After meeting in Poland and travelling Europe together, tattoo artists Diana Diaz (@ttoo_diaz) and Alex But(@but_flash) are now on a unique journey to tattoo in every state across the USA. Tattooing in new cities brings new experiences, incredible clients and insights into the tattoo culture across different regions – we chatted to the duo to learn more about the journey so far, settle in for the ride…
You’re a duo of traveling tattoo artists, working together to explore the USA one guest spot at a time. How did you both meet? What brought you together? Where are you from?
It was a bit of a coincidence. I was working in a studio in Poland, and Alex came to do a guest spot. We hit it off straight away. Both of us were into pushing our tattoo skills and had a shared passion for exploring new cities and cultures. I’m originally from Ukraine, as is Alex, so we connected over our shared background as well. It felt like the perfect partnership, and we’ve been travelling together ever since.
Tattoo by DianaTattoo by Diana
How long have you been travelling for and where have you been so far?
We’ve been on the road for five years now, we started working in different countries across Europe. Then our trips took us through Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and Denmark. In 2024, we ventured into the USA to continue our tattoo adventure. Last year we did guest spots in 14 states and even visited Alaska for a guest spot.
Tattoo by Alex
What’s been your most memorable place / guest spot so far?
One of our most memorable guest spots was in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a special place for us mainly because the tattoo community there feels like a family and we’re grateful to every person we met there. The vibe of the city was incredible, and we met so many inspiring native artists and customers. The energy in that city was unmatched, we saw some incredible wildlife and it was one of the first times we really felt like we were part of a creative community.
Tattoos by Diana
What have you learnt about different tattoo cultures in each country / city you’ve visited? Has anything surprised you?
Throughout our travels, we’ve discovered that every place brings its own unique flavour to tattoo culture. In some cities, the art is deeply rooted in local traditions and history, while in others, it’s a bold expression of modern creativity and personal identity.
One of the biggest surprises was finding incredibly tight-knit communities in unexpected locations. For example, in a small town in Alaska, the tattoo scene felt more like a close family than just a professional network. Every new city has taught us something distinct, enriching our own style and deepening our appreciation for the art form.
Tattoo by AlexTattoo by Alex
Has your own work changed or evolved along your journey?
Absolutely. As we’ve travelled and worked in different places, our style has evolved. We’ve learned new techniques, picked up insights from various artists, and drawn inspiration from the places we’ve visited. Exposure to such a diverse range of styles and people has pushed us to think outside the box and develop a more multi-faceted approach to tattooing. Now, we’re open to collaborations with different companies and are striving to transform tattoo designs into true art.
What challenges have there been along the way, and how have you overcome them?
There have been many challenges, different languages, cultural differences, and sometimes even just finding the right place to stay. We had to be resourceful, adapt quickly, and stay connected with each other to overcome those tough times. But through it all, we’ve learned to embrace uncertainty and stay flexible, we believe that this is the most important thing.
What’s it like living out of a suitcase? What kind of places do you stay in?
Living out of a suitcase is definitely a lifestyle choice! We stay in a mix of places — some are small Airbnb apartments, sometimes with friends, and other times in more unusual spots like RV campers or trailers when we’re on the move. It’s always a bit chaotic but exciting, and it keeps us on our toes. We’ve learned to pack light and adapt to whatever situation comes our way.
Tattoo by Diana
Where’s next on this journey?
Our journey is far from over! We’re currently working on completing our goal of completing 90 guest spots in every state in the US. Next, we’ll continue making our way across the country, with plans to visit new cities, collaborate with more artists, and keep growing both as tattoo artists and individuals. We’re excited to see where this adventure takes us!
So are we! Make sure to follow Diana (@ttoo_diaz) and Alex (@but_flash) on their incredible adventure.
Sara Puhto, known as @saggysara on Instagram, is a body positivity influencer who shares real, raw and refreshingly honest content. Social media bombards us with unrealistic beauty standards, making us question ourselves and our bodies – but Sara is on a mission to change that, one post at a time.
