Things&Ink

July 7, 2025July 8, 2025

“A tattoo isn’t just a drawing, it’s a whole story,” interview with tattoo artist Kseniia Oliinyk

Tattoo artist Kseniia Oliinyk (@storm_tattooart) believes that tattoos can be integral to healing both physical and emotional wounds. She used to be a nurse in Ukraine, and now she is tattooing in San Francisco in the USA where she covers scars and heals souls…

What drew you to the tattoo world?

The freedom of expression. How people can express their inner world through tattooing, tell their story or capture important moments in their lives. How a tattoo can help heal a heartache or remind you of what’s most important. To me, a tattoo isn’t just a drawing, it’s a whole story.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

Watching the TV show Miami Ink. I realised it was a place where I could combine my love of art and medicine because I wasn’t willing to give up either of them. Also I sensed a kind of freedom in this business, knowing that in art you are never limited and you have endless possibilities for development.

You used to be a nurse, how do tattooing and nursing relate to one another?

Yeah, there are no ex-medics. Tattooing is partly a medical procedure, we still work with the skin, which is a full-fledged organ with its own peculiarities. As a tattoo artist you need to be ready for the client to feel bad at any moment and you can’t hesitate to deal with it. Also healing is fifty percent of the quality of the tattoo, so the right aftercare is also very important.

What was your first tattoo?

A white snowflake on my right palm. I am left-handed and made it myself. Later on the tattoo was also practiced on by my apprentices, as a first touch of live skin. Now it is perfectly healed and for seven years I have not done any touch-ups.

What was the first tattoo you did on someone else?

The first tattoo I did on a person was a blackwork sleeve for my first tattoo teacher. At my first class I was given a machine, needle and ink said, “tattoo me”. I was shocked, but I was up to the task.

As well as your first class, how did you learn to tattoo?

I had two mentors, they gave me the basic knowledge, led me through the gates of the world of tattooing, and then I went on my own. I studied other artists through video lessons, practiced on artificial skin and continued to draw a lot – very quickly I moved to the real thing. I still attend different workshops of the artists whose style and technique I like the most. There is no point where you’re the best; you can always get better.

Do you have a favourite tattoo experience?

There is no single favourite. I adore my clients and their ideas, especially when I am given freedom and told to “create, I trust your vision”. Those are truly the best moments, seeing a client’s eyes shine when they walk out of the tattoo studio happy.

Do you think tattoos can help people feel more confident?

Yes, I absolutely believe that. Expressing your thoughts, feelings, the way you see yourself and the way you want a tattoo. It’s magic. Especially when it comes to covering up old tattoos and scars.

Can you tell us more about covering up scars with tattoos?

It’s a very special subject. I would even say it’s tattoo therapy. Because scars have a significant impact on self-image, love for your body and the way you feel about yourself in your body.

If a person is not happy with what they see every day in the mirror, it can lead to terrible consequences. A person can become more closed-off, shy and constantly feeling ashamed of their body can significantly reduce the quality of life. Now I’m co-authoring a scientific article with a psychotherapist about it. This is an important topic that I believe we should not keep silent about.

How do you cover a scar and what should someone who wants one covered know?

Scars are basically connective tissue, like our joints. The quality of the skin is really different, so I wouldn’t recommend using this method for any fine lines or small details. I think the best thing to do would be to cover the scar with some part of the tattoo and draw attention away from it.

So, for instance, if you want to make a tattoo that’s all about drawing attention to a particular object, you can do that by making the object itself a bit distorted or something like that. It was great to work with a client who had a big burn on his arm. We covered it with an abstract tattoo.

The watercolour texture and shapes of the scar really complemented the composition, especially where it’s actually made.

It’s also worth mentioning that the age of the scar is important. You can overlap the stitches a year after the area has healed completely, as long as there’s no pain or discomfort. When it comes to keloid scars, I always make sure my clients see a doctor at the start of the project to check it’s ok for them to work on the scar.

You have done a few charity tattoo flash days, what are these like?

These are my special days, and I love them. I started holding them at home in Odessa to support our defenders. There have already been three and there will be more. On these days, I do small, quick tattoos for a fixed price, and all the money raised is donated to volunteers to buy medicine and other necessities.

Next time, I think it will be to help an animal shelter that has taken in pets who have lost their owners.

I don’t create flash sheets because I prefer to work with my clients’ ideas. A few days before the event, we develop a sketch, so each client gets exactly what they want.

What’s been your favourite country to visit and tattoo in?

Currently, I am most interested in working in the USA and Ukraine, but I like to travel everywhere; the main thing is to plan everything so that I don’t ruin anything at the last moment.

