Andrii Bespalyi on the cover of Ink Legends Magazine — a talented artist specializing in black and grey realism. With extensive international experience and currently based in Germany, he continues to impress with his exceptional work. We are proud to feature him and invite you to dive into our exclusive interview. Follow his work at @bespaltattoo
Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a bit about your journey into tattooing.
My name is Andrey Bezpalyi.
My story in tattooing began in 2009 with a homemade machine. I’ve been drawing my entire life—in school notebooks, on stairwell walls, and through graffiti. Although my family originally envisioned me as an auto mechanic, my passion for art was stronger. I’ve come a long way: from my first tattoos on friends and working with football subcultures to specializing in professional realism.
You’ve gained experience in different countries throughout your career. How did working in places like China and Israel influence your growth as an artist?
International experience played a crucial role in my development. I spent time working in Guangzhou, China, which was an intense period of practice and growth. Later, I worked at one of the top tattoo studios in Tel Aviv, Israel. Working in such a high-end environment allowed me to sharpen my technique and understand the highest industry standards.
After Israel, you moved to Germany and started a new chapter. Can you tell us more about your current work as a freelance artist in Germany?
After my time in Israel, I moved to Bavaria, Germany. This marked the next big step in my career—I opened my own small business and began working as a freelance guest artist. Currently, I collaborate with various studios across Germany, which gives me creative freedom and a constant flow of fresh inspiration.
How would you describe your tattoo style, and what draws you most to realism?
I specialize in realism, particularly in Black & Grey. To me, it feels like the pencil drawing I’ve loved since childhood. In realism, I value the ability to convey depth, raw emotion, and texture through the interplay of light and shadow. I adapt every design to the client’s anatomy to ensure the tattoo looks like a natural part of the body, not just an image.
What kind of challenges do you enjoy the most in your work, and is there any recent project you feel especially proud of?
One of the most rewarding challenges I face today is complex cover-ups. I recently completed a project that was technically very difficult due to old pigment, but we pushed through. Transforming an old, unsuccessful piece into high-quality realism is something I am truly proud of.
You are sponsored by tattoo supply companies, which is a great recognition for any artist. What does this kind of support mean to you professionally?
Being sponsored by tattoo supply companies has been a major milestone. In realism, precision and the quality of your tools are everything. It allows me to guarantee my clients the best possible results and clean, long-lasting healed work.
What are your future plans, and how do you like to spend your time outside the studio?
I’m looking forward to participating in more international conventions and taking on larger-scale realism projects. You can follow my latest work on Instagram @BespalTattoo. To recharge, I spend time in the nature of Bavaria—it’s the best way for me to clear my head and find inspiration for my next custom designs.
Published on 13th April 2026. Author: Lenka Banyarova
