Interview with Valeriia Puhach – Tattoo Artist & Global Association Member

Today, we're speaking with Valeriia Puhach, a professional tattoo artist and respected member of the Global Tattoo Artists Association. With a distinctive artistic approach and deep attention to detail, Valeriia brings a fresh and expressive voice to the world of body art. In this conversation, she opens up about her creative process, the emotions behind her work, and how evolving tattoo trends inspire her to push the boundaries of her craft.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist?

— Tattooing combines everything I love—art, composition, and working with the human form. My background in academic arts and architecture gave me a deep understanding of structure and flow, but I wanted something more personal, something alive. Tattoos move, age, and become part of someone’s story. That’s what drew me in—the ability to create art that isn’t just seen but lived.

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

— For me, the most exciting part is creating the design directly on the skin—freehanding and letting the composition flow naturally with the body. Tattooing itself is where the magic happens, watching the design come alive with every stroke. It’s not just about putting ink on skin; it’s about bringing movement, depth, and energy into the piece, making it feel like it was always meant to be there.

How would you describe your tattoo style?

— I can’t define my style with a single name because it’s a combination of everything I love. I don’t like putting myself into frames—I prefer to let my work evolve naturally. I do a lot of realistic elements, ornamental designs, and compositions that focus on subject and color. That’s what interests me the most. I love bright, contrasting colors, floral compositions, and all kinds of animals, bringing them to life in a way that feels bold and organic.

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

— One of the most challenging tattoos I’ve ever done was a huge scar cover-up for a client who had scarring across her entire arm. Working with scars is completely different from regular tattooing—the skin reacts differently, and every section has its own texture and level of sensitivity. The challenge was not just to create a beautiful design but to make it flow naturally with the arm, disguising the scar while still keeping the tattoo soft and organic. It was a long and complex process, but seeing my client’s reaction—how she finally felt comfortable and confident in her skin again—made it one of the most rewarding tattoos I’ve ever done.

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

— From the very beginning, I make sure my clients know they are in control of the process. I never force decisions—they can request as many changes to the design as they need, and if at any point they don’t feel ready, we can stop the session entirely. Their comfort always comes first.

At the studio, we have privacy screens for placements that require nudity, ensuring a safe and respectful environment. We take as many breaks as needed, and I always emphasize open communication—if something feels off, we adjust. My main goal is to create a safe space, not just physically but emotionally. A tattoo session should be a positive, empowering experience, and I do everything I can to make sure my clients feel secure, heard, and respected throughout the process.

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

— Tattoos can be both—a deeply personal symbol or simply a beautiful piece of art. It all depends on the person wearing it. Some clients come to me with stories, emotions, or memories they want to immortalize on their skin, while others just want something aesthetically pleasing that fits their body and style. Neither is more valid than the other.

For me, the most important thing is that the tattoo feels right for the person wearing it.

Whether it’s a powerful symbol of transformation or just a stunning design, what matters is that it resonates with them. Tattoos don’t always have to carry deep meaning, but they always carry a part of the person who wears them.

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

— Most of the time, I have long sessions, and it has happened a few times that I left the studio after midnight. I tend to get completely absorbed in the process, making sure every detail is perfect. There were definitely days when I spent 14-15 hours at the studio, though I hope not more. But I’m learning to find a better balance, ensuring both my clients and I stay in the best condition to create something truly great. Tattooing is about patience and precision, and taking care of both the art and the artist is just as important.

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

— Oh, I think I love the work of every artist I follow—each one is truly inspiring. I can’t choose just one or two because every day I see so many beautiful tattoos, it’s insane. The talent in this industry is incredible, and I really love the tattoo community.

I think as artists, we should support each other more. I always try to leave comments telling artists how good their work is—because it’s true! And appreciating someone else’s art doesn’t make my own work any less valuable. We’re all creating, evolving, and pushing this industry forward together. There’s enough space for all of us to shine.

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

— I think one of the most meaningful tattoos I’ve ever done was for one of my favorite clients—a blue jay tattoo that I will remember forever. She is truly one of the sweetest, most wonderful people I’ve met, but sadly, she lost her son. After his passing, a blue jay started appearing in her life—flying to her, showing up in dreams, and even on the day of our tattoo session, one flew alongside her car on the way to the studio.

We designed a blue jay as a cover-up for an old tattoo tied to a painful memory, turning something she wanted to forget into something deeply meaningful. The placement was also important—on her shoulder blade, positioned as if the bird is hugging her from behind, always watching over her.

This tattoo is special to me not just because of the story behind it, but also because it turned out beautifully. And to make it even more memorable, we took first place for Best Cover-Up with this piece. It’s honestly one of my favorite tattoos I’ve ever done.

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

— Of course, like every tattoo artist, I get a lot of requests that don’t really resonate with my aesthetics. But if we’re talking about the weird tattoo request bingo, then a classic one has to be a tattoo on a penis.

To this day, I don’t even know if it was a serious request or just a prank—but honestly, I’m not there to find out! What can I say… this is just part of being a female tattoo artist in the industry.

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 constantly evolving, and I think we’re only at the beginning of what’s possible. Over the next decade, I see tattooing becoming even more innovative and diverse, both in technique and artistic approach. The industry is already shifting towards more experimental styles, new technologies, and better healing processes, and I think that will continue to grow.

At the same time, I believe tattooing will gain even more recognition as a legitimate art form, not just something on the fringes of culture. We already see more galleries and museums acknowledging tattoo art, and I think in the future, it will be studied and respected on the same level as painting or sculpture.