“The inspiration for my drawings comes from reflections on transience, emotions and the human psyche. I create these surrealistic graphics in A4 format, using a Micron 005 fineliner, which allows me to achieve an incredibly detailed grain effect. This technique is very time-consuming, and achieving perfect granularity requires immense precision and patience. Drawing is an endless form of expression for me. I can include everything in it without paying attention to the size of the elements, unlike in tattooing on the skin. My drawings were an introduction to the dotwork technique in tattoos. When drawing, I don’t feel the pressure of time, allowing me to completely immerse myself in the creative process.”
— AMANDA PIEJAK
London, UK
ANYA TSYNA 02.
Anya Tsyna currently lives and works in London, UK. Born and raised in Moscow, she studied fine arts at Moscow AEU and fashion at the university of Moscow HEU. Throughout her academic years, she showcased her paintings and sculptures in exhibitions while working for Vogue Russia. In 2014, Anya chose tattooing as her primary medium of expression. After establishing herself in Moscow, she moved to London, joining the vibrant creative community at EXP Haus studio.
Anya’s tattoo style draws inspiration from Russian fairy tales and folklore, while her use of colours reflects her Central Asian heritage. Despite the realistic appearance of her designs, each piece is a manifestation of her vivid imagination, meticulously executed. Her artistic style is a personal testament to the intersections of culture and identity, embodying the harmonious blend of East and West, tradition and modernity, chaos and beauty.
Padua, Italy
04. ELEONORA CERCATO
Minimalist tattoo artist Eleonora Cercato combines travelling the world with her designs and working at The White Whale tattoo society in Padua, Italy. After a successful career in fashion and textile design, she started tattooing in 2020. Eleonora’s artistic principles are based on early 20th-century avant-garde movements like Bauhaus and Suprematism, a period marked by radical experimentation and aesthetic innovation.
Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of tattoos, Eleonora embraces the motto: ‘A tattoo can change the whole perception of our body.’ For her, tattoos represent liberation, expressions of the soul, aligning with personality and body language. Eleonora’s designs are imbued with symbolism, exploring themes of time, suspension and balance. Within the symmetrical compositions lie subtle imperfections, echoing the organic irregularities of nature. Eleonora prioritises human connection in her creative process, during which each tattoo becomes a collaborative journey where ideas and emotions intertwine.
JJJAYLUD
New York, USA
Jjjaylud is the alias of Jason Lu, an American tattoo artist of Chinese descent, operating from his own studio, Lud Ink Tattoo, in Queens, New York. While studying for his bachelor’s degree in studio art from Hunter College, he embarked on a tattoo apprenticeship under the guidance of his mentors at Dragonfly3, learning to use the coil machine and employing larger needle groupings. After his apprenticeship, Jason undertook a selfdirected journey of learning and exploring the medium, slowly gravitating towards fine line tattoos. He was also a resident artist at Atelier Eva in Brooklyn, working alongside fine line artist Eva Karabudak.
Through years of dedicated practice, Jason has become one of the world’s top artists specialising in single needle renderings using only 100% black ink. Jason’s artistic repertoire spans a diverse range of subjects, inspired by classical paintings and manga art. Jjjaylud continues to inspire a new generation of tattoo artists, generously sharing his expertise in micro-realism through educational content on his YouTube channel.
KIRK NILSEN
New Jersey, USA
Kirk Nilsen is an American contemporary artist, currently living in New Jersey. After years of tattooing all over the world, he has now established two exclusive private studios. From an early age, Nilsen was fascinated by the precision and symbolism found in mediaeval art. His journey into tattooing began as an apprentice under a master tattoo artist, where he honed his skills and developed his signature technique. Combining traditional tattooing methods with his passion for historical aesthetics, Nilsen creates mesmerising designs that evoke a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication.
Nilsen’s work is characterised by its intricate linework, precise symmetry and attention to detail. Each tattoo is a meticulously crafted piece of art, tailored to reflect the individuality and personality of his clients. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of designs, from ornate mandalas to elaborate geometric patterns, all executed with finesse and precision. Beyond his artistic talent, Nilsen is known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, ensuring that his clients receive not only a stunning tattoo but also an unforgettable experience.
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