The new star of Russian neo-traditional tattooing – Tural Mk

In 2024, tattoo conventions and festivals saw the emergence of many bright artists for whom these events became the first big step toward fame. Among them were both newcomers and those who had been working in the industry for a long time but only now decided to step into the spotlight.

A new name that has shone brightly on the Russian tattoo scene is Tural Mk. This tattoo artist from Nizhny Novgorod made a bold statement, winning multiple awards at Russian tattoo festivals in 2024 and quickly earning the respect of colleagues and the interest of audiences.

His works are characterized by deep colors, dynamic compositions, and meticulously refined details. He began his journey with anime tattoos but found his niche in neo-traditional style, incorporating elements of folklore, graphic art, and comic book expressionism. It was within neo-traditional that he discovered the perfect balance between movement, color, and personal interpretation of themes.

One can notice that the artist draws inspiration from mythical creatures, especially those from Old Slavic mythology—leshy, devils, mermaids. These images often form the foundation of his work. He is drawn to the eerie atmosphere of sinister swamps, dark forests, and ancient times, which he conveys through botanical ornaments—seaweed, mushrooms, and dense vegetation.

I am attracted to the aesthetics of entropy and decay. I love combining death and bloom, ugliness and beauty, destruction and the birth of something new.

Of course, his years of working with anime tattoos have influenced his current style. While working with anime tattoos, he trained extensively in aerial perspective and dynamic compositions. According to him, anime aesthetics are similar to comics, where lines can convey speed, movement, rhythm, space, and emotion. Exposure to anime and comics allowed him to experiment, making his work more lively and dynamic.

One of the artist's signature tattoos is the pirate dog tattoo, created at the Krasnoyarsk convention. This piece is special to him—it is a portrait of a client’s beloved pet, a dog trainer’s companion, adding a personal touch to the work. Although the tattoo did not win an award, it was recognized by fellow artists and became a symbol of personal victory for Tural.

Among Tural's sketches, a full-body suit featuring a Cockatrice—a creature that combines traits of a snake and a rooster—caught our attention. The project is impressive but has yet to find a client. In Russia, the image of a rooster carries controversial symbolism, complicating its realization. However, the artist remains committed to the idea, waiting for someone bold enough to bring it to life.

Tural's journey into the tattoo world began with an unexpected request from friends in his dormitory. They noticed his talent for drawing and asked him to create "scrappy" tattoos. Gradually, his hobby turned into a profession—his first clients, his own workspace, and technical refinement. However, the key moment was meeting master Sergey Rakov, whose work inspired Tural to move forward.

Later, his sources of inspiration expanded beyond tattoo art to include painting. Tural draws ideas from the ornaments of Alphonse Mucha, the dark comics of Mike Mignola, and the fairy tale illustrations of Ivan Bilibin.

Currently, Tural works at the "Abuse" studio in Nizhny Novgorod—a place filled with creativity and inspiration. Each artist here has their own style, but the studio is united not only by art but also by its lively atmosphere. Discussions about tattoos turn into real debates and brainstorming sessions, fueling artistic growth.

Today, Tural’s schedule is booked 1–1.5 months in advance. He works without days off, conducting two sessions a day, maintaining high speed without compromising quality.

I am one of those driven artists who can work without weekends, doing two sessions a day. I work fast—so I schedule new clients quickly.

His technique and style have already set him apart, and at conventions, spectators gather around his booth, curiously watching his process. His portfolio already boasts prestigious awards from major festivals:

Krasnoyarsk Red Ink Fest (2024) — 1st place in Best of Day Neotrad and Body Suit Design
Voronezh Tatumo (2024) — 1st place in Best of Day Color
Obninsk (2024) — 3rd place in Best of Day Color and for a collaboration.

I realized that conventions are essential for me to feel my own triumph. It makes me respect myself more as an artist.

Beyond competing, Tural also evaluates the work of other artists. In 2024, he was invited to be a jury member at the "Pigments of the Urals" festival in Magnitogorsk and Chelyabinsk, a recognition of his professionalism in the industry.

Tural plans to participate in international festivals and collaborate with other artists. His recent joint projects in Voronezh and Obninsk proved that such ventures bring not only new experiences but also industry recognition.

I like the idea that a tattoo should be like a classic suit—always in fashion yet timeless, enhancing and embellishing a person.

We are confident that his works will continue to captivate audiences at global conventions. And who knows—perhaps the Cockatrice will one day become Tural Mk’s new signature piece.