Some artists play it safe. Arsen Nikolenko doesn’t. Born in Ukraine and now based in Wrocław, Poland, Arsen has been carving his name into the European tattoo scene for over a decade with his raw mix of dotwork, sketch, and blackwork. Forget cookie-cutter Pinterest tattoos—his philosophy is simple: no copies, no shortcuts, no compromises. Every piece is custom, every line carries intent.
With countless guest spots across Germany, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Arsen has built a reputation for turning skin into bold, one-of-a-kind statements. His style? Think controlled chaos—alive, surreal, and unapologetically original. In this interview, we dive into his roots, his grind, and his take on standing out in a tattoo world overflowing with competition and AI-generated noise.
Hi, how would you introduce yourself to our tattoo community?
Hi, my name is Arsen. I’m a Ukrainian tattoo artist. I specialize in dotwork, sketch, and blackwork tattoos. I’ve been tattooing professionally for almost a decade, with a lot of guest spots across Europe. My focus is on custom designs. No copies, no templates, just one-of-a-kind work for each client.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
It started with drawing way before I held a tattoo machine. I was always obsessed with linework, textures, and the idea of turning skin into a living, breathing artwork. Tattoos felt like the most raw and honest form of visual storytelling.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started tattooing over 10 years ago in Ukraine, before moving to Poland. It began with a lot of trial and error, but quickly evolved into something serious. Once I realized people were willing to wear my art forever, I knew this was it.
Where are you currently based?
In Poland, Wrocław. I’m hoping to move to the US soon. I travel a lot so I’m not in one place for too long. I spent years doing guest spots in Germany, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your Poland these days?
The scene in Poland, and especially in Wrocław, is intense. Super competitive, super diverse. There’s a tattooer on every corner, but the demand is still huge. People are much more open to artistic, custom work here, which I love.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Dotwork mixed with sketch lines and surreal elements. I love when it feels alive. Raw but clean. I avoid anything that feels too polished or overdone. Controlled chaos, if that makes sense.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
Projects where the client gives me creative freedom and trusts the process. I love building patchwork sleeves, big dotwork compositions, and anything with surreal or symbolic storytelling behind it.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Nature, music, and a big source of inspiration is books. Sometimes it’s just strange thoughts that come to me during the day. I also draw inspiration from my clients. Everyone brings their own story to the table.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Standing out. With social media algorithms changing every week and AI-generated art everywhere, staying relevant and visible while staying true to your style is a real hustle.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The moment someone sees the finished tattoo in the mirror and smiles like it’s exactly what they’ve been looking for, even if they didn’t know it before. That connection is priceless.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Positive, but intense. Conventions are great for networking, getting inspired, and showing your work. They’re also exhausting in the best way.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, it was in Poland. I was still super fresh, nervous as hell, and just amazed by how many talented people were in one room. Definitely a “What the hell am I doing here” kind of moment.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To connect with clients, artists, and the wider community.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Probably the one in Kraków. Great energy, great people, and I felt like I really belonged there.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Learn to draw, first and always. Be patient. Stay humble. And most importantly, develop your own style, even if it takes years. Copying someone else will only take you so far.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Too many to name, honestly. But I respect those who innovate while staying authentic. Artists who push technical and conceptual boundaries without selling out.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Probably building a loyal client base across several countries and being able to keep doing what I love.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes. I create calligraphy on canvases and work with sketching a lot, but that’s only for me. I’m not showing that side on social media. Sometimes I design custom merch, and I’ve been playing around with printmaking too.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To keep growing my client base in the U.S. and maybe release a book of flash and personal works or make a solo exhibition of my works on canvases.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Support your local artists. Book in advance. And don’t ask for a copy of a Pinterest tattoo. Trust your artist and let them do what they do best.
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