Category: Tattoo Studios

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“I blend my clients’ stories with my own artistic vision to create unique designs that resonate with them,” tattoo artist Lass

Tattoo artist Lass, @lasstattoo, tattoos her ornamental style from Allskins studio in Hamburg, Germany, which looks like a high-end spa. She’s been tattooing for more than eight years and specialises in botanical and ornamental tattoos. Collectors often come to her with themes related to significant moments in their life and she adores diving deep into their inspirations to translate feelings into beautiful floral designs…

What made you fall in love with tattooing?

Tattooing has always felt like a calling, but I vividly remember the moment it truly captured my heart. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I was fascinated by the stories that tattoos told – each one a unique expression of identity and culture. I was drawn to a local artist’s studio where I saw people getting tattooed. The way they transformed their skin into a canvas, expressing their journeys and emotions, left a lasting impression on me. That moment ignited a spark – and I knew I wanted to be part of that world.

You create “tattoos that blossom with personality” in a floral and ornamental style. How did you develop this? Explain to us how this works when you tattoo someone.

My floral and ornamental style developed from my love for nature and its beauty. I believe that flowers symbolise growth and femininity, and I wanted to incorporate that into my work.

When I tattoo someone, I take the time to understand their personality and what they want to convey. I blend their stories with my artistic vision, creating unique designs that resonate with them. Each tattoo is a collaboration, and I strive to ensure that it feels like an extension of their personality.

Do you create mostly unique pieces for each customer? How do you like to work with collectors on tattoos? What sort of ideas do people usually come to you with?

Absolutely! I pride myself on creating unique pieces tailored to each client. When working with collectors, I love to brainstorm ideas together.

People often come to me with themes related to their life experiences, personal growth, or significant moments. I enjoy diving deep into their inspirations and translating those into beautiful floral designs that hold meaning and significance.

Do you have any favourite tattoos you’ve done? Tell us about them and why you love them.

One of my favourite tattoos is a large floral piece I did for a client who wanted to commemorate her grandmother. It incorporated her grandmother’s favourite flowers, each with its own meaning. Seeing the joy and connection it brought her made the experience incredibly rewarding.

I love tattoos that tell a story and evoke emotion, and this piece perfectly captured that essence.

Your studio Allskins looks absolutely beautiful – elegant and modern, a new breed of studio – what inspired the decor? Why is how the studio looks so important? Were you thinking about how your customers will feel while they are getting tattooed? It looks like a spa in the photos…

Thank you! The decor of Allskins was inspired by my desire to create a serene and inviting space. I wanted it to feel like a sanctuary where clients can relax and be themselves. The calming colours and modern design elements were chosen with the intention of making the tattooing experience enjoyable and comfortable.

I believe that the atmosphere plays a significant role in how clients feel, and I want them to leave not just with a tattoo, but with a memorable experience.

Do you think there are misconceptions and myths around tattooing? Is this something you think about and are trying to combat in your work and on social media?

Yes, definitely. There are many misconceptions about tattooing, such as the idea that it’s only for rebellious individuals or that it lacks artistry. I use my platform to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship behind tattooing.

Through sharing my work and the stories of my clients, I aim to break down these stereotypes and show that tattoos can be a beautiful form of self-expression for anyone.

What are your feelings about the industry as a whole?

I feel that the tattoo industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive and diverse. There’s a growing appreciation for artistry, and more artists are exploring unique styles. However, there are still challenges, such as the need for better representation and respect for the craft.

I believe we can continue to push for positive change and elevate the art form.

Do you ever work conventions and travel for guest spots? How do we book in?

Yes, I love attending conventions and collaborating with other artists! It’s a great way to connect with the community and share ideas. For bookings, I usually announce my guest spots appearances on my social media platforms, where clients can find information on how to reserve a spot. I also accept inquiries through my website www.lasstattoo.com for those interested in getting their projects done by me.

What are your hopes for your future in tattooing?

My hopes for the future include continuing to grow as an artist and expanding my reach. I want to further develop my style and collaborate with other talented artists,. I also run workshops, to help tattooists refine technique, gain confidence and support them in their journey as an artist. I hope to make them more accessible by doing them online, too, to inspire the next generation of tattoo artists.

