This year I’m lucky to participate in the 4th installation of Send Me Across the Sea at Helvella.art gallery in Oakland, CA. Family-friendly small works show featuring artists from the Bay and beyond.
The story of creating the tattoo flash goes from Inktober and is inspired by Floriography, specifically by dangerous & poisonous plants. Each one has an interesting & symbolic meaning. There are few of floral designs available. Feel free to contact me and claim the design. Initially created in Procreate, some of these botanical tattoo illustrations were later drawn again, but that time on real paper with colored pencils. Which ones are now available only atSend Me Across the Sea.
At the event, it is possible to see live and take home artworks by many talented artists and including the kind organizer of the exhibition, @malisasuchanya herself. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful art show.
This event was delayed since the start of the pandemic. And finally, after two years of waiting it has happened. I also participated in the previously held Send Me Across the Sea art shows. You can get a feeling how it was by watching my vlogs.
The exhibition will last two weeks! Don't miss your chance to purchase my original artwork.
For a bunch of reasons, it can be more difficult to decide on an old tattoo cover-up than to get your very first tattoo. This may be due to an unsuccessful experience with a tattoo artist in the past, as well as thinking that it may be painful, etc. Doubts and insecurities can be as individual and subjective as possible. And this is absolutely normal and expected. I’m here to answer some of your questions about cover-up tattoos. Didn’t find information you’re looking for? Feel free to email me for the answers.
When a person comes to me with a request for a cover-up, my job is not only to help a person choose a design and make a quality tattoo, but also to act as a support on the way to a new stage. Therefore, it is only logical that the first thing we will do is set up an online consultation.
What information will I need from you before the consultation:
A photo of the existing tattoo.
Age and the quality of the tattoo.
Features of your skin, for example, do you have a predisposition to the formation of keloid scars?
Have any manipulations been already carried with the tattoo, for example, laser removal?
And of course, details of your vision and reference images.
It is my duty to warn you in advance:
A cover-up tattoo will be a bigger size than an actual tattoo.
Thick contours cannot be made thinner, and dense shading is not always possible to completely cover. In this case, you should think about pre-lightening with a laser. Another option is to Include elements of the old tattoo in the new design.
Sometimes it takes more than one session to cover up a tattoo. So your ideas about how much a tattoo should cost and how much time it will take may deviate from the expectations.
But don’t think if I'm trying to scare you on purpose. I am just encouraging you to approach this issue consciously. Read articles about cover-up tattoos, about which ink colors are more resistant, and see photos before and after the cover-up. Get a consultation on laser removal. Try to decide in advance on the main theme of the design. We will have to make a plan in order to pursue your expectations. 🙂
How to choose a design for a cover-up tattoo?
As you may have noticed, one of my specialties is floral motifs. Such designs are ideal for covering, in my opinion, as there is always freedom in creativity. It will be more difficult to overlap the geometric shape with an anatomically correct illustration of an animal for example. So be realistic with choosing the cover-up design. I’ll gladly discuss your ideas and give you the options of what we can do. And don’t be shy to ask any questions you have. The design will be unique and bespoke, but we can use one of my available tattoo designs as a base, find inspiration here.
Covering tattoos is essentially creating an illustration based on an old one to distract attention from it. Losing old design in the new patterns. Working with scars is approximately the same. Obviously there’re a lot of other factors to take into account. My goal is to make you feel comfortable with yourself and your decisions. Some clients choose to embrace the old tattoo with new meanings and arrangements.
It will be important to prepare yourself to the fact, that it always be possible to touch the trace of an old tattoo or a scar. It really depends on many things. Visually, it is achievable to create a picture in which nothing will be noticeable. Of course, you will need time to get away from the knowledge of the existence of an old tattoo. A new design will help you with this.
Between a consultation and the actual tattoo session, we might have a Drawing Together consultation to work together on the sketch. It benefits big projects. And helps you to reduce anxiety. The necessity of a drawing consultation or an in-person meeting will be determined by a standard online consultation.
Keep in touch with your tattoo artist
Depending on the quality of an old tattoo and the features of your skin after a few weeks of the healing process you might get a feeling, that you wanted to have a darker color. Don’t hesitate with sending me a healed photo. So we could decide if the touch-up is needed. All of my clients get before/aftercare instructions. And I strive to keep in touch with everyone to find out how things are going with healing.
