Meet Eugene Hook

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eugene Hook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eugene, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from a small town in central Ukraine, where my journey as an artist began in a rather unconventional way. At just 13, I did my first tattoo with a guitar string—a piece of art that my friend still wears proudly. This early start sparked a lifelong passion for tattooing, but my artistic path took several fascinating turns.

After earning a degree in design, I moved to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. There, I immersed myself in the world of production design, working with the country’s biggest TV channel. My role as a production designer on high-profile projects like Ukraine’s Got Talent, The X-Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Bachelor was both challenging and rewarding. These experiences honed my skills in visual storytelling and project management, which deeply influenced my approach to tattooing.

In 2016, I decided to pivot fully to tattooing, leaving behind my successful TV career. This transition allowed me to focus on my true passion and to express my creativity in a more personal and impactful way. Now based in Downtown Los Angeles, I run my own tattoo studio, where I blend my design expertise with my love for tattoo artistry.

My background in both design and production has profoundly shaped my work as a tattoo artist. It’s given me a unique perspective on creativity and aesthetics, helping me craft intricate and meaningful designs for my clients.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in my passion for realism tattooing and my commitment to continuous improvement. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be an artist, a role that brings me immense joy and fulfillment. One of the aspects I cherish most about my work is the constant challenge to push my skills and creativity further. I’m someone who thrives on setting higher standards for myself and striving to achieve them, which keeps my work fresh and exciting.

The best and most challenging part of my journey is the people I work with. On one hand, interacting with clients and seeing their reactions to my work is incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, managing relationships and expectations can be demanding. As a professional in realism tattooing, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring around 15 apprentices. Teaching and guiding them through the intricacies of the craft is a significant part of my professional life, and it’s a rewarding experience to see them grow and develop their own styles.

In addition to tattooing, I continue to create interior art, which allows me to explore different creative avenues and express myself in new ways. For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to combine my skills in tattooing with other forms of art.

What could be better for an artist than having the chance to constantly challenge oneself, share knowledge with the next generation, and engage in diverse artistic projects? This blend of continuous personal growth and the joy of working with others makes every day in my studio a rewarding adventure.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Everything is easy with me! We’re definitely visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios, and maybe even Six Flags, depending on my friend. I’m a huge fan of all of it—maybe my career as a production designer has something to do with that! We’ll indulge in a big spread of oysters paired with Mango Cart beer at Redondo Beach Pier, enjoy lobster rolls in Malibu, and finish with an amazing dinner at King’s Fish House. I’d also take them to explore Rodeo Drive and the Venice Canals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife has always been my greatest support. She was the one who encouraged me to gradually transition my art into digital form. She also pushed me to attend my first tattoo convention, where I earned my first achievement.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hook_tattoo