We were lucky to catch up with Lina Shuliar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

Absolutely. I don’t just follow trends or take walk-in pieces—I create art that tells a story.

My background in architectural design sets me apart from the average tattoo artist. In architecture, every project must be meticulously planned, placed correctly, and designed to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. Whether it’s a park, an apartment complex, or an office building, it’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about crafting a landmark that will stand the test of time, something people will see and interact with for years. Through that, I learned the importance of precision, client satisfaction, and the weight of responsibility that comes with creating something permanent.

That same mindset defines my work as a tattoo artist. Instead of buildings, I design tattoos—pieces just as meaningful, personal, and long-lasting. The first thing I consider before starting a tattoo is how to make it look good and stay clean for many years, because tattooing is an art form with its own challenges—skin is a capricious canvas.

I take my time with every project, diving deep into conversations with my clients, ensuring that every detail is carefully thought out. No matter the size of the tattoo, I treat it with the same level of dedication and precision.

A lot of tattoo artists focus purely on technique and numbers, but for me, it’s just as much about the emotion and meaning behind the piece. I love when clients bring me well-thought-out ideas because that collaboration fuels my creativity. I don’t just give people a ‘cool design’—I craft something that feels like it belongs to them, like a part of their personal legend.

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?

For those who don’t know me yet—hi, I’m Lina :)I’m a tattoo artist specializing in dark fantasy and gothic designs, with a passion for storytelling through ink. My work is deeply influenced by mythology, folklore, anime and the fantasy worlds.

I’ve been tattooing for 15 years, but my journey as an artist started much earlier. I was drawn to fantasy worlds as a kid, sketching endlessly and later attending art school at eight years old. Originally, I wanted to create video games or anime, but life led me to tattooing—a craft that allows me to bring those same immersive, otherworldly visions to life on skin.

My first experience with tattoos was personal—I got my first one at 13, tattooed myself at 15, and by 18, I designed my own piece for a professional artist to ink. Encouraged by friends who recognized my talent, I picked up a tattoo machine, started an apprenticeship, and never looked back. Over the years, I mastered not just the technical side of tattooing but also the deeper aspects—understanding how a design should flow with the body, how to make it age well, and how to craft something meaningful for each client.

What sets me apart? A few things. My background in architectural design gives me a different perspective—I approach tattoos like a well-crafted structure. Just as a building needs to be both visually striking and structurally sound, a tattoo should not only look stunning but also be placed correctly, designed for longevity, and flow naturally with the body. I take a meticulous, almost perfectionist approach to every piece, making sure it will heal and age beautifully over time.

I also put a lot of heart and depth into my work. Many tattoo artists focus purely on technique, but for me, it’s about emotion, storytelling, and creating something personal. I love when clients bring me detailed, thought-out ideas because that collaboration inspires me. I don’t just give people ‘a cool tattoo’—I create something that belongs to them, something that feels like a piece of their own legend.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work has connected me with incredible people around the world. From winning awards at conventions to seeing my art become a permanent part of someone’s body, every tattoo I create is a small part of a much bigger journey. My goal is to keep pushing my artistic boundaries while making sure every client walks away with something truly special.

For those looking to get tattooed by me—whether you’re after a dark, gothic piece, an intricate fantasy design, or something unique to your personal mythology—I’m here to bring your vision to life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation was built through years of dedication, traveling the world, and constantly pushing my artistic boundaries.

Tattoo conventions played a huge role—competing, winning awards, and showcasing my work alongside top artists helped me gain recognition. Traveling globally has also shaped my style and allowed me to connect with a diverse range of clients and cultures.

Being featured in magazines and industry publications further solidified my presence in the tattoo world. But at the core, my reputation comes from consistency—obsessing over details, ensuring my tattoos age beautifully, and creating meaningful, high-quality work for every client.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how my work becomes a meaningful part of someone’s life. There’s nothing like the moment a client looks in the mirror, smiles, and truly connects with their tattoo—it’s a mix of excitement, pride, and sometimes even deep emotion.

I also love seeing how people share their tattoos, proudly posting them, recommending me to others, and even meeting strangers who recognize my work out in the world. It’s amazing to know that my art creates connections between people, almost like a secret language.

Beyond the artwork itself, it’s the impact that matters most. Knowing that something I created brings confidence, joy, and personal meaning to someone every day is what makes this craft so fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linalcfr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina.lcfr/

Image Credits

Done by @md_mi_tattoo aka Dmitrii Mironenko and @lina.lcfr aka Lina Shuliar