From graphic novels to tattooing, Sebastian Skrobol has built a distinctive visual language populated by melancholic skeletons, curious cats, and surreal creatures. Originally from Poland and now based in Berlin, he spends much of his time traveling, drawing inspiration from the people and stories he encounters along the way. His tattoos may be small in scale, but each carries a narrative that balances humor and melancholy with remarkable sensitivity.
Hi Sebastian, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey, I’m Sebastian. I like drawing stuff! I’m a tattoo artist and illustrator from Poland, currently living in Berlin, although I’m on the road most of the time, trying to see as much of the world as possible before I die.
Your work seems to exist somewhere between graphic novels, gothic fairy tales, and personal diaries. When did you realize this was the visual language you wanted to express through tattooing?
All the things you mentioned really inspire me, so it’s no surprise that my visual language is a mix of those elements. People often ask where my style comes from, and the truth is, I simply don’t know how to draw any other way.
Before becoming tattoos, your pieces often feel like illustrations that could easily live on the pages of a book. How important is drawing itself in your creative process, independently of tattooing?
Before I started tattooing, I worked as a freelance illustrator for almost ten years, and I also published two graphic novels in Poland. My tattooing comes entirely from my love of drawing. I had grown tired of freelance illustration, so I bought a tattoo machine. In my opinion, tattooing is the easiest way to sell drawings.
Skeletons, cats, and strange imaginary creatures appear throughout your work. Do you see them as recurring characters inhabiting the same universe, or is each tattoo a story of its own?
I think it’s both. Over the years I’ve created a kind of visual language that makes everything feel like it’s part of the same universe.
At the same time, one of the things I love most about tattooing is that every design can carry many different meanings and a strong emotional weight. For one person, a tattoo might simply be a silly cat; for someone else, it could represent the cat their grandmother had when they were growing up in the Polish countryside.
People and stories are the coolest part of this job.
Is there a particular character or symbol that you feel especially connected to, one that somehow represents a part of yourself?
I always draw this skeleton character called Jerry. He has a very depressed expression, but in a funny way, and I think he’s the best representation of how I see the world. Most things on this planet are funny and sad at the same time. I also think a lot of people identify with Jerry because it’s very easy to place him in almost any context.
Most of your tattoos are quite small. What draws you to this intimate scale? Is it primarily an aesthetic choice, or do you believe small tattoos can create a stronger emotional connection?
For one thing, it’s easier for clients to commit to a small tattoo. The design process is quick, and the tattoo itself doesn’t take long to do. Honestly, I’d prefer to make larger pieces, but for some reason I just can’t seem to get started designing larger flash artwork.
Although Berlin is your home base, you’re often working elsewhere. Does the city’s creative atmosphere still play an important role in shaping your artistic vision?
I think traveling is important because it makes you realize that your own reality isn’t the only one possible. It gives you perspective on life and opens your mind to new ideas. I don’t feel that any one place has had a particularly profound influence on me. I do feel especially comfortable in Amsterdam and Paris.
If you had to describe your work without mentioning tattooing at all—only through emotions—which three words would you choose?
Silly and sad.
What are the next steps in your career?
I want to keep growing and simply make better and better tattoos. I should probably slow down with the traveling for a while, stay in one place, and start working on a new graphic novel and on my own tarot deck.
