Milo
Quirky and queer, the neighbourhood’s friendly cat dad and a dark visionary with a perpetual twinkle in his eye — that’s how Milo, also known as Kerberys, would describe himself.
He lives and works primarily in Tampere, but frequently travels both within Finland and across Europe — and even to Japan. Originally from Lappeenranta, he’s fluent in Southern Karelian when requested.
“I value individuality — the chance to create something truly unique and tailor-made for each client. There’s no greater honour than someone choosing to carry my art on their body.”
Milo began his tattoo apprenticeship in the autumn of 2022,
while simultaneously working on his final thesis during his last year at university of applied sciences. Long days and intensive training paid off: in the summer of 2023, he graduated as a visual artist and went on to establish his own company for all his artistic endeavours that August. At the turn of the year, he transitioned from apprentice to tattoo artist and later relocated to Tampere.
Dark, textured play inspired by manga and painting — brought to life through comic-influenced blackwork and gritty black and grey.
“I’ve loved comics and painting for as long as I can remember, so tattooing feels like a natural extension of the same passion.”
Milo’s tattoo concepts are created digitally through painting and drawing, sometimes layered onto and built from his own photographs. He’s open to all kinds of subjects, as long as he can interpret them in his own voice. That said, favourites include characters from video games and animations, portraits, Lovecraftian creatures, and strange plants.
“I value individuality — the ability to create something truly unique and tailor-made for each of my clients, whether it’s a portrait of a Japanese musician or a bunch of anime characters. I honestly can’t think of a greater honour than someone choosing my art as a permanent part of their body.
Getting tattooed has been an empowering experience for me personally — something that’s helped build my confidence — and I hope to pass that same feeling on to everyone who sits in my chair. I’m constantly in awe of the fact that I have the power to turn someone’s ideas into an image.”
Alongside tattooing, Milo travels to various events under his Kerberys brand, creating a range of merchandise, clothing, and accessories based on his artwork and tattoo designs. The selection includes a generous dose of fan art — some of which has already been turned into tattoos, while some pieces are still waiting for the right person. Everything is fuelled by a love for pop culture, Japanese street fashion, music, and horror.
The development of Milo’s tattoo work and other creative pursuits go hand in hand — though tattooing and personal well-being always take priority.
“I’m constantly working to refine my technical skills and visual expression. Every image, every day, every encounter teaches me something new — but so do the moments outside of work. That’s why looking after them matters just as much.”
Favourite conversation topics
“I’ll chat with anyone about just about anything. Of course, it’s easiest when we share similar interests — but even that’s not a requirement for a good conversation.”
Free Time
Milo often draws and paints in his free time, plays video games, reads books, watches anime, and goes to gigs. Most of his trips to Japan have revolved around attending concerts by various Visual Kei band.
“Live music and painting bring me to life.”
An introverted cat dad, Milo loves good Chardonnay, Asian cuisine, and quiet evenings at home just as much as a night out at a show.”
My first artistic memory
When I was five, I used to draw various bodies, frozen limbs, and wounds with wax crayons at nursery, after flipping through my aunt’s medical school textbooks. She had some explaining to do — though I was, quite honestly, just fascinated by it all from a scientific perspective. I even vaguely remember some of the drawings themselves, although the nursery staff were so shocked they confiscated them.
