Tattooing with Soul: A One-on-One with Oleksandr Mazharskyi

Interviewer: Welcome, Oleksandr! Great to have you here. Let’s start with the basics—how did you get into tattooing?

Oleksandr Mazharskyi: Thanks for having me! My journey into tattooing began with my love for drawing. I was always sketching, and at some point, I realized that tattooing was a way to transfer my art onto something alive and dynamic—human skin. It fascinated me that a design could become a part of someone forever.

But the real turning point came in 2018 when I got my first tattoo. It was overpriced and done with poor quality, and I immediately thought, “I could do this so much better myself.” That experience pushed me to start learning the craft seriously.

Interviewer: What drew you specifically to anime tattoos?

Oleksandr: I’ve been passionate about anime since I was 11. I grew up watching it and drawing my favorite characters, so when I started tattooing, it felt natural to focus on anime and manga art. My goal is to take the most meaningful frames from manga and bring them to life on a person’s skin with as much detail as possible—so those important moments stay with them forever.

Interviewer: Have you ever had to refuse a tattoo request?

Oleksandr: Oh, definitely. Sometimes it’s because of a client’s age or uncertainty, but the most common reason? They ask for something outside my style.

Interviewer: What’s the strangest request you’ve ever received?

Oleksandr: Early in my career, a guy I knew asked me to tattoo a hyper-realistic eye in the groin area. I turned it down. And we never spoke again.

Interviewer: When a client isn’t sure about their tattoo, how do you handle it?

Oleksandr: I never rush them. Sometimes they just need a few minutes to think, but in other cases, it can take months. I often suggest a temporary stencil—this way, they can live with the design for a few days before making a decision. It helps them feel more confident about their choice.

Interviewer: Can you walk us through your creative process?

Oleksandr: Since I focus on anime/manga tattoos, my main goal is to transfer a manga frame onto the skin as accurately as possible. But sometimes, I get custom requests where clients want something unique. In those cases, I ask for as many details as possible—size, placement photos, personal references. Then, I find additional inspiration and create 2–4 sketch variations. The client and I refine the idea until we land on the final design. After that, it’s the usual preparation—stencil transfer and tattooing.

Interviewer: If you weren’t a tattoo artist, what do you think you’d be doing?

Oleksandr: I’ve always been a creative person. Before tattooing, I was really into photography and psychology. If I hadn’t picked up a tattoo machine, I’d probably be developing myself in one of those fields.

Interviewer: What’s one of the biggest misconceptions people have about tattoo artists?

Oleksandr: That we’re all rolling in cash! A lot of people think tattooing is an easy way to get rich, but the reality is different. The competition is intense, and there’s always someone better. You have to constantly push yourself to stay relevant.

Interviewer: Have you ever done a particularly meaningful tattoo?

Oleksandr: Yes, one that really stands out was for a client who wanted a replica of a Japanese ink painting of a lily. Her father had drawn it, and she wanted it tattooed as a tribute to him. It wasn’t exactly my usual style, but the sentimental value made it special, and I was honored to do it.

Interviewer: What’s your favorite part of the tattooing process?

Oleksandr: Definitely the application. Seeing the design come to life on the skin is so rewarding. Clients are always curious and ask tons of questions—how the machine works, how ink settles under the skin—and I love walking them through it.

Interviewer: Where are you based now, and how did you end up there?

Oleksandr: I live and work in New York. My family and I had to leave Ukraine at the start of the war. We spent some time moving around Europe, but when the U.S. refugee program opened, we decided to take the chance. Living in a place as diverse as New York and working alongside some of the world’s best artists has been an incredible experience.

Interviewer: How do you feel about tattoo conventions?

Oleksandr: I only discovered them about a year ago, and I’m hooked. The energy is incredible—being surrounded by people who share the same passion, watching some of the best artists at work, learning from them… It’s an amazing experience every time.

Interviewer: Where do you see the tattoo industry in 10 years?

Oleksandr: Honestly, I think we’ll see more tattoo printers—machines that can print a design directly onto skin in just a few minutes. That means a lot of mediocre artists will probably disappear from the industry. But unique, handcrafted work will always have value. Artists with a distinctive style will continue to thrive, and those who put effort into their craft will always have clients.

Interviewer: We can’t wait to see what you create next! Thanks for joining us today, Oleksandr.

Oleksandr: My pleasure!

Want to see more of Oleksandr’s incredible anime tattoos? Follow him on Instagram: @majarsky_ink