The world is a scary place right now and we’re heartbroken at the suffering in Gaza – the starvation of babies and children, widespread suffering on a scale that we can’t get our heads around. It’s easy to feel helpless. But we’ve taken comfort in the fact that the tattoo world is trying to do their bit – some by putting on flash days to raise funds to help the people of Gaza and show their support.
Here’s what we know:
The Palestinian-led fundraiser – Hibr Tattoos for Palestine – has raised more than $350k so far to help the people of Gaza. If you’re an artist who wants to raise money, there’s helpful documents linked from the Instagram @hibrfalastin, listing all artists, all donations, plus there’s a tattooer submission form to get involved. There’s also a page – here – to donate to a Palestinian-run, volunteer-based initiative dedicated to providing essential internet access to Palestinians in Gaza to enable vital communication, access to education, and coordination of medical aid.
There’s also limited-edition Hibr prints by @minnie_tattoos from the Philippines. Find info on Instagram.
St Clair’s Tattoo in Portabello
DATE: Sunday 7 September / TIME : 12-6PM Address: 84 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1AN
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED / CASH PREFERRED PICK YOUR FLASH NOT YOUR ARTIST
Please join the artists to raise funds for Trees for Palestine – helping farmers rebuild on their land and provide food during the siege.
Soteria Tattoos, London
Dinky Dyke Tattoos has organised a flash day and all proceeds will go to medical aid for Palestine – @medicalaidpal – and World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that prepares and serves fresh, nourishing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and during humanitarian crises.
Date: Sunday 14 September – all flash designs £60/7cm. For arm and leg only. Limited slots, email dinky.dyketattoos@gmail.com to secure your place! Address: 130-132 Petherton Road, Stoke Newington, N5 2RT
Also tattooing on the day: @soyboytats – DM to book, from £50 to £130, depending on size and placement
@dolordeitytattoo – £100, 5-10cm, arm and leg only, email dolordeitytattoo@gmail.com
We first spoke to Leeds-based tattoo artist Tina Caruso (@tinacarusodot)in November last year (read our interview) and it was incredible to hear all about her mastectomy tattoo project. But Tina has been busy with a brand new project, so we decided to have another catch up to find out all about her beautiful tattooed corsets…
What inspired you to want to put tattoos on a corset?
I’ve always loved the way a corset frames the body and moves with it. It felt natural to combine that shape with tattoo art, so the piece becomes something you can actually wear — art that’s alive and in motion.
How did you come up with the designs? Are they like the tattoos you create on skin?
Not really — they’re quite different from my tattoo work on skin. With the first corset I made, I realised I needed to simplify the design so it would work on this type of fabric. So I started to play around with thick and thin lines to give contrast and impact while still keeping the flow along the body’s shape.
How many corsets have you made? Are they one of a kind?
So far, I’ve made one original design, it will be available in three sizes (S/M/L). It’s still a one-of-a-kind piece — each one is made individually, so no two will ever be exactly the same.
Are the corsets on display anywhere?
Not yet — I’m just about to launch my online shop, so they’ll be available there soon.
How do you go about tattooing the corsets? How different is it to skin?
It’s completely different to tattooing skin. Fabric doesn’t stretch, so the design has to be adapted and transferred differently. The ink also behaves differently, so it’s slower and more technical — but the end result is worth it.
Have you customised other objects with tattoos?
I’ve tried tattooing a few different materials, for practice, but corsets are my favourite, they look so elegant once finished. And I’m already looking at different forms of corsets and new projects to start with.
Thank you for chatting to us Tina, it was great to reconnect. Follow Tina on Instagram to find out when her online shop launches.
Stay up to date with Things&Ink
Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.
Tattoo artistViktoriia (@tatts.ivanova) is based in San Francisco at Black Serum Tattoo. Born in a small town in Ukraine, Viktoriia specialises in fine line and floral tattoos. She’s recently started exploring micro realism, and she has fallen in love with the style...
How long have you been tattooing? What made you want to become a tattoo artist?
I have been tattooing for over four and a half years. Tattooing has fascinated me since childhood. I attended art school, always loved drawing, and was intrigued by the idea of tattoos as a form of personal expression. At first, I chose a different path and enrolled at university to study law enforcement, but I soon realised it wasn’t for me.
Everything changed when my mother gave me my first tattoo machine. She has always been my biggest motivator, encouraging me to learn and explore.
What was the experience of tattooing someone for the first time?
