Kyrylo “Kirill” Skliar tattoos in Calgary, Canada, and he does it the way he believes it should be done: carefully, precisely, and without cutting corners. Coming from a medical background, Kirill understands something many artists learn the hard way: Mistakes don’t fade, and responsibility doesn’t end when the session does. His realism work, in both black-and-white and color, is grounded in structure, anatomy, and control. In an industry increasingly shaped by algorithms and attention cycles, he remains committed to fundamentals, even when that approach is slower and more demanding.
In this interview, Kirill speaks openly about the realities of tattooing today, he talks about conventions as places of exchange rather than spectacle, about cover-ups as acts of repair, , and the role of honesty in work meant to live permanently on the body.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Kyrylo Skliar, also known as Kirill in the tattoo world. I’m a tattoo artist based in Calgary, Canada, specializing in realistic black-and-white and color tattoos. I’ve been tattooing for over 12 years and I love creating work that feels alive and personal for each client.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I’ve always been drawn to art that tells a story and tattoos felt like the ultimate canvas. Seeing people carry their stories on their skin fascinated me, every tattoo is a living piece of art.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started tattooing almost right after finishing medical school, around 12 years ago. I began with small projects and gradually built my skills, focusing mainly on realism because I love the challenge of capturing depth, texture, and emotion.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Canada these days?
The tattoo scene in Canada is vibrant and diverse. There’s a lot of talent, especially in realism, and clients are becoming more open to creative and detailed pieces. Calgary has a growing community of passionate artists and collectors.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I specialize in Realistic tattoos, both Black-and-Grey and Color. I like to focus on details, light, and shadows to make tattoos feel alive. I also enjoy cover-ups and transforming older tattoos into something new and meaningful.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I love projects that have a story behind them. Portraits, emotional scenes, or any piece that connects with the client on a personal level are my favorite. I also enjoy challenging cover-ups where I can turn something old into a masterpiece.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Life itself: People, emotions, movies, classical art, and photography. I like to blend realism with storytelling, so inspiration comes from whatever moves me at the moment.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Keeping up with trends and social media demands while maintaining originality and quality is a big challenge. Also, realistic tattoos require patience and precision, which can be physically and mentally demanding.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Seeing the happiness and pride on a client’s face after a finished piece. Knowing that your work becomes a part of someone’s life forever is incredibly fulfilling.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I’ve attended several conventions, internationally. It’s always inspiring to see different styles, meet other artists, and exchange techniques. Conventions are also great for networking and learning new trends.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, it was a local convention in Dnipro, Ukraine. I remember feeling amazed by the talent around me and motivated to push my own skills further.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To connect with other artists, showcase my work, and stay inspired. I also enjoy meeting clients who appreciate high-detail realism.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
The Calgary Tattoo Show stands out for me. The atmosphere is incredible, full of creativity and energy. It’s inspiring to see so many artists pushing the limits of their craft.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Start with a solid foundation in art, be patient, and never stop learning. Respect your clients and your craft. Realism takes time to master, so focus on quality over quantity.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire artists who push realism and storytelling to the next level, those who are passionate, humble, and always learning. I’m inspired by my peers and mentors who dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Building my own studio in Calgary, being published in tattoo magazines, and earning the trust of clients for complex, large-scale realism pieces. Each successful cover-up or portrait feels like a personal victory.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, I also paint and draw. My tattoo work and other art forms inspire each other. I love exploring different media to strengthen my skills and creativity.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Continue growing as an artist, take on more challenging realism projects, travel to conventions, and share knowledge with upcoming tattoo artists. I’d also like to collaborate internationally with other artists I admire.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Every tattoo tells a story. As an artist, my goal is to create pieces that hold meaning, evoke emotion, and last a lifetime. Thanks for taking the time to explore my work, I hope it inspires your own journey in art or tattoos.
International conventions bring together artists from diverse backgrounds, making it easier to exchange techniques and discover new trends. Networking with peers often leads to unexpected collaborations and long-term creative growth. Some readers exploring related topics also look up ashley madison reviews when comparing services online.
Kirill’s approach shows how patience and fundamentals matter in tattooing. Like cookie clicker city, his work proves that slow, careful progress and attention to detail create results that last and truly tell a personal story.