In Conversation with Dmitry Troshin – A Masterclass in Black & Gray Realism

From Moscow’s streets to California’s Vatican Studios, Dmitry Troshin has carved a unique path in the world of tattooing. Before finding his true calling, Dmitry explored various creative fields, from photography and videography to graphic design. However, it wasn’t until he encountered the captivating beauty of black and gray realism that his passion for tattooing was sparked. Over the past twelve years, he has honed his craft, developing a distinctive #3rlonly technique and earning recognition with numerous awards. In this interview, Dmitry shares his journey, inspirations, and the meaningful connections he builds through his art.

Check out the interview with Dmitry below.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you’re from?

My name is Dmitry Troshin; I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. Always being a creative person, I’ve worked ten different jobs before starting tattooing, from photography and videography to graphic design and sales. I fell in love with black and gray tattooing twelve years ago and have been doing it since then. I’ve traveled the world, won multiple awards (including 6 “Best of Show”), developed my own technique #3rlonly, done multiple seminars, and taught hundreds of tattoo artists.

Tell us about your journey into tattooing? What led you to pursue a career in tattooing?

I’ve never thought I could make a living by being an artist, so I tried other jobs and eventually got utterly bored with those. At the same time, I had never been attracted to tattoos until I saw how beautiful and realistic black and gray tattoos can be. As someone who has always liked to draw with a pencil, I found it natural to start tattooing in that style and keep developing my unique look. Most of my first tattoos were done in my kitchen; then, I started working in private studios and traveling. In 2017, I moved to the US with my wife and have been working at the Vatican Studios since then.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? Is there an artist that inspires you?

I have always liked classical art—sculptures, fine art, mythology, and religious motives—so at least half of my work is based on that. Another source of inspiration for me is my clients’ lives—their hobbies, family, past, and future. I love telling stories of my clients and turning those stories into art on their bodies. I feel like this is the most unique and personal a tattoo can be when it’s about the person.

How do you deliver a meaningful experience for your clients?

I just try my best to put 100% of my skill and imagination into my work while at the same time making sure my clients are comfortable during the sessions. Most of my projects are full arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and back pieces, which take multiple sessions, so I spend a lot of time with my clients. They come to the session to get rest from work, life, and kids and just relax in the chair while getting their bodies decorated. Sometimes, we talk all day; sometimes, they sleep all day or watch movies.

What tools and techniques do you use to achieve your tattoo style?‍

I’ve been working with Bishop Rotary machines for about ten years, and I love them. I helped fine-tune some of them, and my machine with Bishop is coming next year. We’re also releasing my signature needles in the next few months, which I can’t wait to share with everyone. My technique is called #3rlonly because I use this tiny needle for everything, including huge back pieces and sleeves. I’ve taught and helped hundreds of artists worldwide to learn and get better at this technique and I’m excited to see more people trying and getting amazing results with it.

In 20 words or less, how would you describe that tattoo style: Realism?

I’d describe my style as highly detailed and extremely clean black&gray realism with high contrast, a lot of negative space, and unique grain reminiscent of analogue photography and pencil drawing.

Check out more of Dmitry's work here and book with him now.

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