Rosalie Hurr, Author at Things&Ink

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

Tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin’s masterclass on photograhing tattoos

It’s never been more important to get an amazing photo or reel of your freshly made tattoo. Not only are you a tattoo artist but you also need to be a social media manager and photographer too. To help you capture your art in the best way, realism tattoo artist Grigorii Butrin is sharing his top tips…

Black and grey realism is a style that remains one of the most popular trends in the world of tattoo culture to this day. Grigorii Butrin (@butrin.tattoo) is a talented artist, many would say he’s up there with the best tattoo artists working in this style.

Grigorii conquered the world’s tattoo community with his realistic tattoos consisting of striking contrasts, complexity and detail. They bring the image to life so that it looks 3D on his client’s skin. His sense of detail, light and composition makes his work different from others in the industry.

Gregorii’s tattoos are known in many countries, they have been frequently appreciated by judges at international tattoo conventions around the world. Grigorii Butrin is a member of several professional teams and clearly understands how to make black-and-grey realism truly spectacular. It’s this understanding of the craft which has gained him hundreds of loyal clients across the globe, and allowed him to give master classes to other artists. He’s also collaborated with world-known brands and giants in the tattoo industry – he’s a tattooer on the rise.

Looking at photos of his work from a professional standpoint you can see how he scrupulously works on photographing his tattoos. According to Grigorii, “this is very important, because it is not enough to make a high-quality tattoo, it is necessary to present it correctly to the audience.”

“Practice shows that you need to photograph tattoos immediately after the session. The reason for this is very simple: in 90% of cases, the creator will never see this tattoo again, and there is no point asking clients to take photos later, because they will not be able to do it correctly.”

Grigorii Butrin shares his recommendations in photographing tattoos to his colleagues:

Do not turn off the light in the studio completely, dim it. To illuminate the work itself, use a light together with a polarising film – this makes the picture more natural, especially if you are photographing a miniature tattoo. Many tattooers prefer to photograph the work with a single light source, which makes the photos gloomy due to the lack of background.

In the case of using several illuminators, glue the films to them in the same way, in accordance with the instructions. If the lights are not synchronised, then they will have to be turned over in order for them to work correctly. Cut the film according to the size of the luminous surface of the lamp, do not allow non-polarised light to get into your work.

On your phone, use the first three settings for the final edit of the photo: Exposure, Shine, Light areas. They have the least effect on image quality. You can also adjust the Saturation. In order to increase the set of processing tools, I recommend installing photo editing applications.

Remember that the photo will only show what was projected by the lens into the phone’s memory. If the photo is highlighted and if the whole tattoo is flickering with highlights, then it ‘s not possible to restore what did not get into the phone’s memory, when you took the photo no matter what subsequent processing you do. That is why you need to use polarising filters. Processing will only correct some flaws, but will not change the image itself in any way. Take high-quality photos initially.

Find out more about the realism tattoos Grigorii makes in our interview with the tattoo artist.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023

Gravure tattoo artist: Olesia Kovalchuk

Tattoo artist Olesia (@lescrowtattoo) creates large-scale gloomy tattoos consisting of clear lines, contours and shading, which she coins ‘Gravure’ tattoo. We chatted to the Ukraine artist based in Los Angeles about her love of mythology, tattooing style and more…

“I create a drawing in an engraving style based on Greek mythology, and then I transfer it not to wood or metal in order to make an impression, but to the skin of a person to keep it there forever. From my perspective this is synthesis of the arts which is timeless”

What’s your earliest memory of tattoos or tattooing?

My first tattoo was a gift for my first girlfriend. It was first letter of mine and the name. Veeeeery trivial I know…but it’s a warm memory.

How long have you been a tattoo artist and how did you become one?

I’ve been tattooing for 12 years now. Since I was a girl I loved drawing and contemplating nature, but my mother and teachers said my art was strange and gloomy, which stopped me from pursuing my art.

After school, I entered the Art Academy at the Faculty of Design and Architecture. I didn’t want to become an architect, but studying helped me with the basics of compositions. I eventually got a job at my friend’s tattoo studio.

Can you tell us about Gravure tattoos?

Gravure tattoos have become my own niche. It’s characterised by large-scale pieces, often inspired by Greek Mythology, which are gloomy in nature expressed lines and shading.

As I learnt to tattoo I found an audience who revered my style and trusted what I was creating. After several years of experimenting and tattooing in Barcelona and Europe I honed my skills and what made me unique, that’s when I moved to LA.

What in particular draws you to Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology I am attracted to how perfect the image of a person can be. In general, they knew a lot about the beauty, mind and earthly pleasures.