Beyond her empowering message, Sara also proudly shows off her bold and beautiful tattoos. It’s common to hear people say they’ll wait to get a tattoo until they look a certain way – a mindset that, unfortunately, persists. But Sara challenges this idea, reminding us that all bodies are worthy of tattoos and that life is too short to put off getting that tattoo!
We sat down with Sara to talk about her content, her tattoos and how the tattoo community has evolved in recent years.
What inspired you to start creating body positivity content?
I used to be a fitness content creator back in 2016 and realised that I was posing, flexing and sucking in all my photos. I was sharing my workouts and “what I eat in a day” videos and realised that I was comparing myself to other content creators who were also posting similar content. I’d compare my body to theirs and assume that they looked flexed all the time, even when they were relaxing their bodies. That’s when I decided to share my relaxed body next to my posed, flexed and sucked in body to show the “reality” behind my Instagram posts. It felt really rewarding and helpful to not only me, but also to my audience – I haven’t stopped since.
I also had an eating disorder and a problematic disordered relationship with working out and started my journey to healing. I now have a healthy relationship with food and working out and have found a balance that is sustainable for me. Posting my body acceptance and body-neutral content was almost like having a public diary of my healing process and sharing my inner thoughts and feelings while recovering publicly. This, I don’t regret one bit, as it’s so beautiful to know that others have healed and started their healing journeys through the help of my content, which means the world to me.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite tattoos and their significance to you?
The majority of my tattoos are because “they looked nice and I wanted it”. But I have my cat tattooed on me, he passed away two years ago and he meant so much to me, I’m still not fully over him passing so it’s comforting to have the tattoo of him to remind me that he’s never really gone. I’m quite spiritual and believe that our passed loved ones stay with us.
I have the words “stay present” and “alive” on my palms, to remind me to be in the moment and to make the most of being alive. I got those tattoos at a really low, rock-bottom moment of my life when I was struggling with depression and trying to gain the courage to leave an abusive relationship. Once I left the abusive relationship and started my healing journey, having those moments of really fixating and looking at my palms helped me refocus my perception of life – always a great reminder!
I used to be really insecure about my torso. I have a wider torso because I’ve undergone scoliosis surgery. It took me such a long time to feel confident to get my stomach tattooed because I was worried it would draw attention to my wide torso. But ever since I started getting it tattooed, I feel so much more confident in my relaxed body!
I also just love looking at myself in the mirror now. I’ve wanted to be heavily tattooed ever since I was a young teenager, so I know little me would be obsessed with all the body art which makes me feel happy and confident!
Do you think tattoos can serve as a tool for improving self-esteem? How so?
@saggysara on Instagram
Absolutely! Tattoos can be a powerful way to reclaim your body and express yourself. For many people getting a tattoo can help them embrace parts of themselves they once felt insecure about. It’s like turning your body into a canvas that reflects who you are, and that can be empowering.
Why do you think people feel they need to have a certain body type to get tattoos?
A lot of it comes from outdated beauty standards and the way tattooed bodies are/were portrayed in media. For a long time, most tattoo ads and magazines featured thin, toned bodies, making it seem like tattoos “belong” on a certain type of person. That combined with societal pressure to look a certain way, can make people feel like they need the “perfect” body before getting tattooed.
Do you feel there’s enough representation of diverse body types in the tattoo community?
@saggysara on Instagram
There’s progress, but there’s still room for improvement. More artists are showcasing tattooed bodies of different sizes, shapes and skin tones, which is great to see. I think social media has helped a lot in normalising tattoos on all kinds of bodies, but mainstream representation, especially in magazines, ads and TV still tends to favour a certain “ideal” look. The reality is, tattoos are for everybody who wants them. Thankfully more inclusive artists and platforms are pushing for diversity, and I think we’re heading in the right direction.
Do you think the tattoo industry is becoming more inclusive? What changes would you like to see?
I’m not a tattoo artist but it’s lovely to see tattoo artists posting more flash and concept pieces on larger bodies on Instagram. I also think the kindness of tattoo artists regarding self-harm scars, stretch marks and other body aspects that might cause someone insecurities is being handled with a lot more compassion and kindness.
