“My first tattoo was a swallow on my stomach – it feels like a time capsule from another version of myself,” tattoo artist, Ivan Baiun

Tattoo artist Ivan Baiun (aka BayunTattoos) has a distinctive two-colour style – he’s always been drawn to contrast, he tells us. And, as he has just announced his upcoming residency at Sashatattooing’s tattoo studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco, we decided to have a chat with him to discover more about his tattoo journey so far… 

What drew you to the world of tattooing? How did you learn?

I’ve been fascinated by tattooing since I was a kid. And around the age of 13, I became completely immersed in it. I started collecting books, studying the history of tattooing, analysing different styles and learning everything I could on my own.

I was obsessed with the craft long before I ever picked up a machine. Most of my early learning came from self-study and observation, fuelled by pure fascination. That foundation shaped the way I work today: independent, focused and deeply intentional.

What was the first tattoo you got and the first one you did on someone else?

The first was a swallow on my stomach. It’s nothing dramatic, but it feels like a time capsule from another version of myself.

The first one I ever did was on a close friend. Like most tattooers, I started on friends and family who were brave (or crazy) enough to let me practice on them. It wasn’t perfect, but it marked the beginning, and we still laugh about it to this day.

How did you refine your unique style? What drew you to black and red ink?

My style evolved naturally. I’ve always been drawn to contrast, both visually and emotionally. Red and black became my core palette because they carry weight, ritual and timeless tension. Over time, I focussed on how to make those two colours work together in a clean, structured and recognisable way.

What inspires your work?

A lot of my inspiration comes from visual research. I’ve been building a personal collection of Japanese books filled with prints, illustrations and traditional art that I constantly go back to. I also love exploring museums and Japanese gardens in every city I visit; it’s become a kind of ritual. These quiet moments studying composition, flow and texture feed directly into how I build and balance each tattoo.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming residencies at Sashatattooing’s California studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco? How did these come about?

I’m incredibly excited for this. The opportunity came through a mutual admiration. I’ve respected studio owner Sasha’s vision and global presence for years, and we connected over our shared love for bold, emotionally charged design. Their studios create space for artists with strong identities, and I’m looking forward to bringing my black-and-red universe to both coasts of California.

How can clients work with you? What’s the booking process?

I book primarily through Instagram and email. I like to keep the process personal; usually it starts with a short consultation where I understand the client’s intention and placement. From there, I design something completely unique, tailored to their body and vision.

Do you prefer flash or custom designs?

I only do custom work. For me, the connection with the client and the story behind the piece are essential. Every tattoo I create is made for that person and only that person.

Every tattoo I create is made for that person and only that person.

What’s been your favourite tattoo you’ve done?

Hard to choose, I love all of them,  but one of my recent favourite projects was a full set of leg sleeves – both legs completely covered. One features a dragon with flames, the other a tiger with chrysanthemums, all unified by a black background.

It was a technically demanding piece that took time, focus and full trust from the client. I loved the scale, the contrast and the way the two sides balance each other without mirroring. It felt like everything in my process came together in that project.

Do you have a moment you felt proud that you can share with us?

One of the things I value most is the chance to travel the world through tattooing. Being invited to take part in conventions  and studios across different countries has been an incredible way to connect with artists I admire and clients who follow my work globally.

It’s more than just showing up, each event feels like a reminder that this craft can build real bridges between people, cultures and ideas.

What do you like to do when you’re not tattooing?

I’m still creating: sketching, designing, playing with physical textures. I also love photographing small, unnoticed details in my environment, listening to music and hiking somewhere silent. Anything that resets my head and fills it with new visuals.

Follow @BayunTattoos to see all the incredible tattoos he creates during his new residency.

Stay up to date with Things&Ink

Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.

“Self acceptance comes from how you feel, not how you look,” Eva’s tattoo story

Join us for the latest addition in our tattoo stories series as we meet digital creator and illustrator Eva Grist (@evamgrist) to chat all things tattoos and travels

What can people expect to see when they follow you?

A lot of colourful fashion and life in my 20s! I’m so passionate about trying new things and doing things you love outside of work, so I try to create this sort of content alongside my fashion stuff. I’m also getting married in a couple of years so there will be wedding planning content soon!

What made you want to get tattooed? Was there a particular person or moment?

There wasn’t a particular moment or person. I’ve always loved art and studied it at college and uni, so putting art on my body was always something I wanted to do.

How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What was it and how do you feel about it now?

