Text: Juule Kay

The world is changing, and with it, a new generation of trailblazers is taking over. In our new monthly series E-MERGING, we introduce the people adding to the cultural moment with their creative minds, new ideas and unique approaches. It’s a glimpse behind the scenes, a way to dig deeper and look beyond the picture-perfect outcome we’re swamped with every day.

It’s difficult to keep track of the ever-changing world of tattoos. New trends and styles emerge as fast as you can scroll through your Explore page. But don’t worry, we have you covered! After a deep-dive through the internet, we found five tattoo artists from around the world who have established their very own way of doing things–whether that’s about colours, size or design. Welcome to a universe full of small seashells, stardust and your wildest fever dreams.

First things first. Tell me a bit about yourself. The basics. A fun fact. Your life story. Your tattoo journey. Whatever you want to share.

I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where art is not valued as highly in comparison to Europe. So I decided to move to Berlin. First, I worked as a videographer and art director for musicians who were just starting their careers and got another job on the side. When the pandemic hit, I used the opportunity to practise my tattoo skills. When I decided to post my drawings on social media, my account started growing, so I thought it was time to do an apprenticeship at a tattoo studio and take it seriously. Four years later, I can say I’m grateful I put the time and attention into this hobby that became my job.

Booking an appointment might make you end up playing minesweeper. What makes life fun for you?

My friends and family are the best at keeping things fun and interesting. Also, any kind of entertainment. I am addicted to binge-watching bad TV shows, and I love playing video games. I probably spent around 500 hours on Animal Crossing.

What’s a misconception about fine line tattoos you want to break with?

That they age badly! They don’t, they just need to be well done by someone who has experience working with finer needles.

You’re not only a tattoo artist, but also explore other mediums like illustration, ceramics and graphic design. When are you the most creative?

When I’m relaxed. I usually draw my flashes and do all my fun creative projects while I’m on holiday. I like to take time off to come up with new ideas and develop my style even more. Drawing is so much fun when I’m on the plane or train with no distractions around.

And last but not least, what’s the cutest design you’ve tattooed recently?

A little chihuahua wearing a bunny hat.

First things first. Tell me a bit about yourself. The basics. A fun fact. Your life story. Your tattoo journey. Whatever you want to share.

My name is Nastia. I am 21 years old, currently living in Montreal, Canada until the end of the year. Then I’m moving again, not sure where yet, we’ll see. I was raised in a small village in Ukraine, surrounded by forests and mountains. I was that artsy, unpopular kid that you’d always catch drawing. The majority of the time, I’ve been making realistic paintings such as landscapes, still life and portraits. Three years ago, I randomly decided to try a 3-day hand poke workshop and ended up really liking it and diving deeper into this whole new world. I am incredibly delusional and believe that I can achieve anything I want, as long as I focus and act on it, so I’m not afraid of being risky and trying new stuff.

What makes you feel magically drawn to colours? What else is very colourful in your life other than your designs?

Just like with painting, I felt like I couldn’t express myself fully with black ink. Only in recent years have I started to add colours to my daily life. I used to dress up in all black every single day, but meeting all these incredible tattoo artists along the way started shaping my personal style. It has awakened my inner child, and now my favourite colour is pink. Lately, I also enjoy putting on clown makeup–seeing the reactions of people amuses me a lot.

Generally speaking, what does it need to match your freak?

To also be freaky. Everything that’s clowney, rainbows, circus-like, emo, gothic, out of the ordinary, super dark or weird, scary or bloody–I’m crazy about all that. Some people find it funny how many of my tattoo works look very cute and playful, yet I usually listen to hard rock, post-punk, goth and metal bands.

Your designs almost feel like an absurd world of their own, full of clowns, cows and custom star dust. Did you grow up with this kind of magic?

My mind is a fusion of dark and funny things. I am enchanted by our universe and have always hoped (and still do) to fly to the moon one day. As a kid, I also loved going to the circus–the whole atmosphere, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy vividly stuck in my memory. Living far from all the hustle and bustle of the city also shaped a deep connection to nature, which can now be embodied in my abstract designs.

As a Ukrainian, what do you want people to know about your motherland?

It’s such a beautiful, diverse country with incredibly brave people who will fight for their freedom no matter what. All I dream about is visiting every corner of my homeland once the Russian invasion is over. I’m truly thankful to everyone who keeps supporting us during these scary times.