A fascinating glimpse into the work of one of the most famous tattoo artists of our time. When you think of tattoo art at the very highest level, you can’t overlook Boris. Born in 1972 in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, he began tattooing in 1992—at a time when tattoos were nowhere near as accepted as they are today. Nevertheless, he fearlessly threw himself into the adventure and, with his indomitable will combined with talent and a love of experimentation, catapulted himself to the top of the international scene.
What makes Boris so unique is his blend of fantasy and realism, which he brings to life with a rare combination of artistic flair and technical precision. Whether you’re into black-and-gray tattoos with atmospheric shading or prefer colorful designs—Boris masters both at the absolute highest level! His meticulously detailed portraits, fantastical mythical creatures, and surreal dreamscapes impressively reflect how he continually redefines the boundary between imagination and reality.
In addition to his tattoo artistry, Boris is also actively involved in the development of tattoo products. He travels around the world to share his knowledge at conventions and conferences and to continually expand his own expertise. As one of the first tattoo artists to champion the use of modern technologies such as the modular needle system, Boris has not only helped shape the industry but has also driven it forward with innovative ideas. His openness to new technologies and his dedication to classic tattoo art make him a pioneer in the industry.
In an exclusive interview withtattoo.ch, Boris shares insights into his early years, his sources of inspiration, his perspective on the tattoo industry, and his thoughts on the future of the art of tattooing.
Beginnings & Inspiration
Hi Boris, what originally inspired you to start tattooing?
I grew up in Hungary under the communist regime. I got my first tattoo in 1992 when I was 20—back then, tattooing was still purely an underground culture. The first tattoo studios in Hungary didn’t open until 1989 or 1990, and there were perhaps only two or three in the entire country. However, they immediately became very popular because they represented a symbol of freedom during a time of change. Before that, there were only hand-poked tattoos, which were mostly done in prisons. In comparison, the work from professional studios had a completely different artistic value—that’s what fascinated me.
What was the tattoo scene like in Hungary when you started your career?
When I started in 1992, there were only a handful of studios. By 1994–95, however, their number had increased significantly. The first-generation tattoo artists all knew each other and stuck together. We were convinced that modern tattooing could be elevated to an artistic level. Our goal was to raise awareness of the art form and establish it in society. In Hungary at the time, that was a major challenge—tattoos were not accepted and were generally viewed as a fringe phenomenon. They were popular mainly among bikers and rockers, as well as among Western tourists. But we began to network and drive the change forward.
Were there any particular artists or events that had a significant influence on your style?
It was more of a gradual process than the result of any one person or event. Back then, a tattoo artist had to be versatile. The market was small, and there were hardly any opportunities for specialization. Nevertheless, driven by growing demand and our own interest, we developed a preference for fantasy and realism. Interestingly, this style wasn’t initially accepted in Western tattoo culture. Its longevity was questioned. But time has proven us right—today, realism is an integral part of tattoo art.
Style & Technique
Your work is known for its precision and creativity. How do you develop your designs, and what inspires you?
Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to my clients coming to me with an idea and trusting me to bring it to life creatively. For me, tattooing has never been a means of self-expression—it’s an expression of the person wearing the tattoo. People choose to immortalize important moments in their lives on their skin. I draw my inspiration from my surroundings—whether it’s civilization, nature, or the universe. I often think about how we ourselves are part of the universe and are subject to all its influences.
What techniques, tools, and materials do you prefer, and how have they evolved over the course of your career?
For the first 15 years of my career, I was extremely eager to experiment. I wanted to try out every new machine and every new ink color. I did a lot of painting, drawing, sculpting, and photography. During that time, digital technology made its way into the tattoo industry. Photoshop became an essential tool for design—it allowed me to create impressive designs with minimal effort. In the second half of my career, I focused on working with tried-and-true tools. Incidentally, I was Cheyenne’s first sponsored artist and played a pivotal role in popularizing the needle module system, which was still controversial at the time.
Do you have any favorite themes or designs that you particularly enjoy tattooing?
My motto has always been “Varietas Delectat”—diversity delights. I love working in harmony with my clients. Their wishes inspire me. I don’t want to impose anything on them, but rather to blend their ideas with my art.
The Evolution of the Tattoo Industry
How have you seen the tattoo industry evolve over the years? Were there any positive and negative aspects?
I’ve witnessed the true “tattoo renaissance” firsthand throughout my career. The growing acceptance, new trends, and technical advancements have been impressive. But with that growing popularity came commercialization. While there are more amazing tattoo artists today than ever before, there are also many who view tattoos solely as a business. Quality and ethics often suffer as a result.
What trends are you currently seeing?
I’ve deliberately distanced myself from trends. At a certain point, I no longer wanted to be influenced by tattoo magazines. I’ve noticed that most of my clients are between 30 and 40 years old—they got their first tattoos early on, know the scene well by now, and specifically invest in quality. Since I’m now 20 years older than this generation, their cultural and artistic influences are often completely different from mine.
What do you think of the growing digitalization in the tattoo world?
Digital technologies are neither good nor bad—it all depends on how they are used. Artificial intelligence is a controversial topic. However, if I need a perfect image of an elephant’s lower abdomen, I can’t just search for it online—this is where AI can be a solution. Nevertheless, artists must have a deep understanding of visual composition in order to truly create art.
Personal Insights & Future Plans
How do you stay creative and motivated?
When I first gained international recognition, I worked extremely hard for 10 years. My waiting list was two years long; I tattooed five days a week and did my planning at night. That led to health problems when I was 35. Since then, I’ve focused on finding a better work-life balance—I spend more time with my family, exercise every day, eat a healthy diet, and no longer smoke. That keeps me motivated.
What projects are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m focusing on my studio and enjoying everyday life. I’ve also compiled my knowledge on tattooingatoz.com —a platform for aspiring tattoo artists—and am working on several projects at once.
What do you think the future of tattoo art holds?
The industry is becoming increasingly diverse. New styles are emerging, traditional techniques are making a comeback, and technical capabilities are advancing rapidly. As long as there is demand, I will keep going—for me, tattooing isn’t just a job, but an essential part of my life.
My studio is my home, and I’m delighted to have created an environment where artists and clients feel at ease. I believe that in the future, studios will establish themselves even more firmly as creative hubs—places where people don’t just get tattoos, but also share art and knowledge. The exchange between experienced tattoo artists and emerging talent is crucial to further advancing the quality of the scene.
The biggest challenge for the future will be to preserve the authenticity, artistic quality, and hygiene standards of tattooing—in a world where everything is becoming faster, more digital, and more commercial.
Thank you so much for the inspiring conversation, Boris!
Your passion for tattooing and your perspective on the industry are a real asset to the entire tattoo community. If you’d like to learn more about Boris and his work, visit him at tattooingatoz.com or follow him on social media.