Contents
- 1 Dmytro, every tattoo artist has their own approach to work. How do you choose a design for a client? Is it more about their idea or your creative vision?
- 2 What is an ideal client for you? Someone with a clear vision or someone who gives you full creative freedom?
- 3 Where do you find inspiration? Has American culture influenced your work?
- 4 There are many discussions about tattoos becoming “too mainstream.” What’s your take on that?
- 5 If you could tattoo any famous person—an actor, singer, or politician—who would it be, and what would you ink?
- 6 What’s the most unusual or unexpected place on the body you’ve ever tattooed?
- 7 What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo and feeling really nervous?
- 8 What’s the most common tattoo that people end up regretting?
Interview Interview With Dmytro Shcherbakov – Amazing Tattoo Artist Doing Graphic Style
Anna Yang March 11, 2025 5 Mins Read
Tattoos Are a Language Without Words. – Dmytro Shcherbakov
Today, we dive into the art of tattooing, inspiration, and the uniqueness of tattoos with an incredible artist, Dmytro Shcherbakov, known in the tattoo industry by his Instagram handle @asphalt_ttt.
Originally from Ukraine, Dmytro started his tattooing career in Poland eight years ago. Since then, he has worked in Ukraine, Belgium, various regions of Germany, the Netherlands, and Latvia. For the past year, he has been living and working in Chicago, USA.
Many clients seek him out specifically for his modern, graphic tattoo style.
Dmytro, every tattoo artist has their own approach to work. How do you choose a design for a client? Is it more about their idea or your creative vision?
It always depends on the idea. I believe there are no bad ideas, only bad execution. That’s why I always try to offer my best vision while considering the client’s wishes. Most often, we end up with a mix of the client’s desire, my professional experience, and my creative approach.
The balance of these elements depends on how stubborn the client is, but I never pressure people because they are the ones who will live with the tattoo, not me. In simple terms, I always try to find the right balance.
What is an ideal client for you? Someone with a clear vision or someone who gives you full creative freedom?
For me, an ideal client is someone who doesn’t change their mind too many times and can clearly communicate their idea. Trusting the artist throughout the whole process—from design preparation to the actual tattooing and payment—is also very important.
If I had to choose between clients who give me complete freedom and those who have a strict vision, it would depend on the type of work. But in any case, I always prefer the artist’s creative approach and artistic freedom.
Where do you find inspiration? Has American culture influenced your work?
I find inspiration in everything related to art—music, cinema, theater, books, and more. I love classical art, European and Japanese culture. Many things inspire me.
Over the past year in the U.S., I’ve felt that America has had a big impact on my style. It’s a young country with a relatively young culture.
American culture inspires me to create something new because it’s not built on old traditions like European or Japanese cultures. U.S. art is modern, and many artists here have to create something completely new, which later becomes part of American artistic heritage. This process of shaping a unique artistic identity is something I try to reflect in my own work.
There are many discussions about tattoos becoming “too mainstream.” What’s your take on that?
I think nothing in today’s world is truly “not mainstream.” That’s why the goal of modern tattoo artists is to make tattoos unique and push beyond standard ideas. This is why I admire underground artists who create truly crazy pieces.
Tattoos have played different roles throughout history—ancient warriors wore them, prisoners in concentration camps were marked with them, they’ve had caste and religious meanings. And now, in free and democratic countries, more and more people can afford them.
It’s great that people have the opportunity to express their individuality. So, for me, the popularity of tattoos is not a problem—it should never be seen as something negative.
If you could tattoo any famous person—an actor, singer, or politician—who would it be, and what would you ink?
That’s an interesting question! I just hope my answer doesn’t get me into trouble. Some politicians definitely deserve certain tattoos, but I doubt those would be allowed on social media. But honestly, for me, it’s not about who I tattoo—it’s about what I create.
What’s the most unusual or unexpected place on the body you’ve ever tattooed?
As a tattoo artist, I don’t think there are any unexpected places anymore—not even the ones you might be thinking of! But one session did surprise me. A pair of brothers came in to get matching tattoos on their heels—it was their mother’s birthdate.
I found that to be a pretty unusual gift for a mom. Another time, a group of four British guys in Kyiv all got tattoos on the inside of their lower lips. The tattoo was a swear word. That was quite unexpected too.
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo and feeling really nervous?
First of all, find an artist you completely trust. If there’s no trust, fear will always be there. So, it’s important to go to a professional. And of course, the basics always help: get a good night’s sleep, eat well, be in a good mood, and just don’t be afraid!
What’s the most common tattoo that people end up regretting?
I think it’s their ex’s name! But in general, people usually regret tattoos they got while drunk or when they were too young.
From my experience, many also regret trying to save money and going to the wrong artist. So, my advice is: always find the right tattoo artist—both in terms of skill and how you feel about them!
If you want to see more of Dmytro’s incredible tattoos or book an appointment, make sure to follow him on Instagram (@asphalt_ttt).
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black and greydesigndotworkinspirationinterviewtattoo artisttechnique