Book by Scheklein Oleksandr“99.9% of Tattoo Client Questions”English edition · Paperback · $15.99Buy on Amazon
Realism that carries meaning.
Custom black & grey tattoos by Scheklein Oleksandr — shaped around your story, your body and the details that make the piece unmistakably yours.
Send your idea, placement and approximate size to begin.
Selected realism · Four signature pieces
17+ yearsProfessional tattoo experience
Realism firstPortraits, wildlife and narrative pieces
3 continentsWorked across Europe, Australia and the USA
Selected work
A focused selection of portraits, wildlife and narrative black & grey work. Tap any image to see it larger.
Style
Placement
Healed work
A healed result is the real test of a tattoo. This lion-and-wolf sleeve is shown after healing, in two views of the same arm.
Sketches
Pencil drawings from the artist’s archive — studies in form, texture and character before ink meets skin.
From idea to skin
A strong tattoo starts before the first line. The process makes the concept clear, the composition personal and the session predictable.
Share the idea
Send the subject, body placement, approximate size and any useful references in an Instagram message.
Shape the concept
We discuss direction, detail and composition, then confirm the location, scope and session plan.
Create the piece
The final artwork is adjusted to your anatomy before tattooing so the design reads naturally on the body.
Built on craft, not trends.
Scheklein Oleksandr is a tattoo artist with more than seventeen years of experience. His work centers on realism, black & grey and pieces with a strong visual idea — from portraits and wildlife to symbolic, story-driven compositions.
His career has crossed Europe, Australia and the United States. Today, he works with clients in Brooklyn, New York and Garfield, New Jersey.
Style
Realism, black & grey, portraits, wildlife and custom compositions.
Approach
Personal consultation, anatomy-aware layout and deliberate detail.
Locations
Brooklyn, NY and Garfield, NJ. Confirm the preferred location when booking.
Booking
Send your concept, placement and size through Instagram to request a session.
Diplomas & certificates
Book by Scheklein Oleksandr«99,9% питань тату-клієнтів»Ukrainian edition · Paperback · $15.99Buy on Amazon
Client reviews
“You can always try, Your tattoos are amazing 👍”
“Hey Alex It's Evy, you did my tattoos and my daughters at Ramsgate, are you still doing them? We are thinking of getting some more.”— Evy
“Я вже рада що знайшла майстра українця тут в Джерсі”
“Всегда любую тату своей и очень довольна”
“Настоящий мастер своего дела! Рекомендую 👍”
“Ur a good guy”“Awesome tattooist”
“Сказали заєбісь 👍 ржали з задумки) ну тіпа іронічна задумка 😂 Робота теж гарно виконана 👍 чоткость прорісовкі зашкалює 👍👍”
“Зробила тату в студії Бріколаж, і я просто в захваті 😍 Майстри тут – справжні художники. Вони дуже уважно поставилися до моїх побажань, допомогли вдосконалити ідею дизайну, і в результаті тату виглядає навіть краще, ніж я уявляла)) Атмосфера в студії приємна й затишна, відчувала себе комфортно протягом усього процесу. Я дуже задоволена і точно повернуся сюди знову 💥”— Valeriia · Google · December 2024
Google reviews of “Brikolazh” studio (2017–2020)
Вікторія · Google · July 2017
Yulya · Google · December 2017
Olena · Google · September 2017
Ylia · Google · September 2017
Сергій · Google · July 2018
Василь · Google · June 2018
Ігор · Google · April 2018
Дунедайн · Google · July 2018
Надія · Google · July 2018
Ірина · Google · March 2019
Саша · Google · January 2019
Наталія · Google · June 2019
Іванна · Google · November 2019
Marjana · Google · November 2019
Олег · Google · January 2020
Press
Interview · Svoboda newspaper, Ternopil
“People come to me as a professional to receive a high-quality tattoo.”
A conversation about the path from a computer club and beauty salon to tattooing, training at Planet Tattoo, working in Sydney, and the questions clients ask most often.
Tattoo guide
Clear, practical answers to the questions clients ask before choosing a design, booking a session and caring for a new tattoo.
How much does a realism tattoo cost?
A realism tattoo has no reliable one-price answer. The quote depends on the design’s size, body placement, level of detail, color, skin and the number or length of sessions required. Send the idea, placement, approximate dimensions and references; the artist can then estimate the scope and discuss a project-specific price.
What changes the quote?
- Size and the amount of fine detail
- Placement and how the design must wrap with the body
- Black & grey or color, plus the number of sessions
- Cover-up work, scars and other technical constraints
What should you send for an accurate estimate?
A clear description, the body area, approximate size, reference images and whether existing ink or a scar is involved. A well-lit photo of the placement is especially useful for cover-ups.
Where do tattoos hurt most?