The first tattoo I ever made was on a classmate. At that time, I had no formal knowledge — just a machine, a needle and ink. Later, I joined a studio that offered training and spent two weeks there learning the fundamentals. I started with bold lines and was afraid of lettering or fine details. Ironically, those are exactly the things I love most today.
You create a lot of floral and fine-line tattoos, they’re gorgeous. How did you refine your style?
Now my work focuses on fine lines, floral elements, and micro-realism. In many ways, I draw on the experience I gained in art school, where I especially enjoyed working with graphics and pencil drawings, particularly still lifes. My passion for shading, light and shadow has carried over into tattooing: I use those same techniques in floral designs and delicate pieces.
Tattooing so many flowers, you’ve got to have a favourite?
My favourite flowers are hollyhocks, peonies, daffodils and irises. They grew in the garden of my childhood home, and my grandmother, who loved flowers and instilled in me a love for drawing, passed this inspiration on to me.
You’re also exploring micro realism tattooing, can you tell us more about this? What would you love to tattoo?
I am also deeply inspired by micro-realism. I love creating small but highly detailed tattoos that capture light and shadow in a subtle, elegant way. In the future, I want to explore larger floral compositions and continue to develop micro-realism.
What inspires your work?
What inspires me most are my clients and their trust. Their emotions when the piece is finished, their kind words, and the fact that they return for new tattoos — that is my greatest motivation. I also find inspiration in travel, new experiences and connecting with other artists across different styles.
Outside of tattooing, I love drawing and photography. My father gave me my first professional camera when I was twelve. Although photography has remained a hobby, it still inspires the way I see art and detail.
What’s been your proudest moment?
What I am most proud of is the path I have taken. Starting in a small town in Ukraine, I never imagined that one day I would be working in the United States. I am also proud to participate in tattoo conventions as a judge — it is a great honour and a way to contribute to the culture I love.
What was your first tattoo?
My first tattoo on myself was at nineteen — the word “peace.” It was a gift from a friend, dedicated to someone close to me, and over the years it has gained even deeper meaning.
Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?
I believe tattoos don’t always need to have a special meaning, but often they do. I have created countless pieces with deep personal significance — matching tattoos for sisters, floral designs in memory of loved ones, words or symbols tied to life stories. Every tattoo is its own story, and it is a privilege for me to help people carry those memories with them.
Thank you Viktoriia for chatting to us and being part of Things & Ink! Follow Viktoriia on Instagram to see more beautiful tattoos.
Stay up to date with Things&Ink
Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.
Christina (@christinaloves_clothes) is a fashion and lifestyle content creator, based in Northamptonshire – she adores playing dress up, has since she was a little girl. Now a mum of three who’s still with her childhood sweetheart, her tattoos have become part of who she is – helping her become more comfortable in her own skin. Here, she talks inspiration, meaning and what’s next on her list of tattoo ideas. Let’s dive into her tattoo story…
What made you want to get tattooed?
As someone who’s struggled with body image from a young age, I’d always been intrigued by tattoos! I loved the way they looked and as a creative soul I knew I wanted one as soon as I was old enough. As a teen, there was definitely an aspect of taking ownership of my body – plus a small amount of rebellion!
I was always drawing on myself and even got a few henna tattoos when I had the opportunity.I’ve always loved to draw and loved the idea of being a tattoo artist but decided I don’t have the stomach for the pain/blood (on other people).
What was your first tattoo?
I got a small butterfly on my ankle at the age of 17. I was on a caravan holiday with my boyfriend’s family (now my husband) and they were always far more relaxed with rules than my own family. They were happy to take me along for a tattoo as my husband’s sister knew the tattoo artist and already had several herself. (My mum knew I was going to get one but I don’t think my dad was pleased, or even knew until after the fact).
How was the experience?
It was terrifying! I knew I wanted the butterfly – I had printed it out especially and I wanted some pretty swirls around it. But the guy who ended up doing the tattoo was a fairly large intimidating man who did little to put me at ease, and ended up doing a smoky swirl. It wasn’t at all what I really wanted, but I was too scared to say anything and he drew it free hand and just did it! I plastered a smile on my face – at least I had a tattoo now, I thought.
It didn’t stop me from going back the same week and getting a tiny heart with devil horns and a tail on my wrist. (This was covered up only a year later and was definitely a rebellion I regretted.) I’ve been meaning to get the butterfly covered for years, but never found the right design or the time to get it done.
After my iffy experiences in the seaside tattoo shop and another awful experience in Northampton, I found an amazing tattoo shop local to me and have been tattooed by several artists there. They really helped put me at ease and took the time to get my ideas right. Shout out to the Rose and Dagger Wellingborough (specifically Matt the owner and Nicole). Also Iggy (@iggy_inktattooist) who did my bigger pieces and has since moved to her own shop in Rushden.
