Ukrainian-born tattoo artist Maksym Yanko specializing in Realistic – both black and grey and color tattoos, Maksym combines his deep artistic roots with years of international experience, having worked across Europe and the U.S. His approach centers on custom, full-day sessions that focus on creating not just tattoos but impactful visual stories reflecting facets of the client’s identity. Personal narratives and connections are crucial for this practice, infusing each design with context and vitality.
Maksym has earned recognition at international conventions, including Best of Show awards, and has tattooed a diverse clientele, from everyday collectors to professional athletes and musicians. Join us as Maksym shares insights on his journey, the realities of tattooing in 2025, and what truly drives his passion for this demanding yet rewarding art form.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Maksym Yanko. I’m a professional tattoo artist originally from Ukraine, now based in Los Angeles, where I work at Nautilus Tattoo Studio. I specialize in realistic tattoos with a strong focus on detail, emotion, and storytelling. In recent years, I’ve worked across Europe and the United States, tattooing clients from all walks of life, from everyday people to professional athletes and musicians. My journey has taken me from seminars and conventions in Ukraine to guest spots throughout Europe, and now to different states across the U.S.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My passion for art started in childhood, I’ve always loved drawing. But I started tattooing when I was 16, and honestly, I didn’t plan to take it seriously at first. I just wanted to try it, and I scratched tattoos in my free time, out of curiosity and creative drive. Over time, that small step grew into something much bigger.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
I did go through an apprenticeship. It was a tough but necessary experience that helped me build a strong foundation, not just technically, but also in terms of discipline, work ethic, and respect for the craft.
What did your first tattoo look like?
My very first tattoo was a small one on a friend, like for many artists, it wasn’t perfect, but it was the beginning of something big. I still remember the adrenaline and excitement of that moment.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
As for guest spots, they’ve become a big part of my life. I’ve worked in studios across Europe in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, and now I regularly visit different states in the U.S. to work with clients who follow my work. Guest spots allow me to grow artistically, build valuable relationships, and stay connected with the global tattoo scene.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
My daily routine as a tattoo artist usually starts early. I spend time reviewing client ideas, preparing references, and designing the tattoo on the morning of the session. I always create custom designs, so each project begins with a conversation to make sure I understand the client’s vision, and then I build something unique around it. Once the sketch is ready, we move into the tattooing process, which usually lasts 6–8 hours. I typically do full-day sessions only, which allows me to stay fully focused on one piece at a time and achieve a higher level of detail and realism.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
One thing that often surprises people about this job is how physically and mentally demanding it is. It’s not just about being artistic, it’s about endurance, focus, and precision for hours at a time. It’s also emotionally intense because you’re working with someone’s skin and often their story, as well.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
When it comes to pricing a tattoo, I don’t work by the hour. I only offer full-day sessions. The final cost depends on several factors: the size, the level of detail, whether the tattoo will be in black and grey or color, and the area of the body. I ask each client about their idea first, and only then do I determine the number of sessions required and the total cost.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge in 2025 is standing out in a rapidly growing and competitive industry. There are so many talented artists, and social media constantly raises the bar. To stay at the top of your game, you have to evolve, push yourself creatively, and deliver not just good tattoos, but an experience clients will remember.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing the client’s reaction at the end of a session. When someone sees their idea brought to life, something personal, meaningful, and beautiful, and you know it’s going to stay with them forever, that’s priceless.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
My number one aftercare tip for clients is simple but crucial: keep it clean and moisturized. Follow the aftercare instructions exactly, avoid sun exposure and dirty environments, and never pick at the healing skin. The final result depends not only on the artist’s work but also on how well the client cares for it afterwards. Even if the tattoo is done perfectly, poor aftercare can ruin the outcome. That’s why I always emphasize that healing is a shared responsibility, and it’s the key to preserving the detail and quality I put into every piece.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My current tattoo style is Realistic – both black and grey and color with a strong emphasis on emotion, light, and storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to realism because it allows me to capture subtle expressions, details, and textures that make each piece feel alive. Over time, I naturally developed this focus by studying photography, light and shadow, and human anatomy.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
Creatively, I stay inspired by the world around me, nature, art, photography, and even architecture. But most of all, I’m inspired by people: their stories, their struggles, and their desire to express something meaningful through a tattoo. Each client brings something unique, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
Balancing client requests with my own vision is something I take seriously. I always listen carefully to what they want, and then I offer my professional input on how to make it visually stronger and more balanced. Most clients come to me because they trust my artistic judgment, so we collaborate, but I make sure the result reflects the best of both their intention and my expertise.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
