Today, we are featuring the multifaceted artist Alex Sorsa, originally from Russia and now based in the United States. Alex brings a unique artistic vision to the world of tattooing. With a background in portrait art and influences ranging from Art Nouveau to Russian Symbolism, Alex’s work is distinguished by its mythological and fairytale-inspired female characters. Starting his tattoo journey in 2012 after exploring other creative fields, Alex quickly dedicated himself to mastering the craft with a deep emphasis on personal expression and style.
Unlike many artists who simply follow tattoo trends and operate without the boundaries of particular styles, Alex adapts his own artistic language to skin, creating bold, large-scale pieces that stand out for their storytelling and narrative depth. While initially drawn to tattooing as a practical career choice, Alex‘s passion has grown into a form of self-realisation and a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Well, my name is Alex Sorsa, and I’m a tattoo artist and a graphic artist.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I always wanted to have tattoos on me, but to be honest, I never thought about this sphere as a career. The point is that originally, I’m an artist. I have a degree in portrait art, and all my life I wanted to draw. But I never wanted to be a classic artist, I always wanted to do something more modern, something alternative.
At first, I considered aerography art, but just a year after I started, the vinyl film was invented, and the sphere didn’t seem very promising anymore. Graphic animation, illustration, and design were also on the table, but unfortunately, all these things were not very well paid in Russia. At that time, my friend had already been working as a tattoo artist for a year or so, and I noticed that this type of alternative art looked promising. So at first, it was more about money.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started tattooing in 2012. Initially, I posted on Russian Facebook, looking for a tattoo artist to teach me. One guy responded, he was experienced, and I started to visit his studio from time to time, and he found me some models to tattoo. But a couple of weeks later, I realised that this wasn’t enough. I had to do it every day to improve faster. So I got a job in a tattoo studio and was really surprised that I was hired.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Orange County, California, right now, but I’m moving to Seattle this fall.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Russia and the US these days?
I moved to the US just three years ago, and I can’t say I fully understand the local tattoo market yet. And in Russia, where I’m originally from, I think the market has changed a lot, too. But I can definitely say the European and Russian markets are very different from the American one. Things that are efficient in Russia or Europe don’t always make sense here.
Can you tell us about the inspirations behind your tattoo style?
I don’t really like to name it myself, but I can tell you what influenced it. My artistic career began long before tattooing. When I was 13, I already knew I wanted to create female characters. More consciously, my visual language was set years before I started tattooing. From the very beginning, I was never interested in the trends the tattoo world offered; I was adapting my own style to a new technique.
I was influenced by Art Nouveau (Klimt, Mucha) and even more by Russian Symbolism (Vrubel, Vasnetsov, Borisov-Musatov). So I’d say my work is closer to Russian Symbolism. It’s about creating your own world and escaping from reality. That’s why my characters are often mythological or fairytale figures rather than real people.
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What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I don’t do what I don’t like, and I don’t take projects that aren’t interesting to me. My primary focus is on creating female characters, especially in massive, large-scale projects. That’s my base.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
The idea itself. When I get an idea for a new female character, it just grips me. I think about it constantly, sketch, and collect references. Recently, for example, I asked myself, “Why should a Valkyrie always be Scandinavian?” That led me to create a Chinese Valkyrie, which I’ve been developing through sketches and research. Projects like that really excite me.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Finding your own style and connecting with the right audience, especially in a field with such strong competition, is challenging.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Self-realization. For me, that’s extremely important, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I’ve never been a big fan of tattoo conventions, except for one. First of all, I don’t like crowded places. And honestly, most conventions don’t do much to make the event exciting or interesting. Usually, artists are just sitting in similar booths, tattooing, which feels boring.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you ever went to?
Yes, it was the Moscow Tattoo Convention in 2012, right when I started tattooing. Everything seemed so interesting to me at the time, even though I didn’t fully understand what was going on. It was fun.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Honestly, the only reason I attended conventions was for my American work visa. Immigration officers need proof of success in the industry, and winning awards at conventions is a big part of that proof. I wish I were motivated by recognition or local popularity, but unfortunately, many conventions seem to be organized more for money than for making a truly engaging event.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far, and why?
The only one I really like is Le Mondial du Tatouage in Paris. It’s prestigious, selective, and full of top-rated artists. The hosts put effort into making it a great show, they invite good bands, hold exhibitions, and provide good food. That makes it truly stand out.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Experiment! That’s the best advice. If you want to create something unique, don’t rely on someone else’s experience. You need to rely on your own.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire active artists who are constantly creating new projects, searching for new ideas, and surprising the community with fresh work.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
That my style and technique are well-known and recognizable around the world.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, I come from an art background, so I draw a lot. Right now I’m preparing for a personal exhibition.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I want to hold a personal art exhibition and immerse myself more in the art world, but I’ll never stop tattooing.
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