From his hometown of Lviv, Ukraine, to Los Angeles, where he now works at Nautilus Tattoo Studio, Yanko Maksym—better known on social media as @yanox_art—has followed a tattooing journey spanning over ten years.
With a realistic style that leans toward dark imagery, he has set himself apart through the cinematic and emotional power of his work. In this interview, he shares his artistic evolution, the key milestones of his career, his favorite subjects, and his goals for the future.
Hi Yanko, where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Lviv, Ukraine a beautiful city with a rich artistic culture. I’m currently based in Los Angeles, where I work at Nautilus Tattoo Studio, but I regularly travel for guest spots and tattoo conventions across the U.S.
How long have you been in the tattoo world?
I’ve been tattooing for over 10 years now. What started as a hobby in my teenage years eventually became my full-time passion and profession. Every year, I’ve grown not only as an artist but also as a person through this craft.
Have you always worked in Los Angeles? What have been the key milestones in your career?
No, I began my career in Ukraine, where I actively participated in tattoo seminars and local festivals. Later, I worked as a guest artist in Europe, which gave me valuable international experience. After moving to the United States, my career took a major leap forward. I’ve had the opportunity to tattoo several well-known public figures, including NBA players Dennis Schröder, Delon Wright, and Daniel Theis, musician Jason Aalon Butler from Fever 333, YouTuber Landon McBroom, motivational speaker and shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder, and Eddie Jackson.
I’ve also participated in many major tattoo conventions across the U.S., where I’ve received numerous awards, including multiple 1st place titles and the Best of Show award. My work has been featured in several international magazines, and I’ve also been published in academic journals for my artistic approach and contribution to the industry.
Your style is realistic with a dark inclination. How would you describe it?
I specialize in realism but more than that, I aim to create tattoos that are cinematic, emotional, and unforgettable. My work often carries a dark, symbolic tone not in a negative way, but in a way that tells stories with depth and intensity.
I treat every piece like a scene from a film, built with attention to light, texture, and emotion.
Are there particular subjects you love working on?
Honestly, any subject can become incredible as long as there’s artistic freedom. When a client trusts me and gives me space to interpret the idea creatively, that’s when the magic happens. I love those moments when I can fully dive into the concept, build a powerful composition, and bring depth and meaning into every element.
Looking ahead, what are your next steps?
One of my main goals moving forward is to make my tattoo style more widely recognized not just in the U.S., but internationally as well. That’s why I’m actively participating in tattoo conventions and collaborating with outstanding artists during guest spots in different states.
These experiences allow me to continue refining my technique, evolving creatively, and sharing my unique approach with a broader audience.
Now that tattooing is mainstream, what qualities help an artist truly stand out?
First authenticity. You need a unique style and voice. But also: discipline, preparation, and a real connection to your clients. You also need to be consistent, humble, and always growing. The industry is competitive, but passion, vision, and work ethic will always shine through.
