This is the story of two tattoo artists whose paths have become deeply intertwined, both professionally and creatively. After meeting during a guest spot in Poland, Diana Tarakanova and Oleksandr (Alex) But began working and travelling together, moving across Europe and eventually settling in the United States. Right now, they’re in Chicago and they’re planning to open thier first tattoo studio in the U.S. Their illustrative styles reflect a shared visual language shaped by experience, curiosity, and constant movement.
Diana creats a tiny world with little characters each one with its own personality and emotion, and they often represent a client’s memory. Alex’s style is traditionally illustrative, with lots of characters, lines, and bold shading, often focused on male figures inspired by vintage aesthetics. In this interview, they reflect on how it all began, how their art has evolved, and what they hope to create in the future.
How did you begin your journey in the world of tattooing?
Diana: I started when I was 17. I learnt by watching YouTube videos and practised on pig skin. I had a lot of friends who were excited to get tattooed, and I was just as excited to become a tattoo artist. At the time, I didn’t have the opportunity to continue formal education, so tattooing became a way for me to express myself and support myself.
Alex: My passion started after getting my first tattoo at 18. I was already drawing a lot and was fascinated by the atmosphere in tattoo studios, it felt mysterious and inspiring. That curiosity made me want to become a tattooer too and understand what it’s like to be one. I taught myself and worked with coil machines. Once I had a small portfolio, I offered to tattoo my friends, and they agreed. That’s how my journey began.
What have been the key moments that marked your artistic growth?
Diana: Moving to Poland was a big turning point as it was the first time I worked in a professional tattoo studio. Then Alex and I started travelling and working in different countries. That experience really broadened my perspective, shaped my style, and gave me confidence.
Alex: Every new trip brings some kind of change. My first guest spots in Europe were especially important. I remember the studio in Leipzig, it was my first time working abroad. Every move, every new environment, and working with other artists have helped shape my path, both in my art and in life.
Where are you currently working?
Right now, we’re in Chicago and we’re planning to open our first tattoo studio in the U.S. We travel a lot and do guest spots in studios across the country. So far, we’ve worked in 14 states. Our clients often follow us, and studios are always happy to have us.
Can each of you describe your own style, the subjects you prefer, and recurring themes in your work?
Diana: My tattoos are little characters wearing boot costumes. I’ve created a tiny world. Each one has his/her own personality and emotion, and they often represent a client’s memory. I love clean graphic lines, minimal detailing, and simple aesthetic.
Alex: My style is traditionally illustrative, with lots of characters, lines, and bold shading. I work in black and grey, often focusing on male figures. I’m inspired by vintage aesthetics, nostalgia, animals, and fictional characters. Silhouettes, mood, and body movement are really important to me.
Alex, why did you choose to work exclusively in black and grey? Do you have a background in illustration?
I don’t have a formal background in illustration. I just love how black and grey creates contrast and interacts with negative space on the skin. For me, it’s a way to express depth, emotion, and drama. I also love how it ages, it keeps its strength over time.
Are your works based on clients’ requests, or are you the one proposing the concepts?
Most of the time, I offer my own designs. I’ve built a large collection, over 500 original drawings. But if a client comes in with an idea, I do my best to interpret it in my own style.
Diana, your style is also quite graphic. Do you have a background in illustration?
Yes, I studied in art school and then art college. I’ve always thought in a graphic way using simple lines to express feelings and personality. I think that’s why Alex and I have visually similar styles, even though we approach things differently.
How do your artistic identities influence one another?
We talk about art all the time, share ideas, discuss sketches, help each other find solutions. Sometimes one of us sparks inspiration for the other. We’re different, but we’re moving in the same direction.
How did you merge your paths as tattoo artists?
We met during a guest spot in Kraków, Poland. Then the pandemic hit, and we started working together and travelling. First around Ukraine and Europe, then to Germany, and eventually to the U.S.
Do you travel for work?
Yes, all the time. Last year we visited 40 studios across the U.S. Travelling is a huge part of our journey it constantly inspires us and gives our work new meaning.
What were the main stages of your evolution? Have you worked in different studios? Where?
Yes, we’ve worked in studios in Poland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Ukraine, and now in the U.S. Each place gave us something unique, new people, different approaches, a new rhythm of life. When we first lived in Germany, we even experimented with a more realistic tattoo style. But we realized it wasn’t for us and went back to our illustrative approach, which we’re really happy about. It’s not always easy, but we love what we do. That passion gives us the drive to keep going. We’re grateful to share our art and to everyone who supports us especially in times like these.
Are there any future projects you’d love to see realized?
We want to organize a joint art show, release a print series, and maybe host workshops. We’d love to share our experience with others who are passionate about art. We’re hoping to start in 2025.
Ideally, where would you like to settle down and how do you envision your own tattoo shop?
We love the mix of raw and refined, we’re drawn to an industrial style. We both want to create a safe space where people can be themselves and grow both, artistically and personally. We love to share what we have, so we’d be happy to welcome anyone who wants to join our team. A calm, supportive atmosphere is important to us, where everyone matters. That will be our rhythm, without the rush or pressure.