Ultimately, I aspire to create a lasting impact in the industry while helping my clients feel empowered and beautiful through their tattoos. Watch a film about the workshops here.

Follow @lasstattoo for more beautiful ornamental, botanical tattoos.

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

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“This is the story of teaching myself to tattoo in the male-dominated environment of the 1980s – when women were not welcome in tattoo shops,” tattoo artist Pym Avery

Pym Avery started tattooing back in the ’80s. She wasn’t welcome. It didn’t stop her. She’s still tattooing now, although not fulltime. She’s just written a book, Show Time, documenting the decades of her life that she dedicated to teaching herself to tattoo. Breaking down barriers along the way. This is her story…

“I started tattooing on the road in Europe in 1987, when I was 19 years old. I’ve since travelled all over the world and worked in many places; it has been one long and amazing adventure. In that time, I watched the tattoo trade evolve from a shadowy ill-respected environment to a multi-billion-dollar industry.”

“There were only a few women tattooing during the ‘80s and ‘90s, mostly in North America. I met one of those pioneers, Madame Vyvyn Lazonga, in Seattle in the early 2000s and she suggested that I should write a book about my early days. At the time, I thought that no one would read such a story, but the seed stayed in my mind until 2024 when I decided to stop talking about writing a book and just do it.

First known photo of Pym tattooing. Festival de la Sainte Anne,France 1992.
Photo credit Rafael Helle

“It was hard to get away from my daily grind and all its distractions but I found an opportunity house-sitting for friends on a remote island in the Caribbean where I didn’t know anybody and spent three weeks immersing myself in the memories of the ‘80s and ‘90s – the ‘Golden Age’ of tattooing as some call it – and putting it all down in black and white.  

“Trying to find a title wasn’t easy, but I settled on Show Time because that was always what I called going to work; game face, even if you are not quite feeling it! It also fit well with the carnival and convention scenes that I worked in during that time. I then self-published the book using independent small businesses. 

Tattooing at a motorcycle rally in Northern Germany 1992

“Show Time is the story of teaching myself to tattoo in the male-dominated environment of the 1980s in Europe – when women were not welcome in tattoo shops. I became interested in learning to tattoo in 1987 after I met a traveling tattoo artist in the South of Spain, who informed me that women do not do tattoos when I asked him to teach me. I was very curious about both the ability to earn money from art while travelling and why women would not be able to do it.  

German convention 1995

“At that time the tattoo scene, such as it was, was the domain of bikers and ‘manly men’ and there were indeed very few females practicing the art. It was almost impossible to learn any information about it without being connected, and very impossible to buy supplies as there were so few tattooers that everybody knew everybody else or at least knew of them. There was no internet or social media, and only a handful of suppliers worldwide. Orders were made by phone and arrived weeks later. Apprenticeships were almost impossible to find, the tattoo trade and its secrets were heavily protected against infiltration by rank outsiders; you had to know someone who knew someone.  

“It was a huge challenge, and I was determined to rise to it, but once I had acquired the necessary equipment to do the job, I would find out that the general public did not think that women could do tattoos either.  

Newspaper article from a Swiss convention 1995. ‘A man’s profession.’

“Traveling in Europe tattooing out of my small van, I finally managed to find a way to break the ice and was loosely adopted by the Feria or carnival which made the rounds of Southern Spain each year. After tattooing with the Feria for a while, I made my way into tattoo shops and access to the information I needed to round out my tattooing ability.

“As my career evolved, I became a part of the ‘90s international tattoo convention scene, which was a superhighway of information and learning, as well as the time at which tattooing began to break out of the Dark Ages and become a recognised art form worldwide. I opened my first tattoo shop in Germany in 1995. 

Pym and Titine Leu. Convention in Lausanne circa 1995

“The book itself, aside from being my personal story, is intended to be an inspiration for anybody wanting to become a tattoo artist despite all the pitfalls. The fact that the equipment and the necessary information for using it properly is now widely available does not bypass all the personal struggles, the challenges of dealing with the client’s expectations, or the self-employed aspects of the business. I wanted to give that perspective from my point of view, despite the fact that times have changed so radically. I think it is still valid. I also wanted to mention the women who had come before me, because I know that what they had to deal with was incrementally harder than what I faced, and I feel that we all owe them a lot of respect for that.  

