Tribal Tattoo Artistry: An Interview with Haivaras Ly

Aivaras, known as Haivarasly on Instagram, is a tattoo artist whose work speaks volumes through simplicity and intricate detail. His style, deeply rooted in tribal and folk art, has garnered attention worldwide. Hailing from Vilnius, Lithuania, Aivaras shares his journey, inspirations, and techniques in this insightful interview, offering a glimpse into the world of modern Tribal Tattooing.

Haivaras Ly, Vilnius, Lithuania Tribal Tattoo Artist

Haivaras Ly, a renowned tribal tattoo artist based in Vilnius, Lithuania, showcasing his distinctive style.

Hi Aivaras, it’s a pleasure to feature you. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience and tell us a bit about who you are?

Thank you for having me! My name is Aivaras, and I’m a tattoo artist from Lithuania. I’ve been living and working in the beautiful city of Vilnius for the past six or seven years. And just recently, I celebrated my 34th birthday!

Intricate blackwork tribal tattoo sleeve by Haivaras Ly

Detailed tribal tattoo art covering a full arm sleeve, demonstrating Haivaras Ly’s mastery of black ink.

What sparked your journey into the tattoo world? Was there a formal apprenticeship or a mentor who guided you? And how long have you been immersed in this industry?

Interestingly, tattoos and art weren’t on my radar at all until my late teens. I was much more focused on sports. After high school, I felt a bit lost about my future, but there was pressure to make life decisions. Around that time, I decided to get my first tattoo, and it was a transformative experience. Suddenly, tattoos were all I could think about. This initial spark ignited my passion for what would become my career in tribal tattooing.

Close-up of a bold tribal tattoo design on forearm by Haivaras Ly

A close-up view of a tribal forearm tattoo, highlighting the bold lines and solid black ink characteristic of Haivaras Ly’s work.

I actually sold the car my parents had gifted me to fund getting both my sleeves and my entire front torso tattooed within just a few months. Let’s just say my parents had quite a reaction! This was around 2006-2007. The following year, I had the opportunity to work in the US for a summer. While there, the idea of learning to tattoo myself really took hold. I bought some tattoo machines and, upon returning home, practiced on myself for about twelve days straight. Then, I went to the local tattoo shop where I had gotten my own work done to show them what I had done and ask for guidance.

Haivaras Ly showcasing a leg with self-practiced tribal tattoos

Artist Haivaras Ly displaying his leg, which served as a canvas for his initial tribal tattoo practice.

You can imagine what they must have thought seeing my legs! But they were impressed by my determination and gave me a chance as an apprentice. Later, I met a mentor, everyone called him “Rokadze,” and moved to his shop. That’s where my real journey into tattooing, specifically tribal styles, truly began, around 2008. So, I’ve been tattooing for about 13 years now, honing my craft in tribal and folk-inspired designs.

Full back tribal tattoo in progress by Haivaras Ly

A work-in-progress shot of a full back tribal tattoo, illustrating the scale and commitment involved in Haivaras Ly’s large-scale pieces.

You describe your style as “tribal and folk inspired.” Could you elaborate on what draws you to these styles and what they mean to you in your work?

My work in the last six years has been deeply inspired by folk and tribal art forms. I am captivated by the powerful simplicity and the exquisite beauty found in the details, qualities that are refined through years of dedicated practice. This resonates deeply with my personal evolution, both in creating and receiving tattoos. This connection and inspiration have grown alongside my experience. It’s fascinating to see how this process will continue to evolve in the future. While tribal and folk art are my primary focus, I’m also always interested in exploring different styles and techniques within tattooing. Tribal tattoos, in particular, offer a rich history and visual language that I find endlessly compelling.

Arm showcasing a completed tribal tattoo sleeve by Haivaras Ly

Completed tribal tattoo sleeve art on an arm, displaying the sophisticated patterns and flow of Haivaras Ly’s tribal designs.

How did you develop your unique artistic voice within the tribal tattoo style, and who are some of your key influences in the tattoo scene or art world in general?

Developing my style wasn’t a conscious decision, more of a natural progression. I’ve always strived to do my best work, and that remains my approach. I believe my style has emerged organically, alongside my personal growth, shaped by various experiences, travels, working in different studios with diverse artists, and encountering new people and places.

Side profile of a person with tribal tattoos on their arm and shoulder by Haivaras Ly

Side view featuring tribal tattoos extending from the arm to the shoulder, illustrating the placement and impact of Haivaras Ly’s tribal artwork.

What truly inspires me is seeing artists who have been tattooing for decades – 20, 30 years or more – and still maintain that spark of passion for their craft. It’s equally inspiring to see newcomers doing incredible work just a few years into their careers. My ultimate reference, in both the tattoo world and in life, is passion itself! This passion is what drives innovation and dedication within the tribal tattoo community and beyond.

Upper body tribal tattoo art by Haivaras Ly

Upper body tribal tattoo art, showcasing the extensive coverage and striking aesthetic of Haivaras Ly’s tribal tattoo style.

Can you share insights into your tattooing techniques, particularly those that are essential to achieving the bold, tribal look you are known for?