Do you have a moment in your career or personal life you’re really proud of?

I was probably at my happiest when I visited a tattoo convention for the first time and took second place in the “Neotraditional” style. That was in Kharkiv in 2021 — it was truly unforgettable. I also saw this wonderful city for the first time then, and I would really like to go back.

I’m also really proud that I overcame my fears and started travelling the world, tattooing wherever I go and meeting incredible people who inspire me more and more.

What are your hopes for the future?

I have big plans. I want to open two tattoo studios: one in the USA and one in Ukraine. There is a list of tattoo conventions that I’d like to attend. I am also thinking about setting up a charity project for scarred people, inviting different masters who work with scar camouflage and promoting tattoo therapy.

We can’t wait for the next step in your journey. Follow (@storm_tattooart)

July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

“Then and there I understood that tattooing was the missing piece in my life,” interview with tattoo artist Anita Rossi

Italian tattoo artist Anita Rossi (@anitarossitattoo) knew she’d found something special the first time she put ink into skin – getting over her fear of needles in the process! She creates exquisite abstract fine-line tattoos from Namaste Tattoo Studio in Turin, and also travels a lot doing guest spots across Europe and the US. Here, we chat about her love for art history, the exhibitions she‘s been involved in and her plans for the future… Anita, we love your work and we hope that you do too…

When did you first fall in love with tattoos?

My love for tattoos is a long-lasting love that started when I began drawing. I’ve been into illustrations since my childhood. My mother still has some of my pre-school years drawings on her house walls. In high school, tattooing started developing as an idea in my mind and tattooed people began to attract my attention. In my eyes, they were special people.

During my period at the Accademia di Belle Art in Venice, some course mates and friends asked me to sketch tattoo ideas for them. Then the rumour spread and the requests grew in number. I liked doing it, but I never would have thought I could be the one actually tattooing – I’ve always been afraid of needles!

How and when did you learn to tattoo?

Some 20 years ago I started hanging out at a tattoo studio and, with all the courage I could find, I eventually made my first tattoo on the owner himself.

As I did it, the emotion I felt is hard to describe, but then and there I understood that tattooing was the missing piece in my life. Ever since then I haven’t stopped doing it. By the way, that first tattoo came out really badly!

‘Ob_scenae’ by Anita shown at Roma, Palazzo Cavallerini Lazzaroni – “La que sabe: tatuatrici che corrono coi lupi” exhibition

You’ve been part of events where you chat about women and tattooing, can you tell us more about this?

I have participated in many woman/tattoo themed exhibitions alongside other female artists and tattoo artists. In my paintings, the woman often plays a leading role. This is one of the results of my research into the history of art.

Some of my work has even been displayed in tattoo conventions. I’ve also participated in the Genova Contemporanea at Satura Gallery in Genova, Italy. As well as Ex Cartiera Latina’s Kokeshi Rebel Fest exhibition in Roma.

Last November, the Turin Bookshop Libreria Setsu-bun & Millevolti asked me to chair the conference, Women and Tattoos: the Belonging of Oneself. We explored the meaning that tattoos have for women, from a social, cultural and symbolic point of view. The main topic of this first meeting was tattoos seen as personal and spiritual identity, and as an element of role self-determination in a man/woman context. I am interested in such cultural moments, as noticing the mere beauty of an inked body without any gender distinction is yet to be achieved.

Visioni di Nike (Nike’s perspective) – Mondo Bizzarro Gallery , Roma – “Vis Dearum ” exhibition

Have you seen the tattoo industry change while you have been tattooing?

Of course! When I started there weren’t many female tattoo artists, but, throughout the years, I’ve seen many women approaching this industry.

A vital change has taken place concerning the materials, too. Inks and pen machines have evolved to become tools fit for multiple styles and skills. My hands are tiny and the chance of using tiny tools is more than a little relieving.

Do you think the industry is doing enough to be inclusive? What would you like to see?

The tattoo industry is made of the same people as the society we live in. Acceptance and inclusion are qualities of intellect and art works (including tattoos) and should be genderless. I crave more intellectual freedom, I wish we didn’t ask who made a tattoo before liking it. I would like it if there was more artistic culture and, above all, we stopped exploiting women’s body.

We love your fine-line tattoos, how did these come to be?

They rose from my need to move the product of my mind from paper to skin. My work always sticks to the idea of a sketch, a frame, a memory of the individual’s personal story. I care about the technique and supporting the skin.

