Private tattoo studio
Realism tattoos with photo-like detail, in black & grey and colour. Custom design and a free consultation at Stabu iela 35.
My name is Vitaly Jerjomenko and I am a professional tattoo artist in Riga. I specialise in colour and black and grey realism, and I also offer high-quality cover-ups of old tattoos. In my work I pay the most attention to fine detail and tonal transitions: the spark in a portrait's eye, the direction of a dog's fur, the light on a raven's wing. My goal is to put as much fine detail into the skin as it will hold, and to plan every piece so it still looks great ten years from now.
I have been tattooing professionally since 2015. I take part in tattoo conventions: at the Preston Tattoo Convention in England in 2024 I won 3rd place in the Large Colour category, and I also take part in Wheels and Tattoos in Latvia. I have also worked in the USA with the team I still travel with. What I learn comes back to Riga - and into your tattoo.
Every piece starts from scratch. I don't copy images from the internet: we choose the idea, placement and size together, and I draw a design made for you.
I plan the size and amount of detail so the lines don't merge over the years. If an idea is too small for its spot, I'll tell you honestly.
No piece is ever repeated. Before the session you see the finished sketch and can fine-tune it.
3rd place in the Large Colour category at the Preston Tattoo Convention in England. I also take part in Wheels and Tattoos in Latvia and have worked in the USA.
Single-use needles, certified pigments and a private studio with no rush.
Here is my work - from pet portraits and memorial tattoos to ravens, Vikings and Lord of the Rings monsters. Every photo shows a piece I made myself. Tap an image to see it up close.
Paintings on canvas - animals, skulls and still lifes.
Designs drawn for a specific client and placement.
Conventions, festivals and everyday work in the studio.
Dreaming of a masterpiece but put off by Scandinavian prices? The whole process is streamlined for international clients: you get top-tier realism from Vitaly, pay noticeably less and enjoy a hassle-free experience from the first sketch to final healing.
Have you already been tattooed by me? Tell others how it went - your review helps them choose.
Describe your idea, the placement and the approximate size. You can send reference images via WhatsApp or Instagram. I will reply within 1-2 working days with available dates and an approximate price.
Every tattoo is an individual piece of art, designed for your body and your idea. My core discipline is black and grey and colour realism, along with detailed custom work, so the final price is worked out for each project individually - either at an hourly rate or as a fixed full-day fee.
€50 minimum charge
€100 / h for work over 1 hour
Best forSmall lettering, minimal symbols, florals or geometric elements that take less than an hour.
The minimum charge applies to any tattoo, however small. It covers top-quality sterile single-use materials and preparing the workstation.
€200-400 usually 2-4 hours
€100 / h
Best forDetailed subjects - animal portraits, eyes, clocks, roses on the forearm or calf.
Colour realism usually takes a little longer than black and grey, because layering and blending colour pigments calls for extra precision and patience.
€500 per session
fixed fee, up to 6-8 hours of work
Best forLarge realism projects - sleeves, big back, chest or leg pieces.
Large projects are split into several stages. I can tell you the exact number of sessions after the consultation and sketch. A day rate gives you the most of my time and focus for a fixed price.
Two tattoos of the same size (say, 15 cm) can cost different amounts. It depends on:
Free consultationA consultation before the tattoo - online or in person - is always free.
DepositA deposit is required to book a date. It protects both sides and is fully deducted from the final price of the tattoo.
Book a consultationEvery tattoo is drawn individually - I never copy ready-made images from the internet. These are the styles I work in most often at the Vitaly Tattoo studio.
Realism is my main speciality. These are tattoos where a portrait, an animal or a landscape looks almost like a photograph on the skin - with deep shadows, precise light and fine texture. For the result to be convincing, a good reference photo and the right size matter a lot: the more detail a piece has, the more space it needs, otherwise the lines will blur together over the years. That is why during the consultation we look at the placement, the composition and how the tattoo will age. Realism works in both black and grey and full colour. Bigger projects such as sleeves are usually done over several sessions, giving the skin time to rest and every layer a chance to settle evenly.
Fine line tattoos are made with very thin needles, so they look light, elegant and minimal. The style is perfect for a first tattoo, small symbols, botanical motifs, lettering or a subtle accent on the wrist, collarbone or ankle. Because the lines are so thin, a steady hand and the right needle depth are essential - too shallow and the line fades, too deep and it spreads. I always recommend a minimum size so the details stay readable ten years from now. Fine line work can be finished with soft shading or delicate touches of colour, for example in floral vines that wind along the arm.
Black and grey is a classic that ages well and suits almost any subject. Working only with shades of black ink - from deep black to pale grey - lets me build strong contrast, soft transitions and real volume. I use this technique for portraits, animals, statues, skulls, religious and mythological figures. Blackwork is the bolder side of the style, with large solid black areas, ornaments and graphic shapes. Both are a good choice if your skin is sensitive to coloured pigments, and they make it easy to grow a composition over time by adding new elements - for example, turning a single piece into a full sleeve.
