Polina Gajewsky • From Self-Taught Artist to Pioneer of Whip Shading

Polina Gajewsky is a tattoo artist, painter, sculptor, and CG artist currently based in Moscow, Russia, known for her uncompromising artistic vision and her early contribution to the development of whip shading in modern tattooing. Entirely self-taught, her journey began not through fascination with tattoos, but through an relentless drive to master artistic technique and push the limits of personal expression. What started as a solitary pursuit evolved into a career defined by discipline, experimentation, and the creation of a distinctive visual language that blends anatomy, movement, abstraction, and emotion.

Over the years, she has not only influenced tattoo aesthetics through her technical approach, but has also contributed to tattoo education and artist communities through workshops, lectures, and knowledge sharing. Whether creating large-scale body compositions, oil paintings, or sculpture, her focus remains the same: producing work that feels timeless, deeply personal, and impossible to separate from the individual wearing it.

In this interview, Polina Gajewsky shares her perspective on artistic independence, the evolution of tattoo culture, creative discipline, and the relentless pursuit of artistic truth.

• How would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Polina Gajewsky, a tattoo artist, painter, CG-artist, and sculptor—one of the early artists to use whip shading in tattooing since 2011.

• Where can your clients find you?

Currently in Moscow, Russia, working in a private studio, with plans to relocate to Salt Lake City, USA.

• How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?

Like much of today’s art world, it lacks full freedom of expression and survives through those who find ways to create within limitations, though strong talent still exists.

• How would you define yourself in one word?

I can’t define myself in just one word—but in three: unstoppable, legendary, animal.

• Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?

Not from fascination, but from developing skill—it’s always been about mastering the craft.

• What does tattooing mean to you personally?

A way to experience the beauty of the human body through touch and to recognize each person as a complex, infinite universe.

• At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?

At 16, after being rejected by an art academy, which pushed me to pursue tattooing independently with determination and no fallback.

• How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?

I don’t have a family, so it was something I had to face and figure out by myself.

• Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?

No, I taught myself by practicing on my own body first, learning through mistakes before working on others.

• What did your first tattoo look like?

Very rough—done on my own hand as a commitment to having no way out but to improve.

• Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?

Not currently.

• As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?

Early mornings with drawing, physical training, client work, and writing for my blog or professional content.

• What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?

The realization that someone chooses to wear your work permanently, valuing it beyond traditional art ownership.

• How do you determine the price of a tattoo?

I don’t set prices conventionally—I create unique, high-level work that reflects lifelong artistic development.

• What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2026?

Being in Russia during that time was itself the challenge.

• What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?

Seeing your art become part of someone’s identity, rather than something separate from them.

• What tools and machines do you prefer to use?

Bishop Power Wand Liner.

• What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?

Keep it clean and moisturized.

• How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?

It’s a personal artistic language shaped by my anatomy, perception, and ability to translate aesthetics into form.

• Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your clients.

I begin with understanding the client’s idea, then move to an in-person consultation where I sketch directly on the body. From there, I refine the design digitally, execute the initial layout, and develop the tattoo over multiple sessions, ensuring harmony with the body and full artistic control.

• How do you stay creatively inspired?

By maintaining personal wellness.

• How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?

By staying genuinely interested in both the work and the person, which naturally builds trust.

• Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?

No.

• What’s the most underrated tattoo style?

Sigilism and new wave styles.

• Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?

No.

• Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?

Not currently.

• Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?

Constant training and maintaining a focused mindset.

• Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?

Yes, I’ve contributed to making tattoo education more open through workshops and free knowledge sharing.

• What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?

Criticism of my whip shading pushed me to refine it further and trust my results, which ultimately strengthened my confidence and technique.

• How do you stay at the top of your game?

By following instinct and doing what feels right artistically.

• What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?

The ability to create art that resonates with people at the right moment.

• How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?

It’s positive.

• What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?

Clients often rely on unrealistic references without considering how tattoos adapt to real bodies.

• What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?

The rise of new wave black tattooing, including sigilcore and abstract blackwork, reflecting evolving aesthetics and technology.

• What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?

AI amplifies talented artists while exposing weaker ones.

• What would you change about the tattoo industry?

Nothing.

• Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?

Yes, I created a professional community and educational platform for tattoo artists in Russia.

• Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?

Yes, including oil painting and sculpture.

• Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?

Too many to name.

• What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?

I transitioned from underground work to lecturing and judging early in my career without competing.

• How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?

By extensively preparing and rehearsing lectures.

• What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?

Networking and connecting with peers.

• What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?

Korolevskaya Tattoo Bitva for its strong educational foundation.

• Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?

No, due to health limitations.

• How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?

By integrating stronger show elements and collaborations with fashion or jewelry brands.

• Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?

No specific event.

• Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?

I value all my work equally, especially pieces on my husband that have proven their longevity and timeless composition.

• What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?

Developing and influencing technique, particularly whip shading, along with impactful teaching methods.

• What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?

Respect the trust clients place in you and treat every detail of their body and idea with care.

• What are your goals or dreams for the near future?

To build a fulfilling life, continue creating strong art, and move forward personally and professionally.

• What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?

I believe I’ve already contributed significantly.

• To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?

Art loses value when it only serves the crowd.