I was 18. I was so excited to turn 18 so I could get it but really didn’t know what I wanted. I ended up getting a daisy on my arm. My sister is called Daisy and she came with me to get it and I still love it.

Can you talk us through your tattoo collection? Any favourites or ones connected to a memory or something special?

I have a few that mean something and a few I just liked. My first tattoo was my daisy and then I got some butterflies just because I liked them.

I have two tattoos that are travel related, I got a lemon branch tattoo while in Italy as I wanted it to remind me of the trip. I also got a tulip tattoo in Amsterdam when we went for my sister’s 21st birthday.

Alongside my daisy tattoo, my most special tattoo is an illustration of my house. I bought it a couple of years ago and wanted a tattoo to remind me of it as it will always be my first house!

Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?

I don’t, I think it’s nice when tattoos have a special meaning but I also think you should get ones you like just because.

What’s been your favourite tattoo experience?

I haven’t had a bad one, but I think my favourite was in Italy, even though it was the tattoo that hurt the most. It was such a fun trip that it made the tattoo experience better.

What drew you to the style of tattoos you have?

I really like when people have loads of little arm tattoos that make up a patchwork sleeve so that drew me to getting more fine-line tattoos and tattoos that are mostly just line work.

I love colourful fashion (and interior decor) so I want to keep most of my tattoos colour free so they go with everything.

Do you have any tattoos planned? Or any artists you want to get tattooed by?

I do, I’m planning to get something related to Greece as I went there a few weeks ago and got engaged! So I want something to remind me of that moment but I’m not 100% sure what yet. I love music so I’d love a music-related tattoo. I’m also an illustrator so I would love to design some tattoos myself.

Is your illustration work inspired by tattoos?

Not completely, some pieces I’ve drawn would make great tattoos but most of my illustrations are inspired by places I’ve travelled. Some of my tattoos are also inspired by travel so they kind of link together.

Has getting tattooed had an effect on your body confidence or how you view yourself?

Yes definitely, I think my tattoos have helped me feel more confident. They just make me feel cooler, which I love, and I also think they display my personality.

What would you say to someone who thinks they need to change their body to get a tattoo?

I’d say just get the tattoo! Self acceptance comes from how you feel, not how you look and I found my tattoos helped my confidence.

Follow Eva on Instagram and read more tattoo stories on our blog.

Stay up to date with Things&Ink

Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.

“Most of my pieces are custom designed through dialogue with my clients,” interview with tattoo artist Yujhi

Yujhi (@nowthisyujhi) tattoos in Seoul and Daejeon in Korea and runs their own shop (@thatsallgood.std). We sat down for a chat with them to find out more about their horror style…

What first drew you to tattoos?

When I was in high school, my best friend got an Irezumi (tattoo) on her arm. I saw it by chance and I remember feeling both scared and excited. At the time, I was preparing to go to art school. Inspired by my friend, I thought it would be fun to have my own artwork on my body. So, that’s when I thought I should become a tattooist.

Do you have a memorable moment from your past when you fell in love with tattoos?

About two years ago, I was invited to visit Seoul Ink in South Korea as a guest artist. At that time, an artist named JinQ (@jin_qchoi) was tattooing there and I was very shocked when I saw his work. The colours were the most vivid I’ve ever seen and the work was very fast and so alive. To this day I remember how cool the design was. He is one of my favourite artists.

Your incredible blackwork tattoos have a futuristic horror quality to them, really mesmerising, how did you hone that style?

Thank you. This was my favourite genre to design even before I started tattooing. I’m refining my style little by little to make it a good piece of art for when I transform it into a tattoo.

What inspires your tattoos?

Since I was a kid, I have loved Japanese anime from the 80s and 90s. I love the artwork and that era inspires me a lot. Recently, I read Berserk, and I’m enjoying it very much. I find this manga very helpful to me and it inspires me to work harder on my own art.

How do you like to work with customers on pieces?

Most of my pieces are custom designed through dialogue with my clients. Other methods, like flash, are also welcome.

Where do you currently tattoo and what’s the tattoo scene like there?

Currently, I am tattooing in Seoul and Daejeon in Korea, and my main location is a small city called Daejeon. I run my own shop (@thatsallgood.std) and it’s small, but I’m with friends who have been tattooists for a long time.

How do we book in with you? Will you be doing any guest spots this coming year?

Booking in with me is very simple, you can book through DM on my Instagram, and you can see the instructions on my feed and profile. I am working on making it easier and more convenient for customers to book in the future.

