Bazhen Nikitin, known in the tattoo world as Heaventattooer, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. He recently claimed first place in the “Original Flash” category at the 2025 Villain Arts Tattoo Festival in Chicago, one of the largest and most respected tattoo events in the world. This recognition not only affirmed his technical skill but also celebrated his role as a trailblazer in the evolution of tattoo design.
We caught up with Bazhen to explore his journey, artistic philosophy, and what makes his work so distinct in today’s saturated tattoo landscape.
Liam: Congratulations on your recent win at Villain Arts Chicago. What do you think made your flash designs stand out among so many other talented artists?
Bazhen: Thank you! I think it is the way I approach flash as more than just decoration. I treat each flash sheet like a curated gallery that is intentional, modern, and full of detail which invites a second look. I don’t just draw tattoos, I create stories through my designs. I believe the jury saw that.
Liam: How did it feel to be recognized on such a massive stage?
Bazhen: It was surreal! Villain Arts Chicago is a global stage for tattoo innovation, and being honored there in the Original Flash category was a huge milestone. It meant that my voice as an artist is resonating. It also confirmed that there is a growing audience hungry for something less conventional, flash that does not just copy past trends but introduces entirely new ones.
Artwork by Bazhen Nikitin
Liam: Did winning in Chicago have any impact on your life or career? Did it bring anything new?
Bazhen: Yes, it really did! A lot of people reached out to congratulate me, and that support felt special! What made it even more meaningful was that the organizer of the festival invited me to judge at the next conventions in St. Louis and Oklahoma City. That meant a lot. Being asked to take on that role felt like a real step forward, not just as an artist but as someone whose opinion carries weight in the industry.
Liam: Your designs have been described as “high fashion.” How would you define your current style?
Bazhen: It is evolving, but I would say it is a fusion of minimalism and symbolism. I come from a background rooted in medieval engravings, very detailed and narrative. After moving to the U.S., I felt compelled to break my own mold. I started experimenting with graphic elements and modern abstraction. My goal is to create something that feels timeless yet entirely new. Something that belongs both in a museum and on someone’s skin.
Liam: You’ve gone from medieval symbolism to contemporary abstraction. What inspired that shift?
Bazhen: That shift has sometimes been misunderstood. A few months ago, I had an interview where the author wrote in the bio that I had completely abandoned my old style. But that was their interpretation, not mine. I haven’t abandoned it at all. I still love that work and find it meaningful. I’ve simply added a new branch, not replaced the old one.
Artwork by Bazhen Nikitin
Liam: Do you see yourself as more of a designer or a tattooist?
Bazhen: That is a good question. I would say I am a designer who tattoos. For me, the design is everything. A technically perfect tattoo can still fall flat if the idea behind it is weak. But a bold, innovative design, even with subtle flaws, can change the entire energy of the wearer. That is the power of design in this medium.
Liam: You’ve built a name among a very fashion-forward clientele. How does style and fashion influence your tattoo designs?
Bazhen: Immensely. I follow fashion as closely as I follow art. I am fascinated by textures, silhouettes, and how people use clothing to express identity. I apply that same thinking to tattoos. A tattoo, like a garment, should fit the client’s energy. Whether I am designing for a model, a musician, or a creative professional, I consider how that tattoo lives in their world, not just on their skin.
Liam: How do you stay ahead of trends while still remaining authentic to your vision?
Bazhen: I do not chase trends but study them. I am aware of what is circulating, and I respect the artists creating new movements. But ultimately, I make what I want to see in the world.
Artwork by Bazhen Nikitin
Liam: Do you think tattooing is moving toward the world of high fashion and art galleries?
Bazhen: Absolutely. It already is. We are seeing collaborations between tattooists and luxury designers, features in contemporary art shows, and tattoos being treated as couture pieces. I think the future of tattooing lies in that intersection where craftsmanship meets concept and where skin becomes both canvas and statement.
Liam: How do you handle creative blocks when designing new pieces?
Bazhen: I step back and explore other forms of art or nature for inspiration. Sometimes taking a break to travel or experience new cultures helps reset my perspective and brings fresh ideas.
Liam: And finally, what’s next for Heaventattooer?
Bazhen: Certainly more new flash collections that continue to challenge what people think tattoos can be. I want to elevate the standard of design in this industry, not just for professionals but for clients too. Tattoos should be more than trends. They should be timeless objects of self-expression.
Bazhen Nikitin is not just a tattooist. He is a designer of identity and a visionary who continues to shape the future of contemporary tattooing. With bold ideas and a fearless approach to design, it is clear that his win at Villain Arts Chicago is just the beginning.
