Dominik Stelmach – Member of the Global Tattoo Artists Association

Oleksii
Jun 18
5 min read

Today, we're speaking with Dominik Stelmach, a tattoo artist deeply rooted in the Traditional style, known for his bold lines, timeless symbolism, and personal connection to the craft. With a strong sense of aesthetics and respect for tattoo history, Dominik brings classic designs to life with precision and soul. In this interview, he shares the journey that led him to tattooing, his approach to building trust with clients, and why he believes tradition isn’t something static — it’s something you live, reinterpret, and pass on.

What led you to pursue a career in tattooing?

– It’s hard to point to one specific moment—I just always knew I’d become a tattoo artist. I’ve been drawing since I was a child, it felt natural, almost like a language I spoke before I had words. At one point, the only connection I had with a parent was through handwritten letters, so I started sending drawings instead. That’s really where it all began.

Which part of the tattoo process do you enjoy most—creating the design, doing the actual tattooing, or seeing the client’s reaction?

– Honestly, I love the entire process. There’s something magical about watching a piece of art come to life on skin, step by step. Every tattoo feels like a small miracle in motion. And that moment when the client looks in the mirror with a smile—you just know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

How would you define your personal tattoo style?

– I’m a versatile artist and can work in different styles—but that doesn’t mean I always want to. For me, tattooing is a way of expressing myself, and my personal style leans toward colorful surrealism with strong, contrasting colors that work together to tell a story. I’m especially passionate about portraits—bringing faces to life with emotion, expression, and depth. I often mix realistic portraits with surreal, neon-inspired elements to create something that feels both intimate and otherworldly.

What has been the most difficult or demanding tattoo project you've worked on?

– It’s hard to name just one, but the most challenging so far has been a cover-up on a client’s calf—a realistic, colorful portrait of Dobby, fully in my style. Technically, it’s not the most difficult piece, but the challenge came from the circumstances. The client had undergone leg surgery, making the area extremely sensitive and painful. Because of that, we’ve had to split the tattoo into multiple shorter sessions. We’re not even halfway done yet—and honestly, the hardest part is simply waiting to finish it. I can already see it in my mind, and I’m counting the days until it’s complete.

What do you do to ensure your clients feel relaxed and safe during their tattoo session?

– For me, it’s all about connection. I take a very personal approach—I like to get to know each client, talk with them, understand their story. There’s always music playing in the background, and I try to create a calm, friendly atmosphere with good energy. I always do my best to help each client not just with the design, but with understanding the whole process. I explain not only what I’m doing, but also why—I love sharing my passion with people, and I think that makes a difference. Honestly, I don’t even think about it too much. It just comes naturally.

In your opinion, are tattoos more about personal meaning or simply a form of visual art?

– Even when a tattoo doesn’t have a specific symbolic meaning and is chosen simply for its beauty, it still reflects something personal. By wearing art on our skin, we express who we are—our character, our spirit. So yes, I believe every tattoo has meaning. It becomes part of us, a mirror of our inner world.

What’s the longest stretch of time you’ve spent working on a tattoo?

– Honestly, I’m not a fan of super long sessions. I think they’re uncomfortable—for both the artist and the client. I usually prefer 4–5 hour sessions, which I find to be the sweet spot. But the longest one was definitely during the Rotterdam Tattoo Convention: two days in a row, and one of them was around 9 hours of almost non-stop tattooing. For the client—and honestly, for me too—it was kind of a nightmare.

Are there any tattoo artists who have greatly influenced your work or whom you look up to?

– There are so many artists I admire—it’s hard to name them all. But a few that definitely stand out for me are Dmitriy Samohin, Chris Mata’afa, Ad Pancho, and Michał Wurszt. Each of them has a unique approach, and their technical skill and creativity constantly push the boundaries of what tattooing can be.

Can you share a story behind a tattoo you did that had special meaning for the client?

– There have been quite a few, actually. Some of the most emotional tattoos I’ve done were connected to the loss of a child or similar personal tragedies. These stories stay with you—they’re not something you forget easily. I think many tattoo artists carry certain moments and emotions from their clients long after the session ends. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not just creating art, we’re often helping people heal.

What’s the most surprising or unconventional tattoo request you’ve ever received?

– Definitely the time someone asked me to include the ashes of their late dog in the tattoo ink. It was an incredibly emotional and personal idea, but also something I couldn’t agree to for hygiene and safety reasons.

Do you think the art of tattooing is changing, and how do you see the industry evolving over the next 10 years?

– Definitely. I believe tattooing is evolving into a complete art form—one that goes far beyond the skin. The lines between tattooing and fine art are already starting to blur, and I think in the next decade, tattoos will be seen as living, breathing masterpieces. At the same time, the social perception of tattoos is changing rapidly. They’re no longer taboo—they’re becoming a respected form of self-expression across all generations and professions. That shift opens the door for deeper artistic exploration and for artists to create work that truly resonates, both visually and emotionally.

If you run a studio or teach others, could you talk about your role and what that experience has been like?

– I’ve been tattooing for just under a year and a half, and I run a small private studio in Rotterdam. It’s a personal space where I can fully focus on my craft and connect with each client individually. My mission is to keep evolving as an artist and, over time, help reshape the tattoo scene in the Netherlands—by bringing in not just strong visuals, but a fourth dimension of emotion, meaning, and artistic soul.

Connect with Dominik Stelmach

Email: Dominik.stelmach94@gmail.com

Instagram: @minerva_tattooart