“When tattoo conventions became popular in Europe in the 1990s, there were only a few female tattoo artists working at them, and we experienced a lot of disrespect from both sides of the booth. TV, radio, and newspaper interviews began to focus on the female tattooers and then we became published in magazines, and finally the disrespect began to melt away. It took a lot of determination and thick skin, but by the mid ‘90s, women had their own shops and were finally being recognised for their contribution to the trade.  

With Arno and Xed LeHead at Red Dragon Tattoo, Neustadt, Germany 1998

“As the internet began to become accessible to all, bridges could be built more easily across the world, and the barriers to women in the tattoo business as well as its overall male stranglehold began to come down quickly. The advent of TV shows about tattooing and the popularity of Kat Von D saw a dramatic increase in the numbers of women in the trade in the early to mid 2000s and I suspect encouraged a lot of the new generation of women, who were young girls at the time. My book does not cover any of this more recent time period as I left Europe in 2000 and moved to the United States, which seemed like a good point to finish that part of the story.  

“Times and tattooing have definitely changed exponentially since the “Last Century.” I think for older tattoo artists, it is hard to stay relevant in this modern world dominated by social media, but I do feel that we can learn from the new generation in the same way that they can learn from us, through the exchange of ideas and a good communication base, which is now so much easier to achieve than the pre-internet days.

“I hope to change the direction of some of the narrative about Gatekeepers, which is becoming more prevalent on the internet by highlighting a lot of what my generation of tattooers went through to learn the tattoo trade with no easy access to information and equipment and explain what actual Gatekeeping looked like back then. There is very little comparison between how it was to get into tattooing then and now, but we are, after all, doing the same thing with the same goals.  

Sacramento, CA 2017. Photo credit James Novaes

“To me, the 1990s changed tattooing in the most substantial way, taking it to new levels and a fresh public perspective. Tattoo artists of the time tried, tested and investigated many different avenues of what tattoo machines could do in the skin and forged a solid path. That research and application opened the doors to many and varied machine types, needle groups, colours, techniques, and styles. Artists with college degrees and different perspectives have now taken it to a whole new level.  

“As for myself, I still work in all styles, as I have done since day one, so it is interesting to observe the evolution of it all and I am curious to see what the next decade brings. I do not tattoo full time anymore outside of conventions and guest spots, due to the toll that tattooing has taken on my body; it is real, folks! Look after your back and your hands!”

Pym with the first proof of her book, 2024

Signed copies of Show Time are available from showtimebook.bigcartel.com. Printed version, eBook as well as audiobook can be found online anywhere you get your books!  

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“Clients aren’t just a canvas, we sometimes forget that when we focus solely on the tattoo aspect. Marketing is more sophisticated now yes, but it’s ALWAYS been a part of our job,” tattoo artist Kezz Richards talks social media and its impact on the tattoo industry

Kezz Richardson

Social media has undoubtedly influenced the tattoo industry, bringing both advantages and drawbacks. A lot of people have found their favourite tattoo artists and styles through online platforms, and smaller tattoo artists are gaining much-deserved recognition through their social media presence. The benefits are huge, making the tattooing world more accessible than ever before. But, what are the downsides? Is social media shaping or breaking the tattoo industry?

We sat down to have a chat about it with Kezz Richardson, tattoo artist, studio owner and mentor who helps tattoo artists increase their bookings and avoid burnout. With over 20 years of experience, Kezz has seen the influence of social media on the tattoo industry. Inspired by this, she founded ‘Tattoo Smarter‘ and recently launched a new course designed to help tattoo artists master their social media presence and discover personalised strategies that work for them. So, if anyone understands the ins and outs of social media and tattooing, it’s definitely Kezz.

Kezz Richardson (@tattoosmarter)

First off, do you think social media has helped or made it more challenging for tattoo artists?

This is such a nuanced question, it’s made some parts harder and others easier. Social media is so dynamic, it’s changing all the time.

I’ll start with the positives: social media has helped so many tattoo artists connect with clients on a much wider scale than before, all with the click of some buttons. Pre-social media, you might have had 50 people walk into your shop every week – then suddenly you can put your work in front of thousands of potential clients just by using your phone.

Another positive is that social media has helped tattoo artists see and be inspired by other artists’ work more easily. We used to rely on magazines and conventions, which have historically been curated and shaped mostly by white cis men (whose platforms were often influenced by industry politics).

