Tag: Blackwork tattoos

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Interview with tattoo artist CAIN

Tattooist and artist CAIN creates tattoos at Sick Rose Tattoo Parlour in Shanghai, China about his journey into the tattoo industry, his unique style and how he’s pushing the boundaries of tattooing…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? In 2014, I embarked on a journey that would shape my artistic career. It was the year that I first learned the art of tattooing in Xinjiang. However, it took a couple of years of experimenting and exploration before my unique style began to take shape in 2016.

At that time, I was working at a contemporary art company. Although I enjoyed the work, I felt constrained in my ability to express myself fully. So, I made the bold decision to resign and embark on a new path – one where I could fully embrace my passion for tattooing and express contemporary art in my own way.

It was a challenging journey, but I was determined to develop a style that would embody the contemporary art aesthetic that I had been striving for. I spent countless hours experimenting with different styles, techniques, and approaches, seeking to perfect the balance of artistry and technical skill that would become the hallmark of my work.

Over time, my style slowly emerged – characterised by intricate designs, bold lines, and a striking use of colour. It was a style that I felt truly reflected my artistic vision and embodied the contemporary art principles that I hold dear.

Since then, I have been committed to refining my craft and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of tattooing. Each new piece is an opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful, a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform.

What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? My upbringing and experiences have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. Born in Xinjiang, the same region where my ancestors and parents also came from, I was raised in a place with a rich cultural heritage and a complex history that has had a profound impact on my outlook on life. I did not receive any formal art training, but I loved art when I was young.

At the age of 17, I left home and went to Shanghai, where I had to learn to rely on myself without any help from my family. This experience taught me many things and made me more independent, which has been invaluable to me as I continue to pursue my artistic journey.

As a deeply thoughtful and introspective person, I have always had a lot to express, and being able to do so through my art has been a great source of joy and fulfillment for me.

My work reflects my personal experiences and thoughts in a deeply personal way, and I see art as not just a means of self-expression, but also a way of exploring the human experience and connecting with the world around me. In this way, my upbringing, experiences, and artistic expression are all interconnected, forming a tapestry of who I am as an artist and as a person.

How would you describe your style? The most well-known aspect of my work is undoubtedly my personal tattooing style, which I call “Postgulag”. Inspired by the Gulag labour camps of the Soviet era, this style incorporates modern painting and tattooing techniques to express resistance against thought control. The overall image is characterised by pure black, without any excessive ornamentation.

I began to focus on the Gulag style of tattooing because I felt angry, desperate, and frustrated about the many social phenomena and injustices. I had a lot to express, and after experimenting with different techniques, I created the Postgulag style that I have been committed to ever since.

In essence, Postgulag is a subversion of the classic “Gulag” tattoo style, infused with my own understanding of resistance, and creating a powerful and ironic aesthetic system using only black ink.

What draws me most to tattooing is its unique expression and the “canvas” that it provides, which encompasses not only painting but so much more.

What inspires your designs? My work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences, and the memories I have accumulated over time often inspire me to think more deeply and reflect on the world around me. This process of reflection and introspection is what motivates me to create and express myself through my art.

Does your heritage influence your art? Although my cultural background has undoubtedly influenced my work, I am very deliberate and selective about how I incorporate it into my art. I strive to discard elements that are outdated or unhelpful and keep only what is good and beneficial to me, my art, and my message.

As an artist, it is essential to remain mindful of the cultural traditions that shape us, but it is equally important to find ways to evolve and adapt these traditions in a way that is meaningful and relevant to our individual artistic visions. For me, this means drawing on my cultural heritage while still staying true to my own creative impulses and ideas.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? When clients make an appointment, they have the option of choosing from a selection of pre-drawn designs that I have created. This approach is a popular choice for those who want a quick and easy way to choose a design without the need for a consultation.

However, for clients who have a more specific idea in mind, I offer a consultation to discuss their preferences and understand what they are looking for in a tattoo design. This personalised approach allows me to incorporate the client’s ideas and preferences into a custom design that is unique to them.

During the consultation, I work closely with the client to ensure that their design is something they will be proud of and enjoy for years to come. This process can take more time, but it is well worth the investment to create a design that truly reflects the client’s personality and vision.

