Meet Dead Dread

We were lucky to catch up with Dead Dread recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dead, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism is rooted in the stories I immerse myself in and the people I surround myself with. I draw a lot of strength from the worlds of video games, comics, manga, and anime — they’ve always offered me more than just entertainment. They’ve taught me about resilience, transformation, and the power of belief, even in the darkest moments.

But the true core of my optimism comes from real life: my daughter, my wife, my family, and the incredible people I work and live alongside. Their presence grounds me. Their love fuels me. And their energy reminds me every day that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, there’s always something worth fighting for — and something beautiful just around the corner.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Roman — or, as some call me, Dead Dread. I’m a tattoo artist, studio owner, and creator who focuses mainly on large-scale tattoo projects in a dark graphic style. My work is rooted in deep contrast, dense detail, and strong symmetry, often drawing from anime, folklore, mythology, and everything that feels a little haunted but beautiful.

Beyond tattooing, I run my own studio and manage a team of talented artists. I also design and release my own merch — clothing that carries the same raw, iconic energy as my art. Lately, I’ve been diving into videography as another way to express my vision. Whether it’s filming behind-the-scenes moments or creating cinematic content, I’m fascinated by the power of visual storytelling.

We also love playing with pop culture — doing creative cosplay shoots inspired by legendary films, anime, and iconic scenes. It’s our way of connecting tattoo culture with the broader world of art, cinema, and imagination. We’re not just about ink — we’re about building a universe.

Right now, I’m focused on pushing the Deadydready brand forward. New merch drops are coming, including some unique jacquard-knit socks based on my designs, and I’m developing a tattoo course to share what I’ve learned over the years. I’m interested in every medium that helps turn energy into something visual, wearable, and unforgettable.

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

Looking back, I’d say three things have made the biggest impact on my journey: constant drawing, market awareness, and learning how to delegate.

First — draw. A lot. There’s no way around it. Your hands need mileage, your brain needs visual memory, and your style needs time to evolve. Whether it’s tattoo design, illustration, or any visual art — the more you draw, the sharper your instincts become.

Second — study the market and your competitors. Not to copy, but to understand what works, what’s missing, and where your own voice can stand out. Learn to observe trends without being swallowed by them. Find your niche by knowing the field, not avoiding it.

And third — learn to delegate. This one’s hard, especially for creatives. But if you want to grow, you can’t do everything alone. Let go of the small tasks that drain your energy. Build a team. Trust people. Free yourself up to focus on the work only you can do.

My advice? Be consistent. Stay curious. And don’t just focus on art — learn business, communication, and how to work with others. That’s what turns talent into something sustainable.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely. I’m always open to collaborations — especially with brands that carry a strong visual identity and bold energy. One dream collab? Monster Energy. I’d love to design a limited edition can for them — something dark, mythic, full of sharp lines and chaos, but with purpose. My style and their aesthetic feel like a natural match: raw, aggressive, and high-impact.

In general, I’m interested in working with brands, creators, and companies that value strong visuals, storytelling, and cultural crossover. Whether it’s clothing, product design, video, or something unexpected — I’m always ready to bring my world into new formats.

Contact Info:

• Website: eldenink@gmail.com
• Instagram: dead.dread
• Facebook: dead.dread.tattoo
• Youtube: Deadydready