Social media has enabled more minority voices to find their place in tattooing and has given a platform to many types of artists for the first time.

Social media has connected artists on a mass scale, and sharing information digitally has pushed both technical tattoo and business standards much further than if we were still progressing at an analogue pace. The rate at which artists are improving is astonishing compared to even ten years ago.

It’s also provided a huge opportunity to create a more diverse network of artists that may never have met before- going for guest spots meeting up at conventions etc, community & support absolutely make tattooing easier.

Now the downsides: social media has changed at such a rapid pace that some artists that aren’t able (or don’t want) to keep up are feeling completely disenfranchised and lost. They have found themselves with less and less clients because the ability to be visible online is now much harder. I completely get why they feel like this. They wanted to tattoo; the job has lots more moving parts now.

The evolution of social media has especially affected the artists that embraced social media at the start when they found it was so easy to collect followers and followers equalled bookings. Now follower count is mostly irrelevant and lots of artists don’t understand engaged niche followers are much more important now.

Social media has evolved way quicker than our collective education about how to use it.

Those who have always had social media to market themselves are on the whole more adaptable but are still struggling with the changes. I was around well before it and it’s benefitted my career massively. We didn’t need social media before, but we have become to rely on it if we want to be competitive. It was a free tool at the start where the barrier to entry was low – the goalposts have now changed.

Lots of tattoo artists still say we don’t need online visibility and that it’s just word of mouth that’s important but I strongly disagree with this. The first thing clients do after getting a recommendation is to go look online at artists before they make a decision, they very rarely just decide to walk to the tattoo shop without some digital research.

Social media has undoubtedly contributed to more people wanting to become tattoo artists – this means greater competition than before, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are clients for everyone – different styles, different budgets, different experiences are now catered for. Unfortunately, lots of tattoo artists don’t like the idea of so many newer artists coming into the industry and doing things in a different way or them having to adapt to be competitive.

There are more clients than ever before, but some tattoo artists feel that these new clients aren’t ‘tattoo people’ and are too ‘mainstream.’ This has made gatekeeping more important for those trying to exclude others.

Social media has also allowed clients to think that we owe them our time.

People expect quick responses, and send impatient messages with the expectation of an instant reply, instead of allowing us to focus on the client in front of us or have actual rest days, only adding to our stress. I advocate for professional boundaries, such as forms and digital booking systems, to address this issue. However, tattoo artists as a whole have been slow to adopt these practices, despite my efforts over the past two years to promote them.

@tattoosmarter

Lastly, I believe social media has contributed to a decline in tattooing hygiene – or at least an increase in the number of tattoo artists with appalling hygiene standards. When reels showcasing terrible hygiene practices are shared, it gives the impression that such behaviour is acceptable or normal, leading others to imitate these bad practices. For example, there was a case where a tattoo artist used an actual cat’s paw to apply the stencil onto a client’s skin, with the cat remaining on the client’s legs throughout the entire tattoo session. We’re witnessing more alarming instances where people prioritise views over their clients’ safety. Examples include matching BFF tattoos where open wounds are rubbed against each other, uncovered beds or armrests, artists wearing watches, and hair or sleeves dipping into open tattoos—the unfortunate list goes on.

Phew. So like I said, nuanced as fuck.

Does managing your social media as a tattoo artist feel like a second job?

Absolutely. Tattoo artists have like 25 jobs on top of tattooing and social media is now a huge part of staying visible. There are tons of other jobs we do like admin, customer service, we are our own HR department, accounting etc.

@tattoosmarter

It takes up a lot of time and energy – especially when it’s an entirely different skillset to tattooing. It feels like an extra job because lots of tattoo artists just want to tattoo. When we only focus on the tattoo part though, we are forgetting that connecting with our clients is also a huge part of our job.

Clients aren’t just a canvas, we sometimes forget that when we focus solely on the tattoo aspect. Marketing is more sophisticated now yes, but it’s ALWAYS been a part of our job.

My advice for anyone struggling is to streamline all your off-skin work practices rigorously. For example, admin tasks can be vastly improved with a digital booking system, saving hours each week. You can then use this reclaimed time for marketing on social media, integrating it into your regular workload rather than piling it on top.