Do you have a favourite tattoo and do you think tattoos have to have meaning?
I have a few favourites, and a lot of mine have some sort of meaning or memory attached.
My ‘self-love’ tattoo is definitely one of my favourites, I love the style and vibrant colours. It means a lot, as I was at a huge turning point in my self-love journey at the time, I was finally starting to feel comfortable with myself and my body.
I also have a floral bee that my oldest friend and I both have, she moved to Australia in 2020 so it’s nice we have this connection still. I’ve known her since year 7 in school, and she was even my maid of honour. I’m buzzing to see her on her next UK visit (pun intended).
My shoulder/chest tattoo was a big thing for me, I got it on my 30th birthday after wanting it for a long time but never feeling like I could. This one was purely for the look at first, but I had it extended a few years later and I loved the idea of a bird cage signifying the freedom I felt in my early 30s.
My husband and I have got each other’s names. I think it was on/near a wedding anniversary and our designs are completely different but also similar in that we both have an anchor. I loved the meaning behind an anchor (being anchored together/ being each other’s anchor through life) and it felt fitting, as we have been together since we were 14! Mine is a fairly dainty design with two roses and three buds for our family unit with a small anchor, whereas he has a more traditional style anchor on his arm, with our wedding colours on the flowers.
Another favourite is my butterfly key – somewhat connected with the bird cage, it signifies freedom after covid and of having the key to my own self-worth.
What influenced the style of tattoos you have?
I definitely have a real mixture, I feel like the tattoo industry has changed a lot over the last 20 years, and so has my taste! I do love some of the more traditional styles and colours but am also very drawn to dainty whimsical styles too. I love florals probably over anything else.
Do you have any tattoos planned?
In my head yes, but haven’t got any actually booked! I have huge Pinterest boards overflowing with ideas, I want some inspired books I love and have wanted a mermaid and/or a fairy for a long time too.
Has getting tattooed had an effect on your body confidence and how you view yourself?
Tattoos have been a huge part of the body acceptance process for me, as someone who has struggled with body image my whole life. I’ve always craved change – changing my hair often for that dopamine release, my weight yo-yoing and becoming a wife and mother at a young age. I do feel that tattoos were a way to help me express myself, take ownership of my body when I felt I couldn’t control anything else and choosing the art and where to put it, just because I could!
Do you want to make people feel a certain way through your content?
When I first started my page, I badly wanted to connect with other people who’d ditched diet culture and learned to love or, at least, accept their body. Instagram was the place I learned I could do just that without the need to change any aspect of myself.
I wanted to explore who I was and what I liked – as me, not just a mum/wife. I found many creators that were living life unapologetically in their bigger bodies and I really wanted to try it for myself and see how it went. The relief was immense. The heavy weight of shame and guilt for being in a bigger body has been something that has lifted gradually over time –I really needed to let go and allow myself the freedom to be ok with my body and accept it.
I adopted a ‘fake it till you make it’ mantra and started sharing my outfits and the clothes that made me feel good regardless of my size/shape.
My aim now is to show that you can wear what makes you happy, in the body you have now. If it brings you joy, confidence and adds a little sparkle to your day, why wouldn’t you? Life is too short to be unhappy in your body.
While I have been making healthier choices and have seen some changes in my own body this year, I really hope I can inspire others to embrace their current body and dress for happiness rather than focusing on covering up and being uncomfortable.
What do your children think of your tattoos? Do you think you’ll be taking them to get tattooed when they’re old enough?
My children have never really seemed to care much about them, to be honest. My eldest daughter has definitely shown more of an interest lately though, and sometimes asks to colour them in. She often comes home from school covered in doodles and I can imagine, once she’s old enough, will be asking me to take her for one! I’d love to get a mother/daughter tattoo with her one day.
Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.
Tattoo artist Kseniia Oliinyk(@storm_tattooart) believes that tattoos can be integral to healing both physical and emotional wounds. She used to be a nurse in Ukraine, and now she is tattooing in San Francisco in the USA where she covers scars and heals souls…
What drew you to the tattoo world?
The freedom of expression. How people can express their inner world through tattooing, tell their story or capture important moments in their lives. How a tattoo can help heal a heartache or remind you of what’s most important. To me, a tattoo isn’t just a drawing, it’s a whole story.
What made you want to become a tattoo artist?