Ultimately, the decision to choose from pre-drawn designs or to have a custom design created is up to the client, and I am always happy to work with them to create a tattoo that they will love.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I personally find the process of tattooing to be an incredibly powerful experience. Injecting ink into the skin is not only a form of visual art but also a sensory and emotional one. Although it can be painful, the act of tattooing creates a bond between the artist and the person receiving the tattoo.

This bond goes beyond just the physical sensation and taps into the deeper, more spiritual aspects of human experience.

For me, the ritualistic nature of tattooing is what sets it apart from other forms of art. It’s like etching an idea or artwork directly into the soul of the person receiving it, leaving a permanent mark that has a deeper significance. The idea that a tattoo is not just an image or design but a connection between people is what draws me to this art form.

However, as much as I love the personal aspect of tattooing, I also feel a strong desire to share my artistic vision with a broader audience. I believe that my ideas and impressions have the potential to resonate with others, and I want to continue pushing the boundaries of my art to connect with a wider audience.

That’s why I am committed to creating more art and exhibitions in the future. I want to showcase my skills as a tattoo artist but also express my thoughts and emotions in a way that can connect with people on a deeper level. I believe that tattooing is a way to create a connection between people, to share ideas and emotions in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers. 

How do you see your art evolving in the future? For me, tattooing, art pieces, and exhibitions are all just different ways to express my complete aesthetic system. I have a strong desire to communicate a coherent set of ideas and emotions that reflect my personal vision of beauty.

Although tattooing is the foundation of my entire aesthetic system, I don’t limit myself to this one form of expression. I see tattooing as just one of many ways to express my artistic ideas and to connect with people.

My work is all about communication, about sharing my experiences with others and creating something that resonates with people.

I believe that art is not just about creating something that is aesthetically pleasing, but it’s about channeling my thoughts and emotions into something that has meaning and can speak to the human condition.

By focusing on conveying what I want to express, I trust that the rest will fall into place with the guidance of a higher power. For me, the creative process is about creating something that transcends the boundaries of language, culture, and time, and speaks to something universally understood.

What was your first tattoo and do you still like it? My first tattoo was on my chest, an image of a person hanging upside down on a cross. Coming from a Christian household, my mother was furious when she found out. She thought I had gotten a tattoo of Jesus. But after I explained the meaning behind the tattoo, she understood.

The person hanging upside down is a representation of myself. I know I am not worthy of being compared to Jesus who was nailed to the cross. But like Saint Peter, I know the path that I need to follow, and it is a path that I am committed to following.

Tattooing is a deeply personal experience, and for me, this first tattoo was a way of expressing my own beliefs and convictions. It’s a reminder of the path I have chosen and the journey that lies ahead.

Every time I look at my first tattoo, I am reminded of the journey that I have been on and the challenges that lie ahead. It’s a symbol of my own personal beliefs, and it reminds me of the importance of staying true to myself and my convictions.

Through my tattoos, I hope to continue expressing my thoughts and beliefs in a way that is both personal and meaningful. For me, each tattoo is a statement of who I am and what I stand for.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? At the moment, I don’t have a favourite place because there are still so many places I haven’t been to yet. My dream is to travel to every corner of the world and bring my artwork to people everywhere.

I believe that art has the power to connect people from different cultures and backgrounds, and I want to use my work to bridge those divides. There’s something special about being able to share my ideas and emotions with people from all over the world, and I want to experience that feeling for myself.

As an artist, I am always looking for new inspiration and ideas, and traveling is a great way to find them. Every new place I go to offers something different and unique, and I love incorporating those experiences into my work.

I hope that by sharing my work with people around the world, I can help to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to connect with people through my art and to share a moment of understanding and connection.

So, do you have any travels or guest spots planned? I am planning to begin my world travel project in 2023, and I am hoping to make the United States my home base for this endeavour.

The United States is a country that has always fascinated me. It’s a place with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. As an artist, I am drawn to the diversity and creativity that can be found in American cities, from the bustling streets of New York to the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles.

I am excited about the prospect of using the United States as a starting point for my travels. It’s a country that offers so much in terms of inspiration and artistic opportunity, and I am eager to explore everything it has to offer.

Of course, there is still much planning and preparation that needs to be done before I can embark on this journey. But I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and I am confident that this experience will help me to grow both as an artist and as a person.

