Today we’d like to introduce you to Dmytro Shcherbakov.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Ukrainian-born artist, and I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t creating something. As a kid, I was always drawing — then slowly adding more “creative addictions” to the mix: films, theater, music… if it was art, I wanted in. That curiosity led me to study Interior and Furniture Design in Kyiv, and later Architecture in Warsaw. And it was there, in between lectures and sketchbooks, that I discovered tattooing — the perfect way to combine my love for art with something lasting.
Since 2017, I’ve followed that path through studios all over Europe and, in 2024, across the ocean to the United States. Travel has been my biggest teacher, shaping my vision and giving me the chance to work with people from countless cultures. My style lives somewhere between graphic precision and the energy of tribal and neo-tribal art, with a bit of geometry for balance — bold yet refined, detailed yet powerful. You can check out my work on Instagram under the username @asphalt_ttt.
What I love most? That moment when the client looks in the mirror and you see the smile — the one that says, “This is exactly what I wanted… maybe even better.” That’s the magic I keep chasing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing — but then again, I don’t think the easy roads make the best stories. In over eight years of tattooing, I’ve had my share of wins and challenges. One of the trickiest parts for any artist is finding your own style. Mine has changed and grown a lot over the years; now it feels more defined, but I’m still evolving, still curious, still pushing.
In the early days, I worked marathon sessions — sometimes way too long — just to make sure every line was exactly where I wanted it. There were moments of self-doubt, fierce competition, and the constant pressure to prove myself in a fast-moving industry. But all of that built resilience, sharpened my discipline, and reminded me why staying true to your vision matters. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the tough parts — they’re what shaped me into the artist I am today.
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?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a tattoo artist — but for me, it’s much more than a job. I work mainly in tribal, neo-tribal, graphic, and geometric styles, creating designs that balance strength with elegance and detail with boldness. People often recognize my work for its clean execution, strong visual impact, and the way it captures a personal story in a permanent form.
Some of my proudest moments happen when my work truly connects with someone — whether it’s a small, meaningful piece or a large-scale project that pushes creative limits. One highlight was serving as a judge at the Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival 2025 — the second-largest tattoo convention in the world — where I spent several days evaluating incredible artists across multiple categories, including Best of the Day, Best of the Show, and many others. It was both an honor and a thrill to contribute to the industry in that way.
I’m also proud to be part of tattoo communities across the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine, and to share my experience through teaching. Lately, I’ve been quietly working on an educational book for tattoo artists — a project I’m developing in the background as part of my ongoing growth. What sets me apart is my commitment to constant evolution — my style has been shaped by years of exploration and working in different cultures, and I’m always pushing to learn, refine, and create tattoos that are not only visually striking but unforgettable for the person wearing them.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have many people and companies who have played an important role in my journey. From fellow artists and mentors who shared their knowledge, to supportive clients and industry partners who believed in my work — I’m truly grateful for each of them. Their encouragement and collaboration have been invaluable to my growth as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asphalt_ttt