See worksColour tattoos bring to life subjects where colour is part of the story - birds, flowers, animals, fantasy creatures or film characters. I work with high-quality, certified pigments and build the colour up in several layers so the tones stay saturated and even. Contrast is the key to a beautiful result: light areas are kept open or highlighted and dark areas are deepened, so the piece reads well even from a distance. The biggest enemy of a colour tattoo is the sun, so once it has healed I recommend a high-SPF sunscreen. If you like, colour can be combined with a black and grey background to make the main subject stand out even more.
See worksA portrait is one of the most personal tattoos you can get - a tribute to someone close, a beloved pet or a character that inspires you. Portraits show the difference between average and top-level work more than anything else, because any mistake in the eyes or facial proportions is instantly visible. A sharp, well-lit photo where the face is large and the details are clear is essential. Before the session I prepare the design and agree the composition, background and size with you. Pet portraits - dogs, cats, horses - get exactly the same care as portraits of people, so every animal keeps its character and expression.
See worksA cover-up is the answer when an old tattoo has faded, did not turn out well or simply no longer feels like you. The new design is drawn to hide the previous piece completely, using darker areas, texture and a carefully planned composition. Flowers, animals, birds and other subjects with plenty of shading and detail work especially well. During the consultation I look at the old tattoo in person or from photos and tell you honestly what is possible. If the old work is very dark, I sometimes recommend one or two laser sessions first to lighten it - that allows lighter tones in the new design and gives more freedom.
See worksSmall tattoos are a great choice for a first tattoo or as an addition to existing work. They take little time, heal quickly and are easy to hide under clothing. Popular ideas include symbols, dates, initials, small animals, food, flowers and minimal lettering. Even a small piece can look realistic, but too much detail in a tiny area will merge over the years. I help you find the right balance between size and detail so the tattoo stays crisp and readable. A small piece is also a good way to get to know the studio and the process before a larger project.
See worksFrom the first idea to a healed tattoo - five steps that keep surprises out of the process.
Send me a message through the booking form, WhatsApp or Instagram. Describe the subject, the size you have in mind and the placement, and add reference images or a photo of an old tattoo if you have one.
We talk through the idea, style, size and budget. The consultation is free and comes with no obligation - in the studio at Stabu iela 35 or online.
I prepare a custom sketch that fits your body. We make small adjustments until you are completely happy with it.
The tattoo is done in a clean, sterile environment with single-use needles. Larger pieces are split into several sessions so your skin has time to rest.
After the session you get clear aftercare instructions. If any questions come up while it heals, message me at any time - we will check together whether a touch-up is needed.
The Vitaly Tattoo studio is in the centre of Riga at Stabu iela 35 - a calm spot that is easy to reach by public transport or by car. Sessions are by appointment only, so there is no queue, and every client gets as much time as their piece needs. The space is set up to stay comfortable even during a long session: you can take breaks, have a drink and rest, and you are always welcome to bring a friend for support.
Hygiene is non-negotiable. Needles are single-use, work surfaces are disinfected before and after every client, and ink is poured into separate caps for each person. I use quality pigments that meet European Union requirements, and after the session the fresh tattoo is covered with a protective film so it can start healing undisturbed.
Clients also travel to the studio from other countries. I help them plan the visit so that the design is agreed in advance and only the session itself is left for Riga. If you would simply like to talk first, call or send me a message - I am happy to answer questions with no obligation.
The minimum charge for any tattoo is €50, work over one hour is €100 per hour, and a full-day session (up to 6-8 hours) is €500. A medium-size realism piece usually costs €200-400. The final price depends on the detail, the placement and whether the piece is in colour or black and grey - I give an exact quote after the consultation.
It is different for everyone and depends on the placement. Most people describe it as scratching or burning that is perfectly bearable. The ribs, ankles, hands and neck are more sensitive; the upper arm, forearm and calves are less so. We can always take breaks during the session.
For the first few days, wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, pat it dry with a paper towel and apply a thin layer of aftercare cream. Do not scratch or pick the scabs, and avoid saunas, swimming pools and direct sunlight. You will get detailed instructions after the session.
The top layer of skin usually heals in 2-3 weeks, but full recovery takes about one to two months. During this time the colours may look slightly dull - that is normal, and they become clear once the skin has healed.
Yes, cover-ups are one of my specialities. What is possible depends on the size, darkness and placement of the old tattoo. Send me a photo or come in for a consultation - I will tell you which design will hide it completely and whether laser lightening is recommended first.
Yes. A deposit is required to book a date; it protects both sides and is fully deducted from the final price of the tattoo. I will tell you the amount when we arrange the session.
I tattoo clients aged 18 and over. Please bring a photo ID to your session.
The waiting time depends on the season and the size of the project. I reply to every request within 1-2 working days and offer the nearest available dates. For large projects I recommend booking well in advance.
Crafted with care by EvoEX
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