Do you have a favorite story or a Greek God?

I like all the stories about Hades and Persephone. For me they are like a movie- «only lovers will survive».

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future?

I don’t know, maybe I’ll be in slavery to AI, like all of us! Most likely I will remain just an artist and it doesn’t matter where my drawings are whether they’re used for illustrations, bodies or some kind of engraving on robot panels.

I hope one day I will write a book about my inner travels and will illustrate it too, it’s the dream of my life.

You describe your work as gloomy, do you have a gloomy personality?

I’m definitely the queen of darkness inside , but in society I am a very cheerful and sociable person, the one who will make everyone laugh, unite and gather for a party
(I can’t live without the fun of sarcasm and nightlife). But yes with myself I’m blue and gloomy.

How do you feel when you’re tattooing?

For me, this is a moment of concentration, meditation and also a time when I can combine work with knowledge (during the sessions I always listen to audio books or lectures on history) just imagine those feelings! Your body’s here creating a world on another person’s body and your mind is separately traveling through the pages of novels or the past! This amazing sensation is disturbed only by pain in the neck or back.

How does the LA tattoo scene compare to other places you have tattooed?

I moved to LA half a year ago, so I haven’t fully felt the difference yet. But if we talk about the public itself, the clients here are very grateful and open to everything new more than, for example in Spain, despite the fact that my style here is something new because America is the founder of traditional and realistic tattoos, especially in colour. And of course, the scale of the country doesn’t allow you to stay without work for a long time.

Where’s been your favourite place and inspired you the most?

My favourite city, no matter how trite it may sound, is Paris. But it’s just for my soul cause my lovely poets are buried there. If you mean tattoos – New York is the best city for work and spending money. I’m a fan of the big city vibe!

Can you tell us about the tattoos you have on your own body?

My tattoos look more like a diary of small disconnected stories, each one belongs to a certain period. I dream of a big project for the whole of my back, but ideas change every year, so my back is still waiting for the right idea.

Follow Olesia @lescrowtattoo on Insta for more gloomy Gravure tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

May 6, 2023May 6, 2023

Interview with tattoo artist Ignacio Freysselinard

27-year-old Ignacio Freysselinard (@freysce), a tattoo artist from Argentina has been tattooing for eight years, in cities all around the world. We caught up with the artist to find out about tattooing around the world and how he had the privilege of getting a tattoo Apo Wang-od and stayed in her community in the Philippines…

How did you get into the tattoo industry?

I didn’t know anything about tattooing or how you were supposed to learn to tattoo when I started. I met my mentor, Pato Domingez, in Buenos Aires, 2015, because a mutual friend put us in contact.

I never had the patience to watch a YouTube tutorial or anything like that, so I asked Pato how to tattoo. Suddenly, he was telling me to clean his toilet, paint the shop and get his beers! Although I had nothing better to do and I thought he was a really cool dude, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I fell into an old school apprenticeship and I’m really lucky that Pato was the one to show me the way. One week in, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

You’ve been tattooing for eight years, how does it feel to look back on where you started? Where do you hope to be in another eight years?

It feels amazing. Tattooing has become part of my identity and opened so many doors, I’m deeply grateful. In eight years I see myself living exactly how I’m living today; tattooing, travelling and exploring the world’s cultures and beauty.

How would you describe your tattooing style?

At the moment I’m really interested in all kinds of ethnic and tribal tattoos. I enjoy exploring these and many contemporary styles like American traditional, geometric or ornamental. A few months ago I heard Dannyboy Sawyer say, “My style is tattooing”. It would be difficult to pick just one style as my favourite, so I will agree with Danny.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by the rich history of tattooing that spans oceans and cultures — as well as the global community of artists who share and exchange their different styles and methods with one another. That’s what my work aims to do, and why I’m on a mission to tattoo across all continents.

What tattoo projects have you been working on?

At the moment I’m working on some sleeves and back pieces mixing Tibetan, Indian and many Asian ornaments with tribal scales as the background. Step by step I’m trying to make all of my big projects freehand and it’s really exciting. In the future I would love to do more Japanese style, that’s something I really enjoy.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo?

It’s hard to name just one. So far, Amsterdam has been one of my favourites. There is so much to learn there and so many great artists and tattoo shops. My experience at Rose Tattoo was amazing and enriching.

Can you tell us about your experience getting a tattoo from Apo Wang-od?

Meeting Whang-od four years ago was my greatest adventure. It was hard to get to Buscalan without a tour guide – I didn’t know I needed one – but once I was there I felt really welcomed by the Kalinga community.

