Category: Art

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“A tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace…” interview with tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina

Tattoo artist Sofia Lanbina (@betstattoo) based in Munich, Germany, specialises in fineline floral tattoos. We chat to her about her freehand tattoos, her private tattoo studio and her journey into the tattoo world…

What made you fall in love with tattoos?

I remember the first time I thought about getting a tattoo myself, I saw a photo of a girl with a temporary tattoo of roses. I was 15 at the time and I thought, “Omg, one day I want to be covered in flowers like this”, it felt totally unrealistic and I had no idea how my life would turn out but this was probably the moment I fell in love with tattoos and realised how beautiful they can look.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I always loved drawing, when out in nature, I’d sketch different plants and flowers in my notebook – this inspired me the most. And then I just wanted to find a purpose for my drawings and to share them with the world, that’s how I got the thought about becoming a tattoo artist. I obviously loved tattoos, as well, and already have several bigger pieces on myself, so it seemed like a great idea that I couldn’t believe I didn’t come up with earlier.

Can you tell us more about your own tattoo collection?

I’m not covered with tattoos because, since I became a tattoo artist, I also became very thoughtful about what I’m getting. However, I have quite a few larger pieces, I’ve even managed to get a thigh tattoo and then to cover it up with another 20-hour piece. All of my tattoos are flowers, except for a couple of small ones.

How did your style evolve into fineline florals? What do you love about that style?

I’d say I knew what I wanted to do that from the start. As soon as I found fineline tattoos, I thought they’re so fascinating and incredible. It was hard to believe how many details it’s possible to put on skin and how amazingly delicate it can look. And there is a huge range of styles you can tattoo in this technique, from lettering to portraits, ornaments to big florals. That’s what I love about the style.

Talk us through how you work with your customers. Do you draw straight onto their bodies?

I mostly create my tattoos freehand. It means I draw the design right on the skin with a pen without a prepared sketch. Everything starts with discussing the details via email and in person, then I mark placement, size and shape on the skin to get my customer’s approval and, afterwards, I draw the detailed design. At all steps, it’s possible to try different placements and ideas, rearrange objects — only freehand allows this kind of freedom.

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?

My favourite and most memorable tattoo experience was when I first got a freehand tattoo. It was a floral fineline sleeve that took two full days of work. Back then I was already thinking about starting working freehand myself and after seeing and experiencing how fascinating the process is, I finally decided to start doing it myself. So, those tattoo sessions and the tattoo itself means a lot, it was the beginning of a new chapter for me.

What’s your studio like? And how does it impact the experience of getting tattooed?

My studio is a lovely private space, located in the centre of Munich. It’s very bright with a high ceiling, a lot of natural light and big plants, it has a calming and relaxing atmosphere — that’s exactly what I wanted it to be. I think a tattoo session is an experience, so everything matters: the space, atmosphere, music, attitude, pace, etc.

What’s the tattoo scene like in Munich? Do you tattoo lots of tourists / people who travel to collect work from you?

There are so many great tattoo artists and studios in Munich, all have different styles though.

I do tattoo a lot of locals but at least 50% of my customers are travelling to get a tattoo from me. Some come from the US, some from all around Germany and other European countries.

Are there any myths around fineline tattoos? What are they and what is your retort?

The most common misconception about fineline tattoos is that they get all blurred or faded over time. However, it might only happen if done wrong, so before getting a tattoo, make sure to find an experienced tattoo artist who has healed tattoos in their portfolio. Another tip (that ideally the artist has to explain to you) is to not try to fit a million things into a small tattoo. All the elements and individual lines need space, so a tattoo has to be big enough for them.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to never stop learning, experimenting and discovering new angles for my art. Some artists with time get either bored of what they do or get stuck without any growth and progress. I think that the key to never experiencing that is to constantly work, change and improve what you do.

Follow Sofia on Instagram for more beautiful fineline tattoos.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

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“Working on sugar-paste and soft skin feels sort of the same – and a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake!” from cake maker to tattoo artist, interview with Laura Raña

From cake decorator to tattoo artist, Laura Raña (@lifeininklr) runs a private, eco-friendly, vegan and woman-led studio and she holds the honour of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio 2023”.

