Ellen W
TThemes hemes Horror Horror Leg pieces Leg pieces
Editor's Notes
Carsten Augustenborg
Welcome to our 28th issue packed with incredible content
Welcome to the 28th Edition of My Tattoo Inc , where we continue our journey into the ever-evolving world of tattoo culture! For this special edition, we are beyond excited to present Ellen Westholm as our front cover story and feature Ellen is not only an incredibly talented tattoo artist, but she is also a true icon of the inked fitness movement Her story, blending body art and athleticism, is a testament to the power of self-expression through both ink and strength You won't want to miss her inspiring interview!
As we dive into this edition, we're greeted with 88 pages of pure creativity, passion, and artistry Inside, you’ll find a stunning collection of tattoo designs, bold features, and exclusive content that brings the pulse of the tattoo world right to your fingertips
From cutting-edge designs to personal stories of self-expression, each page offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the tattoo community. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a dedicated enthusiast, there's something here for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by
In this issue, we’re excited to highlight Inked Fitness, our newest digital magazine that celebrates the fusion of fitness and body art You'll discover stories of powerful athletes who wear their tattoos like badges of honor, showcasing how ink can be a testament to strength, resilience, and dedication.
As always, we’re here to connect you with the people behind the tattoos the artists, the athletes, and the trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of body art and self-expression. Our signature features and interviews offer in-depth insights into the lives of these creatives, making My Tattoo Inc not just a magazine, but a platform for celebrating this vibrant culture.
Looking back on the journey that has brought us to 28 editions, we couldn’t be more grateful for the support and dedication of our readers Your enthusiasm fuels our creativity and inspires us to keep pushing the envelope
As we move forward, we hope to continue bringing you the best in tattoo art, culture, and community And we can't wait for you to dive into this Ellen Westholm-featured edition We’re certain you’ll find her journey as captivating as we did
So, sit back, enjoy, and let the ink flow!
Best Regards,
Carsten Augustenborg
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Maria Mukhina
Ellen Westholm
Chia-Ni Li Ning
Flapjack
Ellen Westholm
Ellen, your work is recognized for its intricate designs and attention to detail. Can you tell us about your artistic journey and what inspired you to become a tattoo artist? I guess the short answer would be my mom, since she herself is an artist (not a tattoo artist but painter). She always encouraged me to draw and follow my artistic journey.
As a Swedish tattoo artist, how has your culture and background influenced your style and approach to body art? Are there specific motifs or symbols that you find yourself drawn to? I believe there are trends in tattooed that are tied to our specific culture, for example Norse mythology themed tattoos, of which I’ve done a lot.
You’re renowned for pushing creative boundaries in your work. What inspires you when designing a custom piece, and how do you balance artistic freedom with the client’s vision?
I always aspire to make the client as happy as possible, and to try and create a design from their vision. I’m lucky to have the clients trust, which gives me the artistic freedom to make the type of art I love
Tattoos have become a powerful form of personal expression. In your opinion, what role does body art play in self-identity and storytelling for your clients?
A huge part. I’ve had the honor of tattooing people in need of some kind of comfort in their darkest time in life. A tattoo can sometimes be a small part in that comfort. Two clients of mine that will forever be in my memory are the parents who lost their 10 year old child to a horrible illness. They got the portrait of their daughter just days after her passing. The whole experience humbled me to my job and the clients I have.
With your extensive portfolio, you’ve likely seen tattoo trends come and go. What changes or evolutions in the tattoo industry have stood out the most to you over the years?
Just the quality of the tattoos alone have been the biggest change I’ve seen since I first started in 2010. To see how beautifully today’s artists create super realistic, renaissance painting-like tattoos absolutely blows my mind.
Being a front cover artist for this edition is a huge achievement. How does it feel to be recognized as such an influential figure in the tattoo industry, and what does this moment mean for your career?
Surreal. I’m just a girl from Sweden trying to make a living, doing what I love the most! Thank you so much
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists, especially women, who are trying to break into the industry and create their own space in what can sometimes be a challenging field? Come work at my shop haha! We’re all female artists working in my studio thInk I actually think you have such an advantage being a woman in the tattoo industry, since women are underrepresented. Embrace it!
Lastly, what’s next for Ellen Westholm? Are there any exciting projects or personal goals you’re looking forward to in the near future? Yes! I’m looking forward to visiting Los Angeles this winter, to work at Nikko Hurtado s studio Black Anchor in Hollywood! Other than that I have a three year old son that I aspire to be the best mom to, and teach him how to draw just like my mom taught me.
