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

Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Yes, there was a moment that completely changed the direction of my career.

I had just opened my own tattoo shop — a small studio that I ran with my husband in Germany after we moved from Ukraine because of the war. I felt stuck — both mentally and professionally. I had clients, things were going well… but something was missing. I realized I was building someone else’s dream, not mine.

We sacrificed our comfort. At first, we rented a small room from friends on their rooftop, but later we decided to buy a tiny camper, the size of a small room, and lived in an RV park outside the city by a lake. I loved the nature around us. Every day, we invested all the money we made into the tattoo studio and paying our employees. The studio had great potential — in the first year, we became fairly well-known in the city and built a large client base.
One night, I sat on the floor of our little camper with my partner, Alex — we were both exhausted — and we just asked each other: “What if we leave everything and go to the U.S.?” It sounded crazy. We had no plan, no connections. Just a dream to travel, work as guest artists, and see how far our passion could take us.

We made the difficult decision to close the business — it was a heartbreaking moment.

We bought one-way tickets and started from scratch. We began traveling from state to state, bringing our clients with us, and creating something of our own, together. That decision — to choose uncertainty over comfort — shaped everything.

It taught me that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid — it means trusting yourself even when the path is unclear. Since then, my work has become deeper, more personal. I feel more connected to my art, to the people I meet, and to the version of myself I’ve been fighting for since the beginning.

Diana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Diana Tarakanova, and I’m an artist originally from Ukraine, now living and working in the United States. I’ve been traveling the world for the last few years, tattooing in different countries, learning from countless artists, and building my own style along the way. I started my tattoo journey at the age of 17, teaching myself by watching YouTube videos and practicing on pig skin. It wasn’t until later, when I moved to Poland, that I really began refining my craft in professional studios.
What sets me apart from other artists is the way I connect with my clients. I specialize in creating small, character tattoos, often depicting little people in boots, I call them “Shoekids” each with their own unique backstory. These tattoos are deeply personal — I often give them names inspired by the memories or stories my clients share with me. I’m proud that my tattoos aren’t just designs; they’re emotional, meaningful pieces that carry a part of my clients’ lives with them forever.
My style blends simplicity with deep storytelling. I focus on details that speak to the soul, whether it’s a tiny figure or a scene that reflects a memory or a feeling. I also provide a service that goes beyond the tattoo itself — I guide my clients through the process, ensuring that they feel heard and seen. I believe tattoos should be a deeply personal experience, and I strive to make that a reality for everyone who sits in my chair.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. I’ve traveled to over 40 tattoo studios worldwide, and I’ve connected with so many incredible artists and clients who trust me with their stories. It’s not just about the tattoo; it’s about the shared experience and the emotional journey we take together.
What I want potential clients and followers to know about me is that I’m passionate about creating tattoos that are meaningful, emotional, and personal. It’s not just about ink on skin for me; it’s about understanding the person behind the tattoo, honoring their stories, and making art that lasts a lifetime.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe several key factors helped me build my reputation in the tattoo industry. First and foremost, it’s about authenticity and staying true to my style. My work is unique in that it tells stories — small characters “Shoekids”, each with their own meaning. I think clients appreciate that these tattoos are not just designs, but parts of their life and memories.
Secondly, consistency and dedication played a huge role. I’ve worked hard to refine my craft over the years and am constantly learning from every studio I visit and every client I work with. The more I traveled and tattooed in different places, the more exposure I got, and that helped spread the word about my work. Social media, especially Instagram, also played a big part in sharing my art with a wider audience and connecting with like-minded people.
Building a strong network of relationships with other artists and clients has been another key factor. I’ve always made it a point to engage with the community and provide excellent customer service, ensuring that my clients feel heard and understood throughout the entire tattoo process. These connections, built on trust and mutual respect, have helped me grow my reputation in the tattoo world.
Finally, my decision to embrace guest spots and travel across different countries has really set me apart. By exposing myself to diverse environments, I’ve been able to create a unique fusion of styles and techniques, which resonates with a broad range of people.
All of these elements combined have helped me build a reputation that’s not just about the tattoos I create but also about the person I am and the experiences I share with my clients.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Yes, I met my business partner — and life partner — Alex while working in a tattoo studio in Poland. He came in as a guest artist, and we instantly connected through our shared passion for art. We started creating together, then traveling together — first across Europe, and later to the U.S.

We opened a studio in Germany, but eventually realized we wanted more freedom. Now we travel the U.S. as guest artists, building our brand as a team. Our partnership works because we challenge and support each other — both creatively and personally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ttoo_diaz
• Facebook: Diana Tarakanova
• Linkedin: Diana (Tarakanova) Diaz
• Twitter: @ttoo_diaz
• Other: Pinterest;: @ttoo_diaz
  Tumblr: @ttoodiaz
  Bluesky: @ttoodiaz.bsky.social

Image Credits

photo my tattoos
also I sent photo with my partner Alex But he also Artist
Instagram: @but_flash