Meet Dmytro Shcherbakov

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dmytro Shcherbakov. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dmytro, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity is at the core of my profession — I’ve been working as a tattoo artist for over eight years, and the entire process, from shaping the idea to designing and finally bringing it to life on skin, is deeply creative. In today’s industry, creativity isn’t optional — it’s essential. You either create unique, original work, or you eventually get lost in repetition. For me, having a constant flow of ideas is non-negotiable.

I truly believe that creativity thrives on what I call “visual input.” It’s like a muscle you train through experiences: traveling, visiting museums and galleries, exploring architectural landmarks, attending concerts and creative events, discovering inspiring places — nature included. The more you absorb, the more you can express.

My background in both design and architecture has given me a deep appreciation for form, space, and visual storytelling, which continues to fuel my artistic vision. I also draw inspiration from cinema, music, and all forms of contemporary art.

Street art and underground culture inspire me deeply — they come from the people, from the streets, and carry a raw, unfiltered energy. Especially in this age of globalization, they don’t just reflect a single culture — they echo the voice of humanity as a whole. At the same time, I find inspiration in high fashion, which often leads the way in shaping modern artistic trends. Fashion has always stood at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries in a way that constantly redefines how we see beauty and identity.

And of course, my clients are a huge source of creative drive. Many come with rich and diverse ideas, and turning those into one cohesive design is a challenge I love. Often, one piece sparks a few more — related in theme, but different in mood and composition.

At the end of the day, staying curious and connected to the world around me is what keeps the spark alive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born and raised in the small historic town of Novhorod-Siverskyi in northern Ukraine. From a young age, I was drawn to the arts — whether it was theater, film, music, or most of all, drawing. That early creative spark eventually led me to pursue formal studies in design. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Interior and Furniture Design from the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, and later continued my education in Architecture in Warsaw, Poland — where I first discovered the world of tattooing.

Since 2017, tattooing has become not just my profession but my true calling. After completing professional training, I began working in studios across Poland and Ukraine, and over the years have taken part in guest spots in Germany, Belgium, and beyond. Starting in 2022, my journey became fully international, with extended work periods in Latvia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and other European countries. In 2024, I relocated to the U.S. and currently work at Logan Square Tattoo in Chicago.

My passion for travel and cross-cultural connection has always been a major influence on my growth as an artist. Visiting tattoo studios across Europe and collaborating with clients from all over the world has helped me refine my vision and deepen my understanding of how art can resonate differently across cultures.

Over the years, my style has evolved into a modern blend of graphic and neo-tribal influences — bold, stylized designs with intricate detail and strong visual impact. I’m particularly drawn to creating work that feels both powerful and refined, balancing aesthetic sophistication with emotional energy.

What excites me most is the ongoing evolution of this craft — every design is a new opportunity to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and connect with someone on a personal level through permanent art. I’m committed to growing as an artist and continuing to inspire my clients with thoughtful, visually compelling tattoos — no matter where in the world they find me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

If we set aside the fundamentals — like artistic skill and the ability to work with people — three qualities that I personally value most are courage, curiosity, and (half-jokingly) the ability to become invisible.

Courage helps me take creative risks and push boundaries, rather than repeating what’s already been done. Curiosity keeps me exploring new ideas, cultures, and styles — it’s what fuels growth. And as for being invisible — sometimes I wish I could! 🙂

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who can clearly express their idea, knows where they want the tattoo and roughly what size — but also gives me creative freedom to bring it to life in my own way. I deeply appreciate clients who respect the basics too: being on time, wearing comfortable clothing that gives access to the tattoo area, and most importantly — trusting the artist. When there’s mutual trust, everything flows as it should.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asphalt_ttt
• Other: Email: ttt.asphalt@gmail.com

Image Credits

Dmytro Shcherbakov