From my experience, whenever an artist has seen my old self-harm scars, they have approached it in a way that always makes me feel comfortable, especially when it comes to asking for consent when posting photos of tattoos that have been done on my old self-harm scars.
I’d like to see a wider acceptance of different tattoo styles beyond what’s traditionally considered “mainstream,” encouraging artists to explore and express their own unique visions without judgement. I feel like a lot of artists are doing this and it’s amazing to see, I just wish the public on social media comment sections weren’t so rude and judgemental.
Have you noticed any changes in how tattoo culture intersects with body positivity in recent years?
More people are getting tattoos not just for aesthetics but as a way to reclaim their bodies and tell their personal stories. One of the biggest changes is how scars, stretch marks and other “imperfections” are being embraced in tattoo culture. Instead of hiding them, many people are choosing to highlight these features with tattoos. For example with mastectomies, surgeries, or stretch marks, they’ve used tattoos as a way to celebrate their journeys rather than conceal them
Also, more artists are specialising in tattooing on all body types and skin tones, which wasn’t always the case. It’s really refreshing to see a broader representation of people in tattoo media and marketing.
The body positivity movement has helped shift the mindset from covering up to celebrating. It’s no longer about “fixing” anything, it’s more about embracing who you are, exactly as you are, and using tattoos as a form of self expression.
Do you think there’s a difference between how men and women are perceived when they’re heavily tattooed?
Yes, for sure. Heavily tattooed women tend to be more sexualised than men. Women will often get asked inappropriate questions, for example, “How far does that tattoo go?” or “Are your breasts/nipples/pubic bone tattooed?”. Unnecessary sexual questions asked by strangers (mostly men) that you wouldn’t ask someone normally, especially a stranger.
Due to older societal gender norms women are judged more heavily for being heavily tattooed. For example, getting comments like, “But you were so pretty before!” or questions about how their tattoos will look when they’re older, things that rarely get said to men.
Have you faced any challenges or criticism as a heavily tattooed woman? How do you handle negativity or trolls on your social media platforms?
I never really get trolls but if I do, I usually just ignore them because people have different opinions. Sometimes I’ll reply with a cheeky comment if they’re rude, but I rarely do that anymore because their opinions of my tattoos don’t matter to me because I love my tattoos.
How do you want people to feel when they see your content?
@saggysara on Instagram
I want people to feel seen. Social media has made us compare ourselves to every single person we see online because we only see the highlights of people’s lives on social media. I want to remind them that it’s okay to be human and have flaws and remind them that life isn’t meant to be curated or perfect.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant to get their first tattoo due to body insecurities?
Every time I’ve gotten a tattoo on a body part that I was insecure about previously, it’s helped me regain confidence. I’d say you’re not alone, so many people feel this way before getting their first tattoo. But one of the beautiful things about tattoos is that they can help you embrace your body rather than hide from it.
If you’re feeling hesitant, take your time. Many tattoo artists today are incredibly supportive and understand how personal this process can be. A good artist will make you feel comfortable.
Also, try to reframe the way you think about your body. Instead of seeing a tattoo as a way to “fix” something, see it as a way to celebrate yourself. The most important thing is that the tattoo makes you happy.
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Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating female tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented women 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.
Known for his bold and expansive backpieces, we sat down to hear 29-year-old Francesco Ferrara’s story. Italian Francesco currently lives in California in the USA and is a resident artist at Gold Rush Tattoo (@Goldrushtattoo) in Costa Mesa.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of Things & Ink and express my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity.
My journey into the world of tattooing began at a very young age. Before embarking on my career as a tattoo artist, I was first a client. At the age of 15, I received my first tattoo — a Japanese sleeve on my left arm. At the time, I had little knowledge about tattoos, but I was instantly captivated by the art form.
By the age of 16, I attempted my first tattoo on a friend in my garage using a machine that another friend had purchased. In those early years, I did not view tattooing with the same perspective I have today. However, I am deeply grateful to my younger self for taking that first step, as tattooing ultimately gave my life purpose and direction.
I also remain deeply grateful to the individuals who supported me at the start of my career— those who entrusted me with their skin when I was just 16. Many of them are still close friends, while others have naturally drifted from my life over time.
