Built by Ink: The Rise of Chetan Butia & Variants Tattoo Studio
In the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, where every corner pulses with energy and ambition, some stories don’t just unfold — they’re etched permanently in skin and spirit. Among those is the journey of Chetan R Butia, the mind and needle behind Variants Tattoo Studio, a name now synonymous with precision, realism, and purpose-driven art.
A self-taught tattoo artist with a love for storytelling, Chetan has carved out more than just designs — he’s created a life around meaning, mastery, and the desire to bring people's inner worlds to the surface through his ink.
From a Day Out to a Life’s Calling
It all began in 2015 — not in a studio, not under a spotlight, but on a casual day out with friends. Chetan, driven by instinct and a fascination for symbolism, decided to get a koi fish tattoo — a mark of luck, strength, and perseverance. That moment, that ink, became more than just a piece of body art — it was an awakening.
Art had always been part of Chetan’s life, deeply rooted since childhood. But tattooing? That was uncharted territory. Yet something about that moment — the interaction, the permanence, the intimacy of tattooing — spoke to him on a deeper level. He didn't plan it. Tattooing chose him.
Ink as Expression: Art with Soul and Intention
Chetan's love for the art form wasn’t just technical — it was deeply emotional. Tattooing, to him, is the purest way to translate emotion into art. What captivates him is the way people bring him their ideas, emotions, memories, or tributes — often in fragments — and trust him to give them form and meaning.
His process is intuitive yet meticulous. Whether it’s a memorial tattoo, a cultural symbol, or a spiritual design, he approaches each one with immense respect for the story behind it. He specializes in realism and hyperrealism, where every pore, wrinkle, and glint is inked with obsessive precision. But above all, his strength lies in his ability to listen, feel, and then create.
Masterpiece in Motion: The Ganesha Tattoo
Among the many works in his portfolio, one project holds a special place — a hyper-realistic Ganesha tattoo he completed in 2018. It wasn’t just a test of skill, but a spiritual and creative milestone. The tattoo took over 30 hours — a marathon of focus, patience, and faith in his craft. When it was done, it wasn’t just a tattoo; it was a declaration:
“I’m ready to bring my vision to the world.”
A Mind Full of Pencils and Purpose
Chetan’s art isn’t born out of chaotic inspiration — it’s born in quiet moments. With a pencil, a blank page, and often a head full of uncertainty, he begins. By the end of the session, those confusing thoughts transform into a finished design that speaks.
He finds inspiration in purpose — the reason behind the tattoo, the feeling it’s meant to evoke. It’s never just about aesthetics. It’s about truth. And in this pursuit, he draws heavily from his idols — Shige of Yellow Blaze in Japan and Bimal Rai from Static Engraves — both of whom push the boundaries of what's possible with ink.
Challenges and the Power of Grit
Like many artists, Chetan’s road wasn’t easy. He didn’t grow up with a silver needle. His greatest challenge wasn’t technique, exposure, or tools — it was family responsibility. From a young age, he had to shoulder real-life pressures, and he knew that the only way out was through. His answer to every challenge?
“Work harder.”
It’s this no-shortcuts mentality that sets him apart — every tattoo carries the weight of not just the client’s story, but his own.
A Studio That Breathes Art: Variants Tattoo Studio
Today, Variants Tattoo Studio isn’t just a workspace — it’s a sacred space where thoughts become designs, and designs become living, breathing art. The name "Variants" reflects Chetan’s belief that art has many shapes, voices, and forms. No two tattoos are alike — because no two stories are.
He’s currently exploring new artistic directions, delving into Hindu mythological figures, giving divine forms a hyperrealistic edge. Through this evolution, he hopes to bridge tradition and modern technique, creating work that is timeless yet fresh.
More Than Tattoos — A Movement of Authenticity
Chetan’s long-term dream goes beyond ink. He envisions a community of honest, hardworking, and authentic tattoo artists — a collective that inspires one another, grows together, and remains true to the art. His message is clear:
“Life is short — draw as much as you can. Enjoy the process.”
And while he may not seek fame, he does seek impact — to be a name that upcoming artists can relate to, learn from, and hopefully, surpass.
In Conclusion: A Story Etched in Skin and Soul
Chetan R Butia’s journey is one of heart, hustle, and humility. From a curious client to a respected artist, his path is proof that passion, when backed by relentless effort and purpose, creates magic.
Whether it’s a koi fish or a god, a personal memory or a mythological marvel, every piece by Chetan is a reminder that art is not just made — it is lived, felt, and worn.
📍 Follow Chetan’s Journey & Artwork:
Instagram – @chetanbutia @variantstattoo
🎨 Variants Tattoo Studio — Where every line has a story, and every story leaves a mark.