Meet Nikita Grinenko

We were lucky to catch up with Nikita Grinenko recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikita, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

It happened by accident, if you can call it that. 10 years ago I had no idea what I wanted to do. And in our historical homeland there wasn’t much work that was to our liking. I have always been attracted to fine art, which is why I decided to try my hand at tattooing.
Up to this point, I had only one experience with a tattoo machine, but it can be called introductory. I didn’t really like it the first time. But after a year I decided to try again and loved it. I like the idea of ​​creating something that stays with a person for life. Plus, I enjoy the process itself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a professional tattoo artist. I’ve been creating unique tattoos for about 10 years. Participant and prize-winner of tattoo conventions in Russia. I work mainly in several styles: miniature, stylized realism, ornamental.
As I said, I’ve been in this field for 10 years now. I’ve gone a long way from being a beginner, who mostly studied on his own, to a professional. It wasn’t until 3 years into my career that I started going to master classes and learning from other pros. I really love what I do. I was very lucky that I found MY occupation when I was 22 years old. Something that I enjoy, rather than waking up thinking “back to work 🙁 ”
Most of all, I love the process of tattooing, especially working in miniature. For several hours, just sit and draw details in a 10 cm tattoo. I find it very fascinating 🙂
In addition, it is communication with people and new acquaintances, of which a tattoo gives a lot.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

It’s quite difficult to answer this question. In my opinion, this is perseverance, attention to detail and, probably, perseverance. You can’t just learn how to get a tattoo right away, it will be a path through “well, why can’t I do it
like this guy (whom you follow on a social network, for example), “why didn’t I finish the whole tattoo in a whole day, how long” and so on. Long hours of practice. That’s the only way, believe me 🙂
Tip: take your time and delve into all the nuances. Don’t chase after speed and “great” quality in the early stages, it won’t work. I know from my own experience that I started making detailed miniatures
about 6 years ago and it took me 5-6, or even 7 hours. With experience comes both speed and quality. Right now it takes me 3-4 hours. There may be more, depending on the specific picture.
Pay attention not only to the process itself, but also to the design. It also means a lot.
Learn from other professionals. This will simplify and accelerate the process of your growth as a master.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

I think many artists will understand me if I say that the ideal client is the one who does not make changes to your projects 🙂
A person comes to you for a tattoo, usually after reviewing your portfolio, comparing your work with the work of other masters. He sees what you’re doing, he likes it, and he’s coming to you for it.
He’s telling you: “I want ‘it,’ do as you see fit, as you can.” He trusts you, and as a rule, the best work comes out of it.
You send him a draft and he says, “Yeah, cool. We’re doing it.”
It’s perfect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: nikitka.heretic