Today we have the pleasure to present a relatively new Tattoo Master who is not shy to show is vigorous passion for his art. Robert is specializing in “Dark Art” and his work is quickly gaining a lot of attention. Let’s get to know more about Robert!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Robert Shteinberg, and I am a Tattoo Master, better known by my Instagram nickname “@robertattoo23cm“. On YouTube, I am known as “Your Tattoo Master.”
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
When I was about 12 years old, I saw body painting for the first time. At that time, I lived in a small village in Siberia; no one knew anything about tattoos, and I didn’t even know it was called “Tattoo”. I got my first information about Tattoos from former prisoners and those who served in the army; they were the only ones I saw tattoos on at the time. They told me that in Russian it was called “Partak” and that it was done with home equipment. I was very surprised to learn that such things could be done on human skin. It was when I was 12 years old that I wanted to get into tattooing, but I had absolutely no idea how it worked. It wasn’t until six years later that I saw some professional tattoo equipment and a professional tattoo artist for the first time.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I did my first tattoo 7 years ago on Halloween night to a guy off the street and that experience has been horrible. My mentor left the tattoo studio without following what I was doing. As far as I was concerned, that tattoo turned out to be terrible, but the guy I tattooed was very happy and got his first experience.
Where are you based?
Now I live and work in Germany in the city of Nuremberg (Bavaria). As an artists I’m based at Studio 13 Tattoo, where we have a very large and cool team. We also have a lot of interesting and cool guest Tattoo Masters.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Russia these days?
It’s hard to say about it now; I haven’t been to Russia for a long time. A lot of tattoo artists have left. Maybe someday it will be possible to come back to Russia again for a tattoo convention and see old friends.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I like dark motifs, and I do it with pleasure; my style is dark art.
You seem to have an extremely well curated Instagram page. How much does this impact your business?
It helps me a lot to sell my tattoos and also my paintings. Social networking is very important nowadays. I spend a lot of time on it, but I would like to spend more time on drawing, of course. For me, drawing and raising my level are more important.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I do not believe in inspiration; I try to sit down and just do my work and what I like. I want to sit down and do a tattoo or start a new painting. I do not remember the name of the artist, but I remember his words: “Amateurs are looking for inspiration; professionals, sit down and do!”.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2023
There is a lot of competition these days. You have to be on top of your game and practice a lot so no one can beat you; you have to work hard. Progress doesn’t stand still; everyone is developing very fast nowadays.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
New acquaintances and people’s reactions after a session are always cool! When you have tattooed a person, he comes to the mirror, and he has a huge range of emotions on his face. He is happy; this is, for me, the biggest satisfaction.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have only been to 5 conventions but have taken home 3 awards so far. I don’t have a lot of experience with tattoo conventions, but I would love to attend more events if invited.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
The first time I went to a tattoo convention was nine years ago in Novosibirsk, Russia. I did not participate as an artists but just as a guest. I liked it very much; there were a lot of people from different countries; it was very cool and interesting. There I met a couple of cool tattoo masters, from whom I asked for information about what equipment to buy, where to learn to draw, and so on. Thanks to these guys, I’ve learned a lot. As an attending tattoo artist I went for the first time to a convention after COVID-19. It was a tattoo convention in Belgium, and there were a lot of masters. I was shocked by such a number of cool guys. At this convention, in my contest, I got the 4th place; my model lacked just one token to take 3rd place.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Making new acquaintances and socializing with more experienced tattoo masters. That’s very cool! Also, just to show myself and what I’m capable of. It’s a cool emotion.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
I have not been to many conventions, but the ones I have been to were cool in Belgium. I liked it there: lots of masters, lots of people, lots of different shows, lots to see, and lots to talk to. If they call me somewhere, I would love to go.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
I will advise you to draw a lot, because everything comes from drawing, in my opinion. If you draw well and have knowledge of it, then tattooing will already be easier. When I started tattooing, I badly drew; it took me a lot of time. I think if I knew how to draw immediately, I would progress faster.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I am inspired by those who can draw cool freehand; for me, they are cool guys; I cannot do that.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
That my art sells, I am sincerely glad that my tattoos like someone; for me, it is the most valuable thing. I am not in pursuit of money; I like to create something interesting, and I am very happy that people appreciate it. It encourages me to work harder and harder.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I take pictures, I like it, and I spend a lot of time on drawing. At one time, I molded masks from clay, then from plastic. In addition to tattoos, I constantly go to drawing courses. Also, I like to shoot and edit video clips for social networks, and I actively lead my YouTube channel. In general, I do not stay in one place and I am constantly doing something.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I want to draw and tattoo even better; I want to be on a very good level. Now I still do not have as much cool knowledge as I would like to have, but I try to grow further. But of course there is no limit to drawing and tattooing; you can learn all your life, which is what I plan to do. Drawing and tattooing are very cool! I will never stop loving it.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Friends, develop! Don’t sit still; the world and people around you are beautiful! Grow personally, and you will succeed! I wish you all good luck! Best wishes from Robert Shteinberg.
Leave A Comment