Created by two visionary friends, Yaroslav and Stanislav, Black Balance stands as a creative haven in the heart of Poznań, just opposite the Imperial Castle. Originally from Ukraine, Yaroslav and Stanislav, both passionate about tattoos, met in Poland where they had come to work and pursue their creative ambitions. Their shared goal was not just to create a tattoo studio but to establish a truly creative space and a team where every member could unleash their artistic potential without constraints. We met up with them to dig a little deeper.
Hi. Am I right that you are both owners of Black Balance?
Sure
When did you open?
We opened just before Covid in 2020
Were you tattooing before that?
We used to work in other studios before. We have about 6 years’ experience each.
What are your preferred tattoo styles?
Stanislaw – I like to work with geometric and blackwork mainly
Yaroslaw – Definitely Neo Japanese!
I know you are both married. Do your wives mind that you sometimes tattoo almost naked girls?
hahaha. They definitely dont like it but we are professionals.
What style is trending in 2023?
Cyber Tribal
Have you ever made a mistake while tattooing someone?
Sure. Every artist has. Especially in the early years when you are starting out.
You are Ukrainian. Are Ukrainians better than Polish tattoo artists?
It depends on the style
There are currently 10 in your crew. Are they all Ukrainians?
Actually no. We have a mix of artists from Poland, Belarus and Ukraine.
How many tattoos have you got yourselves?
Stanislaw – Twenty or so
Yaroslaw – Two sleeves for now.
Would you tattoo a penis?
There is a first time for everything 🙂
Do you have any limits?
Pedophilia-style tattoos are a big no-no
Has a client not paid after getting tattoed?
Not yet
and if they dont, what would you do?
So we will see what happens 🙂
How old is the oldest person you have tattooed?
76. It was a scare coverup from an operation. It was their first tattoo!
Have you ever tattooed your wives?
Yaroslaw – She does not want any
Stanislaw – A client came to me and asked for a tattoo in a strange place and I told her not to do it. She asked me why and I told her I wouldn’t like her to have it when she is my girl. We ended up getting married!
Is there a lot of profit-making tattoos?
Hahaha. It’s not bad!
It’s been a pleasure to meet you. One last question. Which studio is the best in Poznan?
Black Balance of course!