Do you have any thoughts on the tattoo world itself? Its current state, what has come before and any hopes for the future of tattooing?

This is a question that seems to divide opinion among artists. My personal opinion is that compared to the past, more artists are now tattooing with their own colours and designs and the level of quality is so high that I think this is a very good thing for the market.

Clients can choose from a wider spectrum of tattoos and it’s a level playing field for each individual, which I think creates a better synergy.

What’s next for you?

There are so many things I would like to try, but I would really like to make figurines or statues. I would like to try tattooing my designs in full colour. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of tattoo I can create.

Like the sound of Yujhi’s colour tattoos? Message the artist for colour tattoos and make sure to follow @nowthisyujhi for more awesome work, too.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

“Every city has taught us something distinct, enriching our own style and deepening our appreciation for the art form,” travelling tattooists, Alex and Diana

After meeting in Poland and travelling Europe together, tattoo artists Diana Diaz (@ttoo_diaz) and Alex But (@but_flash) are now on a unique journey to tattoo in every state across the USA. Tattooing in new cities brings new experiences, incredible clients and insights into the tattoo culture across different regions – we chatted to the duo to learn more about the journey so far, settle in for the ride…

You’re a duo of traveling tattoo artists, working together to explore the USA one guest spot at a time. How did you both meet? What brought you together? Where are you from?

It was a bit of a coincidence. I was working in a studio in Poland, and Alex came to do a guest spot. We hit it off straight away. Both of us were into pushing our tattoo skills and had a shared passion for exploring new cities and cultures. I’m originally from Ukraine, as is Alex, so we connected over our shared background as well. It felt like the perfect partnership, and we’ve been travelling together ever since.

How long have you been travelling for and where have you been so far?

We’ve been on the road for five years now, we started working in different countries across Europe. Then our trips took us through Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and Denmark. In 2024, we ventured into the USA to continue our tattoo adventure. Last year we did guest spots in 14 states and even visited Alaska for a guest spot.

Tattoo by Alex

What’s been your most memorable place / guest spot so far?

One of our most memorable guest spots was in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a special place for us mainly because the tattoo community there feels like a family and we’re grateful to every person we met there. The vibe of the city was incredible, and we met so many inspiring native artists and customers. The energy in that city was unmatched, we saw some incredible wildlife and it was one of the first times we really felt like we were part of a creative community.

Tattoos by Diana

What have you learnt about different tattoo cultures in each country / city you’ve visited? Has anything surprised you?

Throughout our travels, we’ve discovered that every place brings its own unique flavour to tattoo culture. In some cities, the art is deeply rooted in local traditions and history, while in others, it’s a bold expression of modern creativity and personal identity.

One of the biggest surprises was finding incredibly tight-knit communities in unexpected locations. For example, in a small town in Alaska, the tattoo scene felt more like a close family than just a professional network. Every new city has taught us something distinct, enriching our own style and deepening our appreciation for the art form.

Has your own work changed or evolved along your journey?

Absolutely. As we’ve travelled and worked in different places, our style has evolved. We’ve learned new techniques, picked up insights from various artists, and drawn inspiration from the places we’ve visited. Exposure to such a diverse range of styles and people has pushed us to think outside the box and develop a more multi-faceted approach to tattooing. Now, we’re open to collaborations with different companies and are striving to transform tattoo designs into true art.

What challenges have there been along the way, and how have you overcome them?

There have been many challenges, different languages, cultural differences, and sometimes even just finding the right place to stay. We had to be resourceful, adapt quickly, and stay connected with each other to overcome those tough times. But through it all, we’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and stay flexible, we believe that this is the most important thing.

What’s it like living out of a suitcase? What kind of places do you stay in?

Living out of a suitcase is definitely a lifestyle choice! We stay in a mix of places — some are small Airbnb apartments, sometimes with friends, and other times in more unusual spots like RV campers or trailers when we’re on the move. It’s always a bit chaotic but exciting, and it keeps us on our toes. We’ve learned to pack light and adapt to whatever situation comes our way.

Tattoo by Diana

Where’s next on this journey?

Our journey is far from over! We’re currently working on completing our goal of completing 90 guest spots in every state in the US. Next, we’ll continue making our way across the country, with plans to visit new cities, collaborate with more artists, and keep growing both as tattoo artists and individuals. We’re excited to see where this adventure takes us!