She was a cake artist for 16 years – and she used to teach and write columns for magazines – so Laura came to tattooing late, but her passion shines through. Here she chats all things cakes, tattoos and creating a welcoming studio for all to enjoy. Make a cuppa and settle in for the ride…

Before you became a tattoo artist, you were a cake artist, what inspired you to make that change?

After spending 16 years juggling life as a mum of two daughters (Bella now 16 and Eva 14 ) and being a cake artist, I felt like I had achieved everything that I wanted in the cake world. I was 35 and I wanted to use my artistic flare and creativity for something that wouldn’t  get stuffed down the throats of my customers week after week.

After spending so much time perfecting colour blending, modelling and painting on tiers of delicious sponges, I began thinking how I could transfer the skills I’d learnt. I wanted to create something that would last forever and not just briefly as brightly coloured crumbs on the side of people’s mouths.

Tattooing had always been something I was fascinated with. My grandad, who was an antiques dealer in the 50s until the 80s, was covered head to toe – back then, it was very taboo and frowned upon in his industry. I used to glare at the naked ladies and dragons strewn across his back, chest, arms and legs. He was six foot five, both tall and wide, his art work made quite an impression on me as a keen young creative artist in the making. He would definitely be one of my inspirations. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming a tattooer…

I started slowly getting covered in tattoos at the very illegal age of 14. I would walk past the only tattoo studio in my town, hoping they wouldn’t notice me in my school uniform. Then when it came to holidays or weekends, I’d try to dress older and strut into the studio beaming with anxious confidence to keep topping up my ink collection. This was when my interest was sparked.

Skip forwards 21 years and after ignoring the narrow-minded warnings from everyone (including my parents) that it was a dangerous industry to get involved in, I began my search for a studio that wouldn’t laugh in my face. 

That was the hardest thing – starting a new career at 35. I’m a strong-headed person, so  I kept knocking on doors, in the hope someone – anyone – would see my passion. Rejection came thick and fast, but I found a studio, eventually.

Apprentices make zero money, well at least I did. I had lots of people offering their skin but trying to throw myself into this amazing new career was not financially viable. So I’d work four days at the studio, then balance part-time work and cake making around that.

What was it like being a cake maker? And how does it compare to tattooing?

I adored my career as a cake artist, what a dream to have a career in the cake industry. I actually entered Kirsty Allsop’s Handmade Christmas TV show by making a fully decorated Christmas cake in under four hours – I ended up winning. It blew up my career and I began making celebration and wedding cakes, and that led me to teaching. Then I opened my own cake studio – I even had my own little cake column in a magazine. I felt just like Carrie Bradshaw. I began entering cake competitions and I’m very proud to have many gold awards. I was even cast for Extreme Cake Makers on TV. I specialised in chocolate modelling, airbrushing and then painting on cakes – all things I brought through to my tattoo career.

Cake and tattoos although very different, there are some elements that feel similar. The use of colour and blending work is the same in tattooing. Working on soft sugar-paste and soft skin feels the same too. Also a moving person is similar to a spongey stacked cake! It could move at any time…

Can you tell us about your studio?

Everyone is welcome in my little private studio. It’s nestled among the bamboo trees in my back garden. It’s a comfortable, cosy, funky little safe space where no one should feel intimidated. I created a studio I would be comfortable being tattooed in, as I think the more at ease you are, the better the whole experience will be.

Tell us about the award your studio won…

Having spent seven years building up my (very) little business, I was stunned to be nominated for England’s Business Awards in 2023. I was even more taken back when I won the title of “Surrey’s best tattoo studio”.

I’ve never claimed to be the most sought after artist – and there are thousands of artists around Surrey that are phenomenal – but these awards are about your art and your business. So that includes reviews and customer service, amongst other things. I was even mystery shopped so they could see the kind of service I offer, how I dealt with my client and the overall experience.

My little framed award sits proudly in the studio where all can see.

How would you describe your style, what do you like to tattoo?

My style isn’t just one thing. Tattooing different styles and using different techniques allows me to broaden my work to appeal to a larger client base. I know it’s probably frowned upon in the industry, but I did the same with my cakes.