I believe that traveling the world is one of the best ways to gain a new perspective and to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I am looking forward to this adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. 

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? I, along with a few like-minded friends, have pooled our resources to create a shared workspace called Sick Rose (@sickrosetattooparlour). My friends specialise in the American traditional (Old School) style of tattooing.

It’s been a great experience to work together with people who share my passion for tattooing and art. We are all dedicated to creating high-quality work and pushing each other to new heights of creativity.

In our studio, we share ideas and techniques, offer feedback on each other’s work, and collaborate on projects whenever possible. It’s a supportive and inspiring environment, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.

I’m excited to see what the future holds for Sick Rose and for our individual careers as tattoo artists. I know that by working together and supporting each other, we can achieve great things and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tattoo art.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? In my quiet moments, I like to listen to music and read books. Good music helps me to relax, while books allow me to learn new things and generate new ideas. Among the writers who have had the deepest impact on me are Byron and Hesse. When the weather is good, I enjoy going to the boxing gym or taking a walk in nature.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? There may not be any one moment when I am most proud, as achieving success is a gradual process and each period may hold different surprises. In the past, when I released a piece of work and received recognition from many talented artists who shared and praised it or when I was interviewed by domestic or foreign media outlets, I would feel a sense of pride.

However, now I am perhaps more focused on creating work that resonates with me and directly connects with the emotions of my clients, or reflects the feelings of those who are carrying it.

Make sure to follow @no.cain for more awesome blackwork tattoos, travel plans and art.

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Interview with tattoo artist Nicola Asura

Nicola Asura creates surreal blackwork tattoos at Lightbearer Tattoo in Graz, Austria. We chat to the artist to find out more about the process behind his large scale pieces, what inspires his work and future plans…

How long have you been a tattoo artist and how did you get into the industry? I’ve been tattooing for around five years now. I made my first contact with tattooing culture when I got into the post/hardcore music scene 10 years ago. Seeing all those band members covered in ink sparked my interest in tattooing as an art form.

Do you have a background in art? Coming from a very creative family, both my parents were architects, I grew up with a pen in my hand. I always enjoyed doodling on everything I could find, although I would say that there is a big difference in doodling and really mindfully learning how to actually draw.

A year into tattooing (four years ago) I made the decision to see art and drawing as a full time job. I made the move to become the artist I imagined myself to be.

Instead of just doodling mindlessly I made a plan to get better at drawing which included:

  • Choosing a specific topic (birds at that time)
  • Limiting myself to only draw that topic.
  • Learning everything about the topic through books, videos and studying how they move, their anatomy etc.
  • Drawing and sketching mindfully 6-8 hours every day, at least five days a week

Very quickly I started to see progress. Soon I wasn’t only getting better at drawing birds, but also other things, because I grasped the concept of learning how to get better at drawing. For me, this system worked.

Why did you want to become a tattooist? Before I got into tattoos my dream was to become a concept artist for Blizzard (Video Game Company) and draw orcs and other creatures for a living.

When I got into tattooing I realised that there were artists that came up with their own creature designs to decorate the body and naturally I was more drawn to that, than the video game direction.

How would you describe your style of work? Surreal creature elements cast on skin in a bioorganic way so it complements and works well with individual body shapes. Or just blackwork, for the more broader term.

How has your work evolved since you started tattooing? My style, if I can call it that, currently evolves at a very rapid pace. Back when I started out my tattoos were more stiff, stickeresque and bold.

Nowadays the priority of all my design processes is aligning the concept on skin with the body shape to create a certain flow. My work is definitely more fluid and open than a few years ago.

Can you tell us about the process behind your large scale pieces? Every client of mine, when I am not on a guestspot, has to come in for a consultation before we meet for the first tattoo session.

During that consultation the client will tell me their idea, placement and size. Then I know if I am up for the motif and idea, I can tell them how I envision the idea in my head and how that will or won’t work with their idea of placement and size. It’s a very important dialogue that has to be had in person. That way my client and myself, can speak our minds and figure out a baseline for our future project.

After making sure we are on the same page regarding the concept I’ll take pictures of the body part. Either I print out the picture, or trace it with paper from my iPad. I always start out drawing traditionally with graphite and tracing paper which I can have multiple layers of.

