M.V. Baks
Alter modernism - where technology meets nature
Tattoos
Minimalist & Surreal Tattoo Designs — Art on Skin
My tattoo designs sit between minimalism and surrealism: refined lines, subtle detail, and compositions that carry both visual clarity and conceptual depth. They grow from the same artistic world as my altermodernist drawings, where nature, humanity, and technology overlap.
On skin, these ideas become something living — a work of art shaped by the contours of the body.
Inktober 2025
Inktober 2025 was an opportunity for me to pause my larger projects and return to the immediacy of drawing — one idea, one sheet of paper, one moment of focus. I created five pieces for this edition, each responding to a prompt while still remaining true to the surreal and altermodernist language that defines my work.
These drawings are small but concentrated. They explore themes that recur throughout my practice: the tension between nature and technology, the quiet symbolism of organic forms, and the way a single line can open a doorway into a different perspective. Working within the limitation of a daily (or near-daily) challenge sharpened my intuition and helped me reconnect with the playful side of making.
Displayed here are all five entries from Inktober 2025 — a compact series that reflects experimentation, discipline, and the joy of drawing without overthinking.
From Drawing to Tattoo — My Path
Before I ever entered art school, people were already asking me to design tattoos. In those early years, my work hovered between drawing, temporary tattoos, and makeup — everything was still experimental. During my academy years I designed my first real tattoo, which now lives on someone’s lower back. I still regret never having photographed it.
As my practice grew, so did the demand. Over the past three years I have been fully dedicated to creating unique tattoo designs: from small, intimate shoulder pieces to full sleeves for legs and backs.
Although I have experimented with tattooing myself, it requires a level of refinement that I am still training for. Until I feel fully confident working directly on skin, I focus entirely on design. Many of my pieces require medium to senior tattoo experience due to their precision, placement, and line discipline.
Tattoo Selection
How My Tattoo Designs Work
Free Tattoo Designs
A selection of my tattoo designs is available for free. A confirmed email registration is all that’s required. After that, you may download, use, and modify the design.
If you would like to share the final tattoo with me on social media, I would appreciate it deeply.
Paid Designs
Unlimited designs — accessible, affordable pieces available to anyone.
Limited editions — once the maximum number is reached, the design is removed permanently to preserve exclusivity.
Custom Tattoo Designs
If you want a tattoo tailored specifically to your ideas and body placement, I offer fully custom design work.
A deposit is required to ensure commitment — please review the terms and conditions before submitting your request.