Szymon Lipowski, known as @lipnetattoo, is a tattoo artist and illustrator based in Kraków, Poland, working from Europa Tattoo Shop while traveling internationally for guest spots. His work is centered around George, an original character that has become a defining element of his artistic identity across tattoos, prints, and objects. What began as a personal form of expression has evolved into a recognizable visual language that connects people across different places and cultures.
His journey into tattooing is deeply personal, rooted in a difficult period of his life where art became a form of therapy and recovery. Over time, tattooing transformed from a private outlet into a professional path, shaped by emotion, human connection, and the desire to create something meaningful. For Szymon, the process is just as important as the result—each tattoo is a moment of shared experience between artist and client.
Today, his work continues to expand beyond tattooing into broader creative projects, including prints, objects, and storytelling. Through consistency, honesty, and a commitment to originality, he has built a body of work that feels both simple and deeply expressive. At its core, his philosophy remains grounded in connection—creating something that resonates, evolves, and lives beyond the artist himself.
Let’s step into his world.
- How would you like to introduce yourself?
I’m Szymon Lipowski, a tattoo artist and illustrator based in Kraków, Poland, working under the name @lipnetattoo. Over the years, I’ve developed an original character called George, which has become a recognizable element of my work and a central part of my artistic identity across tattoos, prints, and objects.
- Where can your customers find you?
I’m based at Europa Tattoo Shop in Kraków, but I also work internationally through regular guest spots.
- How would you define yourself in one word?
George.
- Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
It started during a difficult period in my life. I was in a rehab center, struggling with addiction, and one of the therapists had self-made tattoos. That left a strong impression on me.
After that, I began tattooing myself and my friends as a form of self-therapy. Tattooing became a way to translate my feelings and ideas into something real and to connect with people on a deeper level.
- What does tattooing mean to you personally?
For me, tattooing is not just about creating an image—it’s about the interaction with the person. It’s a process of getting to know someone, sharing stories, and understanding where they come from.
The tattoo becomes a result of that moment, not just a design.
- At what point did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
There wasn’t a clear decision. I started tattooing about seven years ago to deal with my emotions and stay sober. Over time, I improved, more people came, and it gradually became my profession.
- How did your family react?
They weren’t very supportive at the beginning, and to be honest, they still aren’t fully supportive. They see it more as a phase rather than a real job.
- Did you go through an apprenticeship?
I started on my own, tattooing myself and learning through YouTube. I made many mistakes. Later, I did an apprenticeship to work in a professional studio, which gave me a new perspective.
I realized there isn’t just one correct way to tattoo—everyone develops their own approach.
- What did your first tattoo look like?
My first tattoo was on myself in 2015, done by hand poke. It was a Nirvana smiley face, and it still looks good.
- Do you usually do guest spots?
Yes. Traveling and working in different places is a big part of what I do. It keeps things from becoming repetitive and connects me with different people and environments.
- What does your daily routine look like?
I’m quite a chaotic person, so I don’t really have a strict routine. The closest thing is walking my two dogs in the morning.
After that, it depends—some days I tattoo all day, some days I go to the gym, and other days I focus on new ideas. I also work on projects beyond tattooing, like prints, stickers, plush toys, and 3D objects.
Since I travel a lot, it’s hard to maintain consistency, but when I’m working abroad, my days are usually filled with tattooing and spending time with friends afterward.
- What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
How much of it is about communication, trust, and long-term relationships with clients.
- What’s the most challenging aspect in 2025?
Social media pressure. Constantly needing to produce content takes away from the actual creative process.
Today, it’s not enough to be a good artist—you also have to be a content creator, marketer, and entertainer. It’s a big shift.
- What’s the most rewarding aspect?
Meeting people and seeing that my work truly means something to them.
I especially love when someone sends me a photo of their George tattoo next to another George tattoo they found somewhere in the world. That’s when it feels like George has a life of his own, connecting people without me even being there.
- What tools and machines do you prefer?
For the past five years, I’ve mainly used the Dan Kubin Sidewinder. I like to keep things simple and close to an old-school approach, so I also work with traditional needles.
- What’s your number one aftercare advice?
Keep it simple and clean. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Usually, the less you do, the better it heals. Overusing creams or washing too often can actually slow the process.
- How would you define your tattoo style?
My style is illustrative, minimal, expressive, and based on simple lines. I’ve never been interested in highly detailed or realistic work.
I created a character named George, inspired by my childhood cat. Now, I mostly tattoo him, and he exists all around the world. I’m still excited to draw new versions of him.
- How did you develop your style?
It developed naturally over time. I started with simple, humorous drawings, and over the years, they evolved into a more intentional illustrative style.
I put a lot of emotion into those drawings—struggles, anxiety, but also happiness. When I realized people could relate to them, it made me want to continue.
- What is your process?
Clients either choose from my designs or come with ideas. It can be anything—memes, photos, movies, or stories.
We talk about it, I sketch something, and we adjust it together. I keep the process simple, and once it feels right, we move to tattooing.
- How do you stay inspired?
Mostly from my own life—my emotions, experiences, and daily situations.
Sometimes something random I see on the street or online turns into an idea. I’ve learned to find inspiration everywhere.
- How do you balance client requests with your vision?
Most of my clients trust me with their ideas. Sometimes they just send a reference and let me turn it into a George drawing.
We make adjustments if needed, but usually they’re happy with the result.
- Are there styles you’d like to explore?
Yes, I enjoy experimenting with different techniques. Some of my work includes color, detailed elements, or woodcut-inspired styles.
Recently, I’ve been more focused on expanding beyond tattooing into storytelling, comics, and physical objects.
- What tattoos do you avoid?
Ideas that don’t align with my visual language or direction.
- Do you have sponsors?
I collaborated with Emalla for some time. I liked their products, but the promotional side required more time than I wanted to give, so I stepped away. I may explore it again in the future.
- What tattoo ethics are important to you?
Creating original work, being honest about it, and always respecting the client.
- How do you keep learning?
By doing the work, traveling, and meeting other artists. It’s a privilege to constantly learn from different perspectives and techniques.
- Do you teach?
Not formally, but my work and process are visible and often referenced by others.
- How do you stay consistent?
Drawing every day and improving step by step, without trying to rush progress.
- What separates a good artist from a great one?
It’s subjective. A big part of it is also luck. You can be great, but people might not know about you.
What matters most is building something that connects with people, rather than chasing a fixed definition of “great.”
- Do you work on other projects?
Yes. I constantly develop new ideas around George—prints, clothing, stickers, comics, plush toys, playing cards, and 3D objects.
- What is your greatest accomplishment?
Creating and establishing an original character that is recognizable across different mediums.
- What advice would you give to beginners?
Don’t overthink it. Don’t try to fit into trends. It’s normal to feel lost in the beginning.
Most people quit too early because they expect fast results. Keep going long enough for people to notice you.
A big part of success is luck—but you can increase your chances by consistently putting your work out there.
- To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?
Thank you to everyone who gives George a place in their life.
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