Russia has long been known for its talented tattoo artists, and Pavel Seneli is a vivid example. Starting his career back in 2018, he has now dedicated himself fully to traditional tattooing and developed his own signature style: bold outlines, rich colors, and expressive imagery. Through depictions of women, cowboys, and symbolic characters, the classics come alive in a way that feels modern and fresh while honoring the roots of traditional tattooing.
— Pavel, let’s start from the very beginning. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from the south, from Rostov-on-Don, Russia. My whole life I was searching for myself, and in the end, I devoted everything to tattooing. I’ve been working for 5 years now at Oldy Tattoo studio in Rostov.
And how exactly did you get into this field?
— I started tattooing in 2018. The desire was huge, but I had no idea where to begin. I had a friend who had already been tattooing for a year, and I spent a lot of time at his sessions. You could say he was my first teacher, although back then I was just soaking up the atmosphere and trying to understand at least something.
It’s known that your path to your current style wasn’t straightforward. How did you arrive at tradition?
— At first, I worked in a different direction — Indian and ornamental tattoos. I’d been thinking about traditional style for a long time but couldn’t take the leap. In 2024, I realized it was time. I created new social media accounts and fully committed myself to traditional tattooing.
What themes and imagery are closest to you?
— I love tattooing women and classic traditional motifs. They have energy, character, and a timeless aesthetic that always looks impressive.
Do you have works you’re especially proud of?
— One of my favorite works came right before the Voronezh convention. I was sitting with a model, we were discussing sketches, and Lana Del Rey’s Summertime Sadness was playing in the studio. I suggested: “Let’s do a girl in the 70s style, sunny and bright.” That’s how it turned out. For me, it’s not just a tattoo but a whole story, and I still get excited about this work.
Where do you find inspiration?
— I get inspired by old magazines — I love taking plots from them and reimagining them in a traditional style. I also closely follow old-school masters: from each of them I try to take something for myself.
How do you work on your professional growth?
— For me, the main thing is to constantly draw. Each new sketch becomes better than the previous one. Conventions also play a huge role: communicating with colleagues, exchanging experiences, and getting new impressions. All this really pushes you forward.
What matters most to you in working with clients?
— For me, it’s important that the workspace is clean, organized, and comfortable. In communication, I’m always honest and open — it’s better to discuss all the details right away and come to a decision that suits both me and the client. It’s important for me that a person leaves not only with a quality tattoo but also with a good impression of the whole process.
Do you take part in conventions?
— In the last couple of years, I realized that conventions are fuel for a tattoo artist. They give you energy, drive, and new goals. Recognition is especially important. I won my first award in 2024 at the “Atom Tattoo Fest” in Obninsk — it was a powerful push forward.
What matters most to you in working with clients?
— For me, it’s important that the workspace is clean, organized, and comfortable. In communication, I’m always honest and open — it’s better to discuss all the details right away and come to a decision that suits both me and the client. It’s important for me that a person leaves not only with a quality tattoo but also with a good impression of the whole process.
What goals do you set for the near future?
— Yes, I want to take part in more conventions: for me, it’s both an opportunity to show my work to a wide audience and a powerful boost. Secondly, I want to dive deeper into traditional tattooing and keep developing my own style.
I’m also working on a series of sketches inspired by vintage 70s–80s culture — I’d like to put together a collection and maybe even present it as a mini-exhibition.
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