Apo Wang-od with one of Ignacio Freysselinard’s designs

I was curious about their beautiful way of living and many of them were intrigued by my colourful tattoos, I was lucky to share information with them too. Getting tattooed by Whang-od was like a dream.

What I learnt from her Kalinga tattoos is that a tattoo doesn’t need to be technically perfect to look beautiful and real, what matters most is its tradition and respect, technicality is just a plus.

I want to go back soon and get tattooed by her grand-niece, Grace Palicas, the one who’ll keep the tradition and Apo’s legacy alive.

Are there any other experiences or stories that stand out?

Recently I was travelling with my brother in Fiji around the exotic islands. On each island I gave a tattoo to a local, some wanted American traditional flash, others wanted Polynesian designs or Fijian Tapa.

That allowed me to generate a deep connection with them, so after the tattoo they would take us to dinner with their families and teach us how to do spear fishing. That was definitely an experience that stood out to me. Also tattooing literally a few metres from the sea was a dream come true.

What’s been your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was probably the beginning, before I started my apprenticeship at The Gypsy Family. My world was really small and limited. Once I came into contact with this new world, guided by my mentor, my head exploded. I’ve learnt so much since then and not just about tattooing; about order, discipline, respect, music, underground stories and of course…some gypsy tricks. The feeling of becoming a tattoo artist was one of the best in my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

Make sure to follow Ignacio Freysselinard (@freysce) on Insta for more incredible tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

April 11, 2023April 11, 2023

Interview with tattoo artist Bongjin Jeon

Bongjin Jeon (he/him) creates bold black work tattoos at Tenderfoot Studio at 199 Cook St #103, Brooklyn, New York 11206. We chat to the tattooer about his journey into the tattoo world, art style and proudest moments…

Black flower tattoo — Tattoo artist Bongjin Jeon

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing for around one and a half years. I’ve always been into tattooing since I was young.

During the pandemic, I approached my favourite tattoo artist and asked if he could be my tutor – he accepted and that was when everything started.

How has your experience of the tattoo industry been so far? Are there any moments or stories that stand out? It’s been great so far honestly. It’s been better than I expected and I’ve not regretted it.

A moment that shocked me the most was when the boss of this huge tattoo shop in our shop’s neighborhood wanted to get a tattoo from me even though I was in an early phase of tattooing. It was a big compliment for me – it convinced me that I’m doing the right thing in the right way!

What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? Frankly, I wasn’t into ‘art’ when I was child. I was more of an athletic student. But at the same time, I was interested in something distinctly different in many areas like comics, music, doodles and of course tattoos.

Then I realised I liked fun, goofy and creative tattoos the most. After realising that, I went to art school and learnt how to draw, craftmanship and how to market myself – all of these have been the root of my career.

What’s your first memory of tattoos? My first memory, always cracks me up. I did the tattoo on an old friend after learning to tattoo from my tutor. It was lettering on the clavicle so I had to stand up leaning forward all the way during the whole session. Of course I had practiced on fake skin before that day but still, it was somewhat overwhelming and a lot. Fortunately my tutor was with us so everything was under control. It was a pretty chill and fun time; my friend and I still laugh about that day.

How would you describe your style? My tattooing style is called black work with bold outlines. It’s from solid black to zero for strong contrast. This strong contrast makes tattoos alive and also surreal at the same time. It feels like these tattoos are about to jump or move around and I love that.

What inspires your designs? I always find fun in the paradox and unusual, especially when two different things or styles are put together, like serious and dark drawing styles with silly subjects like a Pikachu.

What are your biggest artistic influences? One of the biggest is from the movies. I draw movie scenes and characters sometimes but also just get influenced by the mood of a movie whether that’s the emotions or sense of humour of it. I mainly take inspiration from comedy movies, like Step Brothers, 21 Jump Streets, The Office, The Hangover…

Another influence is nature. I’m obsessed with going to parks and I get ideas for flash tattoos by watching animals and plants there.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? My tattoo style itself with bold lines is fit for something strong, solid and that stands out. And I believe there’s a charm to these strong subjects being funny and silly with a small twist. So far, my works have been 50/50 serious themes and funny themes. I’d love to work on these silly goofy tattoos with bold lines more by collaborating with clients who have similar tastes with me.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I’m thinking about adding other line thicknesses, especially thinner lines for more abundant details depending on designs and sizes. I also may start putting some colours in depending on themes.

What was your first tattoo? To be honest, I don’t have any tattoos myself so far. I know some people in this industry will disagree and hate this, but I can take it. In my opinion, having zero tattoos and a bare body is also one kind of body design in the tattoo sense. Not having any can stand for having a cool one.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I would say New York is a pretty decent city for a tattoo trip. New York is one of the cities that has the most old and also new tattoo artists and shops in the world in smaller areas compared to other big cities. This means each tattoo artist has gotta be competitive. In terms of the city itself, I think New York gets underestimated like people saying New York is overrated.