Learning different things is beneficial for a successful business and it enables me to become a better artist. I don’t want to pigeon-hole myself to just one thing. I don’t want to wake up one morning and be bored of the same old stuff. So, for me personally, variety is most definitely the spice of life.

How do you work with clients, what’s your tattoo process?

I find the industry has changed from years ago when you’d walk into a studio covered wall-to-wall in flash designs and people choose “number 10”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but now with Pinterest and social media, people find ideas they like and perhaps want to combine a few ideas together. That’s where I come in, to create a design that fits their brief.

My focus is to ensure my clients are well informed, feel heard and understood and happy with their tattoo.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

My “wannados” are based around pop art – bright, bold, almost comic sketches. It’s timeless art that stands out and looks super cool. But I feel like there isn’t much of a place for that as many clients want super fine line delicate pieces. I’d love to continue to tattoo thick lined patterns that are edgy and look amazing on everyone. 

Any guest spots or travel plans?

I’m going to start guesting at a few studios towards the end of this year to get myself out there and socialise with other artists. I might attend a few conventions too.

Follow Laura on Instagram for more tattoos and updates on guest spots.

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

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“The main inspiration is always the emotions that lie underneath the surface, in their raw form,” interview with surreal tattooist, Poesis

We’re obsessed with the work of tattoo artist Poesis. She’s based in Hamburg, and is a resident artist at HOOD7. The tattoos she creates are magical, with an otherworldliness about them, sometimes you’re not quite sure exactly what you’re looking at – doors that open to other doors, bookcases with birds poking their head out… each of the tattoos Poesis creates is born from an emotion – and you can feel that in each one-of-a-kind tattoo. We caught up with the tattoo artist to find out more about her weird and beautiful work…

Poesis / @poesis_tattoo Poesis / from her video art project ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

Do you have a first memory of tattoos? What made you fall in love with them? 

This is actually quite funny, my first memory of tattoos  is having a crush on this fully tattooed musician. He was covered head to toe and I thought it was the coolest thing. That’s the first time I fell in love with the aesthetic.  

During my teenage years, I used to hang around alternative kids. A friend asked me to draw a tattoo  design for him, that’s when I first encountered the connection between tattoos and the art world I was so interested in. 

The real moment though – the one that got me completely hooked – was when colourful micro realism tattoos started developing a few years ago. The incredible precision of details, the colours, the strong references to the art I grew up with. It captivated my heart. 

It’s really interesting how moments in our life, that maybe seemed insignificant, become turning points on our journey. We’re always subconsciously moving towards where we’ll eventually end up. 

When did you know you wanted to become a tattoo artist? How did you learn? 

I’d just got my second tattoo from Kozo, it was ‘The Old Guitarist’ by Pablo Picasso. While admiring my new  tattoo and searching for the right artistic medium to dive into, I realised that tattooing is the perfect way to  express all my strengths, do the things I love and live a comfortable life. It’s like all the puzzle pieces came  together.  

Later on, I had the opportunity to learn from Kozo himself. After spending a month by his side, we parted ways and I kept learning on my own, developing the technique, process and designs you see today. 

We love your style so much, how did that evolve? Where do your ideas come from and what  inspires you? 

Thank you! The main inspiration is always the emotions that lie underneath the surface, in their raw form. I focus a lot on the feelings I want to convey in the design. It’s all a matter of embracing who we are and  allowing ourselves to be. In these moments, creativity gets the room it deserves, whatever spills out, I roll  with it. My art is me and I’m my art. As I evolve as a person so does my art. As long as I let my creativity roam free my art will keep evolving.  

Techniques always arrive with time, they stay in your muscle memory, slowly developing as you practice. Creativity, on the other hand, can come in a swing. We just need to learn to open that door in the way that suits each of us. Creativity is one of the most important assets and valuable tools to reflect our minds as artists. Nurture it, learn it, develop it, cherish it, keep it safe, love it.  

Poesis / @poesis_tattoo / from ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

There’s some incredible photos of you on your Instagram, are they inspired by your work? 

These photos are extensions of a bigger multi-medium project I produced and preformed in, called ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’ [you can watch the video on Instagram]. It’s video art inspired by a flash design I made. Apart from the video art, the project holds the stills photos, flower art and the tattoo itself. 