Once I have a concept on paper that I feel completely satisfied with I then take a picture and import it into the procreate app. This allows me to very quickly experiment with changing shapes and sizes of certain parts in the drawing.

As I, most of the time, work freehand (no stencil, drawing on skin), I don’t need to make a stencil so having this concept visualised is already more than enough for me to work with. On the day of the tattoo I’ll show my client the rough concept which I then draw on skin, layering it with multiple coloured pens.

This allows me to really work with body lines and shapes making sure I can make the most out of every project with my knowledge at that moment in time.

What’s your favourite subject to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? The themes that I always love to dive into are fantasy, creature design, surrealism and flora / fauna.

Usually I just take something from each theme and mush it into one design concept, it always depends on my client’s idea!

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? Currently I am located in my hometown Graz, in Austria. There are few contemporary tattoo studios, it is definitely more on the quiet side concerning tattoos compared to other cities.

Do you have any guest spots or travel planned? For now I am quite cosy in my resident studio, maybe some trips to Berlin this year!

Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? Are you a collector and do you have any future tattoo plans? I did collect a lot of tattoos from artists I admire. Anrijs Straume (UK), Stefan Halbwachs (AT) and Gara (KR) for example. Gerhard Wiesbeck (DE) and I started my bodysuit to cover/blastover lots of older tattoos, so that is still ongoing and takes a lot of time.

What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far? The proudest and best moments are always meeting other likeminded passionate (possibly even obsessed) tattoo artists and delving into tattoo techniques, machines and ways we can shape the body together.

These talks are precious to me as I love to get lost in those topics and have long conversations where our eyes light up as we’re sharing knowledge and learning more from and about each other.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing? Drawing and preparing for tattoos. Also being out in nature with my dog Aslan, bouldering (indoors/outdoors) and playing video games.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully doing bodysuits. I’d love to work on full body concepts, creating surreal creature landscapes on skin that you can see and make out from further away.

Follow @nicolaasura for more fantasty tattoos and large scale pieces.

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Tattoo artist interview: Bazhen Nikitin

Bazhen Nikitin, creates medieval inspired etching tattoos in Ufa city in Russia. We chat to the tattooist about his style, journey into the tattoo world and flash designs…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I have been tattooing for eight years. When I was 18, I got my first tattoo and I instantly fell in love with it.

After that I chose to pursue a career in tattooing and I began to study how to tattoo. Around a year later after lots of learning and practice I completed my first tattoo. I haven’t stopped tattooing since then.

What inspired you to become an artist? Do you have a background in art? I have always enjoyed drawing, and I began consistently drawing when I was 13 years old. I used to like drawing anything and everything, and could spend hours doing it. After completing high school, I enrolled at a design university, where I studied for about two years.

At the same time I was really enjoying my job as a tattoo artist, it exceeded my expectations. Tattooing was already providing me with a substantial income, so I dropped out of college to focus on my profession.

What inspires your designs? I am very obsessed with old medieval engravings and etchings. Many of them look a bit odd, even so I find them to be rather beautiful.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I enjoy creating unique-looking creatures of my own design. I have developed my own style of tattooing. There is nothing else I would like to do more of, as I am already exclusively working on my own projects.

I want to feel unrestrained when I am developing new designs, so I don’t do custom designs because they consume my creativity. All of my customers just choose from designs inspired by my own creativity.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? Everything is based primarily on the design. Discussing details with the client is, in my opinion, the most critical step in designing and applying body art. Then, it is essential to set up the station so that both I and my client are comfortable during the potentially lengthy session. I have my own way of arranging my station so that everything is easily accessible. After the tattoo is completed, I clean it, take pictures and apply aftercare.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? Artists with distinctive styles will be in high demand and personal branding will undoubtedly be a major trend in the world of tattooing. People will seek out tattoo artists whose style is distinguishable and recognisable.

I have already accomplished a great deal in this industry due to my unique style and my large customer base, so, I feel confident in my future as a tattoo artist.

What was your first tattoo and do you still like it? How has your tattoo collection grown since then? My very first tattoo was a flash design created by a local artist. I can’t say I enjoy looking at it, but I have no regrets regarding the tattoos I have.

Now that I know many outstanding tattoo artists from all over the world, I get tattooed by them. The majority of my body is already covered in tattoos, but I don’t think I’ll stop until I’m completely covered.

