Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sofiia Streltsova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sofiia, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was early in my tattoo career.

My tattoos are always connected to my clients’ personal stories, and this one stayed with me for years. A woman came to me while she was trying to get pregnant. She wanted a tattoo with the phrase “Happiness is within you.” The message wasn’t directly about children, but it carried a very personal meaning for her and reminded her to trust herself and the process.

Some time later, she sent me a long message saying she was pregnant and thanking me for being part of that chapter of her life.

Moments like this remind me that tattooing is about much more than the artwork itself. It becomes part of people’s stories, hopes, and life-changing moments.

Sofiia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a handpoke tattoo artist based in San Francisco, specializing in fine line, symbolic tattoos created entirely by hand. My background is in art, architecture, and design, which has shaped the way I approach composition, symbolism, and storytelling.

Most of my clients come to me not just for a tattoo, but to mark an important chapter of their lives. I help transform personal experiences, beliefs, and memories into meaningful artwork that they can carry with them forever.

What sets my work apart is the combination of symbolism, fine line aesthetics, and the mindful nature of handpoke tattooing. The process is slower and more intentional, creating a unique connection between the artist and the client.

Beyond tattooing, I teach handpoke techniques, mentor artists, and participate in international tattoo conventions as both an artist and a judge. I am also currently working on a book about handpoke tattooing, exploring its history, cultural significance, and evolution into a contemporary art form. The project brings together handpoke artists from around the world and aims to document a part of tattoo culture that is often overlooked.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My biggest mission is to help handpoke tattooing continue to grow and receive the recognition it deserves as an art form.

Compared to machine tattooing, the global handpoke community is still relatively small. There are only a few thousand artists worldwide who primarily work in this technique. Yet handpoke is one of the oldest forms of tattooing, with deep cultural roots and a unique philosophy centered around intention, patience, and human connection.

Through my tattoos, education programs, and the book I am currently writing, I hope to help preserve and document this tradition while also contributing to its future. My goal is to inspire more artists to explore the technique and to show that handpoke is not simply an alternative way of tattooing, but a creative medium and artistic practice in its own right.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how meaningful art can become in someone’s life. Many of my clients come to me during important moments of change, healing, or personal growth, and it’s an honor to create something that becomes part of their story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sonyapokesyou.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonyapokesyou?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sonyapokesyou?si=lfqVEn2T7YCSI8rv