Today, we’re thrilled to feature Diana Tarakanova and Oleksandr But or know as Diana and Alex, a dynamic tattoo artist duo from Ukraine. They’ve transformed their shared passion for art into a life of travel, working in studios across Europe and the U.S. and connecting with diverse communities. Diana‘s signature style focuses on intimate, emotional “Shoekids”, which are small characters often imbued with deep personal meaning. Alex, on the other hand, creates bold, nostalgic pieces deeply inspired by classic tattoo culture. Both artists blend their unique visions with a profound appreciation for their craft.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, we’re Diana and Alex — tattoo artists from Ukraine who turned our passion for art into a way of life. For the past few years, we’ve been traveling together, working in studios across Europe and now the U.S., meeting incredible people and sharing our styles with new communities. Diana’s tattoos are intimate and full of feeling — small characters “Shoekids” that often carry deep personal meaning. Alex’s work is bold and nostalgic, inspired by his love for classic tattoo culture. We love what we do, and we’re grateful to be able to bring our art wherever we go.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
Our fascination with tattoos came naturally; it was a mix of curiosity, art, and the desire for freedom. We both started young, experimenting, learning on our own, and tattooing friends just to see what was possible. Tattoos felt like something permanent in a world that’s always changing. They gave us a sense of identity, expression, and independence. Over time, what started as interest turned into a calling. Now, it’s how we live, travel, and connect with people everywhere we go.
At what point in your life, you became a professional tattoo artist?
We both became professional tattoo artists in our late teens, but the journey started even earlier. For Diana, it was around 17 — she was watching YouTube videos, practicing on pig skin, then slowly tattooing friends and building her confidence.
Alex took a similar path — after studying engineering for a couple of years, he realized tattooing was his real passion. He started with coil machines, tattooing friends and learning by doing. There wasn’t a single moment when everything changed — it was a slow, determined climb from self-teaching to working in studios and eventually traveling internationally as guest artists. Every step was a risk — but it was always worth it.
How has traveling together influenced your creative process and artistic growth?
Traveling together has had a huge impact on both our creativity and personal growth. Each city, studio, and person we meet adds something new to our perspective. We’re constantly exposed to different cultures, tattoo styles, and ways of thinking — and that pushes us to evolve. Being on the road also keeps us out of routine, which helps us stay curious and open.
We often share ideas, challenge each other artistically, and support each other during creative blocks. It’s not always easy, but the constant change keeps our work honest and alive. Our styles have grown side by side, but they’re shaped by everything — the people, the places, and the journey itself.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Ukraine these days?
The tattoo scene in Ukraine has always been full of talent, passion, and resilience — and in recent years, it’s become even more powerful. Despite the war and all the challenges our country is facing, the tattoo community continues to grow and inspire.
Artists in Ukraine are incredibly skilled and original, often blending deep cultural roots with modern techniques and bold creativity. There’s a strong sense of connection and support among tattooers, like a big family that keeps creating no matter what. We’re proud to be part of that scene, and even though we’re traveling now, Ukraine will always be the place where our journey began.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you end up focusing on it?
Our styles are very personal and came from years of exploration, trial, and emotion. Diana’s current tattoo style is focused on small, emotional characters, usually little people in boots, which she calls shoekids.
Alex’s style is bold and nostalgic, often inspired by and old-school tattoos. Over time, he found a way to mix those influences into something unique with designs that feel familiar but also personal. For both of us, our styles weren’t planned; they just appeared through years of working, growing, and listening to what felt true.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
When we start a new tattoo, it always begins with a conversation. We listen to our client’s story and understand what they want to express. Diana then creates a design based on their emotions, while Alex refines it to make sure it’s just right. Once the design is set, we prepare everything carefully. During the tattooing, we focus on making the process as comfortable as possible, paying attention to every detail. Afterward, we give the client clear aftercare instructions to ensure the tattoo heals perfectly.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025 is staying adaptable in a constantly changing environment. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s trends, techniques, or technology — especially with the rise of digital tools and social media. But the biggest challenge is managing the pressure to constantly create fresh and meaningful art while keeping our personal styles intact. At the same time, balancing our work with mental and physical wellness is a challenge, especially when we’re constantly on the move. It’s a lot to juggle, but it pushes us to grow as artists and individuals.