I have always been attracted to details and the ability to insert them in paintings. They are crafted with intense amounts of focus and lasting attention, and curiosity of the beyond. I would (and still do) spend hours staring at Bosch’s and Francis Bacon’s paintings, Schiele’s sketches, Tina Modoc and Sarah Moon’s pictures.

How do you like to work with clients? Do you prefer flash or custom work?

I prefer to create personalised work. I think tattooing means expressing each customer’s unique story. I like people to feel free to make me part of their thinking and of what they want their tattoo to focus on.

I need to meet the client in person, through a video call or, of it’s not possible, communicate via email, so that we can deepen our ideas before proceeding with the drawing.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

I prefer animal and botanical subjects implemented with abstract lines. I generally can’t think of a specific subject, but I prefer to work on concepts developing through the exchange with the customer, who usually gives me carte blanche.

Obviously, if you want to please me, just ask me to include some elements of art history!

What are your guest spot plans and how can people book with you?

Namaste Tattoo Studio in Turin, Italy, is my home, though I have an artistic visa to work in the US. My American base is Black Serum in San Francisco but, in the last two years, I’ve worked as a guest in New York, LA and Miami. I guess I’m going to go back there, but I would like to see other cities, too.

Next autumn, I am participating in a convention in Thailand; it’s my first time and I’m super excited! From next year, I would also like to get back to some guest experiences closer to home: Amsterdam, Vienna, Marseille, Paris, Valencia and Munich.

We can’t wait to see what and where you tattoo next. Follow: anitarossitattoo

June 28, 2025June 27, 2025

“My first tattoo was a swallow on my stomach – it feels like a time capsule from another version of myself,” tattoo artist, Ivan Baiun

Tattoo artist Ivan Baiun (aka BayunTattoos) has a distinctive two-colour style – he’s always been drawn to contrast, he tells us. And, as he has just announced his upcoming residency at Sashatattooing’s tattoo studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco, we decided to have a chat with him to discover more about his tattoo journey so far…

What drew you to the world of tattooing? How did you learn?

I’ve been fascinated by tattooing since I was a kid. And around the age of 13, I became completely immersed in it. I started collecting books, studying the history of tattooing, analysing different styles and learning everything I could on my own.

I was obsessed with the craft long before I ever picked up a machine. Most of my early learning came from self-study and observation, fuelled by pure fascination. That foundation shaped the way I work today: independent, focused and deeply intentional.

What was the first tattoo you got and the first one you did on someone else?

The first was a swallow on my stomach. It’s nothing dramatic, but it feels like a time capsule from another version of myself.

The first one I ever did was on a close friend. Like most tattooers, I started on friends and family who were brave (or crazy) enough to let me practice on them. It wasn’t perfect, but it marked the beginning, and we still laugh about it to this day.

How did you refine your unique style? What drew you to black and red ink?

My style evolved naturally. I’ve always been drawn to contrast, both visually and emotionally. Red and black became my core palette because they carry weight, ritual and timeless tension. Over time, I focussed on how to make those two colours work together in a clean, structured and recognisable way.

What inspires your work?

A lot of my inspiration comes from visual research. I’ve been building a personal collection of Japanese books filled with prints, illustrations and traditional art that I constantly go back to. I also love exploring museums and Japanese gardens in every city I visit; it’s become a kind of ritual. These quiet moments studying composition, flow and texture feed directly into how I build and balance each tattoo.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming residencies at Sashatattooing’s California studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco? How did these come about?

I’m incredibly excited for this. The opportunity came through a mutual admiration. I’ve respected studio owner Sasha’s vision and global presence for years, and we connected over our shared love for bold, emotionally charged design. Their studios create space for artists with strong identities, and I’m looking forward to bringing my black-and-red universe to both coasts of California.

How can clients work with you? What’s the booking process?

I book primarily through Instagram and email. I like to keep the process personal; usually it starts with a short consultation where I understand the client’s intention and placement. From there, I design something completely unique, tailored to their body and vision.

Do you prefer flash or custom designs?

I only do custom work. For me, the connection with the client and the story behind the piece are essential. Every tattoo I create is made for that person and only that person.

Every tattoo I create is made for that person and only that person.

What’s been your favourite tattoo you’ve done?

Hard to choose, I love all of them, but one of my recent favourite projects was a full set of leg sleeves – both legs completely covered. One features a dragon with flames, the other a tiger with chrysanthemums, all unified by a black background.

It was a technically demanding piece that took time, focus and full trust from the client. I loved the scale, the contrast and the way the two sides balance each other without mirroring. It felt like everything in my process came together in that project.

Do you have a moment you felt proud that you can share with us?

