About Andrey Kolbasin —
Tattoo Artist in Los Angeles
My name is Andrey Kolbasin. I’m a tattoo artist based in Los Angeles, and realism tattoos have always been one of the main directions in my work. I enjoy creating portraits, black and grey tattoos, and large-scale projects like full sleeves and back pieces.
What I like most about tattooing is the combination of art and technical challenges. You can have a great idea and a beautiful reference image, but that doesn’t automatically mean it will work as a tattoo. You have to think about the shape of the body, the composition, the contrast, and how everything will look years later.
That’s something I’ve learned through years of working with different people, projects, and styles.
What I like most about tattooing is the combination of art and technical challenges. You can have a great idea and a beautiful reference image, but that doesn’t automatically mean it will work as a tattoo. You have to think about the shape of the body, the composition, the contrast, and how everything will look years later.
That’s something I’ve learned through years of working with different people, projects, and styles.
How International Tattoo Conventions Shaped My Work
Tattooing has taken me to many different countries. Over the years, I've participated in international tattoo conventions, worked alongside some incredible artists, competed for awards, and had the opportunity to judge other artists' work.
Some of those experiences were pretty intense.
In 2016, at the Milan Tattoo Convention, I worked on a massive black and grey project covering my client's back, buttocks, and the backs of his thighs. We completed almost the entire tattoo in two days, with just a little work left for the third day.
At that point in my career, I was really interested in pushing my limits. I wanted to see how much I could accomplish in a short time.
Today, I look at things differently. I'm still interested in challenging projects, but I'm much more focused on the final result than on how quickly I can finish.
That experience was an important part of my development as a tattoo artist.
Some of those experiences were pretty intense.
In 2016, at the Milan Tattoo Convention, I worked on a massive black and grey project covering my client's back, buttocks, and the backs of his thighs. We completed almost the entire tattoo in two days, with just a little work left for the third day.
At that point in my career, I was really interested in pushing my limits. I wanted to see how much I could accomplish in a short time.
Today, I look at things differently. I'm still interested in challenging projects, but I'm much more focused on the final result than on how quickly I can finish.
That experience was an important part of my development as a tattoo artist.
Awards, Competitions,
and Learning From Other Artists
I’ve been fortunate to receive awards at international tattoo conventions. You can see more of my achievements on my tattoo awards page.
One experience I remember particularly well was a tattoo convention in China, where I brought a full-color Harry Potter sleeve. The competition was incredibly strong, with artists showing some amazing work. Our project received second place in the Large Color Tattoo category.
At Inkmania in Hasselt, Belgium, I also received second place for one of my tattoos. The following day, the organizers invited me to join the judging panel.
That was an interesting experience. One day I was competing, and the next I was sitting with the judges, discussing other artists' work and trying to decide which pieces deserved recognition.
For me, conventions have never been only about winning awards. They’re also an opportunity to meet people who approach tattooing differently, exchange experience, and come home with new ideas.
I’ve shared more stories from these trips and other experiences on my tattoo blog.
One experience I remember particularly well was a tattoo convention in China, where I brought a full-color Harry Potter sleeve. The competition was incredibly strong, with artists showing some amazing work. Our project received second place in the Large Color Tattoo category.
At Inkmania in Hasselt, Belgium, I also received second place for one of my tattoos. The following day, the organizers invited me to join the judging panel.
That was an interesting experience. One day I was competing, and the next I was sitting with the judges, discussing other artists' work and trying to decide which pieces deserved recognition.
For me, conventions have never been only about winning awards. They’re also an opportunity to meet people who approach tattooing differently, exchange experience, and come home with new ideas.
I’ve shared more stories from these trips and other experiences on my tattoo blog.
What Inspires My Tattoo Art
My interest in art goes far beyond tattoos.
I've always been drawn to classical painting, sculpture, architecture, and historical and religious imagery. Whenever I travel, I try to visit museums, exhibitions, and places where I can see that kind of work in person.
I remember walking around Milan and being impressed by the scale of the cathedral, its sculptures, and all the little details. Seeing work like that makes you think differently about composition, light, and the way images can tell a story.
I think those experiences influence my tattoos, especially when I'm working on realistic portraits or large compositions with several elements.
I've always been drawn to classical painting, sculpture, architecture, and historical and religious imagery. Whenever I travel, I try to visit museums, exhibitions, and places where I can see that kind of work in person.
I remember walking around Milan and being impressed by the scale of the cathedral, its sculptures, and all the little details. Seeing work like that makes you think differently about composition, light, and the way images can tell a story.
I think those experiences influence my tattoos, especially when I'm working on realistic portraits or large compositions with several elements.
My Approach to Tattooing Today
I enjoy working on projects that require planning and attention to detail.
A full sleeve, for example, shouldn't look like a random collection of pictures. I prefer when the elements connect and the entire composition works together.
The same goes for portraits. Getting the proportions right is important, of course, but so are the expression, contrast, and small details that make a face recognizable.
I also believe that sometimes the best decision is to simplify an idea rather than add more elements. Not every detail that looks good on a screen will work well on skin.
When I discuss a tattoo with a client, I try to find the right balance between their idea and what will actually work as a tattoo.
If you'd like to see examples of these different projects, you can take a look at my tattoo portfolio.
A full sleeve, for example, shouldn't look like a random collection of pictures. I prefer when the elements connect and the entire composition works together.
The same goes for portraits. Getting the proportions right is important, of course, but so are the expression, contrast, and small details that make a face recognizable.
I also believe that sometimes the best decision is to simplify an idea rather than add more elements. Not every detail that looks good on a screen will work well on skin.
When I discuss a tattoo with a client, I try to find the right balance between their idea and what will actually work as a tattoo.
If you'd like to see examples of these different projects, you can take a look at my tattoo portfolio.
Professional Experience and Recognition
Over the years, my work has appeared in tattoo publications, including iNKPPL, TattooMarket, Artifex, and Tattoo Life.
I'm a member of the professional teams at World Famous Tattoo Ink and KWADRON, collaborate with Sullen, and work full-time at Monna Lissa studio.
I've also had opportunities to share my professional experience through educational activities and participate in the international tattoo community.
I'm grateful for those opportunities. They've helped me grow, meet talented people, and see different approaches to the same craft.
But in the end, what I enjoy most is still the work itself: taking an idea, figuring out how to make it work, and seeing the finished tattoo come together.
I'm a member of the professional teams at World Famous Tattoo Ink and KWADRON, collaborate with Sullen, and work full-time at Monna Lissa studio.
I've also had opportunities to share my professional experience through educational activities and participate in the international tattoo community.
I'm grateful for those opportunities. They've helped me grow, meet talented people, and see different approaches to the same craft.
But in the end, what I enjoy most is still the work itself: taking an idea, figuring out how to make it work, and seeing the finished tattoo come together.
Have a Tattoo Project in Mind?
If you're looking for a tattoo artist in Los Angeles and have an idea for a realistic portrait, full sleeve, back piece, or another custom tattoo, feel free to get in touch.
Tell me what you're thinking about, where you want the tattoo, and approximately how big you'd like it to be. If you have reference images, you can send those too.
We can discuss the project and figure out the best way to approach it.
Book a Consultation
Tell me what you're thinking about, where you want the tattoo, and approximately how big you'd like it to be. If you have reference images, you can send those too.
We can discuss the project and figure out the best way to approach it.
Book a Consultation
- An in-depth interview for Tattoo Life Magazine conducted by the journalist Margherita Baleni.
-