Meet Dmytro Shcherbakov | Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Dmytro, what’s your definition for success?
For me, success isn’t a single achievement or a fixed destination. It’s the ability to stay true to what you do while continuing to grow. If I can keep developing as an artist, feel challenged by my own work, and still enjoy the process years into my career, that already feels like success.

Success is also about sustainability – building a life and career that you don’t want to escape from. Being able to do meaningful work, support yourself through your craft, and stay curious over time matters more to me than any one moment of recognition.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in tattooing, but it’s shaped by how I think about composition, contrast, and how images live on the body over time. What sets my work apart is the balance I try to find between graphic clarity and organic flow. I’m interested in creating tattoos that feel strong and intentional, without being overloaded, pieces that hold their structure and presence as the body moves and ages.

Getting to where I am professionally wasn’t effortless. It took years of consistency, discipline, and learning through real experience – working in different studios, traveling for guest spots, and constantly adapting to new environments. Building a career across different countries forces you to stay flexible and focused at the same time.

The main lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from staying honest with yourself. Trends change, circumstances change, and environments change, but your standards and your responsibility to the craft have to stay solid. Progress doesn’t come from shortcuts; it comes from showing up, staying curious, and being willing to evolve without losing your own direction.

What I want people to know about my work and my brand is that it’s built on intention. I care about how a tattoo lives on a real person, not just how it looks in a photo. My story isn’t about overnight success, it’s about steady development, movement, and building something meaningful over time.

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.
If I had a week to show a close friend around Los Angeles, I’d focus on giving them a real mix of the city’s contrasts – movement, culture, nature, and creative energy.

I’d start with long walks through different neighborhoods to feel the rhythm of the city, mixing street-level exploration with time by the ocean. Mornings would probably begin with good coffee and simple food spots, then moving into galleries, small exhibitions, and creative spaces during the day. I’d want to show them places where art and everyday life intersect naturally, not just the obvious landmarks.

Some days would be about nature and space – driving along the coast, catching sunsets, spending time near the water, or heading into the hills for views over the city. Other days would be more about the nightlife side: live music, low-key bars, places with character rather than loud clubs. I’d also try to include moments that feel unplanned – just wandering, stopping when something catches your attention, letting the city reveal itself rather than trying to “check off” locations.

For me, the best experiences in a place come from balance: good food, good people, movement, art, and time to slow down in between. That’s the kind of week I’d want to share, not rushed, but full of atmosphere and small discoveries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There isn’t just one person or organization I’d single out. My path has been shaped by many people and places along the way, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me, crossed my path, or influenced my journey in some way.

I have a lot of appreciation for the tattoo studios I’ve worked with in different parts of the world and for the colleagues I’ve shared space and experience with over the years. I’m also deeply thankful to my clients – their trust and openness are what make this work possible. And above all, I’m grateful to my family for their constant support!

Website: https://www.asphalt-ttt.com

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