The idea for this project was born after being eager to extend my art to other mediums and to find another way to share what stands behind my tattoo designs. There was a search for self expression, for a way to show a side of Poesis that’s always strongly integrated into my art. 

I collaborated with my friends, a photography duo (Ofek Avshalom and Rona Bar) and with a flower artist (Danielle Barkat), together we executed the concept based on the design and what stood behind it.  ‘The Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’ was featured in Vogue, printed in Iconic Artist Magazine and TattooLife Magazine. This project makes me very proud.

Where do you come up with the motifs that you include in your work? From art, life, customer’s  ideas? How do you know what you’d like to mix together in that unique surreal way? 

The inspiration for the motifs I choose is all around, if we open our eyes and mind we can see it in the  smallest to the biggest of things, but mainly, it’s within ourselves. 

Naturally being attracted to surrealism, dark aesthetics, the unconventional, the dreamy and bizarre, I  subconsciously find myself creating symbolism around these worlds. 

Before each tattoo I meet with my clients and I listen to them. Whatever they feel like bringing up, I welcome with open arms. Through that process, a brainstorm will start to appear, motifs that connect directly and  indirectly will float to the consciousness. When creating a design I usually start with this intuitive approach – scrambling around, channeling into a sketch whatever comes to mind.

Sometimes I don’t know exactly what  I’m going for, I just continue focusing on the emotion and experiences we choose to convey, until the sketch forms into a solid image I’m satisfied with. 

How do you like to work with customers and their ideas? 

I’m always open to hear my client’s ideas, explore and work with whatever comes up. If my clients are being  creative, I like to encourage it. Keeping our mind open to new ideas and concepts is crucial for our  connection with our surroundings and ourselves. 

With that being said, I rarely receive a request for a structured idea. My clients trust my artistic abilities and process to embody the emotions that were brought to the surface. Every piece I make is custom, my art holds two worlds that are coming together for a unique, one of a  kind collaboration. In order to create such tattoos, to hold such a mix of precision and creativity, I require artistic freedom and  flexibility. If the artist doesn’t have the freedom to create, the freedom of expression, what’s left of their artistry? 

What’s next? 

Keep focusing on evolving as a person and as an artist. I hope to expand my artistic universe by diving deeper into inner worlds and minds, finding new ways to embody the soul, develop my creativity and explore other mediums to share my art. 

Follow Poesis on Instagram @poesis_tattoo. Her video art project is called ’The  Simultaneousness of Blooming & Withering’

We’re always talking to amazing tattoo artists, check out our latest interviews.

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“Tattoos are an amazing way to express our individuality,” tattoo artist, Ehyang

Tattoo artist Ehyang adores putting her art on people’s bodies. “I think it’s a proud and rewarding thing that someone likes my paintings and keeps them on their body for the rest of their lives,” she enthuses. “There‘s nothing more glorious as an artist than that.” We caught up with her to find out more…

What’s your earliest memory of tattoos? Did you always want to get tattooed?
“When I was young, I just liked getting tattoos because they looked cool… then I started to just fall in love more and more, so I thought what could be better than to make them my job?”

How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist?
“This year marks my third year. For my sanitation education, I took theoretical classes on machines and needles After that, I practiced with a rubber board.”

How would you describe your style of tattooing?
“My style is fine line ornamental. To differentiate myself from other tattooists, I draw animals with an ornamental twist. That’s the characteristic of my tattoos. I love fine lines and decorative tattoos.”

Do you tattoo lots of tourists who’ve travelled for your work?
“Half of my guests are foreigners and some of them visit Korea just to get a tattoo from me.”

How long is your wait list? How do customers book in?
“I’m taking reservations by e-mail, I used a Korean chat app, but I think e-mail is easier. I usually tattoo one person a day.”

What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing more underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays?
“I think Korea is still a little conservative about tattoos. Most young people get tattoos, and they like to get small tattoos. But I think there are more people getting tattoos than before.”

“I love that a client’s idea can take me somewhere I never thought I would go. “

What’s the best way for customers to come up with an idea for you? Do you offer flash or prefer custom work?
“Customised work is more fun. I love that a client’s idea can take me somewhere I never thought I would go. The design that I and the customer made is new and interesting…”

What is the address of your studio?
“It’s 61-1, Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s my private studio.”