Watching the TV show Miami Ink. I realised it was a place where I could combine my love of art and medicine because I wasn’t willing to give up either of them. Also I sensed a kind of freedom in this business, knowing that in art you are never limited and you have endless possibilities for development.
You used to be a nurse, how do tattooing and nursing relate to one another?
Yeah, there are no ex-medics. Tattooing is partly a medical procedure, we still work with the skin, which is a full-fledged organ with its own peculiarities. As a tattoo artist you need to be ready for the client to feel bad at any moment and you can’t hesitate to deal with it. Also healing is fifty percent of the quality of the tattoo, so the right aftercare is also very important.
What was your first tattoo?
A white snowflake on my right palm. I am left-handed and made it myself. Later on the tattoo was also practiced on by my apprentices, as a first touch of live skin. Now it is perfectly healed and for seven years I have not done any touch-ups.
What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?
The first tattoo I did on a person was a blackwork sleeve for my first tattoo teacher. At my first class I was given a machine, needle and ink said, “tattoo me”. I was shocked, but I was up to the task.
As well as your first class, how did you learn to tattoo?
I had two mentors, they gave me the basic knowledge, led me through the gates of the world of tattooing, and then I went on my own. I studied other artists through video lessons, practiced on artificial skin and continued to draw a lot – very quickly I moved to the real thing. I still attend different workshops of the artists whose style and technique I like the most. There is no point where you’re the best; you can always get better.
Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?
There is no single favourite. I adore my clients and their ideas, especially when I am given freedom and told to “create, I trust your vision”. Those are truly the best moments, seeing a client’s eyes shine when they walk out of the tattoo studio happy.
Do you think tattoos can help people feel more confident?
Yes, I absolutely believe that. Expressing your thoughts, feelings, the way you see yourself and the way you want a tattoo. It’s magic. Especially when it comes to covering up old tattoos and scars.
Can you tell us more about covering up scars with tattoos?
It’s a very special subject. I would even say it’s tattoo therapy. Because scars have a significant impact on self-image, love for your body and the way you feel about yourself in your body.
If a person is not happy with what they see every day in the mirror, it can lead to terrible consequences. A person can become more closed-off, shy and constantly feeling ashamed of their body can significantly reduce the quality of life. Now I’m co-authoring a scientific article with a psychotherapist about it. This is an important topic that I believe we should not keep silent about.
How do you cover a scar and what should someone who wants one covered know?
Scars are basically connective tissue, like our joints. The quality of the skin is really different, so I wouldn’t recommend using this method for any fine lines or small details. I think the best thing to do would be to cover the scar with some part of the tattoo and draw attention away from it.
So, for instance, if you want to make a tattoo that’s all about drawing attention to a particular object, you can do that by making the object itself a bit distorted or something like that. It was great to work with a client who had a big burn on his arm. We covered it with an abstract tattoo.
The watercolour texture and shapes of the scar really complemented the composition, especially where it’s actually made.
It’s also worth mentioning that the age of the scar is important. You can overlap the stitches a year after the area has healed completely, as long as there’s no pain or discomfort. When it comes to keloid scars, I always make sure my clients see a doctor at the start of the project to check it’s ok for them to work on the scar.
You have done a few charity tattoo flash days, what are these like?
These are my special days, and I love them. I started holding them at home in Odessa to support our defenders. There have already been three and there will be more. On these days, I do small, quick tattoos for a fixed price, and all the money raised is donated to volunteers to buy medicine and other necessities.
Next time, I think it will be to help an animal shelter that has taken in pets who have lost their owners.
I don’t create flash sheets because I prefer to work with my clients’ ideas. A few days before the event, we develop a sketch, so each client gets exactly what they want.
What’s been your favourite country to visit and tattoo in?
Currently, I am most interested in working in the USA and Ukraine, but I like to travel everywhere; the main thing is to plan everything so that I don’t ruin anything at the last moment.
Do you have a moment in your career or personal life you’re really proud of?
I was probably at my happiest when I visited a tattoo convention for the first time and took second place in the “Neotraditional” style. That was in Kharkiv in 2021 — it was truly unforgettable. I also saw this wonderful city for the first time then, and I would really like to go back.
I’m also really proud that I overcame my fears and started travelling the world, tattooing wherever I go and meeting incredible people who inspire me more and more.
What are your hopes for the future?
I have big plans. I want to open two tattoo studios: one in the USA and one in Ukraine. There is a list of tattoo conventions that I’d like to attend. I am also thinking about setting up a charity project for scarred people, inviting different masters who work with scar camouflage and promoting tattoo therapy.
We can’t wait for the next step in your journey. Follow (@storm_tattooart)
