Anastasiia Protsenko – Member of the Global Tattoo Artists Association

Oleksii
May 21
5 min read

Today, we're speaking with Anastasiia Protsenko, a professional tattoo artist whose work stands at the crossroads of elegance and emotion. Celebrated for her delicate linework and symbolic storytelling, Anastasiia brings a deeply personal dimension to every piece she creates. In this interview, she opens up about her artistic roots, the inspirations that guide her hand, and how evolving trends in the global tattoo community influence her creative path.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

– Art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always the one with a pencil in hand—sketching on napkins, schoolbooks, and any scrap of paper I could find. I signed up for extra art classes, diving deep into academic drawing, painting, and plein air studies. That’s when it clicked: creativity wasn’t just a hobby. It was the path I was meant to follow.

I later pursued a degree in graphic design in Warsaw, hoping to shape my passion into a profession. But somewhere between the deadlines and the glowing screens, I started to feel disconnected. I missed the tactile, intimate process of creating something with my own hands—something real.

That’s when tattooing found me. It was everything I had been searching for: a raw, emotional art form with a heartbeat. I’d dreamt of tattoos for years, and right after finishing my first course, I did something bold—I gave myself my very first tattoo. Alone, with shaking hands and a racing heart. Ten years later, that tattoo is still with me. A quiet, permanent mark that reminds me where it all began.

What’s your favorite part of the tattooing process—sketching, inking, or the client reaction?

– Each stage has its own kind of magic, and I genuinely enjoy the whole process—from sketching ideas to the rhythm of the needle. I really get into a flow state while working; it’s a feeling I truly love. But in the end, nothing compares to the moment when the client sees the finished tattoo. Their reaction, the emotions in their eyes—that’s what stays with me. The final result always wins.

How would you describe your tattoo style?

– I specialize in floral and fine line tattoos with a delicate, detailed, and often feminine look. Nature is my main source of inspiration—especially plants and animals—and I enjoy adding ornamental elements to bring extra depth to each design. I like mixing different styles to create something unique and personal for every client. For me, it’s all about finding the right balance between softness, structure, and storytelling through the composition.

What’s the most challenging tattoo you’ve ever done?

– The toughest tattoo I’ve done was a mandala on head. I was still early in my career, and it really pushed me. The skin there is super sensitive, the surface is curved and tricky, and it took a lot of concentration. But honestly, when you’re just starting out, every tattoo feels hard. You’re still figuring out your hand, your tools, your confidence.

Back then, each piece felt like a test. Now, with time and experience, I’ve found my style and technique—and that makes all the difference. I can approach my work with more ease and clarity. But that mandala taught me a lot, and I’m still proud of how it turned out. It was one of those moments that helped shape me as an artist.

How do you make sure your clients are comfortable during the tattoo process?

– Before each session, I take time to talk with my clients, explain every step, and make sure they know what to expect. I check in with them throughout the process to see how they’re feeling. Creating a calm, supportive atmosphere is really important to me—it helps people relax and makes the whole experience more positive and personal.

Do you think tattoos have a deeper meaning for people, or are they just an art form?

– I think it really depends on the person—and that’s one of the things I love most about tattooing. For some, tattoos carry deep personal meaning: they can mark a life event, represent a memory, or serve as a form of healing or empowerment. For others, it’s more about self-expression, aesthetics, or simply wearing a piece of art they connect with.

Both are valid. Whether it’s deeply symbolic or purely visual, a tattoo is still a powerful form of expression. And sometimes, meaning can evolve over time—even a “just because I liked it” tattoo can end up holding unexpected emotional weight later on.

What’s the longest tattoo session you've ever had?

– The longest tattoo session I’ve ever had lasted 10 hours. While it was a valuable experience, I’ve since learned the importance of balancing efficiency with well-being. Now, I schedule sessions more mindfully to ensure both the client and I remain comfortable throughout the process. This approach helps maintain high-quality work without unnecessary strain.

Do you have any tattoo artists who inspire you or whose work you admire?

– Yes, absolutely. I enjoy following a variety of tattoo artists with different styles. It's inspiring to see how each artist brings their own vision and technique to the craft. Exploring diverse approaches helps me grow creatively and stay open to new ideas.

Can you tell us about a memorable or meaningful tattoo you’ve done for someone?

– Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on so many meaningful tattoos that it’s hard to choose just one. Each story is unique, and that’s one of the things I value most about this work. That said, many of the most emotional pieces tend to be tributes—either to loved ones or to beloved animals. It’s always an honor to help someone carry those memories with them in a permanent and personal way.

What’s the most unusual or unexpected tattoo request you’ve ever received?

– Oh yes, I’ve definitely had some unusual and unexpected tattoo requests, especially early in my career. They ranged from very intimate and personal designs to quite quirky ideas—like tattooing fishnet stocking patterns on legs to create the illusion of wearing stockings. Of course, none of these requests actually turned into tattoos.

Do you see tattoos as an evolving art form, and if so, how do you think the industry will change in the next decade?

– Absolutely, tattoos are an evolving art form. While there are now machines that can create tattoos automatically, I believe that work done by human hands will always be more valued. The personal touch and creativity of an artist can’t be replaced by technology. In the next decade, I expect the industry to blend new innovations with traditional craftsmanship, keeping tattoos a unique and deeply personal form of expression.

If you are a studio owner or educator, please share your experience and role in these areas.

– At the beginning of my journey in Kyiv, I was a co-owner of a tattoo studio and ran a tattoo school. This experience gave me a tremendous boost in my professional development, though it required a lot of effort and resources. Due to the war in Ukraine, I had to migrate and close everything. At this stage, I prefer not to be tied to a specific location. I’m open to traveling and always happy to visit new cities for guest spots. In the future, I am considering creating the perfect and comfortable space again—not only for myself but also for other artists—but that’s a plan for later down the road.