Also, educate yourself. Social media becomes more manageable when you understand what you’re doing; there’s no shame in seeking help or striving to improve. This is even more crucial if you work in a private studio where visibility is limited. If your studio has a small following, you’ll need to put in extra effort.

Be cautious with social media “assistants”; many may not be knowledgeable. If you decide to outsource, ensure they have demonstrated significant engagement. There are countless “experts” out there just looking to take your money.

Do you think social media brought more stress than good to tattoo artists?

This answer is artist-dependent. Some artists have thrived using social media, some have become completely disillusioned and some have thrived for a short period and then completely burnt out.

For some tattoo artists, social media increases anxiety about not posting enough or feeling behind compared to others who appear to have everything under control, even when they don’t. Much of this perception is an illusion. To reduce stress, the best approach is to learn how to use and manage your energy online and embrace therapy. Anything related to our income is always going to cause stress to some degree, learning about social media gives back a bit of that control.

Does having an active social media presence affect the number of bookings for an artist?

Absolutely not. You could post three times per day and it won’t get you more engagement from the right people or bookings for a number of reasons.

Understanding your client journey online is huge. I still see tattoo artists with no location in their bio or no directions to their link to book using an enquiry form etc. When you miss out on these simple things you are missing out on bookings because you’ve made it difficult for clients to book with you. Making the client journey as easy as possible gets you bookings.

Understanding your retention is massive too, you might get clients through your door using socials but if you don’t get repeat clientele then there’s something up with your client experience.

You can’t just rely on your socials. It’s one part of the puzzle.

If your content isn’t engaging it doesn’t matter how much you post. The goal for your socials is to know your audience and post quality content that will make people feel something. It also helps to be able to analyse the data around your metrics too. Tons of likes don’t mean anything – a good post with lots of inquiries does.

As I mentioned earlier your socials should be all about connection. Tattoo artists turn their noses up at the world ‘content’ but anything you post online is content, including tattoo photos. It’s just that the majority of clients don’t find tattoo photos engaging anymore. You need to find new ways of repackaging your work in a more palatable format to get you up the rankings, on to the explore page, and actually seen.

Tattoo Smarter With Kezz Richardson

If you’re interested in learning more about Kezz and her services, you can visit her website here. Kezz has recently introduced a new course for tattoo artists on social media marketing here, along with a range of other advice and courses. She is also the founder of the Together Tattoo Network business events, which support women, queer, BIPOC, disabled artists, and other marginalised voices often overlooked in the tattooing industry. For details on their in-person event in October, visit their Instagram page @togethertattoonetwork

@togethertattoonetwork
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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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“Tattooing is leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin,” interview with tattoo artist India

Tattoo artist India @india.tattooartist (she/her) owns a gorgeous monochromatic studio in Lisbon, Portugal, in which she “welcomes all souls seeking to connect” through her art. Here she shares her tattoo journey, opens up about creativity and her tattoo tour plans…

How long have you been tattooing?

I’ve been tattooing for about seven years now and each day feels like a new adventure in self-expression and creativity.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

Growing up with a Portuguese mother and an Indian father, I’ve always been surrounded by creativity. From my mother’s ceramic art to my own love for drawing and painting. Despite initial discouragement, I pursued my artistic interests through academic studies and eventually found my way to tattooing in 2018, thanks to the encouragement of my husband.

I decided to explore this new artistic avenue, and I haven’t looked back since.

What first drew you to the world of tattooing?

What initially drew me to tattooing was the opportunity to delve into another form of artistic expression. I’ve always been passionate about art and tattooing felt like a natural progression in my creative journey.

What was the first tattoo you did? Do you still remember how you felt doing it?

The first tattoo I ever did was on my boyfriend, who’s now my husband. I tattooed a mermaid on his ankle and it was a mix of nerves and excitement. But his trust in me fuelled my determination to create something beautiful on his skin. Nowadays he has a lot of tattoos done by me and I don’t feel nervous anymore.

Can you tell us about your own tattoo collection? We’d also love to know more about your “lockdown leg” tattoo project? 

My own tattoo collection is a reflection of my journey as both an artist and an individual. I started getting tattoos at the age of 17, always with designs I had created myself. During the lockdown, I embarked on a personal project – tattooing ornamental and floral designs on my own legs.