As for other styles, I’m always open to expanding creatively. While realism will always be my core, I’m interested in pushing its limits, combining it with abstract elements, textures, or surreal details to create something more experimental.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
There are some tattoos I usually prefer not to do, for example, purely decorative or symbolic tattoos without deeper meaning, especially if they don’t align with my artistic approach. I value projects where I can invest both creatively and emotionally.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I’m currently a sponsored artist for Mad Rabbit, a brand known for its tattoo aftercare products, and EZ Tattoo (Amazon), which provides high-quality tattoo equipment. I genuinely believe in the products I use and only work with brands whose quality I trust and use in my daily workflow.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
For me, tattoo ethics start with respect. Respect for the craft, for the client, and for the skin I’m working on. I never rush a session, and I never take shortcuts just to finish faster. Every tattoo is permanent, and that responsibility can’t be taken lightly.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
The best advice I ever received was: “Slow down! Let the machine do the work.” Early in your career, you tend to rush, thinking that speed equals skill. But great tattoos require patience. Clean lines, smooth shading, and soft blends only happen when you’re focused, not rushed.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
To stay at the top of my game, I constantly challenge myself. I choose projects that push my technical and creative limits. I also take the time to reflect on my own work, not just on what looks good, but also on what can be improved. That self-awareness is what keeps me evolving.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
In my opinion, what separates a good tattoo artist from a great one is intention. A good artist knows how to tattoo well. A great artist considers composition, skin flow, longevity, and the emotional significance behind the piece. They don’t just create for the moment; they create for a lifetime.
What’s the most challenging misconception clients have about tattoos?
One of the biggest misconceptions clients still have is that a tattoo will look exactly like a filtered Instagram photo forever. Many people overlook the fact that tattoos age, skin changes over time, and that placement, size, and detail can impact longevity. My job is to explain all of this honestly, so expectations match reality.
What are the most important trends you’ve noticed in the last 5 years?
In the last five years, one of the biggest trends I’ve noticed is the rise of ultra-detailed microrealism and minimalism… tiny tattoos with fine lines, and portraits done in miniature. While it can be impressive, many of these don’t age well unless done with proper technique and on the right part of the body.
What’s your opinion about AI in tattooing?
As for AI in tattooing, I see it as a tool, not a threat. AI can assist in generating references or concepts, especially for artists who want to brainstorm quickly. But it will never replace the soul behind a true custom tattoo. That said, one growing issue is that some artists post AI-generated images or videos online, leading clients to believe they’re real tattoos. They fall in love with something that looks flawless, but that design was never done by hand. This creates false expectations about what’s possible.
Do you usually participate in tattoo conventions? How is your experience?
Tattoo conventions in the U.S. have become an important part of my career. I regularly participate in American conventions because they give me a chance to grow, compete, and connect with both artists and clients who appreciate high-level work.
My preparation starts well in advance. I always create the tattoo design first, then I look for a model who connects with the concept. Conventions are extremely intense: three full days of working under pressure, finishing large-scale pieces within strict time limits. It takes serious stamina, but I love it, it keeps me sharp. My main motivation for attending conventions is to grow not just artistically, but as a professional.
What has been your best convention experience so far?
When people ask about my favorite convention, I always say: The next one. For example, at my most recent convention – Gila Tattoo in Arizona. I won the highest award: Best of Show. I’ve also received first-place trophies for Best of Day, Best Color, Most Creative Tattoo, and many others.
What are some tattoos you’re most proud of?
There are several tattoos in my career that I’m especially proud of, particularly those where I was given full creative freedom. When a client fully trusts the artist and gives space for expression, the result can be truly extraordinary.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
My greatest accomplishment isn’t just one award or moment. It’s the consistency of growth and the level I’ve reached after years of dedication. I’ve gone from a young artist with a dream at 16 to becoming an international guest artist, winning major awards at conventions, and being trusted by clients across the U.S. and Europe.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a tattoo artist?
If I were to give advice, it would be this: Don’t take it too seriously in the wrong way. Be responsible, yes, but make sure you enjoy the process. If you’re not having fun, your creativity won’t grow. Learn the craft properly. Be patient. Respect the skin you work on. Don’t chase followers or trends, chase mastery.
What are your future goals and how would you like to be remembered?
One of my biggest goals for the near future is to open my own tattoo studio, a creative space that reflects my vision and values. I also want to find more time for traditional drawing and painting.
As a tattoo artist, the legacy I want to leave is more than just beautiful tattoos. I want people to remember the passion and honesty I put into my work, the way I connected with clients, and the unique visual language I’ve developed.
Final words for our readers?
To close this interview, I just want to say: Do what brings you joy! When you follow what truly excites you, every day becomes fulfilling, and progress comes naturally.
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