s when I clearly realized I needed a form of self-expression that felt truly close to me. When I first encountered tattooing as an art form, I had the strong sense that this was exactly what I had been looking for. I began studying tattoo craftsmanship and immersed myself fully in the field.

The first tattoo I ever did was a “Tree of Life” for my father. In that moment, I understood that tattooing isn’t just an image on the body — it’s something deeper. It’s memory, emotion, symbolism, and philosophy, all captured in form. That realization changed everything. I felt I had finally found my path.

Since 2013, I’ve been working professionally as a tattoo artist. The journey hasn’t been easy — it took years of practice, learning, making mistakes, drawing conclusions, and evolving. All of it shaped me as an artist. Today, tattooing is more than a profession for me — it’s a way of life, a language through which I can connect with people on a deeper level.

4. Your work stands out in both color and black and grey. What differences do you find between working with a wide color palette and using shades of grey?

Working with color and black-and-grey palettes are two completely different worlds, each requiring its own approach, technique, and mindset.

Black-and-grey style is all about nuance — everything relies on the precise rendering of volume, depth, and light and shadow. Maintaining balance is crucial: even a slight shift in gradation or a harsher shadow can make the image lose its vibrancy or appear flat. In this style, you’re essentially painting with light and air. It’s important to understand how the skin will react, how the pigment will age over time, and how every millimeter will read visually. This is especially true in realism, where even the slightest deviation can alter a facial expression, gaze, or texture.

Color realism, on the other hand, is more about emotion, atmosphere, warmth, and energy. Here, you work like a painter: it's not just about capturing form, but about breathing life into it through color. But it comes with its own challenges — different skin types absorb pigments differently, and some shades may fade or shift in tone as they heal. That’s why it’s essential to anticipate how the colors will evolve, not only right after application but also years down the line. Choosing the right palette requires a deep understanding of how hues interact, how contrast plays out, and how the overall visual harmony is maintained.

In terms of control, black-and-grey demands the highest level of precision when it comes to shape and form — there’s no “backup” from color; just light and shadow. Color realism is more complex in terms of foresight and long-term thinking — you have to make sure the tattoo looks beautiful both when it’s fresh and as it ages. I love working in both styles, and I find the greatest creative freedom in blending them together as an artist.

5.Looking back from your first strokes to today, what do you feel has been the most important thing you’ve learned along the way?

Looking back, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that growth is a never-ending process. In the beginning, I thought mastering technique, understanding the equipment, and learning how to work “clean and precise” was enough to be considered a true professional. But the further I went, the more I realized: the true strength of an artist lies in constant evolution — in the willingness to rethink your views, accept criticism, and keep changing.

I came to understand that technical skill is just the foundation. What matters most is the ability to listen to the client, to understand their story, to sense the emotion they want to express through the tattoo. There were moments when I had to shift my approach, challenge my own habits, and let go of what was familiar in order to reach a new level of awareness. That takes not only professional flexibility, but also emotional maturity.

Another essential lesson is the value of trust. When someone opens up and shares something personal with you, it’s a huge responsibility. It’s not just about creating a beautiful piece — you have to pour your soul into the work so that it truly means something to them.

And perhaps the most important thing of all is not being afraid to be yourself. Don’t chase trends or sacrifice your artistic identity for the sake of hype. Authenticity always comes through — and that’s what makes an artist stand out and earn genuine respect.

6. Who were your main references or influences when you were starting out?

When I first started taking tattooing seriously, I wanted to understand the true potential of this art form — where it could lead and what the highest level of mastery looked like. I began studying the work of renowned artists, and during that time, I was deeply impressed by Dmitriy Samohin. His realism was a revelation for me — so profound, technically flawless, and lifelike that it was hard to believe it was done on skin. His work became a benchmark for quality and visual expressiveness in my eyes.

But my sources of inspiration extended far beyond the tattoo industry. I drew ideas from classical painting — especially the works of Aivazovsky, Rockwell, Shishkin, baroque masters, and hyperrealist artists. Sculpture and ancient architecture also played a big role — I’ve always admired how they conveyed volume, movement, and meaning through stone and form.

These influences set a high standard for me and helped shape my personal vision. I came to understand that tattooing doesn’t have to be just a craft — it can be true art, rich in meaning and powerful in its visual impact.

7. What would you say is the most challenging part of being a tattoo artist today? Whether technically, creatively, or even emotionally.

In my opinion, one of the most challenging aspects of being a tattoo artist today is having to wear multiple hats at once. You're not just an artist — you're also a psychologist, a strategist, a manager, and sometimes even a mentor.

From a technical perspective, tattooing demands absolute concentration. There’s no room for error — one wrong move, and you can’t just “erase and redo.” At the same time, you’re working with living, ever-changing skin, on bodies with unique anatomy, and with people who carry their own fears, doubts, and expectations. Every day, you have to be in top shape — both physically and emotionally.

The creative side has its own difficulties. In the age of social media, it’s becoming harder for artists to preserve their uniqueness. The flow of information is overwhelming, trends shift rapidly, and it’s easy to get lost in it all — to start catering to demand and forget your own artistic voice. But it’s precisely that individuality that makes an artist truly stand out.

Perhaps the most delicate and complex part is working with the client’s emotions. A tattoo often carries personal meaning — linked to memories, losses, transitions, or deeply emotional experiences. You become part of that story, and it’s essential to treat it with care. This requires not just technical skill, but maturity, empathy, and the ability to stay grounded while holding space for someone else's vulnerability.

All of this makes the profession of a tattoo artist incredibly deep and full of responsibility. And despite the challenges, that’s exactly what makes it so meaningful.

8.Tattooing is an intense path, often a solitary one. Who supports or accompanies you in this profession?