Bold lines are definitely what I enjoy creating most, especially if it aligns with the client’s vision. Solid black color is also crucial in my work. While bold lines are a hallmark of many tribal tattoo styles, I also adapt to different requests and needs. I can use smaller needle groupings and various techniques if a design requires finer details or if it better suits the client. I primarily use coil machines for lines and both coil and rotary machines for coloring, though lately, I’ve been leaning more towards rotary machines for their versatility. The key to tribal tattoos is often in the impactful use of black ink and strong, decisive lines.

Leg tribal tattoo design using bold black lines by Haivaras Ly

Tribal tattoo art on a leg, emphasizing the strong lines and shapes that define Haivaras Ly’s tribal tattoo designs.

Your use of deep, intense black is very distinctive. Does this specific choice of black ink hold a particular significance for you in the context of tribal tattoos?

For me, the tattoo itself and its design are meant to represent the person wearing it. It embodies their personal meaning, feelings, different states of mind, an expression of their inner self – whatever resonates with them, often beyond words. The technical execution, including the use of deep black, is part of this overall process. I work this way because I deeply appreciate and strive to create tattoos that are executed with solid technique. This solidity enhances the artwork, making it readable even from a distance and creating a strong visual impact in person. This bold use of black is a common and powerful element in many forms of tribal tattooing, enhancing both visibility and longevity.

Of course, this style isn’t for everyone, but those who seek me out for tattoos generally appreciate and understand the kind of work I specialize in.

Tribal tattoo art on a person's back extending to the shoulders by Haivaras Ly

Extensive tribal tattoo art covering the back and shoulders, showcasing the broad coverage and visual intensity of Haivaras Ly’s tribal style.

Could you describe your design process, especially when creating large-scale pieces like body suits, often a hallmark of tribal tattoo traditions?

Sometimes the design process flows seamlessly from initial idea to final execution. Other times, it evolves session by session, or even over longer periods. For instance, a significant portion of the second bodysuit I tattooed on myself, with the help of friends, developed organically with each session.

Full body suit tribal tattoo design in progress by Haivaras Ly

A comprehensive tribal body suit tattoo in progress, demonstrating the extensive and intricate work involved in Haivaras Ly’s full body tribal designs.

Tattoos I create for clients are always collaborative. It begins with the person entrusting me with their vision and being willing to embark on the journey together, committed to seeing it through. Each tattoo is a deeply personal process, guided by trust and intuition, from the initial concept to the final stroke. This approach is consistent whether we’re working on a large piece or a smaller tattoo. Of course, larger projects demand significantly more time, preparation, patience, motivation, and determination from both the artist and the client, especially when undertaking extensive tribal body art.

Detailed view of tribal tattoos on the stomach and chest by Haivaras Ly

A detailed perspective of tribal tattoos across the stomach and chest, highlighting the intricate patterns and adaptability of Haivaras Ly’s tribal tattoo artistry.

Where do you find your inspiration, particularly for the folk elements in your tribal-inspired tattoos?

I believe we are all inherently connected to our local folk traditions and to folklore in general. The seeds of artistic expression are within everyone, influenced by nature, our surroundings, and life experiences. Folk art from past generations is a major source of inspiration, especially crafts that involve decorative patterns and motifs. Tribal art itself is, in many ways, the ancient root of folk art, sharing similar motifs and symbolic language.

Over the years, through research and life experience, you start to develop a deeper connection with these art forms and understand their nuances – the details, elements, composition, and so on…

This connection fuels inspiration, particularly as you gain confidence to create your own interpretations, guided by intuition and informed by the art of previous generations. Exploring historical tribal art provides a foundation for contemporary expressions.

Shoulder and arm tribal tattoo piece by Haivaras Ly

Tribal tattoo art on the shoulder and arm, illustrating the dynamic flow and placement of Haivaras Ly’s tribal tattoo designs on the body.

Beyond tattooing, are you also involved in other artistic mediums, such as painting, to express your creativity?

I don’t consider myself a painter in the traditional sense, but I do occasionally enjoy creating paintings, usually a few on watercolor paper using black ink. I especially appreciate the process of large-scale painting. It demands considerable time, patience, and energy, but it’s incredibly rewarding and provides a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This process, much like the creation of large tribal tattoos, is meditative and fulfilling.

Large black ink painting, reflective of tribal art influences, by Haivaras Ly

A large-scale black ink painting, revealing the tribal art influences that extend beyond Haivaras Ly’s tattoo work.

Where are you currently based, and what projects are you focused on right now?

At this moment, I’m sitting on a park bench by a river, surrounded by trees, writing this interview. It’s a peaceful moment, and I’m trying to be fully present. Ideally, I’d like to approach everything in life with this mindfulness, but there’s always work to be done, and that’s something I’m continually working on!

Haivaras Ly in a natural setting, reflecting his grounded approach to art and life

Haivaras Ly pictured in a natural setting, embodying the calm and focused energy reflected in his tribal tattoo artistry.

What are your aspirations for the future, both in your career and personal life?

In the near future, my plan is to continue on the path I’m on – learning, growing, and concentrating on tattooing and personal development. Looking further ahead, a few decades from now, I envision myself living in the countryside with my family, engaging in various crafts, and perhaps tattooing in a treehouse during the summer months. That’s the vision that comes to mind today. But as we all know, change is the only constant, so I remain open to where life takes me. I hope to continue exploring and innovating within the realm of tribal tattoos, always respecting their rich history and evolving traditions.

Haivaras Ly's vision of a countryside tattoo studio, blending nature and art