When I first entered the tattoo industry, I was young and unfamiliar with both the craft and the inner workings of a tattoo studio. My apprenticeship lasted over a year, during which my primary focus was observing, absorbing and understanding the daily operations of a professional studio. Throughout this time, I refrained from tattooing, aside from a few experimental pieces on close friends, for which I never accepted payment.
I firmly believe that a strong apprenticeship is the foundation of a skilled tattoo artist. With over a decade of experience, I can quickly discern whether an artist has undergone a proper apprenticeship or is self-taught – the difference is substantial and unmistakable.
One of the most memorable moments of my career was my first guest spot in London at Black Garden Tattoo. At just 21 years old, I didn’t speak a word of English, but I was eager to tattoo as many people as possible. That experience profoundly reinforced my passion for tattooing and the incredible opportunities it has provided for my personal and professional growth.
Over the years, I’ve refined my style through exposure to diverse artistic influences and collaborations with some of the most esteemed tattoo artists in the industry. Working in various locations has allowed me to learn, adapt and integrate different techniques into my craft. I like to believe that I’ve taken inspiration from each artist I have encountered and made it my own.
My tattooing style is a fusion of traditional European and American influences. I have always specialised in traditional tattooing, though my approach has evolved significantly over the years. While in Europe, I favoured thinner lines and a more muted, autumnal colour palette.
Upon moving to the US, I was heavily influenced by the American traditional scene, adopting bold lines, vibrant colours and solid shading techniques.
Personally, I have exclusively Traditional and Japanese tattoos on my body. The majority of my clientele seek large-scale projects such as backpieces, front pieces, and sleeves. Each large-scale design is custom-created in collaboration with the client, incorporating their input to ensure a meaningful and personalised outcome.
Additionally, I frequently work with flash pieces from my collection, as many clients are drawn to my artistic style rather than a specific design. However, I am always happy to create bespoke pieces upon request.
Creating a backpiece is an extensive and deeply personal journey for both the client and myself. The process typically spans approximately five sessions, each dedicated to a different stage: outlining, shading, and colouring.
When clients approach me to begin their backpiece, I always seek their input on the design. Understanding their vision and aspirations allows me to incorporate their ideas while infusing my own artistic perspective, ultimately crafting a piece that surpasses their expectations.
Many of my clients gravitate toward bold, vibrant designs, drawn to my signature style that features strong black contrasts and striking colour palettes. However, I also enjoy working in black and grey, adapting to each client’s preferences. To ensure optimal healing, I generally recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart.
For clients travelling from overseas, I accommodate their schedules by arranging consecutive sessions, reducing both travel expenses and logistical challenges. Each session typically lasts four to five hours, with short breaks to ensure the client’s comfort. Preparation is crucial, so I advise clients to get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a nutritious diet before their appointments.
The tattoo industry has changed significantly since I first started, but I am encouraged by the number of dedicated artists and passionate enthusiasts who continue to uphold the integrity of the craft. Many of my clients are between the ages of 18 and 25, and their appreciation for traditional and Japanese tattooing gives me hope for the future of the industry.
The tattoo scene in the US is remarkable, with an incredible community of talented artists. I deeply appreciate my clients here, as well as those in Europe, and I value the healthy competition that pushes us all to excel in our craft.
Unfortunately, there is also a great deal of misinformation surrounding tattooing, and some individuals portray a misleading or inauthentic version of the art form. I firmly believe that true artists who genuinely respect and preserve the craft will leave a lasting legacy, while those who exploit it without passion or dedication will ultimately fade away.
I consider myself fortunate to have clients who trust me and grant me creative freedom in my work. Looking ahead, one of my aspirations is to complete a full body suit on a client with either no tattoos or minimal existing work.
To the readers of Things & Ink, thank you for taking the time to read this article. I would like to offer a piece of advice to aspiring tattoo artists: Love tattooing wholeheartedly, as it will always give back to you — both the good and the bad. Work hard, as there are no shortcuts in this industry. If you lack genuine passion, then tattooing may not be the right path, as the world does not need more tattoo artists — it needs dedicated and skilled ones.
