Carving Myths into Skin: An Interview with Nazarii Kuryliak

There’s an undeniable poetry in turning ancient marble gods into living, breathing art. For Nazarii Kuryliak, a tattoo artist specializing in black and grey realism with a sculptural twist, Greek mythology isn’t just inspiration, it’s a language! His tattoos are more than ink on skin; they are carved stories, rich in light, shadow, and meaning. We sat down with Nazarii to discuss his artistic journey, the magic of myth, and how he blends timeless art with modern tools to create works that last a lifetime.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the world of tattoo artistry?

My name is Nazarii, and I’m a professional tattoo artist specializing in a sculptural style of black and grey realism rooted in Greek mythology. My journey began long before I ever picked up a tattoo machine. During my time in art school, I was fascinated by classical sculpture, anatomy, and the way light interacts with form. That love for detail eventually led me to tattooing, where I discovered I could combine the precision of fine art with a living canvas.

Tattoos are a personal medium. What inspired you to translate your classical art skills onto skin?

It was the desire to create work that lives and breathes with the person wearing it. Tattoos are incredibly personal and become a part of someone’s identity. The intimacy and permanence of that connection inspired me to make it my life’s work.

Your style is a unique blend of realism and sculpture. What other art movements influence your designs?

I would describe my style as black and grey realism with a sculptural, almost three-dimensional feel. My work aims to look like carved stone or a living statue on the skin. Greek mythology is my main source of inspiration, but I also draw heavily from classical sculpture, Renaissance art, and chiaroscuro painting techniques. They all bring a sense of elegance, symbolism, and depth to my designs.

Tell us about your journey from your early days to today.

I started about eight years ago with neo-traditional tattooing, focusing on bold lines, color, and ornamental work. My career began in Poland, where I built my first client base. Moving to England was a turning point; the tattoo culture there really drew me toward realism. I refined my skills, merging the precision from my earlier work with the depth and shading of sculptural black and grey. Now, Greek mythology has become my signature, and my style has been shaped by my experiences in both countries.

Balancing personal vision with a client’s request is a challenge. How have you navigated this?

The biggest challenge has been balancing my own artistic vision with my clients’ expectations. Early on, I learned how to adapt my approach while staying true to my style. It’s a process that has made me more versatile without forcing me to compromise my artistic integrity.

How do you collaborate with clients to create custom tattoos?

The process always starts with understanding their story, what the tattoo means to them and what emotions they want it to convey. I ask for references, such as favorite artworks, mythological figures, textures, and lighting examples. From there, we merge their vision with my style to create something that is both personal and timeless.

Do you have a favorite project?

My favorite projects often happen at conventions because clients tend to give me full creative freedom. One memorable piece was a full inner leg tattoo of Athena’s face surrounded by radiant beams, which flowed into dynamic sculptural figures. It was the result of months of ideas poured into a single design that captured a marble-like texture, lifelike volume, and a deep sense of story.

Why does Greek mythology resonate so deeply with you, and how do you modernize it on skin?

The themes are timeless, the symbolism is powerful, and the figures are visually striking. The gods and heroes of Greek mythology translate beautifully into black and grey realism. Using my 3RL technique, I can capture the softness of skin, the roughness of marble, and the play of light and shadow to make each piece feel alive. Every figure carries a powerful story, Athena’s wisdom, Poseidon’s strength and that narrative connection resonates deeply with my clients.

You use modern tools for you work. How do they fit with the classical nature of your art?

Technology has completely transformed the field. I now use two different tattoo machines to create precise light and dark tones, and I even use AI-generated concepts for brainstorming. AI doesn’t replace the act of drawing; it simply speeds up the initial creative stage. It allows me to refine unique ideas in Procreate and design something that perfectly fits the client’s anatomy.

Your process is very detailed. Can you walk us through how a concept becomes a finished tattoo?

It always begins with a consultation where we discuss the story, references, and scope of the project. On the day of the tattoo appointment, we create the sketch together. We might start by generating concepts in MidJourney and then refine the final design in Procreate for a perfect fit. Planning the placement is crucial; the design must flow naturally with the body to ensure it ages well.

Your shading has an incredible softness and depth, almost like marble. What specific tools and techniques help you achieve this texture?

The 3RL technique using a three-round liner needle is essential for creating fine detail and soft gradients. I combine this with a two-machine setup that allows me to handle light and dark tones separately. The process feels like painting with layers of light and shadow.

Finally, for the aspiring artists who look up to your work and want to develop their own unique voice, what foundational advice would you offer?

Master the fundamentals first: drawing, anatomy, and the principles of light and shadow. Be patient, as it takes years to build both skill and confidence. Instead of chasing trends, focus on finding your own unique voice. Learn from mentors, attend conventions, and never stop evolving. Above all, always respect the craft and the people who wear your art.

Follow Nazarii’s work on Instagram: @naztattooerr

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