Artem, a Ukrainian tattoo artist now living in London, has made very precise choices for his work: the illustrative style he has chosen as his signature is exclusively in black and grey because he doesn’t want his tattoos to lose their initial vividness. And, above all, his passion is always for hand tattoos, as, for him, they are a magnificent challenge where he can fully utilize all his skills. Let’s meet him to get to know him better!
Hello Tattoo Life readers, my name is Artem Naumenko. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, where I lived until the age of 26. After that, I moved to Germany, spending two years in Hamburg and Berlin before relocating to London, UK, at the end of 2024.
How did you become a tattoo artist?
Honestly, I never planned to become a tattoo artist. It all happened quite chaotically and unexpectetly at the time. But now, looking back, I see a natural flow of interconnected events that led me here. I have always been passionate about art in various forms, and drawing has been a constant part of my life. At some point, I became deeply engaged in the dotwork technique, which was gaining global popularity, including in Ukraine. I started sharing my illustrations and sketches on social media, and to my surprise, they began attracting attention.
The growing interest from people around me motivated me to create more.
Eventually, people started asking if I did tattoos or if I could create custom tattoo designs for them. That was around 2014. At the time, I was in my second year of college and was already considering tattooing as a new medium for expressing my art.
I had no resources to purchase tattoo equipment, but I remember talking to my parents about my interest in trying this art form. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to take the first step. Thanks to them, I was able to lay a strong foundation for my career.
My first “client” was a college classmate who already had several tattoos and some experience in the industry. He loved my designs and offered to let me tattoo him at his home studio. I gladly accepted. At that time, it was difficult to find proper tattoo education or resources online, so he became my first informal guide into the tattoo world. I still remember the adrenaline rush of making my first tattoo lines—an unforgettable experience. Surprisingly, the result wasn’t bad, which gave me even more confidence and motivation to explore tattooing further. That’s how my journey as a tattoo artist began.
Why do you enjoy tattooing hands, despite the difficulty?
I have mentioned in several posts that I love tattooing hands, even though they are one of the most challenging areas, both in the tattooing process and in healing. I am fascinated by the visibility and statement that hand tattoos make. They feel like a form of self-expression and independence, almost like a piece of jewelry that naturally attracts attention. Hand tattoos also serve as a true test of a tattoo artist’s skill. Due to the complexity of this area, it is easy to make mistakes, which could compromise the final result. Mastering the technique and precision required for hand tattoos is something I take great pride in.
Your style is illustrative Black and Grey. Why this choice?
In the early days of my career, I experimented with various techniques and even worked with color tattoos. However, I realized that colors tend to fade unpredictably over time, making it difficult to maintain the original shade. Black and grey tattoos, on the other hand, age beautifully, retaining their contrast and depth for many years. I also find a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication in this style.
Black provides bold contrast, while grey tones add dimension and texture, making the artwork more captivating.
For me, illustrative black and grey is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a technical and artistic preference that ensures my work remains long-lasting and impactful.
It seems like your favourite subjects are flowers and botanical art. Is that so?
Yes, flowers and botanical elements are among my favorite themes in tattooing. I see botanical designs as timeless. Like fashion, tattoo trends evolve in cycles, but floral and botanical motifs seem to exist outside of trends, always remaining relevant and appreciated.
I also view flowers through the lens of historical ornamentation. Throughout human history, flowers have been used in decor, clothing, accessories, and ceremonial headpieces. To me, they symbolize beauty, fragility, and a deep connection to nature. This makes floral tattoos more than just decorative—they carry symbolic and philosophical depth, which is why I am so drawn to them.
Where do you find your inspiration?
It’s difficult to define inspiration in structured terms because, for me, it is something intangible and unpredictable. Inspiration can strike at any moment, in any place. However, I have noticed that two elements significantly fuel my creativity: Movement – Whether it’s traveling, exploring new places, or engaging with different cultures, movement brings me new emotions, fresh perspectives, and a structured mindset, all of which form the foundation for creative inspiration.
Nature – It has a calming and grounding effect on me.
Being in nature helps me recharge and process new ideas. I believe these two contrasting elements—the dynamism of movement and the stillness of nature—shape my artistic inspiration in a unique way.
Do you like travelling and doing guest spots? Is there any particular tattoo studio you’d like to visit?
Yes, one of the greatest advantages of being a tattoo artist is the ability to travel for work, and I find it incredibly inspiring. Some of my favorite places where I have worked and would love to return include:
Barcelona – @sashatattooingbarcelona, a warm and welcoming studio with an amazing atmosphere and a fantastic team. They recently opened a new studio in Paris and have invited me to visit.
Berlin – @der_grimm_tattoo, where I worked for about a year and met many talented tattoo artists. It was a memorable experience.
Hamburg – @hood.seven, where I was a resident artist. I would love to go back for a guest spot.
Amsterdam – @maxlebrun_art & @tritoan_7th created the amazing @duo.verba studio, a truly inspiring place. In the past few years, I have been fortunate to work in many prestigious studios across Europe, and now I am eager to expand my horizons to other continents. I have received multiple invitations from studios in Toronto, Sydney, and Texas. Additionally:
@sashatattooinggallery has offered me a residency in Los Angeles.
@atelier.eva has invited me to guest at their studio in New York.
There are countless studios I admire, and each one offers a unique experience.
How do you see yourself as a tattoo artist in the future?
That is a great question, and something I have been reflecting on a lot in recent years. Back in Ukraine, I founded my own tattoo studio, which became an artistic hub. I mentored other artists, hosted guest tattooers, and worked alongside talented professionals like @kostaink & @dmitriy.tkach. What I loved most about having my own studio was the ability to create a space that inspired others, fostered collaboration, and contributed to the growth of the tattoo industry. Looking ahead, I would love to establish something similar again—a studio that not only serves as a workspace but also as a creative community. This vision excites me, and I hope to bring it to life in the near future.
