Every project is a unique work of art, created based on a well-thought-out concept, composition, and style.
Everything you need to know about booking, pricing, the artistic process, and how we work together. If your question isn't covered here, send me a message — I'm happy to help.
To get started, send me a consultation request with your idea, placement, approximate size, and any reference images you want me to see. The more clearly you describe the concept, the easier it is for me to understand the direction of the project and evaluate the scope of the work. After I review your request, I'll get back to you with feedback, pricing guidance, and booking options. A deposit is required to lock in your appointment date.
Yes. My initial consultation is free. It gives us a chance to discuss your idea, placement, scale, visual direction, and the overall structure of the project. It's also the best time to ask practical questions about timing, number of sessions, and what approach will work best for your tattoo.
Yes. I primarily specialize in realism, and that allows me to take on highly detailed custom work of different types and levels of complexity. Whether you're looking for a portrait, a sleeve, a large-scale composition, or a cover-up, I build every design individually around your idea, your anatomy, and the final visual impact we want to achieve.
That depends on the complexity of the piece. Smaller or more direct concepts usually move faster, while large custom work takes more preparation. I always focus on building a strong tattoo rather than rushing the design stage.
Absolutely. Reference material is always helpful. You can send images that reflect the mood, subject matter, texture, composition, or overall direction you have in mind. I don't copy references literally — I use them to develop a custom piece that fits your idea and my artistic approach.
My rate is $2,000 per session.
One full-day session is 6 hours.
No. I work full day only and do not offer half-day sessions.
A full sleeve usually takes 5 to 8 sessions, depending on the design, complexity, density of detail, and whether the project is done in color or black and grey.
A full back piece usually takes 5 to 10 sessions, depending on the overall concept, coverage, and technical complexity.
As a general estimate, I can complete around 3 x 7 inches in color or about 4 x 8 inches in black and grey in one session. Actual progress always depends on detail, placement, skin, and the structure of the design.
Yes. A deposit is required to reserve your date and begin the booking process.
I'm best known for realism, portraits, large-scale custom work, strong black and grey pieces, and projects that require structure, depth, atmosphere, and technical precision.
Yes. Portrait tattooing is one of the most demanding areas of tattooing because it requires accuracy, experience, control, a strong understanding of facial structure, expression, and tonal balance. I approach portrait work with exactly those qualities in mind.
Yes. Large-format work is one of my strongest directions. I approach sleeves, back pieces, and other масштабные projects as complete visual systems, not just separate tattoo elements placed next to each other.
Yes. I take on selected cover-up projects. The final approach depends on the size, saturation, age, and structure of the existing tattoo. During consultation, I evaluate whether the tattoo can be successfully covered with a new composition and what kind of design will work best.
I'm a tattoo artist with strong international professional experience, known for realism, portraits, large-scale custom work, and a serious author-driven approach to composition. My reputation is built not only on client work, but also on industry recognition, awards, conventions, interviews, and educational activity. Source
Yes. I've been featured in interviews and publications including iNKPPL, TattooMarket, Artifex, and Tattoo Life. iNKPPL 1 iNKPPL 2 TattooMarket Artifex Tattoo Life
Yes. I'm part of the pro teams of World Famous Tattoo Ink and KWADRON, I collaborate with Sullen, and I work on a permanent basis at Monna Lissa. World Famous Tattoo Ink Source
Yes — I have many awards and a strong professional track record. You can see the full list on my Awards page.
Yes. I take part in major tattoo conventions and guest appearances connected to the international tattoo scene. Availability depends on my current schedule and booking calendar. Source
Get a full night of sleep, eat well before the session, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the tattoo area. Showing up in good physical condition makes a real difference, especially for longer sessions.
Keep your tattoo clean and follow the aftercare instructions I give you after the session. During healing, avoid soaking, too much friction, unnecessary irritation, and direct sun exposure. Proper aftercare is essential if you want the tattoo to heal clean and keep its detail, contrast, and overall quality.
Surface healing usually takes around 2 weeks, but full skin recovery takes longer, especially on large or dense pieces. The bigger the project, the more important it is to be consistent with aftercare.
If a touch-up is needed after full healing, I handle that on a case-by-case basis. Not every tattoo needs one, but in some cases a small refinement helps bring the result to its final level.
You must be 18 or older and have valid government-issued photo ID.
Yes. Please bring a valid photo ID to your appointment.
If you have a medical condition, take medication, or have skin-related concerns, let me know before booking. Safety always comes first.
Credentials & Compliance
01 / Body Art Registration
Andrei Kolbasin is a Registered Body Art Practitioner with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, authorized to perform body art at permitted facilities holding a current public health permit.
02 / Bloodborne Pathogens
Andrei Kolbasin has completed the Los Angeles County BBP-420 Bloodborne Pathogen training required for body art practitioners under California OSHA and public health safety regulations.
