Early Beginnings: Castles and a Pencil
My name is Evaldas Gulbinas, and my journey as an artist began when I was just six years old. While other children were outside playing, I was indoors, completely immersed in drawing castles. That pencil in my hand wasn’t just a tool—it was my gateway into a world of imagination. Drawing became my escape and my passion. Even as a child, I could feel that art was going to be a big part of my life.
Art Education in Lithuania
As my skills developed, I enrolled at Kėdainiai Art School in Lithuania. There, I gained foundational training and learned important technical skills. Later, I was accepted into the M.K. Čiurlionis National School of Art in Vilnius, a highly regarded institution that has shaped many of Lithuania’s most talented artists. My education there helped refine my technique and gave me a deeper understanding of the visual arts.
A Second Passion: Skateboarding
Alongside my love for art, I also discovered a strong passion for skateboarding. It gave me a sense of freedom, movement, and a deep connection with urban culture. Skateboarding wasn’t just a sport to me—it was a lifestyle, one that blended creativity, rhythm, and expression. The two passions—art and skateboarding—began to shape my identity in a profound way.
A New Chapter: Moving to London
Eventually, I moved to London, United Kingdom. The city instantly captured my heart. London’s urban energy, filled with street art, graffiti, and incredible skateparks, felt like home. The culture reminded me of why I fell in love with skateboarding and street expression in the first place.
Unfortunately, I suffered a serious knee ligament injury, which made it unsafe to continue skating. While it was a painful moment, it also redirected my energy toward another creative path—tattooing.
Discovering Tattoo Art
Tattooing felt like a natural evolution of my artistic journey. To me, it was a unique fusion of fine art and street art—a combination that also reminded me of skateboarding culture. I began a tattoo apprenticeship and soon started working professionally in tattoo studios across London.
At the same time, I felt the need to grow academically, so I returned to school to deepen my understanding of art.
Academic Growth: Foundation and Exploration
I enrolled in a Foundation Course in Art and Design at West Thames College in London. This experience was transformational. I studied life drawing, sculpture, installation art, mixed media, and multimedia techniques. I was especially fascinated by how technology could open new creative doors. Learning digital tools allowed me to produce artworks that felt experimental, powerful, and futuristic.
I was also working at several tattoo studios while studying, which helped me bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. Over time, I began to create new tattoo styles, blending my fine art education with my experience in street and tattoo culture. This hybrid of influences became my signature.
The Crossover of Art and Tattooing
The combination of tattooing and fine art was something I had never seen before. My academic studies gave me conceptual depth, while tattooing kept my hands skilled and disciplined. The crossover between these two worlds allowed me to push boundaries and develop a unique voice in both fields.
I wasn’t just tattooing images—I was creating living, breathing art pieces that people carried with them forever. This connection between artist and canvas became deeply meaningful to me.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art: Finding Freedom
My academic journey continued when I enrolled in a Bachelor’s in Fine Art – Mixed Media at the University of Westminster. This program offered me incredible freedom to experiment and explore. I took part in numerous art exhibitions, shared ideas with fellow creatives, and expanded my artistic boundaries.
While studying, I continued working in tattoo studios, perfecting my skills and growing my client base. It was a challenging period—juggling university and professional tattoo work—but I found fulfillment in the process. I didn’t mind the hard work because I loved every second of it. I was building something meaningful, step by step.
Master’s Degree in Fine Art: Deepening the Craft
After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I moved on to a Master’s Degree in Fine Art at the University of the Arts London. This chapter of my life was incredibly enriching, both personally and professionally.
At UAL, I met an inspiring community of artists, many of whom have become lifelong friends. We collaborated, exchanged ideas, and exhibited our work together. My understanding of conceptual art grew significantly. I learned how to express emotions, ideas, and social messages through visual language with greater clarity and confidence.
Throughout my studies, I kept tattooing. For me, it was all connected—tattoo studios, university classes, art galleries—it felt like playing a creative game. Each platform fed the other, making me more versatile and expressive. Creativity became a lifestyle, not just a job.
Returning to Lithuania: Finding Balance
After earning my Master’s degree, I continued tattooing professionally. But eventually, I felt it was time to reconnect with my roots, so I moved back to Vilnius, Lithuania. Life here is more relaxed compared to London, which has allowed me to reflect, create, and grow in new ways.
I now split my time between making fine art and tattooing clients, and I truly enjoy the balance. While I no longer skate, the energy of skateboarding still flows through my work. Whether I’m creating a painting, an installation, or a tattoo, I bring that same passion and rebellious spirit into everything I do.
Always Moving Forward
Even now, I consider myself a traveler—both physically and creatively. I love visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, and discovering unexpected inspiration. Traveling keeps my mind active and fuels my creativity.
I make it a point to stay busy, to keep learning, and to keep creating. When I’m working on art or tattoos, I feel most alive. Every piece I make challenges me, teaches me something new, and brings me joy.
Art as a Way of Life
Looking back on my journey—from a boy drawing castles in Lithuania to a professional artist and tattooist working in two countries—I see a clear thread that connects it all. My love for urban culture, my passion for skateboarding, my commitment to tattooing, and my academic exploration of fine art have all come together to shape who I am today.
I believe in staying active, pushing limits, and finding joy in the process. To me, creativity is more than a skill—it’s a way of life. And I’ll keep creating for as long as I live, because this is what makes me truly happy.