What cultural differences have you noticed in the tattoo scenes between Europe and the USA?
In Europe, the tattoo scene is more focused on tradition and craftsmanship, with strong local communities and respect for classic styles. In the USA, the scene is more diverse and experimental, with a big emphasis on personal expression and pushing boundaries. Social media also plays a huge role in shaping trends here. Both scenes have their strengths, and they influence each other, blending tradition with modern creativity.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
We have been to 5 tattoo conventions in Germany, once in Belgium and once in the Netherlands and have already booked a convention in the U.S.
For 2025, we will also be acting as a judge this year at this year’s tattoo convention.
Did you ever participate in any tattoo contest?
Yes, we’ve participated in a few tattoo contests. It’s always an exciting challenge to showcase our work and see the incredible talent from other artists. While it’s great to get recognized, we focus more on the creative process and connecting with people than on winning awards.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Our primary reason for attending tattoo conventions is to connect with other artists and expand our creative network. It’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, see new trends, and push ourselves artistically.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
Tattoo conventions could improve by offering more opportunities for artists to network, attend workshops, and share ideas. Better booth organization would also reduce stress for artists. For the public, interactive experiences like live demos, Q&A sessions, and relaxed spaces to connect with artists would enhance the overall experience. It’s about creating a space for learning, inspiration, and community.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Our favorite tattoo convention so far is in Berlin. The event brings together talented artists from all over the world, and the atmosphere is both professional and relaxed. Berlin’s rich tattoo culture and creative energy make it an inspiring place to connect and learn. It’s always a memorable experience.
What advice would you give to first-time artists attending or working at a convention?
Alex and I are always excited about new opportunities and meeting people at tattoo conventions. It’s a great chance to exchange experiences with fellow artists, connect with new people, and showcase our style. The key is to stay open, professional, and enjoy the process!
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Tattooing is an art form, and solid drawing skills are essential. Practice regularly, work on your technique, and experiment with different styles.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Ed Hardy: Often regarded as a pioneer in popularizing tattoo art in mainstream culture, Ed Hardy’s contributions to the tattoo world are immense. His bold, distinctive designs have influenced an entire generation of tattoo artists.
How do you stay inspired and continue evolving your work during your travels?
Alex and I draw inspiration from every place we visit. New cities, cultures, and people open up a world of ideas for us. We’re always open to learning, meeting fellow artists, and connecting with new clients. Traveling not only allows us to see the world but also helps us evolve our style and discover new ways to approach our work.
How has your view of tattoo culture changed since you began traveling?
Since we started traveling, our view of tattoo culture has broadened. We’ve realized how tattoos reflect the culture of each country and how important it is to connect with other artists.
What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve ever received from a client?
The most meaningful feedback we’ve received was from a client who got a tattoo in memory of a lost loved one. They told us it helped them feel connected to that person again and brought them peace. It reminded us of how powerful and meaningful our art can be in people’s lives.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
In the near future, we want to keep traveling across the USA, develop our styles and brands, and create a space for sharing knowledge and collaborating with other artists.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
We do have a sponsor. They’ve been an amazing support for us, providing high-quality tools and products that help elevate our work. It’s been great to collaborate with a brand that shares our passion. Peach Tattoo Cartridges.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
We’d just like to say thank you to everyone who’s supported us on our journey. Whether it’s through following our work, sharing stories, or getting tattooed by us, we truly appreciate it. Our goal has always been to create meaningful art that connects with people, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to do that every day. Keep following your passion, stay inspired, and never stop learning as there’s always room to grow in art and in life!
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