Artist Spotlight: Yashka

Yashka has been tattooing for fifteen years, and he is one of the guest artists our clients ask about by name. His work is built on geometry: structured pattern loosened by organic flow, dotwork, repetition, symmetry, and optical effects that shift depending on how you stand.

We asked him about how he started, what he is working on now, and what he wants you to know before you sit down in his chair.

It started in Switzerland

Yashka's uncle was a tattoo artist. He started tattooing after his uncle passed away.

"Initially as a way of continuing something he had introduced me to."

Fifteen years later, that thread is still running through his work, in a way that turns out to be more literal than you would expect. More on that below.

A designer who uses tattooing as a medium

"My work is rooted in geometry, but I like to combine structured patterns with organic flow, adapting each design to the anatomy of the body. I often work with dotwork, repetition, symmetry, and optical effects."

That word, anatomy, comes up more than once. When we asked what he most likes to tattoo right now, he said there were too many answers to pick one, but the through line was clear:

"I'm always curious and enjoy exploring new ideas, but I'm especially drawn to pieces that interact with the anatomy and transform the way we perceive the body."

He is also precise about how he sees himself:

"I see myself as a designer who uses tattooing as a medium, rather than a tattoo artist."

The armor

The piece he is proudest of right now is a leg he has not finished yet.

"My late uncle tattooed the other leg, and his friend trusted me to continue the story in my own way. We created a modern, virtual armor for this leg. It still needs one final session to complete it."

One client, two legs, two artists, separated by a lifetime. That is the kind of work that only happens when someone trusts you with something that already means a great deal to them.

Before you book

Two things Yashka wants clients to know going in.

The first is about time. He pays a lot of attention to detail, and his sessions can run longer than you might expect. That is not a scheduling problem, it is the work.

The second is about readiness. When we asked what he would say to someone nervous about their first tattoo with him, he made a distinction worth repeating:

"If they're still unsure about the project itself, I'd rather have them come back when they really feel it. I need both of us to have sparkles in our eyes before committing to anything. If it's more about the procedure itself, I'm more than happy to answer any questions they might have."

Nervous about the needle is normal, and he will talk you through it. Unsure about the design is different, and he would rather wait until you are certain than talk you into something permanent.

He is also happy to be handed the reins. The client request that still surprises him, after fifteen years:

"Please, surprise me."

Outside the studio

Music, mostly. Not just as background but as its own practice.

"I love playing music. It's another creative language for me and a constant source of inspiration."

In the studio the range is wide, classical through death metal, though he notes that sometimes silence is sexy.

His version of a perfect tattoo day is simple and specific: a challenging project, a client who trusts the process, good music, and enough time to get lost in the details.

On working at Old Crow

"I really like the atmosphere at Old Crow. It's a welcoming and inspiring environment for both clients and artists, and I always enjoy working there."

Lightning round

If you weren't a tattoo artist? Shepherd, monk, tarot reader. He is still deciding.

Best meal after a long tattoo day? Something light and simple.

Finish this sentence: I tattoo because...

"They are spatiotemporal artifacts."

How to book with Yashka

Yashka is one of Old Crow's returning guest artists. He comes to Berkeley from Geneva roughly every two months for about twelve days, and his slots fill quickly. He books directly, and there are two ways to reach him:

Email: yashka@inkers.ch Use the subject line "Old Crow Tattoo Inquiry" so it doesn't get lost.

Instagram: DM @y4shk4

He works custom, so come with your idea, any reference images, and a placement in mind. Remember what he said about being sure of the project before you commit, and remember that his sessions run long. Give the design room to develop and reach out early rather than late.

His Berkeley dates are announced here on the blog and on @oldcrowtattoo.

Old Crow Tattoo 2812 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 834-2769 oldcrowtattoo.com | @oldcrowtattoo