Based in Chicago and working internationally, Dmytro Shcherbakov, also known as Asphalt Tattoo, approaches tattooing as a medium fundamentally different from illustration on paper. With roots spanning Poland, Ukraine, and multiple European tattoo scenes before settling in the United States, his practice is shaped by constant movement, observation, and adaptation. Tattooing, for him, is a way to make inner worlds visible. After years of exploration across styles, Dmytro’s work has crystallized into a distinctive blend of graphic tattooing, neo-tribal structures, neo-Japanese influences, and dark fantasy. His tattoos balance precision with atmosphere, clarity with emotional depth, while leaving space for interpretation rather than rigid symbolism.
From extensive guest-spotting across Europe and the U.S. to teaching, mentoring, judging conventions, and authoring Skin Not Paper: The Modern Tattoo Guide, his perspective is grounded in long-term growth rather than short-term recognition. This conversation offers insight into an artist committed to evolution, technically, creatively, and philosophically,… while staying faithful to his own voice.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Dmytro Shcherbakov, also known as @asphalt_ttt or Asphalt Tattoo. I’m a tattoo artist of Ukrainian origin with nine years of professional experience in the industry. My journey began in Poland, continued in Ukraine, and later took me across several European countries. Today, I’m based in the United States. Tattooing is more than a profession for me, it’s a field I genuinely love and continue to explore. I’m inspired by how the industry is evolving and by the creative and technical possibilities it offers today. Alongside my studio work, I occasionally teach, mentor, and consult other tattoo artists, sharing both practical knowledge and creative insight.
I’m also the author of Skin Not Paper: The Modern Tattoo Guide, a book dedicated to contemporary tattooing and the mindset behind working with skin as a living, evolving medium rather than a flat surface.
Where can your customers find you? (Please specify a city and studio.)
I’m currently based at Logan Square Tattoo in Chicago. Over the past year, I’ve also worked in Seattle at NieU Studio, and in San Francisco at Sashatattooing Essential.
This year, I’m planning an extensive guest-spot tour across Europe. Clients there will be able to find me easily, as I’ll be working in multiple countries and announcing all dates and locations through my Instagram and official website. I can already confirm Poland, Germany, and Belgium, with more destinations to be added.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Tattooing can mean something different to everyone. For me personally, it’s a way to decorate the body through visual expressions of interests, philosophies, memories, and desires. It’s also about making the inner world visible – choosing what parts of yourself you’re ready to share with others through art on your skin.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
Yes, guest spots have always been an essential part of my professional journey. I’ve worked in Poland, Latvia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and across several cities in the United States.
Guest spotting gives me constant inspiration and a fresh creative push to keep moving forward. It allows me to experience different cultures and mentalities, connect with artists and clients from around the world, and better understand what resonates with people in different countries their interests, trends, and visual language. Beyond the professional side, travel and guest spots help me understand myself better as an artist, which directly influences my work. That’s why I’ve done guest spots in the past, continue to do them now, and am already planning new ones for the future.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025-2026?
One of the biggest challenges for tattoo artists in 2025–2026 is standing out in an industry that has become extremely saturated and fast-moving. Social media has made tattooing more visible than ever, but it has also raised expectations: Clients often want instant results, constant novelty, and perfection at every stage. Another challenge is balancing artistic integrity with trends. Styles come and go quickly, and while trends can be inspiring, it’s important not to lose your own voice or compromise long-term quality for short-term attention. On top of that, tattooing today requires much more than technical skill – artists are expected to be designers, communicators, content creators, and business owners at the same time. Managing all of this while staying mentally focused and creatively inspired is one of the real tests of the profession today.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is seeing genuinely happy clients, those moments at the end of a session when someone is truly glowing with excitement and satisfaction. That reaction never loses its value. Beyond that, tattooing offers constant opportunities for growth as an artist, the chance to travel and work in different countries, and the ability to make a living through creativity.
Unlike many other creative professions, where an artist is often limited by technical roles or strictly defined client demands, tattooing allows you to choose your own direction. As an artist, you define your style, your boundaries, and the framework you work within – the only real limits are the ones you set for yourself. Being able to share that freedom and creativity with people in such a personal and lasting way is something I deeply value.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My path toward my current style was a long and exploratory one. Over the years, I worked in a wide range of styles, studied different approaches, and experimented extensively before understanding what truly resonated with me.
Today, my work is primarily focused on graphic tattooing, neo-tribal, neo-Japanese influences, and dark fantasy. These styles allow me to balance structure and emotion, precision and atmosphere, while leaving space for personal interpretation.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
Yes, I genuinely enjoy teaching and mentoring upcoming artists. Sharing knowledge feels important to me because when I was starting out and building my career, I had to gather information on my own from every possible source. Looking back, I know how valuable it would have been to have someone explain key principles and small but crucial details early on. I work with artists at different stages – from beginners and those considering entering the tattoo industry, to experienced professionals who feel they’ve reached a plateau and are looking for new techniques, perspectives, or creative direction. Depending on their needs, I offer both theoretical guidance and hands-on, practical training.