Where has been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I frequently visit Saint Petersburg. It is a truly special city populated by a large number of open-minded individuals who make it a joy to collaborate with on a daily basis.

Do you have any travels or guest spots planned? In the past five years, I have spent a significant amount of time traveling to various locations and tattooing. I appreciate working with individuals from other countries, but at this stage in my life, I want to settle down for a while and have greater stability.

Therefore, I currently have no guest spots planned. In the future, I may continue traveling and working as a guesting tattoo artist because I do enjoy it.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? When I first began tattooing eight years ago, it was significantly worse than it is now. In my hometown at the time, there were only three well-known tattoo artists, so the options were limited. Starting out as a tattoo artist was filled with many challenges. Nevertheless, I did not give up.

I’ve traveled to various places and countries, and I communicate and exchange tattooing techniques with numerous renowned tattoo artists. I became more powerful and excellent as a result of mastering a variety of tattoo techniques and incorporating great tattoo elements into my design.

Now that I have extensive tattooing experience, I am a well-known and recognised tattoo artist in my country. I’ve also seen that each year, a growing number of new tattoo artists choose this profession. I am delighted by the expansion of the tattoo industry and I am willing to impart my expertise of tattoos to future generations. I’ve taught numerous apprentices in the tattoo industry, it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow and improve the tattoo industry.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I spend most of my time drawing and tattooing, but in my free time I enjoy walking through nearby parks. This refreshes and inspires me.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? I am proud of how I’ve developed my own distinct style. I believe that an exceptional tattoo artist is able to maintain his or her unique style. I’m delighted that so many people appreciate my style and seek me out for tattoos. I am also very pleased to be tattooing only the patterns and designs that I am willing to create.

I was invited to take part in ArtStation II International 2021 as one of the tattoo masters in 2021. It was and is a worldwide interactive exhibition in which many renowned tattoo artists and professionals from countries such as Russia, the United States, and Europe, among others, participated. To reach this stage in my career has required great dedication and effort.

Follow Bazhen Nikitin for more etched creatures and tattoos.

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Dragon tattoos: Interview with tattoo artist Intat

Tattooist Intat creates mythical blackwork dragon tattoos at Yasaeng tattoo parlour in Seoul. We chatted to the artist about his style and how he’s working to change how tattoos and tattooers are thought of in South Korea...

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I started tattooing about eight years ago in 2015. At that time I didn’t have any contact with the tattoo world or tattoos, but coincidentally I came across the fine line genre of tattooing and became fascinated by it. So much so that I dropped out of university and immediately entered into the tattoo industry.

What inspired you to become an artist? I would say that I was inspired by the time I have spent with different types of people who were firm in what they wanted to do, they were free and happy. I longed to be like them.

Above all else my will to do what I wanted to do was the main reason I became an artist.

Do you have a background in art? I started painting when I was four years old and I majored in art at university, before I left to become a tattoo artist.

How would you describe your style? Among my works you’ll see representations of dragons, other animals and plants. If I have to choose a style or genre of tattooing I’d say I fit in the blackwork genre.

I express my own black and white art with a naturally toned arrangement that harmonises with my clients’ skin tones. My tattoos have a stable balance of composition and delicate and complex expressions.

Why did you choose to work mainly in black ink? I think the delicate and heavy atmosphere that can be expressed through black ink is really attractive. The use of dark and bright is simple and easy to interpret.

My favourite colour is black, but that doesn’t mean I only use black. If the design appears to me as being an interesting experiment then I am open to using various colours.

What inspires your designs? I’m affected by everything I see and experience. I only work in my own set style, but if you look closely you can see subtle differences in all of my works.

I think that this is the reason why what I see and feel in real time and real life is directly, or perhaps indirectly, incorporated into the tattoos and paintings I do at that very moment.

Does your heritage influence your art? For me, it’s always interesting to deal with traditional symbols and images from my heritage that have a unique feel to them. However it’s also very difficult.

I’ve been dealing with all sorts of oriental gods (such as dragons and haetae) and the experiences I have with these ideas and creatures have a huge impact on me.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? I actually have an obstacle that makes pulling off the complicated and difficult style I do difficult. During my military service, I had an accident involving my fingers and I had to have surgery. This incident means that the fingers that hold the tattoo machine are actually numb.

