The Story Behind the Levgen Signature Series, Created in Collaboration with Eternal Ink
Every professional tattoo artist remembers the specific tools that defined their formative years. In the global tattoo industry, certain brands enjoy undeniable legendary status. For over 30–40 years, Eternal Ink has remained an absolute pioneer, firmly holding its position among the top three global manufacturers of tattoo pigments.
For me, working with this Detroit giant wasn’t just a career choice—it was a lifelong goal. Today, as a professional tattoo artist in Los Angeles, I look back and see how a dream that once seemed unattainable has become a defining chapter in my creative reputation.
For me, working with this Detroit giant wasn’t just a career choice—it was a lifelong goal. Today, as a professional tattoo artist in Los Angeles, I look back and see how a dream that once seemed unattainable has become a defining chapter in my creative reputation.
Joining the Eternal Ink Pro Team
In the early 2000s, breaking into the international tattoo scene from the CIS countries seemed practically impossible. High-end tattoo supplies were in short supply, and the legendary artists from the Eternal Ink team seemed like unattainable titans. From day one, Eternal Ink products formed the foundation of my personal palette, so the dream of becoming part of their Pro Team was both very ambitious and deeply personal.
The turning point came in 2015 at one of the European tattoo conventions. I finally managed to personally show my portfolio to Eternal Ink’s official representative in Europe. That weekend, my work won the prestigious Best of Day or Best of Show award, which proved my technical proficiency on an international level.
Shortly after that, at a major convention in Kyiv, where Eternal Ink was the main sponsor, I won another Best of Show trophy. After closely reviewing my work, the brand made me an official offer to join their Pro Team. In tattoo culture, joining an international team of this caliber is the highest recognition of one’s skill.
The turning point came in 2015 at one of the European tattoo conventions. I finally managed to personally show my portfolio to Eternal Ink’s official representative in Europe. That weekend, my work won the prestigious Best of Day or Best of Show award, which proved my technical proficiency on an international level.
Shortly after that, at a major convention in Kyiv, where Eternal Ink was the main sponsor, I won another Best of Show trophy. After closely reviewing my work, the brand made me an official offer to join their Pro Team. In tattoo culture, joining an international team of this caliber is the highest recognition of one’s skill.
The Fire and Ice Concept: Developing a 12-Color Signature Ink Set
Shortly after I joined the team, Eternal Ink approached me with an incredible offer: to develop my own signature ink set—the Signature Ink Set. Long before this proposal took shape, I had spent years visualizing exactly what my ideal palette should look like. In my mind, I had already worked out the packaging concept, the thematic direction, and the specific ink formulas. By the time development began, my artistic vision was fully formed, and I was supported by a community of 50,000 Instagram followers and dedicated fellow artists around the world.
My signature artistic style has always revolved around the pure energy of fire. I’ve built my reputation on translating elements like sparks, tongues of flame, and burning lava onto the skin. Naturally, this called for an uncompromising color lineup:
However, the true visual impact depends on a striking harmony of colors—specifically, the interplay of warm and cool tones. I often balance intense, fiery focal points with deep, cool shadows (often using contrasting blue tones) to create dramatic depth, which makes the tattoo literally “come to life” on the skin.
My signature artistic style has always revolved around the pure energy of fire. I’ve built my reputation on translating elements like sparks, tongues of flame, and burning lava onto the skin. Naturally, this called for an uncompromising color lineup:
- Rich reds
- Deep oranges
- Bright yellows
However, the true visual impact depends on a striking harmony of colors—specifically, the interplay of warm and cool tones. I often balance intense, fiery focal points with deep, cool shadows (often using contrasting blue tones) to create dramatic depth, which makes the tattoo literally “come to life” on the skin.
An everyday tool for artists around the world: Formula and global success
When designing the Levgen Signature Series, my main goal was practicality. I didn’t want to create rare, impractical colors just for the sake of novelty. My mission was to provide the global tattoo community with the exact pigments I use in my own studio every day.
During a painstaking three- to four-month development phase, I carefully selected time-tested favorites and hand-mixed entirely new shades. The result is a balanced, high-performance 12-color tattoo ink set, designed for maximum coverage and flawless blending.
For over five years, this set has been successfully sold around the world—in America, Europe, and Asia—becoming an essential tool for professional tattoo artists. One of the most emotional moments of my career was the convention in Las Vegas, where I was invited as the creator of the set. There was a huge booth there with my photo, my work, and an image of the set. It was a crucial milestone for my reputation in the tattoo industry.
During a painstaking three- to four-month development phase, I carefully selected time-tested favorites and hand-mixed entirely new shades. The result is a balanced, high-performance 12-color tattoo ink set, designed for maximum coverage and flawless blending.
For over five years, this set has been successfully sold around the world—in America, Europe, and Asia—becoming an essential tool for professional tattoo artists. One of the most emotional moments of my career was the convention in Las Vegas, where I was invited as the creator of the set. There was a huge booth there with my photo, my work, and an image of the set. It was a crucial milestone for my reputation in the tattoo industry.
Key Takeaways for the Global Tattoo Community
- Designed for real-world use: The Levgen Signature Series consists of everyday, go-to pigments, eliminating unnecessary items and maximizing the palette’s effectiveness.
- Mastering the “warm and cool” contrast: The use of complementary blue shades alongside vibrant, fiery tones delivers unparalleled depth and long-lasting realism.
- Uncompromising manufacturing quality: Created in collaboration with Eternal Ink, ensuring premium pigment stabilization, consistent flow, and predictable, safe healing.
Conclusion
Collaborating with a legendary titan like Eternal Ink has given me so much more than just a powerful boost to my professional reputation. It has been an invaluable experience that has fundamentally changed my perspective on pigment chemistry and product design. Seeing a palette born from my personal style on the workbenches of tattoo studios around the world is an achievement I am truly proud of. Invest in your tools, study color theory, and never compromise on the quality of your ink.