Being a tattoo artist truly requires a great deal of inner dedication, and at times, it can be quite isolating. You spend hours in full concentration, in silence, completely immersed in the process — and that creates a very unique state of mind. But behind the scenes, it’s crucial to have people who support you, who remind you why you’re doing this and what you’re striving for.

The greatest support in my life comes from my wife. She’s not just by my side — she walks this path with me. We’re both artists, both fully immersed in this craft, and that creates a strong bond between us. She always understands what I’m going through, gives honest feedback, inspires me, or simply brings the right energy into the moment. That kind of support is priceless.

Beyond her, I’m fortunate to have a professional circle — fellow artists with whom I share experiences, discuss techniques, and exchange inspiration. I’m grateful to have people in my life with whom I can not only talk shop, but also explore ideas, express doubts, and receive genuine support.

And of course, my clients. Those who come to me not just for a tattoo, but for the experience, the meaning, the process itself. Their trust is an enormous source of motivation. Every heartfelt reaction after a completed piece is a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

9.What projects or travels do you have planned for the rest of the year? Are you participating in any conventions or working on something new?

This year has been incredibly dynamic for me, and there are still many exciting events ahead. My top priority is participating in international tattoo conventions — not only as a chance to showcase my work to a wider audience, but also as an opportunity to exchange experience with some of the best artists from around the world. I’m currently planning to take part in the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo, Golden State Tattoo Expo, and The All Stars Tattoo Convention in the United States. This is an important step for me, as the American tattoo scene is one of the most powerful and inspiring in the world.

At the same time, I’m developing several personal projects. One of the key directions is a series of tattoo adornments inspired by the forms of precious stones and metals. These works not only enhance the body aesthetically but also help cover scars, burns, and post-surgical marks in a refined way. What matters most to me is that such tattoos give people back their confidence and help them redefine their relationship with their body.

I’m also continuing to work on a series of concept sketches with expressive phrases and storylines. These designs touch on themes like energy, speed, romance, and personal emotion — things that deeply resonate with the audience. In my black-and-grey work, I experiment with composition, movement, and anatomical highlights, using brushstroke-like textures that mimic the motion of a painter’s hand — especially across arms and shoulders.

I'm particularly drawn to socially significant projects, especially those where tattooing helps people overcome internal struggles, hide the aftermath of trauma, and feel more at peace with themselves. That’s where I see the true transformative power of art.

Another area I’m actively developing is education. After years of hands-on experience, I’m preparing to hold seminars, especially focused on realistic tattooing — emphasizing composition, emotional depth, and treating the body as a living canvas. There’s even a possibility of launching this in collaboration with the TattooArt Global Alliance, a U.S.-based association of top-level artists that I’m proud to be a member of. This community brings together artists whose work and contributions to tattoo culture are recognized internationally.

Recently, I was invited to join the Pro Team of major international tattoo brands, which became a significant milestone in my career. It’s not only a form of recognition, but also a chance to shape the future of the industry — testing materials, sharing insights, and representing the brand on a global scale.

At this stage, my focus is on creating meaningful, high-quality custom projects, taking part in professional events, and sharing knowledge. All of this brings a deeper sense of purpose to my work — and motivates me to keep growing as an artist and as a person.

10. You’ve achieved impressive results in your profession. Which accomplishments have been the most meaningful to you, and how have they influenced your career and growth as an artist?

For me, every achievement is more than just a line on a résumé — it’s a confirmation that I’m moving in the right direction. One of the key moments was receiving recognition at international competitions and tattoo conventions. I’m especially proud of winning 1st place in the “Realism” category at the Global Tattoo Awards 2023, a competition that brings together the world’s top tattoo artists and is judged by some of the most respected professionals in the industry.

Another highlight was being invited to the Moda Topical Style Awards, where I received the “Beauty Achievement”prize. This prestigious event brought together influential figures from the worlds of art, medicine, and business, and being honored among them was a true privilege.

My success was quickly recognized by the international tattoo studio network Cleopatra Ink, where I’ve been working since 2023. They invited me to represent their professional team at major events across Turkey — an opportunity that significantly boosted my visibility and career.

In 2024, I participated in the Izmir Tattoo Fest, where I earned three awards: 1st place in "Best of Large Color", 2nd place in "Best of Color", and 3rd place in "Best of Show".

At the Istanbul Tattoo Convention 2024, my work was awarded 2nd place in the "Color Tattoo" category. These recognitions affirmed that my style is not only competitive but also recognizable.

Through my collaboration with Cleopatra Ink, I also worked on two major art projects: I was invited to create interior murals inspired by Ancient Egypt for their studios, enhancing the brand’s signature aesthetic. Additionally, I developed a limited-edition line of branded clothing, using my original designs.

I didn’t stop there — later on, I was honored with 1st place in the "Versatile" category at the international DGN Tattoo Magazine competition. This was particularly important to me because I strive not to limit myself to just one style.

One of the most defining moments of my career was publishing my own book, “Art on Skin: Symbolism and Combinations,” now available on Amazon and Apple Books. In it, I share my knowledge of symbolism, concepts, and composition in tattoo art. This work allowed me to organize and pass on my experience to a broader audience — both to clients and fellow artists.

My work has also been featured in respected tattoo publications, including the GTM 12th Anniversary Edition and “Top Tattoo Artists of the World: Volume 12” by Inkedbooking. These magazines feature only the best artists from around the globe, and being included was a significant honor.

Today, all of these milestones shape my identity as an artist and a professional. But the most important lesson I’ve learned over the years is this: no achievement happens overnight. Every success is the result of consistent effort, patience, a desire to grow, and belief in your ability to leave a mark — not only on skin but in people’s lives. If you truly love what you do and give it your whole heart, it will inevitably bear fruit.