Recently, I hosted a webinar for tattoo artists in Ukraine titled “Tips and Life Hacks for Beginners in the Tattoo Industry,” which brought together both emerging and experienced artists. I’ve also consolidated my knowledge into my book Skin Not Paper: The Modern Tattoo Guide, available on Amazon. I recommend it not only to beginners, but also to experienced artists, no matter how long you’ve been working, there’s always something new to learn or rethink in this profession.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
I stay at the top of my game by treating tattooing as a continuous process of refinement rather than a finished skill. I constantly analyze my own work, look for weaknesses, and focus on improving both technical execution and artistic decision-making. Participating in international tattoo conventions plays an important role in this process. Conventions push you to work at a high level, expose your work to professional evaluation, and allow you to test yourself in a competitive environment. Receiving awards and recognition is not only motivating, but also a strong indicator of growth and consistency. Networking with other artists, exchanging perspectives, and being part of the professional community helps me stay connected to how the industry evolves, without losing my own direction. Combined with guest spots, travel, and constant self-analysis, this keeps me focused, motivated, and creatively sharp.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I consider tattoo conventions an essential part of professional growth. They play a major role in artistic development, networking, self-improvement, and creating space to present yourself and your work within the industry. Conventions offer a unique environment where artists can step outside their routine, challenge themselves, and engage directly with the broader tattoo community. Since relocating to the United States, I’ve participated in several major conventions, including Rosemont Tattoo Arts Festival (2024), Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival (2024-2025), Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival (2025), Madison Tattoo Fest (2025), Tampa Tattoo Arts Festival (2025), and San Antonio Tattoo Arts Festival (2025).
At the Chicago, Tampa, and San Antonio conventions, I also had the honor of serving as a jury member, evaluating the work of other artists, an experience I truly value. There is an incredible amount of talent within our industry, and conventions are often where you first encounter truly outstanding work. For me, they remain one of the most important spaces for professional exchange, recognition, and inspiration.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
Yes, I regularly take part in tattoo contests at conventions as a way to measure my work within a professional context and track my progress over time. In 2025, I received 14 awards across two U.S. conventions. At Madison Tattoo Fest (Madison, USA), my work earned 2nd Place in Fresh Small Color, Fresh Medium Black and Grey, and Healed Large Black and Grey. At the Villain Arts Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival (Milwaukee, USA), I received 2nd Place in Original Flash, Best Portrait Color, Most Unusual, Geometric/Tribal, Japanese, Anime, and Male: Medium Black and Grey, as well as 3rd Place in Original Flash, Most Unusual, Male: Medium Color, and Large Black and Grey. In 2024, my work was recognized at the Villain Arts Rosemont Tattoo Arts Festival (Chicago, USA), where I received 1st Place for Cover-Up and 3rd Place in both Japanese and Geometric/Tribal categories.
Overall, these results reflect consistent recognition across different styles and formats, and I see competitions as a practical way to stay focused, objective, and motivated in my work.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I don’t see a single moment or title as my greatest accomplishment. For me, the real achievement is building a sustainable, international career in tattooing – one that has taken me from Europe to the United States, allowed me to work in different countries, and earned consistent professional recognition along the way. Being invited to participate in major conventions, receiving awards, and serving as a jury member are all meaningful milestones, but what matters most to me is long-term growth and trust – from clients, from fellow artists, and from the industry itself. The ability to evolve, stay relevant, and continue doing meaningful work over time is what I consider my greatest accomplishment.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
My main advice would be not to be afraid to explore. Try different styles, experiment, and allow yourself time to search for what truly resonates with you. This phase of exploration is essential – it helps you understand both your strengths and your artistic direction. Experimentation, curiosity, and patience with yourself are key. Finding your own voice in tattooing doesn’t happen overnight, but staying open and willing to try new approaches is what eventually leads to confident, authentic work.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
In the near future, I want to keep developing as a tattoo artist while expanding my personal brand beyond day-to-day studio work. I don’t like to reveal everything in advance, it’s more interesting to let ideas unfold naturally and be discovered over time. Opening my own tattoo gallery is also very much part of my plans. I see it as a space where tattooing exists alongside art, design, and visual experimentation, something alive, evolving, and rooted in creative freedom rather than just a traditional studio format.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
Stay curious, stay honest with yourself, and don’t rush your path. Whether you’re an artist, a client, or someone simply interested in tattoo culture, remember that the most meaningful work is born from intention, patience, and genuine connection. Support artists whose work resonates with you, value quality over hype, and don’t be afraid to evolve – both in art and in life. Thank you for reading and for being part of a culture that continues to grow and change.
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