It has taken me a long time to overcome this problem but eventually I have learnt to create tattoos as I do now.

What do you like to tattoo and what would you like to do more of? I like to tattoo anything that I can express in my style. But I especially like to tattoo my signature material – dragons and snakes.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I think tattooing will stay on the timeline it’s on at the moment. It just feels like it’s continually moving as it always has but when we look back we’ll realise how much change there has been.

Where’s been your favourite place to travel and tattoo? I have worked in a lot of countries and experienced different places. Based on these experiences, I think the best environment is one that follows the rules of sanitation and allows you optimal space to move around and be comfortable.

What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? My first tattoo is a Darth Vader Star Wars tattoo, it’s a big piece on my shoulder. I love Star Wars, but I didn’t plan on having these designs tattooed on me at the beginning. I got this tattoo because I wanted to know what being tattooed was like, so I knew my customer’s point of view and could learn the technicalities of tattooing. I don’t regret getting it and the experience taught me a lot.

How has your tattoo collection developed since then? After my first tattoo I have only gotten tattoos from my favourite artists. For example I have tattoos from @oozy_tattoo and @zihaes.tale.

Do you have any more travels or guest spots planned? I’m open to travelling to any place but for now I think I’ll be tattooing in Korea for a while.

What’s the tattoo scene like where you are? The tattoo scene in Korea is not particularly pleasant, because tattoos are still outside the bounds of the law.

I am working as an executive at the Tattoo Union, which was established to legislate tattoos in Korea, and I am working for the rights of tattooists.

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? I spend most of my day doing tattoo-related things. When I finish my tattoo work, I work through my reservations and consultations. I also produce content to upload or draw a design and the rest of the time I’m sleeping.

Some people say that this kind of life is unfortunate, but I’m happiest when I work.

What moment in your career are you most proud of? Although it’s much better now the recognition tattoos and tattooers get in Korea is still very bad. Often though my work breaks people’s preconceived notions of tattoos and some of these people even end up getting a tattoo from me.

I think my proudest moments are when my work contributes to the positively change the way tattoos are perceived.

Follow Intat for more incredible linework dragon and mythical creature tattoos.

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The aesthetic of macabre: Interview with tattoo artist Lina Shuliar

Lina Shuliar creates dark Japanese tattoos at First Class Tattoos in New York, in this interview Lina tells us all about finding her feet as a dark artist…

How long have you been tattooing and how did you get started in the industry? I have been tattooing for 12 years. I started by accident, I never planned to be a tattoo artist. My friends pushed me into it as they wanted me to tattoo all of them. They always believed in me.

At first I didn’t take it seriously, I even flipped a coin to decide whether I should start learning to tattoo. The rest is history.

What inspired you to become an artist? I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. Creativity has always been an important part of my life, even as a child, toys didn’t excite me as much as drawing did.

I went to art school when I was eight until I was 16. After school, I went to university where I studied design and architecture, in the first few years we drew a lot and did everything by hand. At the same time I was learning to tattoo and these subjects went hand in hand to help me develop my knowledge and skills.

You describe yourself as a Russian vampire and macabre aesthetic, can you tell us more about this? Well, “Russian” – since I was born and raised in Russia. “Vampire” – because I have fangs – that’s why I’m a Russian vampire! Besides, one of my clients once called me it – I really liked it and I’ve been using it ever since.

I think my appearance, my work and how I see the world are connected. I think every artist brings a piece of himself into this world through his paintings and tattoos – in my case, the aesthetic of macabre is my philosophy, this is what I am guided by when I make a design.

You used to tattoo in colour, what made you shift to a darker look? How did your dark tattoos come about? I used to do a lot of coloured tattoos. I don’t even remember why I liked them so much. For me, colour tattoos were very easy. I didn’t have to think about them too much, I was automatically guided by the knowledge that I had, like a printer.

Switching to black and grey tattoos was very valuable to me as I realised a lot about myself as a person and tattooer.

I fully allowed myself to do what I had wanted to do for such a long time. Of course, at first I lost all of my clients and starved but I had no doubt that it was the right choice. I never doubted myself.

What inspires your designs? Does your heritage influence your art? Most of my projects are based on my clients’ and my own ideas mixed together. More than half of my clients are as crazy as me and they love the things that I love. I find inspiration in my clients, in what unites us. I love Halloween, American Horror Story, dark folklore and fantasy – all of this creepy and dark stuff is me.

