Neon pink in the black-and-grey world of Ruslan Millinhton's tattoos

Ruslan Millinhton is a talented tattoo artist whose unique grey and pink style has become his calling card. Ruslan is a shining example of how one can reach the world level, find his own style and become a sought-after artist by combining creativity, technology and active participation in the industry. His style is not just color realism, but a captivating combination of monochrome objects with a neon effect.

Ruslan Millinhton's works immediately catch the eye with their unique combination of black-and-white realism and vibrant pink accents. However, his style is not just about striking color contrast but rather a thoughtful use of light and shadow, as well as composition, which makes each tattoo truly come to life.

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Hey, Ruslan, tell us about yourself. Where are you from? Where do you currently work?

— Hi! my name is Ruslan Millinhton I’m a tattoo artist originally from Sumy, Ukraine. My journey in tattooing started when I was a teenager, experimenting on myself and friends. Over time, I turned my passion into a career, gaining experience in studios across Ukraine and Europe.

Now, I’m based in the U.S. and currently work at Ghost Tattoo Studio in Charlotte, NC. I also travel frequently for guest spots across the country and participate in tattoo conventions, sometimes even as a judge. My work is known for its unique pink-themed style, which has gained popularity and set me apart in the industry.

How and when did you start your journey in tattooing? What led you to this art form?

— My journey in tattooing started when I was around 15-16 years old. I had always been passionate about art and drawing, so when I discovered tattooing, it felt like a natural extension of my creativity.

As I kept practicing, my family supported me financially, allowing me to upgrade to professional equipment. That was a turning point—I started improving rapidly, and soon a local studio in Sumy, Ukraine, noticed my work and offered me a position. This gave me the opportunity to gain real experience and refine my skills.

Over time, I moved to Kyiv, where I built my reputation as a top artist, and eventually, I expanded my career internationally. Tattooing became more than just a job for me—it’s my way of expressing art, connecting with people, and constantly evolving as an artist.

Your portfolio has changed significantly over the past year. Can you tell us how your style has developed?

— My style developed naturally, and I would say it chose me. It all started when I did a tattoo (of a girl with a smile) in gray and pink tones, which quickly gained over half a million views. People really liked this combination. The piece became popular online, and soon after, clients started requesting tattoos in this style more and more. Over time, this approach became my signature, and I kept refining and developing it further.

How do you approach the process of creating your tattoos?

— When creating my tattoos, I start by discussing the concept with the client to understand their vision and personal preferences. I focus on incorporating their ideas into a design that fits their body and complements their style. I use Procreate to sketch and experiment with the design digitally before finalizing it.

Sometimes, I also use artificial intelligence tools to help generate initial design ideas or enhance certain elements. This allows me to explore different variations quickly and find the best direction before committing to the tattoo itself. Once the design is ready, I focus on executing it with precision, paying close attention to details.

Why do you think your clients choose you specifically?

— Clients choose me for my unique style, especially the combination of gray and pink, which has become my signature. I pay close attention to detail and create tattoos that fit the body and reflect the client’s personal vision.

I also value a personal approach with each client, making sure every design feels special and meaningful to them.

Do you have favorite tattoos that you've managed to create? 

— These are the three tattoo projects that really shaped my career and turned it in a whole new direction.

The first one is a skull on the entire back, which at the time was a huge wow factor for everyone. I won awards at tattoo conventions with this piece, and it helped me gain my first recognition in Ukraine and Europe.

The second is a Japan-themed design covering the entire front of my client’s leg. This tattoo earned the most awards in my career and became popular in Canada when I lived there. It taught me the importance of creating something new and unique — something that wasn’t just good, but truly individual.

The third tattoo is the "girl with the smiley" — the beginning of my pink tattoo career. This piece brought me not only more popularity but also a sense of uniqueness, exactly what I was aiming for.

Are there any characters you particularly enjoy depicting in your tattoos?

— I wouldn’t say there’s a specific character I focus on, but I do enjoy depicting characters from horror movies. The dark and eerie aesthetic gives me the freedom to explore details and create something truly unique and impactful, like with glowing eyes.

Are you currently a member of any Pro Teams? How does this reflect on your career?

— Yes, I’m currently part of two ProTeams. The first is Ghost Tattoo Company, which makes Tattoo Trays and Tattoo Armrests, and the second is Emalla, which produces cartridges. Being part of these teams has had a significant impact on my career.

It has given me the opportunity to test and provide feedback on new products, ensuring they meet the high standards needed for professional use. This not only helps me stay ahead of trends and improve my own work but also boosts my credibility within the tattoo community. It’s a great honor and an excellent way to be involved in the development of tools that benefit tattoo artists worldwide.

You are a regular participant in many tattoo conventions. Can you share your experiences and the awards you have won?

— I’ve been fortunate to participate in many tattoo conventions, and each one has been a valuable experience. They push me to think outside the box, help me improve my skills, and introduce me to other talented artists.

The most meaningful awards for me have come from the three key pieces I mentioned earlier, especially from the conventions where I won multiple times. The very first award I received in Kyiv was a major turning point in my career — it validated my work and motivated me to continue pursuing my passion with even more dedication. Over time, I’ve earned several top placements, and each award is a reminder of how far I’ve come and the constant drive to improve.

Do you engage in teaching? 

— I do engage in teaching, but at the moment, I focus on sharing my knowledge online. I have a Patreon and a paid Instagram subscription, where I provide tips and insights on various aspects of tattooing.

While I used to conduct in-person seminars, I now prefer sharing my experience through digital platforms, as it allows me to reach a broader audience and connect with aspiring tattoo artists from all over the world. My goal is to help others improve their craft by giving them practical advice and sharing my personal techniques.

Do you have creative plans for the upcoming year that you'd like to share with your fans?

— I’m planning to participate in the Empire State Tattoo Convention in New York, and I’ll also be a judge at Anime Ink in Richmond, Virginia and in the Odessa Tx "Oil tattoo Convention". It’s going to be an exciting year with lots of opportunities to connect with other artists and showcase my work! And I will visit few more conventions around Charlotte NC.