Check Out Grigorii Butrin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grigorii Butrin

Hi Grigorii, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the world of tattooing began gradually and organically. In 2014, at the age of 19, I picked up a tattoo machine for the first time. My mother, knowing my deep love for drawing, fully supported me and helped me acquire my first tattoo kit. My first clients were friends, and I am still very grateful to them for their trust.

My business started to grow naturally. Friends of friends began seeking my services, and through word-of-mouth, I gradually built a reliable client base. At that time, I was studying at medical college and already planning my future. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to the art of tattooing.

In 2016, I attended my first master class with @oberov.tattoo, where I gained invaluable experience and developed a clear plan for further development. It was then that I realized I needed to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in the industry with a high volume of clients.

That same year, I joined one of the most popular studios in Moscow. Working alongside some of the most talented representatives in my craft, I gained important skills in communication, concentration, and tattooing techniques. I actively developed my career, honing my unique style and artistic taste. I attended master classes with leading tattoo artists and participated in local conventions. My work began to gain significant popularity online, leading to invitations to international conventions, including in Kassel, where I won awards for my work two years in a row.

In 2022, I moved to Germany as a freelancer. This was an important step that allowed me to expand my horizons and gain new experiences. But in 2023, I decided to move to Los Angeles, a city that had always attracted me with its atmosphere and dynamism.

Now, I work in a private studio in Downtown Los Angeles. Here, in the close-knit tattoo community, I have found many friends and like-minded people. My journey to Los Angeles is the result of many years of hard work, passion for art, and a drive for perfection. Each tattoo I create is a story I tell through my skills and inspiration.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my career, I have faced various challenges. In the beginning, I lacked experience, and the first three years were the most difficult. Since there is no formal education in the field of tattooing, I had to learn everything through trial and error.

Later, as I started gaining popularity outside my country, I encountered the problem of communicating in a foreign language, which took me a long time to master.

I have been to many countries such as Israel, Turkey, Armenia, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Brazil, each with its own cultural nuances that need to be considered during communication. However, I wouldn’t call this a challenge; it broadens my horizons and allows me to better understand the local culture.

Bureaucracy also poses problems. For example, my wife and I had to live in different countries for some time because bureaucratic processes prevented us from being together 100% of the time.

Fortunately, we are now living together in Los Angeles

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 have been a tattoo artist for 10 years, working in black and white realism. I specialize in portrait work, create custom designs, and strive to achieve a photorealistic effect

I am proud that there are people in the industry who value my contribution, and I can share my experience with other artists who want to work in this style, just as others shared their knowledge with me. This, in turn, continues the development of tattoo culture and the evolution of quality year after year.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and high contrast in my compositions. In works where many prefer to simplify the design, I strive to highlight it by using elements of painting

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Throughout my journey, I have been accompanied by risk.

Each time I visit a new country, I start from scratch. I need to present my art in a way that captures people’s interest.

A particularly risky moment was my first trip abroad. I was invited to Germany for my first festival. Without any prior experience traveling abroad, I poorly planned the trip. With no knowledge of the language and only €200 in my pocket, I almost ended up on the streets in Göttingen because I arrived at night and didn’t know that all hotels and hostels were closed. Fortunately, everything worked out in the end.

When I moved to the U.S., I was also uncertain about how things would turn out. My wife and I arrived with just one suitcase and no guarantees that work would go well. Although the first three months were tough, things became much easier afterward.

Despite the risks, these experiences have taught me valuable lessons and shaped my career

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.butrin.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butrin.tattoo

Image Credits
All made by myself