As we close this incredible feature, it's clear that Ellen Westholm is much more than just a front cover model; she is a trailblazer, an artist, and an inspiration to the tattoo community and beyond. With her bold spirit, passion for body art, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity, Ellen has carved out a place in the tattoo world that reflects not only her talents but also her resilience and visionary mindset
From her intricate tattoo designs to her empowering presence as an athlete and public figure, Ellen continues to be a beacon of strength and self-expression. We are honored to have her grace the cover of My Tattoo Inc. #28, and we look forward to witnessing her continued impact on the art of tattooing and the communities she touches.
To those who are inspired by her journey, remember that tattooing is more than just ink on skin it's a personal narrative, a statement, and an art form. And in the case of Ellen Westholm, it's a way to empower and uplift everyone she encounters.
Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your story with us and for continuing to inspire both seasoned and aspiring artists around the world.
Maria Mukhina
Your artist name is Tzimisk - why is that?
This is a very old nickname that I've been using for over 20 years. It originally came from a chatroom, and I never changed it. The name is related to a vampire clan from the game *Vampire: The Masquerade*.
Where are you from, and how long have you been tattooing?
I'm from Moscow, Russia, and I started tattooing 8 years ago. What is your favorite style of tattooing?
I love combining black-and-grey realism with neo-traditional or neoJapanese styles. These styles allow me to create detailed works that not only impress visually but also carry deep meaning.
Have you ever attended an international tattoo event? If yes, have you won any prizes?
Yes, I've attended several international tattoo festivals. I've won awards for black-and-grey male tattoos and Japanese tattoos. I enjoy attending festivals to have fun, immerse myself in the creative atmosphere, and do a bit of competing.
Have you been in any TV shows or programs/series?
I haven't participated in any TV shows yet, but if the opportunity arises in the future, I would be interested.
Are you more into winter or summer holidays?
I prefer summer holidays sunshine, warmth, and the chance to fully relax are perfect for recharging after work. Please let me know if there's anything else you need.
Chia-NiLiNing Chia-NiLiNing
The Bold Beauty from TaiwanLIU-NI ｜李甯NING
We are thrilled to present the radiant and incredibly talented LIU-NI｜李甯NING, who graced the cover of our eighth edition of Inked Up Magazine. Hailing from Taichung, Taiwan, Liu-Ni has captivated the world with her unique blend of beauty and ink. With every tattoo, she expresses a bold narrative, showcasing not only her love for body art but also her deep connection to Taiwanese culture and the global tattoo community.
As a prominent figure in the inked beauty scene in Asia, Liu-Ni continues to challenge traditional standards of beauty by embracing her individuality and her passion for tattoo culture. Her style is characterized by intricate designs, often incorporating delicate and symbolic elements that reflect both personal stories and cultural motifs.
In her feature, we dive deep into the life and artistry of Liu-Ni, exploring what inspires her stunning tattoos and how she uses body art as a form of empowerment. Her journey from Taichung to international fame is nothing short of inspiring, and we are proud to highlight her in this edition. Through our interview, LiuNi shares personal insights into her journey of selfexpression and empowerment through ink, and she offers advice to those looking to explore their own tattoo journeys.
WORKOUT WORKOUT WORKOUT
Coming 1st November
DID YOU GET IT?
Always - Stay Heavy!
Henriette Bordvik
FLAPJACK
So, today I will introduce you to one of my favourite bands from my home country. Flapjack is a Polish crossover thrash band that emerged in the 1990s. They are known for blending elements of thrash metal, hardcore punk, and rap, which made them a unique force in Poland’s alternative music scene. Formed in 1993, the band was a supergroup of sorts, with members coming from other notable Polish acts like Acid Drinkers, Illusion, and Houk. Flapjack’s sound was innovative for its time, especially within Poland, where such aggressive fusions of genres were still relatively rare.
Their debut album, Ruthless Kick, released in 1994, showcased this eclectic mix of styles. Songs from the album carried a raw energy, with thrash metal riffs, hardcore intensity, and rap-inspired vocal delivery, a combination that stood out from the mainstream. The record received significant attention within Poland’s underground music scene and cemented Flapjack’s position as pioneers in their genre
A standout element of Flapjack’s identity was their lineup. Key members included Maciej “Ślimak” Starosta (drums), Robert “Litza” Friedrich (guitar, vocals), and Grzegorz “Guzik” Guziński (vocals), among others. Litza and Ślimak were already famous from their work with Acid Drinkers, a band that was iconic in Poland’s metal scene. The collaboration within Flapjack allowed them to explore heavier and more experimental musical terrain.
