In the heart of Berlin-Charlottenburg, Florian, owner, artist and visionary, has created something that goes far beyond a traditional tattoo studio: the Autark Tattoo Studio. Since 2014, the studio has been a place for people who want to make bold decisions – for their bodies, their stories and their attitude. “Tattoos are an expression of self-determination,” says Florian, “a visible ‘I am ready to take responsibility.’” A large team of artists from around the world brings together diverse styles, experiences, and cultures – whether it’s realistic tattoos, Japanese traditionals, abstract artwork, or medical-aesthetic pieces. Consultation, quality, and clear values form the foundation.
Florian himself is more than just a tattoo artist: he trains young talents, works closely with the medical field, and develops new formats within the tattoo world. Throughout it all, he stays true to his philosophy: individuality over mainstream, clarity over compromise, and genuine work that is worth its price.
Now, Autark is taking things a step further: together with the HipHop Ball Berlin, tattoo culture meets music, dance, and community. A perfect match – because both tattoos and HipHop stand for freedom, rebellion, and the courage to be visible. “Autark is more than a tattoo studio – I wanted to create a space for everyone, from all walks of life,” Florian explains.
Real Tattoos, Not Trends
While many studios follow fast-moving trends, Autark takes a different path. “We stand for real, lasting tattoos – not Pinterest motifs or generic designs. Our focus is on quality, consultation, and the personal process.” Visitors quickly notice: it’s about far more than ink under the skin. Florian describes it this way: “Our clients aren’t canvases that sit quietly. Interaction is very important to me. Conversations during tattooing go deep – you naturally become a friend, life advisor, or confidant.” This approach has shaped the studio from the beginning. Autark sees itself as a creative meeting space, where people come together to share stories. In addition to tattoos, events, workshops and collaborations with artists from various disciplines take place. Transparency, education and community work are always a priority. And if a design doesn’t fit someone’s values? Sometimes the answer is simply: no.
Tattoos & HipHop – A Shared Language
The connection between Autark and HipHop isn’t a coincidence. “HipHop was the soundtrack of many of our youth. This ‘I do my thing, no matter what’ – that’s reflected in tattooing as well.” Many team members first left their creative marks in graffiti, listened to mixtapes instead of textbooks and found themselves in rebellion and freedom. The parallels are clear: tattoos and rap both started raw, honest, and uncomfortable. Both have entered the mainstream, but the attitude remains. “Tattoos used to be like rap. Today, things are more commercial. What matters is that the artistic integrity isn’t lost – neither on the skin nor on stage.”
For Florian, music is more than background noise – it is part of his biography. Memories of Missy Elliott, NAS, Outkast, the Fugees, or Cypress Hill are as present as German icons like Samy Deluxe, Absolute Beginner, or Aggro Berlin. “‘It’s bigger than Hip Hop’ at 2BE Club was an absolute banger – alongside ‘Ante Up.’ My heart still beats for that.” This love for music even shows on his own skin: a quote from “Juicy” by Notorious B.I.G., lyrics from the Eagles or the Rolling Stones – tattoos that represent chapters of Florian’s personal soundtrack. “Music is my life and it is reflected in my tattoos.”
Autark Live at the HipHop Ball Aftershow Party
When Autark appears at the HipHop Ball Berlin, it’s about more than just presence, it’s an experience. The team brings a mobile tattoo station and offers spontaneous mini-tattoos: specially designed, HipHop-inspired motifs exclusively for the night. “It’s not about large artworks but about the experience: getting something on your skin that lasts and reminds you of this unique event.” Florian quickly realized the collaboration with the HipHop Ball was a perfect fit: “The idea of combining tattoos, HipHop, and community clicked immediately. I love formats that don’t fit into classic boxes – and that’s exactly what the HipHop Ball is.”
Expression, Empowerment, New Narratives
For Autark, tattoos symbolize attitude, self-determination, and empowerment, just as HipHop is more than music. “Art, music, and body culture break boundaries. Tattoos are no longer just for rebels. Just like HipHop isn’t only subculture. It’s about expression, empowerment, and new narratives. From the heart, for everyone!”
And what is the team most looking forward to at the event? “The people. New encounters, creative vibes, and real conversations. And of course, the soundtrack of the night – hopefully loud, raw, and honest. Just like tattoos.”
So get ready for amazing artists and their work. You might even leave with a tattoo that perfectly captures the spirit of the event.