When I create art, I focus on my feelings and emotions, listen to myself and what resonates with me at that time, whether it’s mythologies, Japanese or gothic.

I really started developing myself in Russia, the artists are at a very high level and competition is huge – you have to be a good artist to survive. The black and grey tattoo community in Russia is a big inspiration for me. I also used to work around Japanese and dark artists who taught me a lot.

Can you tell us about the process behind your tattoos? Everything starts with design, it’s the most important step for me. First of all, I have a detailed in-person consultation with the client. Then I create the designs and do a few sketches before selecting the best one to add more detail to. Or I may show these sketches to my client and we choose one together.

When I then tattoo the design I add a piece of myself in every detail.

The process of tattooing is not only about creativity, but also about customer service. I think anyone can make tattoos, you only need 10,000 hours of practice and you become a professional. But the vision and sense of style, understanding of anatomy and how the tattoo will look after 10 years – not every artist thinks about it.

What would you love to tattoo? I enjoy everything that I do. I am serious! I love tattooing clients who have asked for my specific style, when I have their trust inspiration just flows out of me and I create the best projects.

I love doing things related to Japan: dragons, snakes and peonies, even samurai. I love to turn it into my dark style. Something that has a history or is mythical inspires me the most.  

I recently enjoyed doing a couple of tattoos in the theme of Slavic mythology, there was Baba Yaga, her house and Koschei the Deathless. It was something new for me and I liked the challenge. After that project, I realised I wanted to develop myself further.

Most people admire my female characters that I do often, but these are so easy for me – it’s time to take a break and switch to something new.

How do you see your tattoos evolving in the future? I would like to move away from female portraits for a while and go deeper into folklore and mythology. These themes offer endless possibilities with different stories that will look cool on the body.

In any case, I’m not going to deviate too far from my style, everything will be in creepy and dark colors, with an emphasis not on realism but on fantasy.

How does the New York tattoo scene differ from the one in Russia? Please tell us about your favourite place to tattoo and/or travel? In America, everything is much simpler.  Most people understand the value of art and I meet clients who share their knowledge and view point of the world with me – it’s invaluable.

In Russia there is a sense of community in the tattoo world, unlike America where it’s perceived as just work. But, America remains one of my favorite places to work, everything is so different it keeps me on my toes! Of course, sometimes I miss Europe, where the industry is completely different.  

What was your first tattoo? Do you still like it? I got my first tattoo when I was 13 years old. It probably wasn’t the best choice, but I don’t regret it. I then became the coolest and most dangerous girl in school!

The symbol on my lower back wasn’t beautiful or neat. I’ve covered it twice, finally with a huge black basilisk and a goat that covers my whole back, butt and part of my thigh, this project is still in progress.

How has your tattoo collection grown since then? I have just a few free parts of my body left as I’ve tried to stretch out getting tattooed and the pleasure it brings. My last tattoo is the start of my full leg made by my husband, he does really good ornaments which I love.

Do you have any travel or guestspots planned? At the end of September we’ll be in Boston for a tattoo convention, I’ve not been to this one before so I’m a little nervous. Then in the fall we’ll be at more conventions in Biloxi (Mississippi) and Richmond (Virginia). In the new year we’ll take a short trip to Miami.  

What do you do when you’re not tattooing/drawing? This is a good question! In the rare moments that I can rest from work, I usually lock myself at home and play console games or watch anime / read manga. I rarely have such moments due to constant trips or work, but they are extremely important to me.

I also like to get out into nature, but I do this less often than I get comfortable on our sofa with a blanket and a mug of tea. 

What moment in your career are you most proud of? There are so many moments. I am proud that I have designed t-shirts with Stay Cold apparel twice. Previously they have paired with only really famous tattooers, so I feel really proud.

I am also proud of the moment when I was first called to be on the jury at the tattoo festival – It was exciting and unforgettable to see so many tattoos in a short time frame. Being a judge at the Empire State Tattoo Show was so cool, there was so much talent on stage it was difficult to judge.

I also want to say that I am proud that I came to America, although I never planned to. I have received recognition here as an artist with a talent visa.

Follow Lina for more macabre designs and book-in via her website.