MEET RUBEN

I’m Ruben, a Norwegian-born tattoo artist based in Copenhagen and co-owner of Dropout. I started tattooing in one of Copenhagen’s busiest street shops, where long days, high client flow, and constant repetition built my foundation — not just technically, but mentally as well.

Today, I focus on large-scale black and grey realism. I approach tattooing much like sculpting or oil painting, building images slowly in layers to create depth, structure, and longevity in the skin. Over the years, I’ve learned that restraint, patience, and a deep understanding of skin matters far more than speed or surface-level detail — especially if you want your work to hold up years down the line.

My visual language is heavily influenced by European art history and architecture, particularly the high Baroque period, as well as by simply watching tattoos age on real clients over time. Through guest spots, conventions, and years of daily tattooing, I’ve made plenty of mistakes, refined my process, and learned where most artists lose consistency — often without realizing it.

This seminar isn’t about copying my style or learning shortcuts. It’s about mindset, decision-making, and building a process that lets you grow without burning out or chasing trends. Everything I share comes directly from how I work today, the problems I’ve had to solve myself, and the things I wish someone had explained to me earlier in my career.