Ink and Anime: Oleksandr Mazharskyi’s Journey into Tattooing

Tattoos are more than just ink on skin—they are stories, memories, and personal expressions brought to life through art. For tattoo artist Oleksandr Mazharskyi, each piece he creates carries both technical mastery and emotional depth. Specializing in anime and manga-inspired designs, he has carved out a niche for himself in the competitive tattoo industry. But his journey into tattooing wasn’t conventional—it was fueled by a mix of passion, determination, and an unwavering love for art.

From First Ink to First Machine

Oleksandr Mazharskyi’s journey into tattooing began unexpectedly. After getting his first tattoo—an expensive and poorly done piece—he had an epiphany: he could do better. That realization led him to purchase a tattoo machine from a friend and immerse himself in learning the craft through YouTube tutorials and tattoo-related talk shows. What started as a personal challenge quickly transformed into a passionate career. He officially began his tattooing journey in 2018, spending countless hours perfecting his technique on practice skins and later on willing friends.

Anime as Art, Skin as Canvas

For Oleksandr, tattooing isn’t just about ink—it’s about storytelling. A lifelong anime fan and artist since childhood, he found the perfect way to merge his two passions: anime tattooing. Having watched anime since the age of 11 and drawn for just as long, he developed a deep appreciation for the detailed art style of manga. Translating beloved manga frames onto skin with precision and detail, he ensures that his clients carry their favorite moments forever. “Now I always have an excuse for watching anime,” he jokes, “I’m just working!”

His specialization in anime and manga tattoos means his approach is highly technical, often requiring precise replication of intricate designs. He strives to capture every shadow, stroke, and expression with the highest level of detail so that the tattoo feels like it was lifted directly from the page. For Oleksandr, it’s more than just reproducing an image—it’s about preserving the emotional impact that a particular anime or manga scene holds for his client.

Mastering the Craft

Oleksandr’s dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous approach. Whether he’s replicating iconic manga scenes or working on custom designs, he prioritizes detail and accuracy. Clients seeking unique pieces are involved in the creative process—providing references, discussing placement, and reviewing multiple sketches before finalizing a design.

For custom projects, the process is even more involved. If a client wants a one-of-a-kind piece, Oleksandr begins by gathering as much information as possible—desired themes, personal connections to the characters, and placement preferences. From there, he creates 2-4 different sketches before refining the final concept with the client’s input. This ensures that every tattoo is not just visually stunning but also meaningful to the wearer.

Despite years of experience, his biggest challenge remains the pursuit of constant improvement. “The goal is to be better than you were yesterday,” he says. His work reflects this relentless drive, and his favorite piece—a detailed tattoo of Luffy and Kaido from One Piece—took eight hours of intense focus to complete. “I’m very self-critical, but that one, I’m proud of.”

The Evolution of Tattooing

The tattoo industry has changed dramatically since Oleksandr started. Equipment is more accessible, learning resources are plentiful, and newcomers have more opportunities than ever. But with rapid advancements come new challenges—like the rise of tattoo printers. While he acknowledges the convenience, he firmly believes that hand-drawn, artist-driven tattoos will always hold a unique value. “Machines can print, but they can’t create,” he says.

Looking ahead, Oleksandr predicts that in 10 years, there will be a rise in tattoo salons using automated printers that can complete designs in minutes for a fraction of the cost. This could push many mediocre artists out of the industry. However, he remains confident that unique, handcrafted tattoos will always be in demand. “People will always value originality and craftsmanship. Those with a distinctive style will thrive.”

Meaningful Ink

Some tattoos leave a lasting impact—not just on the client, but on the artist as well. One of the most memorable pieces Oleksandr has done was a portrait of Brook from One Piece for a client who lost his father. “His dad used to play the piano and sing happy songs for him. The tattoo was his tribute,” he recalls. “It’s moments like that that remind me why I love this job.”

Another meaningful experience was working on a highly detailed reproduction of a Japanese ink painting of a lily. The client’s father had drawn it, and she wanted it tattooed as a permanent tribute to him. While it wasn’t in Oleksandr’s usual anime style, he took on the project because of its emotional significance. “It’s an honor to create something so deeply personal,” he says.

Advice for Beginners

For those considering their first tattoo, Oleksandr’s advice is simple: research your artist thoroughly. Look at their healed work, read reviews, and ensure their style aligns with your vision. He also emphasizes patience—choosing a tattoo should never be rushed. “Live with the idea for a while before committing,” he suggests. If a client is hesitant, he sometimes recommends using a temporary stencil to get a feel for how the design looks and fits before making the final decision.

For aspiring tattoo artists, his message is one of perseverance: “If something goes wrong, take a breath, step away, and come back with a plan. And most importantly—never give up.”

A Future in Ink

Now based in New York after relocating due to the war in Ukraine, Oleksandr continues to build his career, attending conventions and connecting with fellow artists. He thrives in the vibrant energy of the tattoo community and looks forward to evolving his style further. “Being surrounded by people who share your passion is inspiring. There’s always something new to learn.”

He has also become deeply involved in tattoo conventions, which he only discovered a year ago but quickly fell in love with. “The energy at conventions is incredible. You’re surrounded by people who live and breathe tattooing. Watching top artists work and exchanging knowledge is priceless.”

With his dedication to anime tattooing, storytelling through ink, and commitment to craftsmanship, Oleksandr Mazharskyi isn’t just a tattoo artist—he’s a creator of lasting memories.

Follow Oleksandr’s Work

To see more of Oleksandr’s tattoo artistry, follow him on Instagram: @majarsky_ink

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