Meet Kris King, a self-taught tattoo artist from Zabok, Croatia, as he takes us on a journey through his tattoo career. Within this very intimate interview Kris’s shares his love for art and tattooing. Kris insights about tattoos are deep and inspiring. Read on!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello there! I’m Kris King, a self-taught tattoo artist based in Zabok, Croatia. I’ve always had a passion for art, and I turned that into a career when I found tattooing as a perfect way to combine creativity and self-expression. I specialize in Color / B&G Realism, but I love pushing the limits and experimenting with different techniques and styles. For me, every tattoo I create tells a unique story, so I aim to make each piece a unique experience for my clients as well. I’m always open to new ideas, and I love bringing my clients’ visions to life.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattoos actually started from a young age. I drew on absolutely everything I could get my hands on, especially I’d use markers to draw on people’s skin….. just for fun, you know? It was the closest thing to tattooing at the time, and it sparked something in me. The idea of creating permanent art on someone’s body was fascinating to me, and that’s how I started later on, step by step, get into the world of tattooing. It felt like a natural progression from drawing on paper to drawing on skin, and once I got a taste for it, I knew it was what I wanted to do. The skin was the ultimate challenge because it is ‘alive’, it breathes, has a mind of its own and, most importantly, it does not tolerate mistakes. There is no delete or ‘undo’ command. Body is a canvas, needle is the brush, tattooing is just a Game of Love, Art & Emotions.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I would say that I didn’t choose the oath of becoming a tattoo artist, rather it chose me. I started tattooing about 15 years ago, and I’ve been professionally in the tattoo business for the past 12 years. After practicing and studying techniques from other artists, I honed my skills and began tattooing more seriously. Over the years, I’ve gained more confidence and experience, and tattooing has become not just my career, but my true passion. It’s been an incredible ride (and still is), because every day brings something new and inspiring.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I’m drawn to large, intricate tattoo projects. Things like arm and leg sleeves, full back and front pieces, and basically full body suits. These are the projects I enjoy the most because they allow me to get really creative and tell a bigger story. I love working on these large-scale designs because they give me the space to create detailed, cohesive pieces that flow across the body. It’s a true art form, and I get to collaborate with clients who are just as passionate about these projects as I am.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
It was “Love at first sight” – the moment I saw the tattoo made by my mentor Dmitriy Samohin for the first time. I was blown away, it was like someone opened a new gateway in my head, a completely new dimension. I couldn’t stop thinking about the image for days and I just knew I had to listen to the inspiration. To this day, he is still my biggest Idol, whose steps I try to follow while developing my style of tattooing.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
The most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025 (and I believe a lot of colleagues would agree on that) is that it’s not enough to just be a great artist anymore. You have to wear multiple hats—photographer, marketing/social media manager, etc. With the rise of online platforms, networking and showcasing your work digitally have become essential to building a successful career. You need to constantly stay on top of trends, engage with clients online, and manage your presence across multiple platforms. It’s a lot of work beyond just tattooing, but it’s all part of staying relevant and growing in a competitive industry, because in the end, it’s all part of the Game.
On the positive side, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is seeing the impact my work has on my clients. Tattoos are deeply personal, and when people trust me to bring their ideas to life, it’s an incredible feeling of connection and support. Whether it’s a design that holds sentimental value or a piece that completely transforms someone’s look, being part of that journey is something I really cherish and care about. There’s also the satisfaction of pushing my skills to new heights with every project, especially with large-scale works like full body suits I’ve been mentioning before. It’s a mix of creativity, connection, love, and personal growth that makes this job so fulfilling.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
My experience at tattoo conventions has been incredible. They’re a great opportunity to connect with other artists, share techniques, and get inspired by the diversity of styles and approaches in the industry. Meeting new people and seeing how they work, how they appreciate the craft is something I really enjoy. Conventions also give me the chance to showcase my work, get feedback, and even collaborate with other artists on projects. Plus, it’s always exciting to work in such a high-energy environment surrounded by so many talented people. It’s definitely an experience that keeps me motivated and constantly learning.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Stay true to yourself and leave your ego behind. Tattooing is about more than just creating art. It’s about connecting with people and understanding their stories. Focus on learning and growing, and don’t rush the process. Take the time to build your skills, be patient, and stay humble. Most importantly, chase your dreams. If tattooing is truly what you want to do, put in the hard work, stay dedicated, and trust the journey. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you keep pushing forward, you’ll get there.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist is the freedom to truly be myself while creating lifelong pieces of art on living canvases. It’s not just about the tattoos; it’s about supporting that inner child who never wants to grow up and staying connected to the creativity that fuels my passion. Being able to bring people’s visions to life, to laugh and cry with them, to share love and positive energy and to do all of that in a way that feels true to who I am as an artist. That’s what I consider my greatest accomplishment.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
As painting was my first love, although I switched to live canvases, I always take time to spend with brush and paint. In addition to that, I enjoy nature photography and something a bit more technical like 3D Modeling & Printing.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My goal for the near future is to continue pushing myself to be a better tattoo artist every single day. I promised myself I’d never stop improving, whether it’s refining my technique, learning new styles, getting out of my comfort zone or experimenting with different ideas. Beyond personal growth, I also want to invent something that will help not just my clients, but my fellow artists and the tattoo industry as a whole. My dream is to create something that can contribute to the growth of the industry, making the tattoo experience better for everyone involved.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I’d like to remind everyone that being a tattoo artist goes beyond just the art; it’s about being humble, kind and truly understanding your clients. Every person who walks into the studio has their own story, and you never really know what they’ve been through. It’s important to approach each tattoo with empathy and respect, because what we create for them can be so much more than just ink on skin. Take the time to listen, to connect, and to be present in that moment with them. That’s what makes the process meaningful for both the artist and the client.
He was and will always be my first choice when I want a new tattoo. Not because I know him since highschool, then because I saw the development from a beginner to a master! If you ever come to Croatia, made an appointment and come to his tattoo studio, he will do his magic and you will have a wonderful tattoo on your skin..
Thank you so much for sharing such kind words! It’s truly amazing to hear how you’ve seen the artist’s journey from beginner to master!!