Sebastian Skrobol is a tattoo artist and illustrator whose work exists somewhere between the language of graphic novels, a gothic fairy tale, and a small personal drama. He works primarily in Berlin, but throughout the year he can be found in many European cities, traveling from one guest spot to another and seeming perfectly at home in constant motion.
His portfolio is made up of small black illustrative tattoos populated by characters that are easy to recognize and even easier to connect with. Little skeletons, cats, strange creatures, and other figures from his visual world may appear charming at first glance, yet beneath that simplicity lies something deeper: themes of death, love, loneliness, attachment, anxiety, and a quiet kind of human tenderness.
His tattoos are rarely large, but each one carries a mood, a story, and a distinct personality — the qualities that turn a small image on the skin into something intimate and meaningful.
Sebastian, could you tell us a bit about yourself — where are you from, and how did you first get into tattooing?
— I was born in Poland, but I currently live in Berlin. Before tattooing, I worked as an illustrator in the game industry, creating book and CD covers, posters, and editorial illustrations. My passion for drawing comes from comic books, and I also published two graphic novels in Poland.
At some point, I had enough of commercial work and decided that tattoos were the easiest way to sell my drawings. So I ordered a machine and started tattooing friends on the couch in my apartment. It wasn’t easy, but somehow it still works to this day. That was around nine years ago.
Could you tell us how your style developed over time? How would you describe the technique and style you work in today?
— Basically, it is just my own drawings, mostly inspired by graphic novels.
In the beginning, I didn’t understand that sometimes a drawing can work well as an illustration, but not as a tattoo. I also had to learn over time what works in tattooing and what doesn’t. Tattoos generally do not age perfectly, so it is important to think about that when designing them.
The main character in many of your tattoos is a little skeleton. How did the idea for this character come about, and how did he become popular?
— The first flash I drew with the skeleton became really popular with my customers, so I just kept drawing more and more designs with him. I think he is popular because everyone can identify with him. I have also made many custom designs with this character.
I called him Jerry, but I don’t think I have ever written about it anywhere, haha.
Do you usually create custom designs based on your clients’ requests, or do you prefer developing your own concepts?
— I do both. Most of my work is based on my flash designs. Very often, I change small details: for example, if a customer doesn’t like that a cat is holding a knife, we change it to a flower.
Sometimes it is nice to make custom designs because my customers have cool ideas. But if I could choose, I would only do my own drawings.
Could you share one or two projects that are especially meaningful to you?
— I have made only one full back piece, and I am really proud of it. Most of my work is very small — palm-sized or smaller — so when I have the chance to do bigger projects, I always enjoy it the most.
Where do you usually find inspiration for your work?
— I think inspiration comes from everywhere: music, movies, comic books, other artists’ work, a sculpture I saw on a building, or a weird shadow during an evening walk. It is hard to say, to be honest.
My favorite artist of all time is Mike Mignola, and I think his influence has had the biggest impact on my work.
Besides tattooing, what other forms of art or creative work do you do?
— I have been drawing comic books all my life. Sometimes I also draw illustrations for myself or for commissions, but only when the project is good.
Tell us about the studio where you currently work — is it a collective space or a private studio?
— At the moment, I don’t have a regular place. I like traveling, seeing new places, and meeting new people, and guest spots give me exactly that. I am really grateful because wherever I go, I always have work.
Do you have experience participating in tattoo conventions?
— I have only been to a few conventions, in Poland and Thailand. For me, there is always too much going on, and I have a hard time focusing on work. But it is nice to meet other tattoo artists, network, and share experiences.
Are you planning any guest spots or trips in the near future? Where and when?
— In May 2026, I am guesting in Germany: Leipzig, Hamburg, and Berlin. In June, I will travel through France: Marseille, Bordeaux, and Paris, ending in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam.
I don’t know about July yet. I don’t like planning more than two months ahead.
Looking ahead, what direction do you see yourself taking over the next few years?
— I will definitely continue traveling, but I also want to sit down for a while and finally work on the projects I have wanted to do for a long time: my own tarot deck and a new graphic novel.
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