the boss
We swung by Bartek Bartecki’s new tattoo studio, nestled right on Jeżyce Square, to get the lowdown from the man himself. Spoiler alert: Bartek’s got stories, and some surprises along the way!
Q: Hey Bartek! Congrats on the new studio. Do you remember your first tattoo?
A: Oh yeah, I was 14. I tattooed a sun on my ankle using a homemade machine out of a guitar string. It wasn’t bad for a rookie!
Q: You still rocking that tattoo?
A: Haha, yeah, it’s faded, but it’s still there. A reminder of where it all started 25 years ago.
the fighter
Q: So, I heard you’re into MMA?
A: True story! I’ve been doing MMA for 7-8 years. I used to be into judo as a kid, and that fire came back.
Q: Had any fights recently?
A: About a week ago at the club. But my last “real” fight? Well… that was about 10 years ago in another kind of club, haha.
the artist
Q: What tattoo styles are you vibing with these days?
A: I’m into realism with a graphic twist, but I can tackle pretty much anything. Family portraits and pets are what people want the most, though.
Q: Would you tattoo anything I asked for?
A: Probably! But maybe not a swastika. Let’s not go there, yeah?
Q: How about for a million zł?
A: Haha, alright, maybe you’ve convinced me!
the lover
Q: Ever had any jealous girlfriends when you tattoo a pretty girl?
A: Sometimes, but I’m a pro! I keep it strictly business. That said, being a tattoo artist does have its perks when it comes to meeting women.
Q: Have you ever screwed up a tattoo?
A: Back in the day, I once placed a wife’s eyebrows too high. I was panicking, but I pitched the idea of a “younger version” of her, and the guy bought it. Crisis averted, haha.
the dog lover
Q: Do you bring your dog to the studio every day? What’s his name?
A: Nah, not every day. The dude loves to nap hard. His name’s Glut, but I call him Glucio when he’s being chill.
Q: Who’s your favorite tattoo artist?
A: Dimitri Samochin, without a doubt. He’s a god in the tattoo world.
Q: What’s the wildest tattoo you’ve ever done?
A: Definitely that tribal tat covering half a dude’s face. Talk about commitment!
Q: Do people cry from the pain?
A: Not usually. Women handle it way better than those big, tough-looking guys. Funny how that works.
the pro
Q: What’s your process when someone wants ink?
A: We sit down and design it together. Could take an hour or the whole day—it depends on the complexity. Then, we set a date and make it happen.
the finale
Q: Last one, Bartek: what happens if someone doesn’t pay up?
A: Hahaha, hasn’t happened yet! But I’ll let you know if it does.
Bartek is as real as they come, a chill guy with some wild stories. Honestly, if I were a few years younger, I might’ve walked out of there with some fresh ink myself. If you’re looking to get tattooed, hit him up on Instagram!
