Ola Krupnik – Member of the Global Tattoo Artists Association

Oleksii
Jul 23
3 min read

Today, we're speaking with Ola Krupnik, a tattoo artist whose work bridges the elegance of historical illustration with imaginative storytelling. Known for her bold lines, nature-inspired forms, and a style reminiscent of classic engravings, Ola brings a timeless yet playful energy to every piece she creates. In this interview, she talks about her love for linear art, how characters and natural motifs shape her visual world, and why the dialogue between artist and client is at the heart of her evolving creative process.

Your tattoos have a distinct style with bold outlines and strong, clean compositions. How would you describe your approach to linework, and how did you develop your style?

– I’ve always been inspired by art history — I’ve had a love for linear drawings for as long as I can remember. When I started learning tattooing, my drawings already had a touch of the woodcut/engraving style. Seeing other tattoo artists work in a similar aesthetic made me realize that this was exactly the direction I wanted to go. Since then, it’s been all about exploring how to express different themes within that style and enjoying the creative process along the way.

Your pieces often blend natural elements, like flowers and animals, with human features. What attracts you to these combinations, and what do they represent in your artwork?

– I draw a lot of inspiration from old illustrated books about nature, as well as children’s books, which often combine those elements in imaginative ways. I also really enjoy creating characters, a bit like in RPG games — I think that’s why I’m drawn to blending human features with animals or plants. It lets me build little worlds and stories within each piece.

What role does storytelling play in your work? Do you approach each tattoo as a narrative, or do you focus more on the aesthetic and the subject itself?

– I believe storytelling is something the viewer creates for themselves. Everyone finds their own meaning in an image, and I love that. As for me, I focus on aesthetics and enjoy playing with different themes, and sometimes there’s a little story in my head that adds an extra layer of fun to the process.

How do you approach your client relationships and ensure they’re comfortable with your artistic vision while still maintaining the integrity of your style?

– I believe this is something you learn with experience, as there’s no single approach that fits every situation. Building a strong relationship with clients is based on communication and trust. When designing a piece, I always keep in mind that it’s for the client, so I try to find a balance between their vision and my own style. I also genuinely enjoy the challenge of interpreting someone else’s ideas through my artistic view — it’s a creative process that often inspires me to explore new directions.

Tattooing is an evolving art form. How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any techniques or styles you’re excited to explore?

– I don’t have a clear plan for how my work will evolve, and I think that’s part of the fun. I’ve loved working with linear forms for years, and I enjoy exploring different possibilities within that style. So far, my style has grown naturally over time, changing a little bit each year. Maybe someday I’ll try something new, but for now, I’m happy to keep experimenting and developing where this path takes me.

For those considering getting a tattoo in your style, what would you advise them to think about when choosing a design and the placement of their tattoo?

– This style doesn’t usually work well in very small sizes — it needs a bit of space for the details to stay clear over time. Of course, a lot depends on the design itself. It’s always best to adapt the design specifically to the body’s flow, and I’m always happy to give advice if someone is unsure about placement or size.