One of the things I value most is the chance to travel the world through tattooing. Being invited to take part in conventions and studios across different countries has been an incredible way to connect with artists I admire and clients who follow my work globally.

It’s more than just showing up, each event feels like a reminder that this craft can build real bridges between people, cultures and ideas.

What do you like to do when you’re not tattooing?

I’m still creating: sketching, designing, playing with physical textures. I also love photographing small, unnoticed details in my environment, listening to music and hiking somewhere silent. Anything that resets my head and fills it with new visuals.

Follow @BayunTattoos to see all the incredible tattoos he creates during his new residency.

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Things&Ink is an online tattoo magazine celebrating tattoo culture, highlighting some of the most talented creators in the industry, and providing a space for their voices to be heard. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and features! You can view our other blog posts, here.

June 27, 2025June 27, 2025

Meet the tattoo artist providing free cover-ups for Harry Potter tattoos

Helena Gifford Harry Potter Tattoo Cover-Ups

Anyone with a social media account is likely aware of the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling. For those fortunate enough to be unfamiliar, Rowling has expressed incredibly prejudiced views, particularly towards the trans community. These controversies first surfaced on X in 2017, and since then, even more have unfolded.

Given how many LGBTQIA+ individuals are fans of the Harry Potter franchise, her comments have caused significant disappointment and upset. The franchise’s massive popularity has led many fans to get Harry Potter tattoos. In recent years, however, as Rowling’s views have come to light, many now regret these tattoos and no longer want to be associated with a franchise created by someone who holds such opinions. But as we know, tattoos are expensive, and it is easier said than done to just cover-up or remove a tattoo.

That’s where tattoo artist Helena Gifford, known as @hella._.tattoos on Instagram, steps in. Helena is offering free Harry Potter tattoo cover-ups. While the cover-ups come at no cost, she’s set up a donation page for clients who’d like to leave a tip and for others who want to contribute. All proceeds will be donated to Trans Pride Brighton, as a way to give back to the community and turn this initiative into something positive. We chatted to Helena to find out more…

Can you explain your initial motivation for offering free Harry Potter cover-ups?

Well, I saw a graphic online, probably on Instagram, about her funding the Supreme Court case ruling over the rights of trans women. Meaning someone’s “legal sex is defined by birth and not affected by any Gender Recognition certificate they have received” – effectively stripping rights away from the entire trans community.

I’m a queer person, with many trans friends, and I just felt so angry – especially seeing the tweet she posted where she is smoking a cigar and boasting about winning. It was just a reality check of how malicious this woman is.

I started thinking, “Oh thank god I never got a Harry Potter tattoo,” and how many there must be in the world. I just knew that if I had a Harry Potter tattoo, I’d be able to cover it myself, and knowing that some people wouldn’t have the ability to cover it for free, and cover-ups or laser treatments are so expensive. I wanted to help people who would be stuck with a symbol of this horrible franchise.

The donation idea came after, I was thinking people would probably want to pay something towards it, so I figured it makes more sense to start a GoFundMe. So even if people didn’t have a cover-up they needed done, they could still donate and show support.

Was there a particular moment or statement from J.K. Rowling that pushed you to take this step?

The Supreme Court ruling did it. I knew (obviously) that she was a notorious TERF (trans exclusionary radical feminist). However, I think realising that she’s using her profits directly from Harry Potter, and using her position of power and influence given to her by this series to attack the trans community, was a reality check of how bad things have got.

Most Harry Potter fans I knew as a kid were the outcasts like me, and we found comfort in these books. And the idea that she is using her profits from this very community, from kids who feel different, to hurt that very same community is so twisted.

Do you find people are getting their Harry Potter cover-ups for similar reasons?

Every person I have tattooed so far has wanted the cover-up for this reason, and a lot of the session is spent discussing our disappointment over such a beloved childhood memory turning sour. How sad it is that we can’t enjoy something that used to be so important to us anymore. We talk about our experiences with Harry Potter and why we liked it. We often have the same conversation about whether we would still read the books/watch the movies. Which I am still undecided on, so it’s interesting to hear other people’s opinions.

Most cover-up clients are queer and trans so it’s nice to see that the community themselves are benefitting. I’m glad that, as far as I know, no one has taken advantage of this project just to get a free tattoo.

What kinds of Harry Potter tattoos have people asked you to cover up?

Mostly Deathly Hallows. I’m limited to what I can do as a cover-up, due to size/ blackness/ placement. So Deathly Hallows is the easiest to cover, and the one I am seeing the most. I’ve had a few quotes and a snitch at one point.