Tattoo pain varies from person to person, but areas with thin skin, little padding, many nerve endings or bone close to the surface usually feel sharper. Ribs, sternum, spine, feet, hands and inner joints are often harder than the outer arm or thigh. Session length, sleep, stress and placement also affect the experience.
How does pain usually compare by placement?
| Often easier | Outer upper arm, forearm, outer thigh, calf |
|---|---|
| Often moderate | Shoulder, back, chest, inner arm |
| Often intense | Ribs, sternum, spine, hand, foot, knee and elbow areas |
How can you make the session easier?
Sleep well, eat beforehand, hydrate and wear clothing that gives easy access to the area. Avoid alcohol and do not use numbing products unless the artist has approved the specific product and timing.
How should you prepare for your first tattoo session?
For a first tattoo session, arrive rested, fed, hydrated and with clean, healthy skin. Confirm the design direction, placement and practical details before the appointment. Wear loose clothing that exposes the area without stretching it. Bring identification, a drink and a small snack, and leave enough time so the session never feels rushed.
What should you do in the final 48 hours?
- Sleep normally and drink enough water
- Avoid sunburn, shaving cuts and intense skin treatments
- Do not arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Tell the artist about relevant allergies, conditions or medications
What should you bring?
Bring valid identification, comfortable layers, water, a snack for a longer session and headphones if they help you relax. Follow the artist’s instructions about shaving; when unsure, leave the area untouched.
What can a tattoo cover-up hide, and what cannot it hide?
A cover-up can often disguise older, faded or lightly packed ink, but it cannot simply erase every tattoo or scar. The new design usually needs to be larger, darker and strategically composed. Very dense black, raised scars, active irritation and some pigments limit the options; laser fading or more healing time may be recommended first.
What makes a cover-up more workable?
- Old ink that has softened or faded
- Flexibility about subject, size and darker values
- A design with texture, depth and natural shadow
- Fully healed, calm skin and a clear placement photo
When should you wait or consider laser fading?
Wait if the tattoo or scar is not fully healed or the skin is irritated. Laser fading can create more design freedom when the existing tattoo is very dark, dense or larger than the concept you want.
How should you care for a tattoo during the first two weeks?
During the first two weeks, keep the tattoo clean, lightly moisturized and protected from friction, soaking and direct sun. Follow the artist’s bandage instructions because timing depends on the dressing used. Wash with clean hands and mild unscented soap, pat dry, and never pick flakes or scabs while the skin is healing.
What changes during the first two weeks?
| Days 1–3 | Follow bandage instructions, wash gently and expect mild redness or fluid. |
|---|---|
| Days 4–7 | Use a thin layer of approved moisturizer; itching and light flaking can begin. |
| Days 8–14 | Let peeling finish naturally; keep avoiding pools, baths, sun and rubbing. |
When should you ask for medical advice?
Seek medical advice if redness spreads, pain or swelling worsens, the area feels unusually hot, or you develop pus, red streaks or fever. These are not normal “just healing” signs.
Black & grey or color tattoo: which should you choose?
Choose black & grey when you want restrained contrast, smooth tonal depth and a photographic or sculptural mood. Choose color when hue is essential to the subject, symbolism or visual impact. Neither is automatically better or longer-lasting: the result depends on design, application, skin, placement, sun exposure and long-term care.
How do the two approaches differ?
| Black & grey | Uses value, contrast and negative space; often suits portraits, stone, metal and dramatic realism. |
|---|---|
| Color | Uses hue as part of the composition; often suits flowers, animals, fantasy and vivid focal points. |
| Either | Can be bold or subtle. The strongest choice is the one that serves the subject and your skin. |
What should you discuss with the artist?
Bring examples of the mood you like, not only the subject. Discuss contrast, placement, your normal sun exposure and whether you prefer a restrained, timeless palette or vivid color accents.
Before you book
The essentials for a useful first message and a smoother consultation.
Describe the idea, where you want it, the approximate size and whether you prefer Brooklyn or Garfield. Add references for subject or mood — not as artwork to copy.
Pricing depends on size, placement, detail and the estimated session time. A quote can be discussed once the project scope is clear.
Yes. Custom work is the core of the process. Your references help establish direction; the final composition is developed for your body and project.
Current booking areas are Brooklyn, New York and Garfield, New Jersey. Mention your preferred location in the first message.
Complete the booking form with your project details and preferred dates, then send the prepared request through Instagram Direct or email.
After the date is confirmed, send the $200 deposit through Zelle to +18623405608. It is applied to the final tattoo price.
Yes. Request a change at least 48 hours before the appointment so the deposit can stay with the rescheduled session.
A no-show forfeits the deposit. The reserved session was closed to other clients, so the $200 deposit is not refunded.
Have a piece in mind?
Tell me what you have in mind. Complete the form once, then choose Instagram Direct or email to send the same detailed request.
After the project is approved, the date is reserved with a $200 deposit.
Choose a studio location
Garfield, NJ — exact address will be shared after the appointment is confirmed.