Text by Mike Mikhell
After Ruthless Kick, Flapjack followed up with Fairplay (1996), an album that further solidified their role as one of Poland’s key metal acts. However, by the late 1990s, the band members’ commitments to other projects and personal changes led to the group’s gradual disbanding. Despite this, their influence lingered, with fans remembering their energy, unique sound, and contribution to Poland’s alternative music landscape.
In 1997 they released “Juicy Planet Earth”, their third album, and I must admit at the time I was not a fan. It was so… weird and out there, that as a fan of NY hard core scene I just could not digest it. But I returned to that album many years later and it turned out that I was in the wrong. This album simply was ahead of its time!
In 2012, after a long hiatus, Flapjack returned with Keep Your Head Down, signalling a revival. The album reflected the band’s original spirit but with a more modern twist, adapting to contemporary sounds while maintaining their roots in thrash and hardcore. But this was a short lived reunion and the band finally parted ways.
In January 2021 Guzik – the lead vocalist passed away from COVID-19. The old Flapjack crew got back together for a tribute tour. They invited two vocalists – Hau and Kroto (ex singer for Dynamind and a vocalist for Hope respectively). The tour was a huge success. So much so that the guys decided to give it a go and in 2023 they have released “Sugar Free” - I love this album! For me it’s one of the top releases in 2023. So if you like crossover/hardcore sound give Flapjack a go –you will not be disappointed.
VADER
Text by Mike Mikhell
Poland produced quite a few metal band that were, and still are, simply said – awesome. And among they there is Vader, one of the most renowned metal bands from Poland. The band has become a cornerstone in the global death metal scene since their formation in 1983. Originating in Olsztyn, the band was founded by Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek (vocals, guitar) and Zbigniew “Vika” Wróblewski (guitar), though their lineup has changed over the years with Wiwczarek remaining as the constant driving force. Vader’s sound is characterized by fast tempos, aggressive riffing, and a blend of thrash and death metal elements, which set them apart from their peers and contributed to their wide appeal.
Early on, Vader struggled to gain recognition beyond the local underground scene, especially considering the political climate of Poland during the 1980s. It wasn’t until the release of their demo Morbid Reich in 1990 that the band started gaining international attention. This demo became one of the best-selling underground metal demos of all time, helping Vader secure a deal with Earache Records.
Their 1992 debut album, The Ultimate Incantation, firmly established Vader on the world stage. Combining brutal death metal with a thrash influence, the album garnered praise for its precision and ferocity. Over the years, Vader has become known for their relentless touring schedule, playing across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and sharing stages with major acts such as Slayer, Deicide, and Cannibal Corpse.
Subsequent albums like De Profundis (1995) and Litany (2000) solidified their reputation, showcasing technical proficiency and evolving their sound to include more intricate arrangements. Litany in particular is often cited as a high point in their career, filled with punishingly fast tracks and uncompromising aggression.
While firmly rooted in death metal, Vader’s music often incorporates elements from thrash and heavy metal, giving them a distinctive style. Their lyrics, often focusing on themes of war, death, and dark mysticism, reflect the intensity of their sound.
Vader’s influence on extreme metal, particularly within Eastern Europe, is immense. They are pioneers of Polish death metal and have paved the way for other bands from the region to achieve global recognition. Today, with over a dozen studio albums and countless tours under their belt, Vader continues to be a dominant force in the metal world, celebrated for their consistency, technical skill, and sheer energy on stage.
And they are really great live! I saw them on a couple of occasions and I must admit that every time I was impressed – no nonsense attitude, precision and brutal power. That’s what Vader is all about!
THEME LEG SLEEVES PAGES
JOHAN CASTILLO JOHAN CASTILLO JOHAN CASTILLO
MICHAEL W. MICHAEL W. MICHAEL W.
YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PART OF WOBA MODELS MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! INKMODELS
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If you're an extraordinary inked artist or model with a passion for showcasing your art and stories, we want to hear from you. We're currently on the lookout for model photos that capture the essence of various themes, including Christmas, Easter Bunnies, In the GYM, Cosplay, and Bikerlife.
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Introducing the Artistic Odyssey: A Yearbook of Inspiring Artists!
Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds, where the brushstrokes of imagination dance across the canvas, and where artistic brilliance illuminates every page. We proudly present the Artistic Odyssey, a captivating yearbook featuring 77 extraordinary artists from around the world.
Within the depths of these beautifully designed pages, you will embark on a visual journey like no other Each artist's story unfolds through two dedicated pages, brimming with captivating anecdotes and a carefully curated selection of their remarkable artworks. Feast your eyes on a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and styles, as the true essence of their artistic prowess comes to life.
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