Olena Minaieva – Member of the Global Tattoo Artists Association

Oleksii
Jun 25
5 min read

Today, we're speaking with Olena Minaieva, a tattoo artist whose work blends graphic minimalism with emotional depth. Known for her delicate linework, floral motifs, and thoughtful approach to each project, Olena creates tattoos that are as intimate as they are visually refined. In this interview, she shares the story behind her artistic path, how she connects with clients on a personal level, and why she believes that every tattoo — whether playful or profound — becomes a permanent piece of someone’s journey.

What first sparked your decision to become a tattoo artist?

– Since I was a child, I’ve always loved drawing. At 17, after getting my first tattoo together with my parents, I discovered the tattoo world. Seeing my passion, my father helped me enroll in my first tattoo course.

What inspires me most is knowing that my work stays with people forever. Every tattoo carries a story and becomes a part of someone’s life. I feel happy and proud when clients see the final result and say: “That’s exactly what I wanted.”

Tattooing is not just a job for me — it’s my passion and my way of life.

Which part of the process do you enjoy most—concept sketching, applying the ink, or seeing the client’s reaction?

– While I enjoy sketching, my true passion lies in the actual tattooing process — working with the machine. The way a tattoo looks in reality can differ significantly from the initial drawing, which allows me to explore different techniques and bring unique details to each piece. Of course, the client’s reaction is priceless — every tattoo I create carries a part of my vision and soul, so seeing their joy makes the whole process truly rewarding.

How would you characterize your own tattoo aesthetic?

– My style is a blend of graphic art, minimalism, and floral designs, with a focus on both black-and-white and color tattoos. I particularly enjoy fine line and line work styles, as they allow me to express delicate details and clean shapes.

What tattoo project has pushed your abilities the furthest?

– Tattoos can be challenging for different reasons — sometimes it’s the location on the body, and other times it’s the technical complexity of the design. For me, one of the hardest places to tattoo was the lower jaw, right where the neck meets the chin. It’s a tricky area to work on due to its shape and sensitivity. Besides the physical challenges, some tattoos are just technically demanding, with details and precision that make them tough to execute perfectly. I have a couple of tattoos like that — I wouldn’t want to do them again!;)

How do you ensure clients stay relaxed and comfortable throughout their session?

– Ensuring my clients’ comfort starts long before the tattoo session itself — right at the booking stage. I always send them a checklist with advice on how to prepare: what to eat and drink, what to avoid, and what to bring along. A small snack and plenty of water are essential, as well as comfortable clothing that fits the tattoo location, so the client won’t have to lie half-naked during the session. During the tattoo, I constantly check in, asking if they feel any pain or discomfort and if they need a break. I also pay attention to the products I use, choosing cosmetics that meet strict European standards and are trusted by world-renowned tattoo artists. This attention to detail helps create a safe and comfortable environment for every client.

In your opinion, are tattoos primarily personal symbols or chiefly works of visual art?

– I believe tattoos hold different meanings for different people — there’s no single answer. For some, every tattoo carries a deep personal significance, while others might choose something more playful or spontaneous, like a quirky duck shouting a phrase from a car window. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and as an artist, I respect that. I don’t impose my opinion or discourage anyone from getting a tattoo if it means something important to them.

What’s the longest continuous stretch you’ve ever spent tattooing?

– My longest tattoo session lasted almost 11 hours — we started at 11:30 AM and finished around 10:30 PM. We worked on the front part of the leg with just one short 20-minute lunch break. It was an intense and unforgettable

experience. Both the client and I were very happy with the final result.

Are there any tattooists whose work you greatly admire or draw inspiration from?

– I really enjoy watching the American show Ink Masters, which constantly inspires me. I also love revisiting the classic Miami Ink — it’s timeless and always a source of inspiration. Ink Masters helps me discover new artists, fresh styles, and trends in the tattoo world.

Can you share the story behind a tattoo you created that was especially meaningful for the client?

– There are two types of tattoos that take my breath away and move me deeply. First, tattoos I get myself that set a high standard for my work. They are technically very challenging, and I’m never sure if I can do them perfectly, so when they turn out well, it’s a powerful emotional experience. Second, are the tattoos I create for clients who have overcome cancer or memorialize loved ones and pets who have passed away. These tattoos carry deep meaning and always touch my heart.

What is the most unconventional or surprising tattoo request you’ve handled?

– One of the most unusual requests I’ve had was from a young man who wanted to tattoo the emblem of his driving school. It featured a squirrel driving a car, and he wanted it placed inside a road sign shape, with the name of his class group and the date he passed his driving test written around it — all within 5 cm. Technically, it was almost impossible to fit so many details into such a small space. In the end, we discussed it together and decided to create a different design that would still carry a meaningful memory for him.

Do you view tattooing as a continually evolving art form, and how do you expect the field to change over the next decade?

– It’s incredibly difficult to predict what the tattoo industry will look like in ten years, especially when it’s hard to say what might happen even in a year. Every day, so many young, talented, and ambitious artists bring fresh styles, innovative techniques, and new ideas into the industry. Tattooing evolves almost every minute. If we look back just ten years ago, I don’t think anyone could have imagined that the industry would grow and transform to the level where it is now. Honestly, it’s even a little scary to think how far it might go in the next decade.

If you operate a studio or teach others, could you describe your role and what that experience has been like?

– Actually, I prefer working for someone rather than running my own studio. This allows me to fully focus on tattooing and developing my skills, without worrying about studio management or materials. I have also taught students in the past, and it brought me a lot of joy. Although I eventually took a break from teaching, I plan to return to it. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my students grow — some now work in studios, some have opened their own, and others continued specialized training in different styles. I cherish every one of my students, remember them all by name, and look forward to teaching again in the future.

Connect with Olena Minaieva

Email: alenahaker@gmail.com

Instagram: @dmnd_tattoo