Meet Our April Cover Artist: Serhii Proskura
This month, we’re proud to feature the incredibly talented Serhii Proskura on the cover of Ink Legends Magazine. A respected realism tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, Serhii has built a name for himself through his stunning attention to detail, emotional depth, and technical mastery.
For Serhii, tattooing is more than just a profession—it’s a deeply personal form of artistic expression. “Tattooing is more than just a job to me; it’s my way of expressing creativity, telling stories, and creating art that stays with people for a lifetime,” he shares.
In this interview, Serhii opens up about his journey, creative process, and the passion behind every piece he creates.
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey as a tattoo artist?
Sure! My name is Serhii, and I’m a tattoo artist originally from Kyiv, Ukraine. I’ve been in the tattoo industry for over 12 years. My journey started with a passion for art from a young age. I studied architecture in high school and later earned a master’s degree in interior design. However, I never worked in that field because I felt a stronger connection to tattooing – it gave me more creative freedom.
One day, I saw a hyper-realistic tattoo portrait that completely changed my perception of what tattooing could be. That moment inspired me to pick up a tattoo machine and start practicing. Over the years, I dedicated myself to mastering black and grey realism. Eventually, I fulfilled my dream of moving to Los Angeles, and now I work at Ganga Tattoo Studio, alongside some of the best artists in the world.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Tattooing is more than just a job to me; it’s my way of expressing creativity, telling stories, and creating art that stays with people for a lifetime.
You specialize in black and grey realism with stunning details. What drew you to this style, and what do you enjoy most about working in it?
I’ve always been drawn to realism because I love working with details, shadows, and creating lifelike images. Black and grey realism, in particular, caught my attention because it’s timeless – it always looks elegant and works well on almost anyone.
What I enjoy most is that this style allows me to capture emotions, depth, and contrast. It’s not just about copying a photo; it’s about giving the tattoo life on the skin. I find it incredibly satisfying when a client looks at the finished piece and sees their vision brought to reality.
Was there a defining moment in your career that helped you elevate your skills?
Yes, I would say the defining moment was when I moved to Los Angeles and started working at Ganga Tattoo Studio. Being in that environment, surrounded by top-level artists, changed everything for me.
I saw how the best in the industry approach their work – from the design process to the tattooing itself, to how they present their finished pieces. It pushed me to improve my designs, refine my technique, and pay more attention to the quality of my tattoo photos. That experience elevated my skills to a whole new level.
Beyond creating the best possible tattoo, what aspects do you focus on to ensure a great overall experience for your clients?
For me, it’s important that the client feels comfortable from start to finish. I always explain the process – how long it will take, what to expect during the session, and how to take care of the tattoo afterward.
I work closely with clients on the design to ensure their ideas are heard while also offering my professional guidance. Cleanliness and hygiene are also a top priority. Lastly, I try to create a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere during the session, as it can be a long process, and I want my clients to feel at ease.
How do you balance your artistic vision with your clients’ requests?
I always strive to find a balance. It’s important to me that the client is happy because they’ll be wearing this tattoo for life. At the same time, I offer my professional advice if I feel something won’t work well.
For example, if a client wants very small details or too many elements in a small area, I explain that it might not age well. We work together to find a design that meets their vision while ensuring the tattoo will look great both now and in the future.
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists?
First – be patient. Mastery takes time. Don’t rush; focus on practicing and improving every day.
Second – train your eye to see details. Realism is all about precision and small nuances.
Third – surround yourself with strong artists. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from others. Being in the right environment can accelerate your growth as an artist.
In addition to tattooing, you create beautiful paintings. Do you have a formal art education, and what subjects or themes do you enjoy painting?
Yes, I have a formal art background. I studied architecture in high school and earned a master’s degree in interior design. I started drawing long before I became a tattoo artist.
In painting, I’m especially passionate about cars, particularly sports cars like Porsche. I enjoy capturing reflections, light, and all the fine details. I also like painting portraits and working in realism, focusing on expressions and emotions.
Do you have any upcoming projects or future plans you’d like to share?
I’m focused on building my name as an artist in the US and growing my client base in Los Angeles. I want to establish myself in this market and be part of the heart of the tattoo industry here.
I’m also working on developing my art projects. I’d love to exhibit my paintings and hold a personal art show one day. In the future, I dream of opening my own tattoo studio – not just a regular shop, but a creative space where artists can work, collaborate, and combine tattooing with art.
