Grigorii Butrin • Black and Grey Realism Without Compromise

Grigorii Butrin is a black and grey realism specialist known for creating highly detailed and atmospheric tattoos. With more than a decade of experience, his work focuses on depth, texture, and precision. Each piece is designed to feel powerful yet natural on the body.

Currently based in Los Angeles, Grigorii works at Aursys Studio where he continues to develop complex large scale realism projects. His tattoos often explore light, architecture, and dramatic composition. The goal is always to create work that feels timeless and technically refined.

Beyond tattooing clients, Grigorii is active in the professional tattoo community through conventions, judging, and collaborations with industry brands. His career reflects a balance between artistic discipline and constant growth. For him, realism is not just a style but a lifelong pursuit of technical mastery.

Let’s step into his world.

• How would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Grigorii Butrin. I specialize in black and grey realism and have been tattooing for more than ten years. My work focuses on highly detailed and atmospheric realism, often built through complex shading and careful composition.

• Where can your customers find you in Los Angeles, CA?

For the past two and a half years I have been based in Los Angeles, working at Aursys Studio.

• How would you describe the tattoo scene these days?

Right now the tattoo industry is going through a transitional period. In some ways it feels like a small crisis, but crises often create opportunities for growth.

Clients today are much more visually educated and informed than they were years ago. Because of this, competition between artists has increased significantly. In my opinion that is actually a positive development because it pushes strong artists to continue evolving.

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

The decision developed gradually. At first tattooing was simply something I was passionate about. Over time I realized that I wanted to dedicate myself to it fully and build a professional career around it.

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

Surprisingly, my family supported me right away. They could see how passionate I was about tattooing and how excited I became whenever I talked about it. Because of that they were completely behind my decision.

• What did your first tattoo look like?

My first tattoo was a traditional style anchor.

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

Many people think that tattoo artists simply draw and tattoo. In reality the profession includes much more than that. A large part of the job involves communicating with clients, planning projects, preparing designs, and organizing your workflow. You also need to photograph your work properly, film videos, understand lighting, and promote your work online.

In many ways a tattoo artist must also be a manager. Some artists delegate those tasks, but personally I prefer to handle everything myself.

• How do you determine the price of a tattoo?

The price depends on several factors including size, complexity, level of detail, and the time required to complete the tattoo.

For large realism projects I usually calculate the price by sessions because realistic tattoos require a lot of time and precision.

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

The most rewarding moment is seeing a client’s reaction when they first look at the finished tattoo. Knowing that you created something meaningful that will stay with them for the rest of their life is an incredibly powerful feeling.

• What tools and machines do you prefer to use?

For machines I use the Bishop Wand 3.5. For needles I prefer Kwadron 0.10 medium taper.

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

The most important thing is to follow the aftercare instructions carefully and not rush the healing process. Cleanliness, proper moisturizing, and protecting the tattoo from the sun are the key factors that allow it to heal correctly and maintain its quality for many years. I always send detailed aftercare instructions to my clients after the session and check in later to see how the tattoo is healing.

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

Everything begins with discussing the idea. The client explains their concept and I suggest how it can be realized within my style.

At the start of the session I collect references, build the composition, and prepare the design. Personally I find it much easier to do this with the client in person because it creates a real connection. Once the design is ready we place the stencil on the body and begin working.

• How do you stay creatively inspired?

I regularly study the work of other artists, not only in tattooing but also in classical art, photography, and cinema. Traveling, architecture, and different cultures also provide a lot of inspiration.

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

Finding a balance is important. I always listen carefully to what the client wants and understand what matters most to them. At the same time I explain how their idea can be improved in terms of composition and style so the tattoo works well on the body.

Fortunately, at this stage of my career I can choose the projects and clients that resonate with me. If an idea does not inspire me, I prefer to be honest and not continue the collaboration.

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

I continue to develop within realism, especially through larger and more complex compositions. I enjoy working with architectural elements, dramatic lighting, and large scale projects. Other styles do not interest me as much.

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

Yes, I collaborate with brands whose equipment I use in my work. High quality tools are essential because they directly influence the final result.

For aftercare I particularly like Hustle Butter Deluxe.

• As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?

Honesty with the client and respect for the profession are extremely important. A tattoo artist should be honest if an idea will not work well on the skin or if the placement is not suitable. It is also important to respect other artists by never copying their designs and always striving to create original work.

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

Practice and self analysis. I often look back at my work later and analyze what could have been done better. This constant evaluation helps me grow.

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

Each year I try to take on more challenging projects. Judging at conventions also helps train my eye and improve my understanding of strong work. It is also a great opportunity to connect with other artists.

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

A good tattoo artist can execute almost any tattoo technically well, but their personal style may not be immediately recognizable.

A great tattoo artist creates unique projects and develops a strong artistic identity.

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

Tattoos have moved far beyond their old marginal reputation and have become a recognized form of self expression and art. People see musicians, athletes, and public figures with tattoos and they want to express themselves in a similar way. Society has become much more open, which creates new opportunities for artists.

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

Many people underestimate how much time and work goes into creating a high quality tattoo. They see the finished result but do not always realize the amount of preparation, experience, and concentration required to achieve it.

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

At first I was skeptical about it. Now I see it simply as another tool. It can help with reference gathering or exploring ideas, but artistic thinking and understanding how a tattoo works on the body still belong to the artist.

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

In addition to working with clients, I sometimes participate in conventions as a judge. In the future I would like to organize my own tattoo convention together with other well known artists.

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

I have participated in many conventions across the United States including events organized by Villain Arts, the Golden State Tattoo Expo, the New York Empire Tattoo Expo, and the All American Tattoo Convention. Each event is an opportunity to meet colleagues, discover new styles and trends, and receive direct feedback from clients.

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

My main goal is to present my style of work, meet new clients, and strengthen professional relationships within the tattoo industry.

• Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? Have you received any awards?

Yes, my work has received several recognitions including awards for Best Black and White Portrait, Best Large Black and White Piece, Best Small Black and White Piece, Best Black and White Sleeve, and Best Neck Tattoo.

Winning awards is always a pleasant moment, although it is not my primary focus.

• What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?

My greatest accomplishment is building a stable career while maintaining my personal style and high standards of quality. Earning the trust of regular clients and professional colleagues gives me confidence that I am moving in the right direction.

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

Be patient, disciplined, and courageous. True mastery requires time and constant practice. It is important to find your own style rather than copying others and to work honestly so your reputation grows alongside your skills.

Never stop learning, asking questions, and challenging yourself.

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

In the near future I want to develop my own studio project, focus on large scale artistic tattoos, and begin organizing masterclasses.

I also want to strengthen my international connections within the tattoo industry.

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

For future clients, value quality and attention to detail. Look for artists who truly put their soul into their work and do not chase the lowest price.

For fellow artists, create work that you enjoy yourself. In the end, you are always your own most honest critic.