Sadly, a lot of people have large blackout Hogwarts castles, or large colour tattoos, and there isn’t anything I can do to help there. I’m offering blastovers which would help hide some of the design, but most people want it fully gone, understandably.

What kinds of designs are people choosing to cover their tattoos with?

It’s a range; I am limited to what I can do, with this being a self-funded project. So, a lot of people go with what I recommend would be the simplest way to cover it. As I have to do these tattoos late in the evening, I don’t have time to do a massive detailed piece. It’s a lot of black, I’ve done a dinosaur skeleton, some witches, a witch burning at the stake, and a big flower. It varies.

How does covering the tattoo make people feel after?

Everyone has been very grateful and has donated to the GoFundMe. It’s hard to say accurately, as after a tattoo session people are so exhausted and glad to not be in pain anymore, so it’s hard to get a read of their emotions. I really hope everyone is happy with them!

Do you plan to continue offering this service indefinitely, or is it a time-limited project?

I’m not sure yet, I’m limited to how many I can do at a time. As I also need to make money myself and I can’t do a cover-up on a day I’m not tattooing a paying client as I still have to pay rent for my day in the studio. So I have a long wait list, and the rate of emails I’m getting has slowed a lot.

I’m also going on maternity leave in October, so I won’t be able to continue for a while. But it’s something I hope to always come back to being able to do.

Helena is based in Brighton at The Blackhouse Tattoo. Make sure you check out Helena on Instagram and read more tattoo stories on our blog.

May 27, 2025May 30, 2025

“Self acceptance comes from how you feel, not how you look,” Eva’s tattoo story

Join us for the latest addition in our tattoo stories series as we meet digital creator and illustrator Eva Grist (@evamgrist) to chat all things tattoos and travels…

What can people expect to see when they follow you?

A lot of colourful fashion and life in my 20s! I’m so passionate about trying new things and doing things you love outside of work, so I try to create this sort of content alongside my fashion stuff. I’m also getting married in a couple of years so there will be wedding planning content soon!

What made you want to get tattooed? Was there a particular person or moment?

There wasn’t a particular moment or person. I’ve always loved art and studied it at college and uni, so putting art on my body was always something I wanted to do.

How old were you when you got your first tattoo? What was it and how do you feel about it now?

I was 18. I was so excited to turn 18 so I could get it but really didn’t know what I wanted. I ended up getting a daisy on my arm. My sister is called Daisy and she came with me to get it and I still love it.

Can you talk us through your tattoo collection? Any favourites or ones connected to a memory or something special?

I have a few that mean something and a few I just liked. My first tattoo was my daisy and then I got some butterflies just because I liked them.

I have two tattoos that are travel related, I got a lemon branch tattoo while in Italy as I wanted it to remind me of the trip. I also got a tulip tattoo in Amsterdam when we went for my sister’s 21st birthday.

Alongside my daisy tattoo, my most special tattoo is an illustration of my house. I bought it a couple of years ago and wanted a tattoo to remind me of it as it will always be my first house!

Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?

I don’t, I think it’s nice when tattoos have a special meaning but I also think you should get ones you like just because.

What’s been your favourite tattoo experience?

I haven’t had a bad one, but I think my favourite was in Italy, even though it was the tattoo that hurt the most. It was such a fun trip that it made the tattoo experience better.

What drew you to the style of tattoos you have?

I really like when people have loads of little arm tattoos that make up a patchwork sleeve so that drew me to getting more fine-line tattoos and tattoos that are mostly just line work.

I love colourful fashion (and interior decor) so I want to keep most of my tattoos colour free so they go with everything.

Do you have any tattoos planned? Or any artists you want to get tattooed by?

I do, I’m planning to get something related to Greece as I went there a few weeks ago and got engaged! So I want something to remind me of that moment but I’m not 100% sure what yet. I love music so I’d love a music-related tattoo. I’m also an illustrator so I would love to design some tattoos myself.

Is your illustration work inspired by tattoos?

Not completely, some pieces I’ve drawn would make great tattoos but most of my illustrations are inspired by places I’ve travelled. Some of my tattoos are also inspired by travel so they kind of link together.

Has getting tattooed had an effect on your body confidence or how you view yourself?

Yes definitely, I think my tattoos have helped me feel more confident. They just make me feel cooler, which I love, and I also think they display my personality.

What would you say to someone who thinks they need to change their body to get a tattoo?

I’d say just get the tattoo! Self acceptance comes from how you feel, not how you look and I found my tattoos helped my confidence.

Follow Eva on Instagram and read more tattoo stories on our blog.