Any interesting hotels / shops / cafes nearby?
“There are many cute and pretty cafes near Mangwon-dong, Korea. There is a famous street called Mangridan-gil, and there are many cute shops there. Mangwon Market is also famous. It’s hard to walk around on weekends because there are so many people.”

Do you ever do guest spots? If so, when / where?
“I did in Singapore, Australia, Canada, and the U.S.”

What are your hopes and plans for the future?
“Now I want to settle down somewhere. I’d love that to be in America because I think I can do something fun and big with more diverse materials than in Korea. I’d love to create a unique style tattoo that only I can do…”

What do you love most about tattoos?
“Tattoos are attractive, there are so many styles and it’s fun to be able to express our individuality. And as an artist, I’m proud to be able to create my own creation with tattoos, and I don’t think there’s anything more interesting and attractive than that.”

Give Ehyang a follow on Instagram @e.hyang.tattoo.

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“Tattooing is more than a job, it’s a way to express and communicate a person’s life,” interview with tattoo artist, Inno

Tattooist Inno, who’s based in Seoul in Korea, realised that tattoos can be art when he saw a tattoo of a small, beautiful flower. That tattoo set him on a journey to becoming an artist himself. Here we catch up with him to find out more about tattooing in Korea, guest spots and what motivates and inspires him…

How long have you been tattooing for? How did you train to become a tattoo artist?

“I started learning how to tattoo in 2019. I took classes at STUDIO BY SOL, one of the most famous tattoo academies in Korea at the time. In Korea, tattoos were illegal, so there were few places that taught hygiene education and technology properly, but I chose this place because it was the best place to train.”


How would you describe your style of tattooing?

“I live near the beach, so whenever I was frustrated or couldn’t think of an idea, I used to look out at the sea – it cleared my mind, it gave me room to think. It’s what made me realise I wanted to draw pictures of the waves and the sea. And turn other objects into waves too. Water is flexible and permeates almost anything. I guess that’s how it works with my clients too, their bodies become covered in my wave style.”

Do you tattoo lots of tourists who’ve travelled for your work?

“Most of the guests who visit me in Korea are foreign tourists. They come to visit me during their trip. Customers usually contact me through email before their holiday.”



What are the rules for tattooing in South Korea? Is tattooing more underground or becoming more mainstream nowadays?

“Tattoos are illegal in Korea, you need a special medical license to practice. However, in recent years, many celebrities are getting tattoos, and they are becoming more and more popular. I think Korean tattoos will become more and more famous around the world.”

How should customers contact you? If someone is travelling over from the UK, how much notice would you need?

“Customers come from various countries, as well as England. It is enough if you tell me the picture, location, and size of the tattoo you want. Please contact us via email at inno.waves.tt@gmail.com, with dates that you will be in Seoul.”



What’s the best way for customers to come up with an idea for you? Do you offer flash or prefer custom work?

“I don’t like doing Flash because the number of copycats has been increasing recently. I don’t like my paintings to be done by anyone other than myself. Now I prefer custom work because I want to draw a special picture for only one person.”

What is the address of your studio?

“It is located in Seoul, Korea. Please contact us via email for detailed addresses.”



Any interesting hotels / shops / cafes nearby?

“The place where my studio is located is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. Therefore, there are so many foreigners and it is a place where anyone can enjoy. Perhaps that’s why I think the tattoo scene has developed a lot here.”

Do you ever do guest spots? If so, when / where?

“I have been to Australia, Canada, and the United States – so far. My drawing style is unique and rare all over the world, so I want to visit lots of different countries.”

What are your hopes and plans for the future?

“I believe my paintings will develop further. I haven’t done a lot of large-scale work yet, but I want to draw bigger pieces.”

“When asked if a tattooist is an artist or a job, I would say artist.”

Inno



What do you think about the tattoo world itself?

“Tattoos are one of the most basic acts of expressing oneself. Also, I think it is very noble work that expresses and communicates each person’s life. Therefore, I hope that all artists will be more careful and work passionately in their work. This is because many people now think of it as just a job to make money. When asked if a tattooist is an artist or a job, I would say artist.”

Follow Inno on Instagram @tattooist.inno