Azat Kamaletdinov: Pushing Technique, Style, and Growth in the U.S. Tattoo Scene

We previously introduced Azat Kamaletdinov as a rising star in the tattoo industry — a statement that, looking back, has only proven to be more accurate over time.

Over the past few years, Azat has continued to refine his craft, expand his presence, and elevate his work, especially following his move to the United States. His progression is marked by consistency, technical precision, and a clear artistic direction.

Now based in Los Angeles, we reconnected with Azat to talk about this new chapter — and how it has shaped him both as an artist and as a person.

A New Environment, A New Level

Relocating to the United States marked a significant turning point in Azat’s journey. Stepping outside his comfort zone accelerated both his personal and professional growth.

Currently working at Monna Lisa Tattoo in Los Angeles, Azat is surrounded by a highly professional environment that continuously pushes him to maintain and elevate his standards.

This period has also been defined by increased participation in tattoo conventions — a space where pressure, competition, and performance come together. For Azat, these experiences are essential:

“Conventions challenge me to stay focused and perform at my best. They are a key part of my growth.”

Beyond his own development, Azat has also begun sharing his expertise through masterclasses, focusing on technical execution — including clean lines, strong saturation, and minimizing skin trauma. His approach reflects a mindset that goes beyond personal success, aiming to contribute to the industry as a whole.

At the same time, he has become more confident in his artistic identity:

“I don’t follow trends. I focus on building my own visual language and making it stronger with every piece.”

Different Markets, Different Mindsets

Having worked across multiple regions, Azat has developed a clear perspective on how tattoo culture varies globally.

In Europe and Russia, realism continues to dominate, with a strong demand for highly detailed and lifelike work. In contrast, the United States presents a different dynamic.

“Clients in the U.S. are often more open to artistic and stylized approaches. They want something unique — something personal.”

This shift has influenced Azat’s work, leading him to incorporate more pop culture elements while maintaining his signature style.

At the same time, the expectations in the U.S. market are notably high. Clients are detail-oriented and place strong emphasis on consistency and execution — a challenge that Azat embraces as motivation to keep evolving.

Recognition on the Convention Circuit

In recent years, Azat has significantly increased his presence at tattoo conventions — a move that has brought both exposure and recognition.

Supported by sponsors and invited to join professional teams, he has competed at a high level across major events. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning multiple awards, including four Best of Show titles in the United States.

However, for Azat, conventions go beyond competition:

“It’s not just about winning. It’s about growth, staying connected to the industry, and constantly pushing myself.”

These events serve as a testing ground — a place where technique, creativity, and resilience are continuously refined.

The Value of In-Person Education

Education has always been part of Azat’s journey, but it has taken on new momentum in recent years. After receiving increasing interest from fellow artists, he organized his first masterclass in Los Angeles.

Despite the abundance of online content, Azat strongly believes in the value of in-person learning — especially when it comes to technique.

“Most artists who come to my masterclasses are already experienced. They want to refine their skills — control, saturation, smooth transitions.”

Rather than focusing on basics, his teaching is rooted in real-world experience and advanced techniques developed over years of practice.

The demand was immediately clear: limited spots filled quickly, leaving many interested artists unable to attend.

For Azat, this is just the beginning:

“It’s not just about teaching. It’s about helping artists reach a higher level and become more confident in their work.”

A Natural Collaboration with Jesse Smith

A recent highlight in Azat’s journey is his collaboration with Jesse Smith, one of the most influential figures in contemporary tattooing.

Although they had been connected through social media for years, this was their first opportunity to meet and work together in person.

The collaboration came together organically during Jesse’s visit to Los Angeles. Both artists share a foundation in New School tattooing, yet each brings a distinct visual identity.

“We both focus strongly on composition and color, which made it easy to create something cohesive.”

For Azat, the experience was both creatively and personally valuable — a moment of exchange, perspective, and mutual respect between two established artists.

Looking Forward: Growth, Education, and Identity

As Azat looks ahead, his vision remains clear and focused.

His primary goal is continued growth — refining both the technical and artistic aspects of his work. He plans to remain active on the convention circuit while strengthening his presence in the United States.

Education will also play an increasingly important role. With strong demand for his masterclasses, Azat aims to expand this direction, helping other artists elevate their technical skills.

At the core of everything lies one key objective: building a stronger, more recognizable visual identity.

“I see my role not only as creating my own work, but also contributing to the industry — sharing knowledge and raising the overall level.”

For Azat Kamaletdinov, the path forward is defined by discipline, consistency, and continuous evolution — a mindset that keeps him moving, and keeps him standing out.

Written by Tom vansteeland on 02/04/2026