Today we’d like to introduce you to Kseniya Shylova.
Hi Kseniya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Ksenia Shylava, a self-taught tattoo artist from Soligorsk, Belarus, now living and working in USA. I originally studied to be a language teacher but quickly realized it wasn’t for me, so I left university and decided to pursue something more creative. After learning the basics of manicure, I started drawing, and that’s when I fell in love with tattooing. I taught myself through online tutorials and trial and error. I’ve always loved portraits, especially capturing emotion and depth. Over time, tattooing became a way for me to blend art with storytelling, and now I get to create unique pieces for people from all over the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not always smooth. In the beginning, it was hard to find my voice and build trust as a self-taught artist. Social media played a big role in my growth, but it also brought pressure — constantly comparing myself to others, chasing numbers, and burning out. There were times when I completely lost motivation or struggled with creative blocks, wondering if I’d ever feel inspired again.
What helped was stepping back, traveling, or simply drawing for myself without any pressure to post. I also learned to say “no” to projects that didn’t feel right, and that opened space for better work to come. I still have ups and downs, but now I try to treat the slow moments as part of the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist working in realism — I focus on portraits, surreal elements, and often mix in horror or neon-inspired details. I design all of my tattoos from scratch and draw inspiration from films, paintings, and music. I love creating bold, emotional pieces that feel like they tell a story or capture a moment.
People often recognize my style when they see large, realistic faces with neon accents — it’s become something of a signature. I’m proud that my work is now recognizable and that I’ve developed my own voice in tattooing. What sets me apart is the atmosphere I bring into each piece and the attention I give to every detail, both technically and emotionally.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers or awards — it’s about building a recognizable personal brand and feeling stable in what I do. I think real success is when people can see your work and immediately know it’s yours — when your style speaks louder than your name.
It’s also about staying curious and creative, not only in tattooing but in anything I decide to dive into. I love trying new things, learning new skills, and creating without limits. As long as I feel inspired and have the freedom to grow — that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kseniasimone/