Another city I’d love to travel to is Madrid. I want to experience working in another atmosphere with New York like weather, people and buildings.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? I’m working in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I’d say Bushwick is pretty vibey and has a good atmosphere with fancy bars and restaurants but also calm to walk around at the same time. That’s my favourite part.

Most shops in Brooklyn are new and young so you can find new styles of tattoos easily in this town. Tattoo artists are also young and usually chill. Come through, we won’t bite!

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? Besides tattooing, I play soccer and tennis for my back and wrist pain from tattooing. Or I love to go to big and small parks in my neighbourhood and lie down. I always say the best part of New York is parks.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? When clients come back and get a tattoo from me again. It always feels like a big credit and I’m so happy about it. And also lots of my tattoo flash designs are designed as patch works. So if a client gets another tattoo or even more from me, it would look better together. This makes me proud and increases my happiness.

Make sure to follow Bongjin Jeon (@telephonepole2) on Insta for more bold tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

March 9, 2023March 12, 2023

Interview with tattoo artist Dokhwa

Dokhwa (@lookatthe_dokhwa) creates incredible pet portraits at 369ink.studio in South Korea. We chatted to the artist about her journey into the tattoo world, inspirations and future plans…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I’ve been tattooing for five years. It all started with a friend who had a lot of tattoos on his body, that’s how I became interested in them. Also when I got my first tattoo, the artist who gave me the tattoo looked really cool, that piqued my interest so much so that I decided to become a tattoo artist!

To see paintings on a body rather than paper was really cool. So I decided to become a tattoo artist.

What inspired you to become an artist? It was painting and my love for finding a variety of paintings and artistic styles. Hyperrealism in particular inspired me a lot and made me fall into tattooing and the art world even more.

Do you have a background in art? No, I have no experience in art. So while I was working, I would draw and paint as much as I could – whenever I had time.

How would you describe your style? My tattoo style is realism, my tattoos show almost every detail of the subject. They’re like a picture. In fact I try my best to make them exactly like the pictures I see or the ones my clients bring to me.

What drew you to colour tattoos? I was doing black work tattooing when I started. However I soon became interested in the work of an artist who does colour tattoos. It felt so different to black ink tattoos, so I started to do colour tattoos too.

You tattoo a lot of pet tattoos, can you tell us about these? I like pets! That’s why I do a lot of pet tattoos. When I finish the tattoo my customers feel like they always have their pets with them I like to see my clients happily looking at their pet tattoos.

What inspires your designs? I take inspiration from a lot of things – movies, books, other artists’ work, etc. I think I get the most inspiration from seeing a lot of paintings.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to make pet tattoos, but I also like portrait tattoos. So I want to do more portrait style tattoos, as I like to create the details of the person I am turning into a portrait tattoo.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think my tattoos will evolve naturally as I start to focus on more portrait tattoos. I want to make a design by mixing various themes such as portraits, collages and pop art. So I can add even more details.

What was the first tattoo you did? My first tattoo was a whale. It was a very simple black whale, but it took a long time. It’s a tattoo I never forget about and I won’t forget the experience of making it either.

Do you still like your first tattoo? How has your tattooing style developed since then? Yes, I like it! It was my first tattoo and it’s still really meaningful. Since then, I have practiced a lot more and tried various styles of tattooing – old school, black and grey and colour realism. After a lot of trial and error I found I was interested in colour reaslism, which is what I’ve been doing.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I think it’s Amsterdam. When I worked in Amsterdam, there were so many customers who liked my style and my tattoos. And I love to see works of art, so I really loved it when I went to the art museum.

Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? Not yet. But I want to go to Istanbul in the future. The tattoo studio I want to go to the most is in Istanbulm it’s filled with so many talented artists. I look forward to going there as soon as I can.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? There are so many talented artists in Korea. So everyone tries really hard on their craft. Tattoos are still illegal in South Korea, so we’re not legally protected. There are, however, artists in Korea who are campaigning for legalisation.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I recharge and regain my energy by watching movies and exercising or spending my own time. I think maintaining my health is important, especially for my work, so I try and keep looking after myself.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? I participated in a tattoo convention with the artists who work in the same studio as me. That was when I felt really proud. Especially as it was my first tattoo convention and a lot of people were interested in and liked my work. I got a lot of experience and learnt a lot.

Follow (@lookatthe_dokhwa) for more adorable pet tattoos.