«Technique can be learned fairly quickly, but understanding the philosophy and responsibility behind tattooing takes much longer». This is what Vasilij, a Lithuanian tattoo artist specializing in NeoTrad, says to Tattoo Life. And we can only agree with him.
Hi Vasilij, why did you want to be a tattoo artist?
Becoming a tattoo artist wasn’t part of my plan. Back in 2011, my friends and I played in a metalcore band, and since I was always drawing, they insisted I should start tattooing – “Hey, musicians need tattoos.”
They handed me a rough beginner kit and offered themselves as my first clients. It was a fun and carefree time when everything felt simpler. We weren’t thinking about careers – we were just having a great time, trying things, experimenting, enjoying the moment. And tattooing naturally became part of that.
Why did you choose NeoTraditional as your primary form of expression?
At the beginning, I tried every style and thought each had its own challenge. But with time you realize it’s all about understanding and skill – when you grasp the logic of the craft, things become smoother. NeoTraditional eventually became the perfect balance for me: form, texture, expression. I never get bored working in this style. Stylish. Bold. Timeless.
Do you think you’ve had one or more mentors along your artistic path, or do you consider yourself a complete self-made tattoo artist?
I never had one single mentor who taught me everything, but I learned from many people along the way. At different moments, certain artists’ opinions were important to me.
I’ve always paid close attention to details – needle choices, machines, hand movements, the overall approach to work.
I still learn every day. That curiosity keeps me from burning out and constantly brings something new to my process. Technique can be learned fairly quickly, but understanding the philosophy and responsibility behind tattooing takes much longer. And that’s what shapes you as an artist!
Your tattoos are, first and foremost, original because you can see the “artist’s touch” behind them, their creativity, their desire to bring a design to life on the skin. What does “originality” mean to someone like you?
Originality is the ability to let people experience your work without instantly comparing it to someone else’s. From the first piece they see, they should recognize your “language” – your way of communicating. If that resonates, they’ll find their own meaning in it.
Where does your love for all those warm, bold, and intense colors that enrich your works come from?
I’ve always been drawn to natural organic objects, and that naturally shaped my sense of color. I choose tones that, in my eyes, interact in an interesting way, complement each other, and create strong contrast. The color wheel is definitely my friend! (laughs) Every artist has their own formula for transforming objects into their style, and over time I found mine.
I simply create what I believe will look stylish and beautiful – not only right after the session, but decades later.
How was your 2025?
I’m not someone who likes to complain, so I can say 2025 was a good year. I achieved a lot. I mean things I had been working toward for many years.
What big plans do you have for 2026?
In 2026, I want to reinforce those results and push myself to the next level. I’d also love to travel around Asia. I’ll be at the Paris convention ‘Mondial du Tatouage’ in January (IG: @mondialdutatouage), and will continue my regular guest spots in Helsinki and Reykjavik.
In your native Lithuania, you tattoo mainly in the major cities of Vilnius and Klaipėda. Where exactly?
I don’t currently have my own studio. For now, it’s more convenient to rent a workspace – as long as it’s clean, comfortable, and surrounded by good people. That’s all I need.
And your last famous words are…?
Make every piece in a way that it won’t embarrass you years later. And never believe you’ve learned it all.
The post Vasilij Torgashev, Stylish – Bold – Timeless appeared first on Tattoo Life.
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