This experience marked a significant turning point in my career, showcasing my dedication to my craft and my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

People began to see how well my tattooed style looked on legs and started requesting more projects from my portfolio. I can say that legs are my favourite areas of the body to tattoo.

How did your ornamental style come to be and what inspires you?

My ornamental style is deeply inspired by my Indian heritage and my love for intricate details. I find inspiration in everything around me, from nature to cultural symbols, and I strive to infuse my designs with elegance and femininity.

My ornamental style focuses on delicacy and intricacy.

I utilise techniques such as contrast and variation in line weight to enrich and add interest to the designs. By incorporating these elements, I create tattoos that are not only visually captivating, but also dynamic and engaging.

Each project is carefully crafted to achieve a balance between elegance and complexity, resulting in unique and compelling pieces of art. I’m also greatly inspired by nature and constantly take photos of flowers and plants to incorporate into my projects.

Do you have a favourite style of art, artist or work?

I’m an admirer of all forms of art, but I can say that Baroque painting has always fascinated me. When I studied Art History in high school, I remember being captivated by the intricate floral arrangements of Jan van Huysum. He has always been a reference for floral delicacy and the texture of plants with remarkable precision.

Nature plays a significant role in my life and consequently in my art. I’m also greatly inspired by the Indian tradition of Rangoli, which involves creating geometric and floral designs on the ground using rice powder or coloured sand. In the world of tattoos, thanks to social media, I am inspired daily by various artists, and it’s incredible how accessible the connection becomes.

Do you prefer flash or custom designs? 

I prefer custom projects because they allow me to create something that connects my artistic creativity with the essence and desires of my client. I always have numerous ideas and my mind is quite creative when fueled by my client’s concept.

There needs to be a lot of trust and freedom in the development process and I’m grateful that my clients are always incredible and trust me as an artist.

We engage in a collaboration of ideas and opinions, always resulting in a wonderful and unique project.

I also work extensively with my freehand technique, which allows me to create a fluid and harmonious design on the chosen area of the body. Since we are all different, it’s essential to create something unique and tailored to our physique. I enjoy understanding what the client wants and, before finalising the design, I send them a mock-up for visualisation. On the day of the appointment, we take the necessary time to refine the details and bring the creation to life.

How many sessions does a delicate sleeve tattoo take? 

A delicate sleeve tattoo can require two to four sessions to achieve the desired level of intricacy and detail. The number of sessions can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design, but I always prioritise quality and precision in every session.

Is there anything you’d love to tattoo?

I’m intrigued by the idea of delving into full-body concepts, infusing them with my signature ornamental and floral style but with heightened contrast and diverse dimensions.

Exploring the human canvas in its entirety, weaving intricate designs that dynamically interact with the body’s contours and movements, is a creative endeavor I eagerly anticipate embracing.

Can you tell us more about your tattoo studio? Why did you decide to use just one colour?

The studio was designed to be a safe and comfortable space for my clients. Its decoration exudes calmness due to the chosen colour: terracotta, a hue reminiscent of the spices of India, known for its tranquil and harmonious sensation; leaving those who behold it pleasantly surprised by its aesthetic.

My clients find the studio’s concept quite different from the usual tattoo shop, they appreciate the visual and are fascinated by the fact that all the decorations match with the floor, the ceiling and the walls by being in the same colour. With everything in terracotta, the space directs focus to the main art, the one we will create.

My clients and the art we will create are the main focus, with energy concentrated fully on them.

We’ve seen you’re on a tattoo tour; how can people book in with you and where will you be?

Currently, I am travelling to various countries to share my art with new audiences. Those interested in booking a session with me can reach out through my website www.indiatattooartist.com. I’ll be visiting some countries in Europe but I would love to tattoo in USA and maybe go back to Australia.

What’s been your proudest moment so far?

One of my proudest moments so far was winning first prize at Lisbon fest tattoo convention for my ornamental leg project. It was the first time the fine-line category existed in my hometown. It was a validation of my artistic vision and a reminder of how far I’ve come on this incredible journey.

Finally, what does tattooing mean to you?

Tattooing is more than just a job for me; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about creating meaningful art that resonates with both the wearer and the observer, leaving a lasting impression that transcends skin.

Make sure to follow India on Instagram for updates on her tattoo tour!

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