Exploring Beyond Traditions: An Interview With Chris Henriksen

Self-described as a busy but simple man who balances tattooing with family life, Chris Henriksen’s career as a tattoo artist is anything but ordinary. The co-owner of Dropout tattoo studio in Copenhagen, Chris - who blends oriental-inspired designs with countless other creative styles - draws clients from around the world.

Driven by a desire to always be improving and pushing the boundaries of his creativity, Chris has become renowned for exploring his own interpretations of oriental and Japanese artwork, and accumulating a huge following off the back of it.

We sat down with Chris to find out more about his journey, inspirations and future.

Where did your passion for tattooing begin? Was there a particular moment or time you first felt drawn to the art?  

Looking back, the passion was always there. It started as pure fascination, which would later develop into that passion. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by tattoos. As a kid, I would stare whenever I saw someone with tattoos, even though back then most of the tattoos I came across weren’t particularly well done. I remember drawing figures of a man - myself - and sketching tattoos on top of the drawings, arranging them in the placements I dreamed of having one day.

I first attempted to get tattooed when I was sixteen. I walked into a shop to book an appointment, and they laughed before kicking me out. Around that time, Miami Ink had started airing on TV and, like many others, I was completely captivated by it. At that point, I had no idea I would one day become a tattoo artist, but the show and the artists on it definitely sparked my curiosity and made me want to explore the tattoo world further.

Over the years, that initial passion has evolved in different ways, but it’s never faded. It’s taken different forms—whether through learning new techniques, exploring different styles, understanding the business side of tattooing, or perfecting the art of client communication.

Can you talk about your style and how it has developed over time?

I have a hard time defining my style in just one category. Most people would probably classify it as Japanese, but I prefer to describe it as oriental-inspired because I don’t strictly follow all the traditional rules of Japanese tattooing. I respect them, but I prioritize the visual impact of my work and push my own creativity within the framework of the style—staying true to its essence while still exploring new possibilities.

If I were to only do traditional Japanese tattooing by the book, I don’t think I’d feel much growth in my work, or like I was contributing something unique. For me, strict traditionalism takes away room for creativity and innovation.

For example, in the beginning, all I wanted to do was black-and-gray tattoos, especially Chicano and realism. I worked in that style for years and enjoyed it, but eventually, I felt stagnant—like I wasn’t growing or evolving. That’s when I realized I was missing a creative element in my work, which I later found in Japanese tattooing.

Does your tattoo style say anything about who you are as a person? 

I wouldn’t say my tattooing style directly reflects my personality, but there are definitely parallels. In both my work and my daily life, I like things to make sense, to be stable, and to connect on multiple levels. For example, in my tattoo designs, I pay a lot of attention to flow. If a design lacks smooth, natural movement, it feels messy and confusing to me. I prefer clean, visually readable compositions—which might also explain why I don’t like clutter and disorder in my personal life!

If you are able to pick, which is one of your favourite pieces you have tattooed?

I find it difficult to choose a single favorite tattoo that I’ve done. I have many favorite pieces, and what makes them special varies. Some represent my personal growth, some mark a specific phase in my career, and others remind me of moments when I pushed my style in new directions.

Sometimes, a piece stands out simply because it turned out better than I imagined. Other times, it’s the connection with the client that makes the project memorable. When working on larger projects, you spend a lot of time with a person, and in some cases, that shared experience makes the process even more rewarding.

That said, my perception of my own work changes over time. What I once considered my best work, I might look back on years later and feel differently about. I think that’s a good thing. It means I’m growing and evolving. It’s also interesting that my personal favorites don’t always align with what resonates most with my followers on Instagram. Sometimes, I’ll put a lot of effort and passion into a piece, but when I post it, it doesn’t get the reaction I expected. That’s just part of the game.

Similarly, has there been one particular moment in your tattooing career that you’re most proud of? 

I’ve had many proud moments in my tattoo career, but like my favorite tattoos, they shift over time. When I first started tattooing, my only goal was to become good. Then, I set myself two main goals: to own my own studio and to one day attend the London Tattoo Convention. Achieving those made me incredibly proud.

Since then, new goals have taken their place. Recognition from respected artists, opening a second studio, and building a team of not just talented artists but people I truly consider friends, have all been milestones I’m proud of. More than anything, I’m grateful that this career has given me a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Many artists have a philosophy about their work or why they create it. Do you have one?

I don’t have a strict philosophy when it comes to my work, but one thing I always keep in mind is trying to stay relevant. Tattooing evolves constantly, and I believe it’s crucial to keep learning and developing. If you stop growing, you risk becoming irrelevant. So if I had to sum up my philosophy, it would be this: “keep evolving, stay true to your style, and don’t let yourself get left behind”.

What are your favourite parts about the tattoo industry and how do you feel about its future?

What I love most about tattooing is the freedom it offers. If you put in the work, make smart decisions, and develop your skills, you have endless opportunities. You can travel the world, set your own schedule, and shape your career in a way that suits you.

One of the biggest changes in the industry over the years is that tattooing is no longer just a late-night job. These days, you can work regular hours and still be successful, which wasn’t as common ten or fifteen years ago.

Do you have any projects, events or plans coming up in the future that you’d like to share?

I have a few conventions lined up this year, and I plan to continue attending a few annually. I also have many clients from the US traveling to Copenhagen for my work, so I’m currently applying for a US work visa. If all goes well, you’ll be able to catch me there in the near future.

As for Dropout, my partner Ruben and I have exciting plans for the studio, but we’re taking things step by step. When the time is right, we’ll make some announcements.

You can see more examples of Chris’ work and book your next tattoo appointment with him here.