So are we! Make sure to follow Diana (@ttoo_diaz) and Alex (@but_flash) on their incredible adventure.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

“I blend my clients’ stories with my own artistic vision to create unique designs that resonate with them,” tattoo artist Lass

Tattoo artist Lass, @lasstattoo, tattoos her ornamental style from Allskins studio in Hamburg, Germany, which looks like a high-end spa. She’s been tattooing for more than eight years and specialises in botanical and ornamental tattoos. Collectors often come to her with themes related to significant moments in their life and she adores diving deep into their inspirations to translate feelings into beautiful floral designs…

What made you fall in love with tattooing?

Tattooing has always felt like a calling, but I vividly remember the moment it truly captured my heart. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I was fascinated by the stories that tattoos told – each one a unique expression of identity and culture. I was drawn to a local artist’s studio where I saw people getting tattooed. The way they transformed their skin into a canvas, expressing their journeys and emotions, left a lasting impression on me. That moment ignited a spark – and I knew I wanted to be part of that world.

You create “tattoos that blossom with personality” in a floral and ornamental style. How did you develop this? Explain to us how this works when you tattoo someone.

My floral and ornamental style developed from my love for nature and its beauty. I believe that flowers symbolise growth and femininity, and I wanted to incorporate that into my work.

When I tattoo someone, I take the time to understand their personality and what they want to convey. I blend their stories with my artistic vision, creating unique designs that resonate with them. Each tattoo is a collaboration, and I strive to ensure that it feels like an extension of their personality.

Do you create mostly unique pieces for each customer? How do you like to work with collectors on tattoos? What sort of ideas do people usually come to you with?

Absolutely! I pride myself on creating unique pieces tailored to each client. When working with collectors, I love to brainstorm ideas together.

People often come to me with themes related to their life experiences, personal growth, or significant moments. I enjoy diving deep into their inspirations and translating those into beautiful floral designs that hold meaning and significance.

Do you have any favourite tattoos you’ve done? Tell us about them and why you love them.

One of my favourite tattoos is a large floral piece I did for a client who wanted to commemorate her grandmother. It incorporated her grandmother’s favourite flowers, each with its own meaning. Seeing the joy and connection it brought her made the experience incredibly rewarding.

I love tattoos that tell a story and evoke emotion, and this piece perfectly captured that essence.

Your studio Allskins looks absolutely beautiful – elegant and modern, a new breed of studio – what inspired the decor? Why is how the studio looks so important? Were you thinking about how your customers will feel while they are getting tattooed? It looks like a spa in the photos…

Thank you! The decor of Allskins was inspired by my desire to create a serene and inviting space. I wanted it to feel like a sanctuary where clients can relax and be themselves. The calming colours and modern design elements were chosen with the intention of making the tattooing experience enjoyable and comfortable.

I believe that the atmosphere plays a significant role in how clients feel, and I want them to leave not just with a tattoo, but with a memorable experience.

Do you think there are misconceptions and myths around tattooing? Is this something you think about and are trying to combat in your work and on social media?

Yes, definitely. There are many misconceptions about tattooing, such as the idea that it’s only for rebellious individuals or that it lacks artistry. I use my platform to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship behind tattooing.

Through sharing my work and the stories of my clients, I aim to break down these stereotypes and show that tattoos can be a beautiful form of self-expression for anyone.

What are your feelings about the industry as a whole?

I feel that the tattoo industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive and diverse. There’s a growing appreciation for artistry, and more artists are exploring unique styles. However, there are still challenges, such as the need for better representation and respect for the craft.

I believe we can continue to push for positive change and elevate the art form.

Do you ever work conventions and travel for guest spots? How do we book in?

Yes, I love attending conventions and collaborating with other artists! It’s a great way to connect with the community and share ideas. For bookings, I usually announce my guest spots appearances on my social media platforms, where clients can find information on how to reserve a spot. I also accept inquiries through my website www.lasstattoo.com for those interested in getting their projects done by me.

What are your hopes for your future in tattooing?

My hopes for the future include continuing to grow as an artist and expanding my reach. I want to further develop my style and collaborate with other talented artists,. I also run workshops, to help tattooists refine technique, gain confidence and support them in their journey as an artist. I hope to make them more accessible by doing them online, too, to inspire the next generation of tattoo artists.

Ultimately, I aspire to create a lasting impact in the industry while helping my clients feel empowered and beautiful through their tattoos. Watch a film about the workshops here.

Follow @lasstattoo for more beautiful ornamental, botanical tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.