We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valeriia Puhach. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valeriia below.

Valeriia, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most powerful project I’ve ever done is my Tattoo Therapy project which I started back in Ukraine about a year before the war. The Tattoo Therapy project is a unique social initiative focused on transforming the painful experiences that have left scars on one’s body into self-acceptance through the art of tattooing. But primarily, our project is about self-love and harmony.
Tattoo Therapy helps women undergo a psychological and physical transformation, externally through tattoos, and internally through work with a psychologist.

I myself experienced how this project can help people as it started with me and my own trauma. I was about 8 years old when I accidentally spilled a huge amount of boiled water on myself that leaded to hospitalisation an d later left scats on my body. throuht the years that was my biggest body image issue and it always was on my mind till I decided to cover me scar with tattoo. After short period of time I really forgot that I had that issue and I truly started to love myself and be happy with my body image. I couldn’t be happier and wanted to more people with similar issues to feel that empowering moment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been in the tattooing game for around 12 years, maybe even longer. Back when I kicked off in a small Ukrainian town, tattoo artists were a rare breed, and there was no formal way to learn the craft. Apprenticeships were practically nonexistent, and artists kept the knowledge like some secret society stuff. Despite the lack of formal training, I took it upon myself to learn and express my art.

I take immense pride in my journey from self-taught tattooing in a small town to becoming a seasoned artist. I’ve not only leaded multiple tattoo seminars but also served as a judge at worldwide tattoo conventions. Beyond the ink, I’m also deeply involved in a social project aimed at helping people.

Tattooing, for me, is not just about putting art on skin. Around 80% of the tattoo requests I get are about covering up old tattoos that people have grown tired of. It’s a massive show of trust because, let’s face it, once you’ve had a bad tattoo experience, trusting someone new is a challenge. People follow my work for years before deciding to book a session, and I truly value that trust. I hope to extend my knowledge to more tattoo artists, particularly in mastering the art of cover-ups.

And then there’s scar cover-ups, a niche I find joy in. It’s not the easiest path, but I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. Continuing to push my boundaries in this field is something I absolutely love.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In our modern era, social media has become an integral part of our lives, and for me, as a tattoo artist, it plays a tremendous role. We create numerous educational videos, sharing the secrets of the craft and explaining to both aspiring artists and clients the importance of understanding and appreciating the art of tattooing.

However, despite all efforts, I still encounter people who don’t fully grasp the specifics of my work. This is not due to their unwillingness but rather due to a lack of accurate information. Therefore, I encourage everyone to continue learning, asking questions, and not being afraid to delve deeper into understanding how this art form works.

Tattoo artists invest a great deal of effort into their work, and it’s not always evident at first glance. Please appreciate the extensive amount of work we put into each project. Your support and understanding are important to us, so feel free to ask questions and immerse yourself further into this fascinating world of tattooing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a tattoo artist is the profound impact I can have on people’s lives. Lately, I’ve been putting a significant emphasis on the aspect of helping others, and I find myself looking at many of my tattoo creations from this perspective.

When I cover scars with tattoos, I see myself as a guide leading someone through significant external transformations that, in turn, reflect on their internal state. It’s a powerful experience, and it extends to clients seeking cover-ups for old tattoos that hold negative memories or reminders. Whether it’s a tattoo in memory of a loved one or a tribute to a cherished pet, or even just a beautiful design, I view the process as transformational for the individual and their subconscious.

Every tattoo session becomes an opportunity to create a positive and transformative experience for my clients. Knowing that I’ve positively changed someone’s life, even if in a small way, is incredibly fulfilling for me. It’s more than just creating art; it’s about facilitating personal growth and transformation through the medium of tattooing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tattootherapy.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriatattooing/
• Other: My tattoo inquiry form : https://valeriatattooing.paperform.co/