Francesco’s books are currently closed, reopening at the end of March for appointments between May and July 2026. Message him via DM on Instagram. He’s currently working on several projects that are still under wraps. His first book, Bruh Book, is out now. Make sure to follow Francesco Ferrara (@francesco__ferrara _) for more incredibly bold tattoos.
Tattoo artist Circe (@Circe.Tattoo) believes that tattoos are constantly evolving and that clients are at the heart of that infinite evolution. She tattoos in her private studio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she feels inspired by the people she’s surrounded by. Here she tells us more about her beautiful blackwork style that looks like it’s from a bygone era…
What first drew you to tattoos? And what was your journey to becoming a tattoo artist?
As a child, I was fascinated by a type of chewing gum that featured temporary tattoos, which I would eagerly stick all over my arms. Drawing has always been a passion of mine, nurtured by my parents who were woodblock artists. We often spent our weekends in their atelier, immersed in creativity.
My desire to become a tattoo artist sparked during a family trip to Mexico when I unexpectedly reconnected with my uncle, who my parents hadn’t seen in 18 years. Our conversation revealed that I had two cousins who were tattoo artists in Europe. At that time, tattooing wasn’t the mainstream phenomenon it is today.
When I went back home, I dived into research about tattooing. Earning some extra cash by creating flyers for my friends’ band gigs allowed me to buy my first tattoo machines, and I started practicing on pumpkins in my room.
Do you have a memorable moment from your past when you fell in love with tattoos?
During my early days as an apprentice at the shop, I found myself captivated by the diverse range of people I encountered, each with their own unique stories. The mix of different backgrounds, experiences, and the rich tapestry of symbols and images, drew me in completely. I realised this was the place where I wanted to spend most of my time.
Your blackwork tattoos have an almost historical quality to them, really classic and beautiful, how did you hone that style?
I spend a lot of my time digging into references that I can translate into the art of tattooing, much like the old-school tattoo artists did before the internet took over. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit museums as part of my journey. I also enjoy collecting art books and try to seek inspiration from various sources, drawing from both art history and the images I encounter in posters or advertisements.
How do you like to work with customers on pieces? Is it usually flash or custom work? Or a bit of both?
I often start by showing my clients my collection of flash designs, explaining that these serve as a launching pad for our creativity. From there, we can explore ways to customise or mix different ideas, or simply examine my approach to tattooing.
I particularly enjoy creating custom pieces, as I believe it’s essential for the design to complement both the individual’s style and the area where it will be placed.
Where do you currently tattoo and what’s the tattoo scene like there?
I’m currently situated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I have my own private studio to work independently. The tattoo scene here in Buenos Aires is vibrant and thriving.
Buenos Aires is home to some fantastic tattoo artists who are truly passionate about their craft. It’s always a pleasure to engage in discussions and enjoy painting nights with them. The clients also play an active role in this creative process, bringing along intriguing references for their tattoos, which adds to the inspiration.
How do we book in with you? Will you be doing any guest spots this coming year?
If you’d like to book a session with me, feel free to reach out via email at circe.xyz@gmail.com. Additionally, you can follow my Instagram account @Circe.Tattoo to keep up with my future guest appearances!
Do you have any thoughts on the tattoo world itself? Its current state, what has come before and any hopes for the future of tattooing?
From my point of view, tattoos are constantly evolving and will continue to do so indefinitely. I believe they will never settle into a final form because they are like living entities, continually transforming from one generation to the next. Just as history unfolds in a spiral, always repeating itself but in different ways, tattoos will follow this same pattern.
A significant aspect of tattooing revolves around the decisions made by the clients who wear them; ultimately, they are the ones who have the final say.
What’s next for you?
I’m in the process of putting together my very first flash book. This will be my inaugural edition, and I’m excited to see it come together.
Is there any tattoo you haven’t created that you’d love to do?
I have plenty of ideas, but my time is limited when it comes to bringing them to life. I remind myself to be patient and to take things one step at a time. In the future, I’d like to incorporate some colour into my tattoos, but for now, I’m enjoying working with just black and occasionally adding a bit of grey.
