Based in Vienna and working side by side with close friends, Max, better known as “smekstattoo“, represents a generation of tattoo artists shaped as much by inner battles as by technical discipline. Rather than chasing a fixed label or locking himself into one style, Max focuses on developing a personal handwriting, strong fundamentals, and tattoos that last. He shares his thoughts on ethics, client trust, conventions. In this interview, he speaks honestly about creativity, pressure, panic disorder, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in a crowded, fast-moving industry.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hey peeps! My name is Max, aka “smekstattoo“, 30 years old. I work in a collective of four friends in Vienna.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattooing comes from how incredibly exciting it is to express my creativity through such a precise and hands-on craft.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Tattooing means a lot of gratitude to me: The fact that so many people want to carry my work under their skin is something I don’t take for granted. At the same time, it also comes with a lot of pressure – so much that the start of my career was also the beginning of a years-long panic disorder.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
In 2016, I got the opportunity to learn in a shop. For the first time, I experienced competitive behavior – which I found ridiculous – but above all, I experienced a lot of helpfulness, something I’m still extremely grateful for today.
In 2017, I decided that I never wanted to do anything else again and finally sought help for my panic attacks, which – just like my job – have become a part of me.
Thanks to my determination, I was able to build a stable client base very quickly.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
The tattoo scene in our country is hard to describe. I often feel like innovation and creativity clash with a lack of understanding. There is a lot of jealousy and big egos, but I’ve also experienced the complete opposite, and I truly appreciate my little bubble of colleagues. I especially want to highlight Studio Dunkelspecht in Graz, where I guest once or twice a year.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most surprising aspect of tattooing, even today, is how much trust and control complete strangers give you. It’s even more beautiful when they leave happy with the result.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I don’t have a fixed setup at the moment. But what I can truly recommend is the Acus M1, which I’ve loved working with for years. This machine leaves nothing to be desired. And where I get everything is caos nero. The best supplier for me (;
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
From what I can tell, our industry has gone through a major transformation over the last ten years. Tattoos have become socially accepted, the market is oversaturated, and the real value of a tattoo is often forgotten. “Trash” has even become its own style now, or tattoos are being executed in ways that don’t last. I don’t see any of this as a problem, but simply as a development, whether I personally like it or not. Social media has also made tattooing much more accessible. Clients have become more fast-paced in their decisions and often think less about the long-term consequences. I have no doubt that this trend will also pass.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
I don’t think I can give my style a specific name. I definitely didn’t invent anything new, but you can see how much I enjoy creating unique pieces – and that’s how my own handwriting comes through. I don’t want to restrict myself stylistically or stay stuck in one stage of my development. But if I had to put it in the category, it would probably the large-scale Black and Grey.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
In my opinion, our profession is a cooperation between two people. I always take a lot of time to talk with my clients to achieve the best possible result. Communication is key!
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
The most important part of my ethics? Putting the client first. We shouldn’t forget that we are service providers above all – and without the people, we wouldn’t have a “canvas” to present our art on.
For me, this also means creating tattoos that age well: In the right size, with the right contrast, and with long-term durability in mind. What we do is something truly special. People carry our work on their bodies for the rest of their lives – but that doesn’t make us superior. I believe many colleagues forget that.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I’m constantly educating myself and using every platform available. I still love watching other artists work. If you close yourself off in this industry, you won’t grow. A particularly meaningful experience for me was meeting Nikko Hurtado at Gods of Ink and also the warm, open nature of Adam – TheosOne, which I got to know when I met him in Berlin.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
My first real connection to tattooing was when I practiced privately on friends at home. When I realized that I seriously wanted to learn it, I happened to meet Jakob (big shoutout to jkytattoo). I was a complete stranger to him, and he immediately invited me into his studio, let me watch, and even equipped me with materials and machines. That’s when I knew this person would be a huge role model in my life – and that I, too, would always support anyone who shows interest in the profession.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
I don’t see the increasing influence of AI as a problem. It’s already a part of our society and will only become more important in the future. So why not use what’s available? For my own designs, however, I haven’t found a use for it yet – I still prefer to create them myself.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I haven’t been in the convention game for long, but I think it’s an amazing opportunity to exchange knowledge within the industry. I especially love when the interest in other artists is genuinely noticeable – even if conventions always include a bit of friendly rivalry on stage. (;
My plan for the upcoming years is to focus more on conventions.
One of my best experiences so far was the convention “Am Gleis” in Germany, organized by coalblack. Big props for that!
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My life is full of milestones. I always try to set goals and keep them in sight. Small goals are important because they give you regular feelings of accomplishment and keep you motivated. This mindset comes from my time dealing with panic disorder and helped me continue my path despite difficulties. My biggest milestone, however, is learning to accept that it’s okay to seek help when you need it — whether in your personal life or at work. And because of that, I was finally able to grow and learn as a tattoo artist, with a clear and open mind.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
That’s also my advice to anyone new to this profession and just starting to tattoo: Big milestones are great for long-term vision – but disappointment is inevitable if you’re too impatient. Small goals are just as important. They help you appreciate the path toward the big ones and celebrate every little success along the way.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Tattooing is a huge part of my life. It offers so many diverse adventures – like multi-day collabs or travel and visit studios in other countries. You meet so many amazing people who are all passionate about the same thing. My biggest dream is to never stop growing and learning. My next goal is to make my wish of having my own studio come true in the near future.
To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
I would love to see less rivalry, jealousy, and resentment in our industry. We’re all here for the same reason. If everyone supported each other just a little bit more, we would all reach our goals much easier.
Leave A Comment