Today we’d like to introduce you to Haris Boikos.
Hi Haris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Haris Boikos, a 34-year-old artist based in Athens, Greece. My journey with art began at the age of three, when I first picked up a pencil and started drawing—and I haven’t stopped since. Growing up, I took part in numerous painting competitions and always found joy in visual expression.
Outside of art, I was very active in sports—especially soccer and basketball—which had a strong influence on my creative perspective. That connection to movement and athletic energy continues to shape the themes in my artwork and tattoo designs.
In 2016, I began tattooing professionally at Saketattoocrew in Athens, one of the most well-established and respected studios in Europe. It was the perfect environment to refine my skills, guided by some of the top tattoo artists in Greece and beyond—many of whom are internationally recognized and awarded. Their mentorship helped me build a strong foundation in the craft.
Today, I split my time between Greece and the United States(LA,Chicago,NY, spending about half the year in each. This allows me to stay connected to both European and American art scenes, continuously drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, experiences, and people I meet along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think the road is ever completely smooth—especially in art. It takes countless hours in front of paper and skin to truly develop your skills. You need to understand how textures work, how light hits different surfaces, and how to bring something to life—whether on canvas or on skin. There’s a long learning curve, and it takes patience and consistency.
I’ve been lucky in two big ways. First, my family has always supported me from day one. That created a calm, encouraging environment where I could really focus on my goals. Second, the tattoo studio where I began—Saketattoocrew in Athens—was an amazing place, filled with incredibly talented artists. They were generous with their knowledge and helped me grasp the deeper layers of tattooing early on.
But even with support and a great environment, none of it matters without hard work and passion. You have to put in the effort, stay committed, and trust the process. The more you give to your art, the more it gives back—but you have to be all in.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in hyperrealism—both in tattooing and painting. In tattooing, I focus on hyperrealistic designs, whether in full color or black and grey. I’m particularly drawn to portraits and sports-themed tattoos, especially NBA-related pieces, since I’ve always been a huge fan of the game.
In my paintings, I usually work on large-scale canvases—often featuring NBA players or female portraits. What excites me most is diving into the details: capturing the texture of skin, hair, and even the fabric of an NBA jersey. Before starting any piece, I spend a lot of time studying every element to make sure I bring it to life as authentically as possible.
One of the moments I’m most proud of is having my artwork personally delivered to NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Bucks stadium in Milwaukee and DeMar DeRozan when he was playing with the Chicago Bulls. Both experiences were incredible—not just because they appreciated the art, but because I got to have genuine conversations with them. It meant a lot to see my work connect on that level.
As for what sets me apart—I’m not sure there’s a single thing. But what I do know is that I put everything into my work. My focus is always on creating with love and passion, and on capturing moments that feel personal and alive. That’s what drives me every day.
What were you like growing up?
I had a really good childhood. I was always a creative and active kid, constantly splitting my time between playing soccer with friends and spending hours drawing. Art was something that came naturally to me from a very young age. I remember my teachers noticing my interest and talent early on—they would often encourage me to participate in art contests at school, which really helped build my confidence and love for creating. I think even back then, I had a strong sense of curiosity and passion for whatever I was doing, whether it was on the field or on paper.
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