Her career in tattooing was sparked by an encounter that changed up her thinking. Here, tattoo artist Jungyeon Kim ( known as Nonlee / @non_lee_ink ) shares her story. And how she morphed her style into the incredible ethereal tattoos she creates today at Ziho Gallery in Seoul, South Korea. Grab yourself a cuppa and settle in for the journey.
What made you fall in love with tattoos?
Before becoming a tattoo artist, I spent nine years teaching students watercolour painting and pencil drawing. One day, a student came to my art class with a unique request: he wanted to learn basic drawing skills to pursue a career in tattooing. While I had personal experience with tattoos, I’d never considered becoming a tattoo artist myself.
This encounter sparked a new interest in me. Even though I found joy in teaching and seeing my students succeed, I always yearned to create art for myself. The pandemic, despite its challenges, provided me with the opportunity to explore new avenues.
Your background is in art and teaching, what drew you to this in the first place?
I began teaching art out of necessity. Like many art students, I needed a part-time job to support my tuition and art supplies. Having graduated from an art high school, I had a strong foundation and was able to earn a higher hourly rate. Even after graduating from university, I continued teaching because I enjoyed the interaction with students and the work was a good fit for my outgoing personality.
With your teaching experience, would you ever consider having an apprentice?
I have prior experience teaching tattooing. I currently work with tattooist Ziho at Ziho Gallery in Seoul, Korea. We occasionally hold tattoo workshops. While Ziho primarily leads these workshops, I’ve assisted him and co-taught on several occasions.
Tell us more about the studio, what’s it like?
The studio houses a diverse group of artists, and I find it both beneficial and enjoyable to collaborate with individuals who share similar styles and genres.
How long have you been tattooing for?
I began my tattooing journey in March 2021 under the mentorship of renowned tattoo artist Ziho. I wanted to maximise my artistic potential and create a style that best showcased my abilities.
We love your tattoos, can you tell us about your own tattoo collection?
I have around 17 tattoos. While I cherish them all, three hold a special place in my heart. The most recent one, which has just healed, is florals from @sian_ttt. The second one is a beautifully recreated moth tattoo done by @n.o.u.v.e.a.u. And the third one was done by @oozy_tattoo, one of the artists who inspired me to start tattooing.
Tattoo by @sian_tttTattoo by @n.o.u.v.e.a.uTattoo by @oozy_tattoo
Your work has a magical quality to it – ethereal and beautiful – how would you describe it?
My style is primarily based on hyperrealism but leans towards botanical illustration. The most distinctive feature of my tattoos is the use of vibrant and bold colours.
My background in fine art allows me to incorporate elements of oil painting and watercolour techniques into my tattoos, resulting in a unique style that sets me apart from traditional tattoo artists.
Have you always painted?
My undergraduate major was sculpture. However, I’ve also explored two-dimensional mediums such as painting and printmaking. While I’m currently focused on tattooing, my sculptural background has given me a strong foundation in three-dimensional form and light and shadow, which I believe enhances my tattoo designs.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration. Everything in nature can be a subject for my tattoos. I often go bush walking, visit the beach to observe marine life, or simply explore my surroundings. I spend a lot of time photographing plants in my neighbourhood, especially during spring and summer.
How do you like to work with customers? Do you do mostly custom work or flash too?
I primarily create custom designs tailored to each individual client. I enjoy exploring new subject matter, and I’m often inspired by the unique ideas that my clients bring to the table. However, I also create flash designs, which allow me to explore my own personal interests.
What’s next for you? How would you like your work and style to progress?
I’m interested in gradually transitioning to larger-scale projects. As an artist who pays meticulous attention to detail, I am exploring ways to maintain a high level of detail while scaling up my work.
Do you ever do guest spots and how do we book in?
I announce the dates and locations of my guest spots on Instagram. I usually post this information one to two months in advance, so it’s best to follow my account for updates. In countries where there is potentially a large customer base, spots can fill up within a week.
Make sure to follow Nonlee on Instagram @non_lee_ink for more tattoos and to book yours.
