With nearly 14 years of ink under his belt, Lukas Falkner has carved out a name for himself as one of Austria’s leading artists in black and grey realism. Rooted in a family of sculptors, his journey began not with a machine in hand, but with clay and stone — shaping forms long before he ever shaped tattoos. For Lukas, tattooing is more than skin-deep: it’s a modern extension of art and craftsmanship, a symbol of freedom, and a celebration of diversity.
As you’ll read in the interview below, what defines him most is not just his technical mastery, but his commitment to professionalism, respect for tattoo culture, and an unshakable belief that the craft should always evolve without losing its roots.
Meet the artist who continues to push the boundaries of realism while staying grounded in old-school values: Lukas Falkner.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Lukas, I’ve been a tattooist for almost 14 years now. I started tattooing at the age of 18. I’m specialized in black and grey realism, but I also like to try other styles from time to time.
I actually started my career as a sculptor, since I grew up in an artist/sculptor family. Pretty quickly I got the idea that tattooing is more or less a modern way of consuming art and craftsmanship in society. I tried it out – and stuck with it.
Where can your customers find you?
At Tätowierhandwerk by Lukas Falkner, Kematen in Tyrol (Austria).
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Austria these days?
The scene is quite diverse these days, although it grew slowly. Probably because countryside areas tend to be more conservative.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
The idea of showing your character, your preferences, showing who you are or who you want to be. It’s a way of being free and self-determined, which always felt very valuable to me. And to be honest – who doesn’t want to look badass?
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
I’ve always seen tattooing as a fusion of craftsmanship and art, something that should be accessible to everyone in society. For me it’s about celebrating diversity and being a symbol of tolerance.
At the same time, it’s also a growing industry that can and should be influenced in a positive way, especially when it comes to professionalism. But more than ever, there’s a duty to protect the roots, the culture and the ideals of tattooing.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
It was just a fluid process.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
They supported me.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
I had the chance to learn from a great tattooer. He introduced me to tattooing, taught me a lot, but also gave me the freedom to evolve on my own. I’m more than grateful that I had this kind of experience.
What did your first tattoo look like?
Like shit.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
I did a lot in the past. It’s super beneficial for every tattooer. Not just for experience and professional exchange, but also for getting in touch with the scene. It provides you with great characters and a lot of friends.
As a tattoo artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
I like to keep things organized. I start early (for a tattoo artist), so I have enough time for a full-day customer appointment. I usually do 3 to 4 full-day sessions per week, and one day is reserved for managing the shop.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Probably keeping up with the constantly growing number of good artists around the globe while the overall demand is slowly falling, at least in most parts of the scene.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Not being completely unsatisfied is already quite rewarding for most tattooists.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
Black and grey realism – building up a durable base layer and adding the right amount of details. I try to control which parts are allowed to fade and which should stay bold, so the tattoo lasts. Sometimes I also like to reduce details in a more painterly way.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
When I start a new project, I do a longer meeting with the client where we exchange ideas. After the design is finalized, the first session starts.
For bigger projects, I always build in layers: first a base layer of the whole motif, then in the following sessions more layers, more details, touching up already settled areas and refining everything until the final white highlights. Normally, I do a separate session for the finishing touches once everything is completely healed. That way I can guarantee a really solid and long-lasting result.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I often feel the urge to step away from realism and try a more painterly style. But honestly, I usually stick with what I know best – and avoid risks.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
Yes, there are a few styles I don’t feel comfortable with. Also, some mainstream realistic motifs really give me an aversion.
What’s the most underrated tattoo style?
Traditional, especially Japanese.
What’s the most overrated tattoo style?
Realism.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Free time. The most inspiring situations usually happen when I’m not working. When I do things I enjoy, like sports, where my head becomes free. Also pop culture, games and literature are huge sources of inspiration for me.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
I try to work with clients I feel comfortable with and who have the same drive. That makes it easier to be on the same page. Besides that, I actually see myself more as a craftsman and service provider than as an “artist.” As long as the client’s wishes fit my standards of quality and conception, everything’s good.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I like pens with fixed strokes for realism. But when I need to slam a bold line, I still love to grab my sidewinder.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
I prefer a kind of dry healing, but there are a lot of reasonable ways. Probably the most important: keep that shit clean and don’t cream like a maniac.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I had some sponsors in the past, but I’m not a huge fan of how sponsorships often turn out in this business. Too often it’s just showing off instead of supporting products and people you actually believe in.
But I still have one sponsor: Inkbooster. I always believed in their product and company. The founder supported me a lot, especially when I started my career.
Oh and some honest recommendation:
TADOO – Best tattoo furniture on the market
IAMINK – Great inks and lovely people behind it
As a tattoo artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
Support the growth and professionalization of the industry, but always respect the old values and the culture behind it. Oh, and treat your clients well.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
Just try hard and get shit done.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
I do. I’ve already supported some tattoo artists in their careers. It’s not just nice to help others grow, I’m convinced it also has a big impact on my own development and future.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
Take your time and really try to understand what you’re doing.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Actually, I can’t and that’s part of the game. Nothing ever develops in a straight, linear way.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
They simply work harder and smarter. Paying attention to every little detail, optimizing processes, building strategies – those are the things that make someone stand out.
How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?
There are good aspects and bad aspects to it. The important thing is to stay aware of both.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
It’s a tool, simple as that. Those who learn to use it will create even more impressive work. I don’t think we should resist progress, but we should use it wisely and never forget how things work without it. Of course, there are many different aspects we need to keep in mind.
Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?
In Austria, we have a strict examination for tattooists who want to be self-employed, and I’m an examiner on that committee. I’m also working on a kind of seminar that will be released soon.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I used to sculpt a bit, and nowadays I sometimes paint or just sketch around with pencil – but way too rarely.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Way too many to list here.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I attended a lot of conventions in the past, but nowadays I don’t do many anymore. In some ways I love them, in others I don’t.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
If possible, I try to take it easy with my workload before and after the event, so I can go into the convention fully recovered and also have enough energy for my regular work afterwards.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
The exchange between artists, getting inspired and motivated by others, meeting old friends, finding new ones – but mostly just because it feels good to be part of the game.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Tattooexpo Zwickau by Randy Engelhard. It’s the convention with the highest quality of tattoo artists I’ve ever worked with.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
Yes, I’ve won a few dozen awards, but only a handful really mean something to me. Especially my “Best of Show” award in Zwickau – that was a special achievement. Being awarded by some of the greatest tattoo artists in the industry was truly an honor.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
No. I never found the time. Conventions are always super busy.
How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?
Keeping quality high is important – not just for visitors but also for artists. And I think it’s crucial to stay innovative to keep conventions attractive.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
Not really one specific event – every convention helped me grow a bit.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Yes, a gorilla tattoo I did a few years ago. It turned out great and was definitely a milestone for me.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Keep crushing it in tattooing, still leading a big shop, staying healthy, and still have enough time to focus on my family. That sounds enough to me.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
Don’t stop evolving! But always honor some old-school tattoo values. Oh, and don’t be a dick.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
If there are readers who actually made it this far, I’d be very impressed and honored. So – thanks for reading!
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