21 Aug “Every tattoo is its own story,” interview with tattoo artist Viktoriia

Tattoo artist Viktoriia (@tatts.ivanova) is based in San Francisco at Black Serum Tattoo. Born in a small town in Ukraine, Viktoriia specialises in fine line and floral tattoos. She’s recently started exploring micro realism, and she has fallen in love with the style...

How long have you been tattooing? What made you want to become a tattoo artist?

I have been tattooing for over four and a half years. Tattooing has fascinated me since childhood. I attended art school, always loved drawing, and was intrigued by the idea of tattoos as a form of personal expression. At first, I chose a different path and enrolled at university to study law enforcement, but I soon realised it wasn’t for me.

Everything changed when my mother gave me my first tattoo machine. She has always been my biggest motivator, encouraging me to learn and explore.

What was the experience of tattooing someone for the first time?

The first tattoo I ever made was on a classmate. At that time, I had no formal knowledge — just a machine, a needle and ink. Later, I joined a studio that offered training and spent two weeks there learning the fundamentals. I started with bold lines and was afraid of lettering or fine details. Ironically, those are exactly the things I love most today.

You create a lot of floral and fine-line tattoos, they’re gorgeous. How did you refine your style?

Now my work focuses on fine lines, floral elements, and micro-realism. In many ways, I draw on the experience I gained in art school, where I especially enjoyed working with graphics and pencil drawings, particularly still lifes. My passion for shading, light and shadow has carried over into tattooing: I use those same techniques in floral designs and delicate pieces.

Tattooing so many flowers, you’ve got to have a favourite?

My favourite flowers are hollyhocks, peonies, daffodils and irises. They grew in the garden of my childhood home, and my grandmother, who loved flowers and instilled in me a love for drawing, passed this inspiration on to me.

You’re also exploring micro realism tattooing, can you tell us more about this? What would you love to tattoo?

I am also deeply inspired by micro-realism. I love creating small but highly detailed tattoos that capture light and shadow in a subtle, elegant way. In the future, I want to explore larger floral compositions and continue to develop micro-realism.

What inspires your work?

What inspires me most are my clients and their trust. Their emotions when the piece is finished, their kind words, and the fact that they return for new tattoos — that is my greatest motivation. I also find inspiration in travel, new experiences and connecting with other artists across different styles.

Outside of tattooing, I love drawing and photography. My father gave me my first professional camera when I was twelve. Although photography has remained a hobby, it still inspires the way I see art and detail.

What’s been your proudest moment?

What I am most proud of is the path I have taken. Starting in a small town in Ukraine, I never imagined that one day I would be working in the United States. I am also proud to participate in tattoo conventions as a judge — it is a great honour and a way to contribute to the culture I love.

What was your first tattoo?

My first tattoo on myself was at nineteen — the word “peace.” It was a gift from a friend, dedicated to someone close to me, and over the years it has gained even deeper meaning.

Do you think tattoos have to have a special meaning?

I believe tattoos don’t always need to have a special meaning, but often they do. I have created countless pieces with deep personal significance — matching tattoos for sisters, floral designs in memory of loved ones, words or symbols tied to life stories. Every tattoo is its own story, and it is a privilege for me to help people carry those memories with them.

Thank you Viktoriia for chatting to us and being part of Things & Ink! Follow Viktoriia on Instagram to see more beautiful tattoos.

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