Meet Rustem Khakimov | Fine Art tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rustem Khakimov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rustem, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I have been a workaholic throughout my whole life. I was taught that hard work is essential to achieving my goals. It was only recently that I learned how to find balance and manage my schedule without neglecting my well-being.

When I first moved to the US, I took on any job I could find to support myself and my family. My main job was as a cook in a restaurant, but I also took on side jobs as a handyman, constructor, painter, and even did some housekeeping. I had a few interior design projects, but communication was difficult as I was not fluent in the language.

During the little free time I had, I pursued my interest in tattooing. I spent many nights at my friend’s tattoo shop, observing and learning. Even when tattooing became my main source of income, I continued to work excessively. It was all I knew, as my parents taught me the value of hard work and dedication. I would take extra shifts and tattoo anyone who wanted one, even on my days off. Friends would come to my house for tattoos, and I kept up with that kind of work style for years without realizing the toll it was taking on my health.

There came a point when I was booked up for two months in advance. It was then that I started to realize that I didn’t need to work as much anymore. My back and wrists were already in pain, urging me to slow down and prioritize self-care. I stopped taking extra hours and tattooing outside of my regular work schedule. I adjusted my schedule to include more days off.

Combined with massages, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy, I finally started feeling better and more balanced. I had more time for myself and to enjoy life. Finding that equilibrium was crucial for me. Establishing a schedule that accommodated my creativity, daily life, and overall well-being was essential. I am still working on my health, but at least I am no longer overworking myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I guess what sets me apart from others in the tattooing industry are my diverse artistic skills. Before becoming a tattoo artist, I studied fine art and had experience in airbrushing on cars and interiors and engraving portraits on granite. It required a lot of dedication, artistic knowledge, and attention to the smallest details to achieve high results. Today, I apply that knowledge and techniques to my tattooing work, specializing in realistic tattoos and micro realism. Whether it’s in black and gray or colors, I try to create tattoos that capture the specific details and lifelike qualities. I focus on bringing my clients ideas to life with a level of precision and accuracy that makes the tattoo appear as realistic as possible. My art education has played a crucial role in improving my skills and understanding the principles of composition, shading, and color theory. It has given me a solid foundation to create great tattoos that stand out from the crowd. I take pride in my ability to transform my clients visions into realistic tattoo designs that they can cherish for a lifetime. To get where I am today was not an easy journey. It required countless hours of practice, constant learning, and a commitment to pushing my artistic boundaries.
If I would think of myself as a brand I would say it represents a combination of passion, dedication, and a commitment to delivering top-notch realistic tattoos. I want the world to know that I am an artist who strives for excellence, pays attention to the smallest details, and takes great pride in bringing my clients ideas to life in the form of stunning and realistic tattoos.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to recommend some places in Miami, I would start with watching the sunrise at the beach, followed by breakfast at one of the many restaurants along Collins Avenue and going to the beach. When it comes to enjoying stunning street art, Wynwood is unparalleled. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the incredible artwork. There are also many restaurants, bars and breweries where you can grab a refreshing drink. Some of my favorites places to eat in Wynwood are Taco Stand, Go Bistro, Omaki, and if you happen to be there on a weekend, the Smorgasburg street food market is a must-visit. Another place you shouldn’t miss is the Vizcaya Museum and the Old Cutler Road area, where you can enjoy scenic drives or bike rides. I highly recommend going on a couple of road trips as well. One must-visit destination is the Salvador Dali Museum in Saint-Petersburg. Also, camping at Ginnie Springs is a great place to visit too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to say few words about the studio where I work. I want to express my gratitude to the amazing artists, piercers, photo/media/front desk/booking teams, and, of course, the owners who have created such a supportive environment for all of us to work together. I’ve been with Iris Tattoo Studio for almost six years now, and it has been an incredible journey. They have become like a second family to me. It’s funny because it’s the longest I’ve ever stayed at one place; I used to change jobs or locations every 1.5-2 years because I would either achieve everything I could or become bored. But with Iris, it just feels right. I feel like at Iris I experience continuous personal and professional growth, as there are always new opportunities and challenges to embrace. The owners are truly passionate about their business and its success, and they genuinely care about everyone in the team. It’s a win-win situation, and I never feel taken advantage of, as I have in other places. I appreciate all the hard work they do for us. So, this is my shoutout to Iris Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Wynwood, Miami. Check us out!

Instagram: @Rustem_fine_art