Please read my F.A.Q. section to know my current hourly rates and service policy.
Cover-up tattoos by me
I selected a group of my tattoo projects, which are cover-ups of old tattoos and/or scars. Fill the inquiry form here to contact me with your thoughts about your future tattoo.
That's the moment I've been waiting for! It is with great pleasure I’m sharing this news with you. I’m opening my own private tattoo studio in Dogpatch, San Francisco in February. I’ll call it just by my name—Natasha Tsozik, my Fine Art tattoo studio.
The first thing I bought was a kettle
I'm at the final stage of the studio prepping. Tea mugs are already waiting for the first guests. But for me, it's still like a dream. Is it really happening? 🙂
Once I saw the “for rent” sign, I almost dropped my coffee.
Natasha Tsozik, vegan tattoo artist.
I’ve been a resident of Dogpatch for a while already. Passing by the building I’ve always thought “That would’ve been the perfect spot for a private tattoo studio”. Once I saw the “for rent” sign, I almost dropped my coffee. I knew: Today is the day! And if I ever had any second thoughts, my dearest husband would push them away and hype me with “you’re doing it!” So yeah, after months of dealing with all the preparation stuff, I’m ready to do the little sneak peek tour for you.
Details of the Fine Art Tattoo interior.Latest sneak peeks!
From Old Crow Tattoo apprenticeship to opening my private studio
My tattoo journey have started years ago and thousands of miles away from San Francisco. And then in 2018 I got introduced to Hannah Wolf, since we were going to the same tattoo conference. I got fascinated by her science approach to tattooing. She even wrote a book about it. That was one of the key moments in my life. I’ve got the tattoo apprenticeship! Can’t believe almost two years have passed since the day I’ve become a resident of Old Crow Tattoo. Forever grateful. To the whole team. I've met so many talented and sweet friends! To Hannah, my mentor who saw potential in me and was ready to help me grow despite all my stubbornness (Aries, am I right ?). The experience I got working with her is incredible and irreplaceable. And the support I’ve got is worth of years of waiting for that day.
Old Crow Tattoo team.
For those of my clients who prefer Oakland, don't worry! I’m planning to guest at Old Crow from time to time. Love them to pieces! And my private studio is close to metro and bus station. So stay tuned!
What do I have for you in my private tattoo studio
In my new private studio, you will find a cozy atmosphere and stylish interior details. I’ve brought my favorite art books and cute things. You know, I love avant-garde and bright-colored stuff! But still, lots of place and light. Also, as a vegan tattoo artist, I remind you, that I use animal cruelty-free and eco products.
Here you can find information about my actual hourly rate and deposit/cancellation policy. Fill out the inquiry form to get details on how to book a tattoo session with me. I always reply to all inquiries:)
Loyalty Program
For my regulars, there is super news! Starting Feb I am introducing a loyalty program. If you spend 5 hours or more in my tattoo chair, you’ll get a $50 discount for your next session. Also, if you recommend a friend to get a tattoo by me, you’ll get the discount as well. We’ll just need to make sure your friend actually got that tattoo. 🙂 Check for more details here. How to get a coupon? Email me and I’ll count your tattoo hours and check if your friend came to me! If you forgot to tell me, I may not give you this secret hidden prize. Oh well, we’re only human, right? 🙂 Only hours starting this February are counted, not any previous ones.
To my art fellows
By the motto of my tattoo studio, you can guess, art is my life. All things from my online shop and my exclusive fine art will be exhibited in the studio and available for purchase.
If you’re a Dogpatch resident artist, or/and looking for an open studio, I’m ready to meet you and give you a platform for exhibitions starting summer. Email me to talk things through 🙂
As a symbol of California state, redwood tree is one of the most common choices as a memorial tattoo along with California poppy flowers. It's believed, that Redwood represents wellbeing, safety, longevity, wisdom, and bonding.
Redwoods have been around for about 240 million years, that fact makes them as old as dinosaurs. You might be surprised to know that a 2,200-year-old Sequoia is still standing strong in the forest of California.
Take a look at these Redwood tattoos by me and don't hesitate to contact me with your very own idea!
I present to your attention a newcollection of tattoo designs—Vogue Tattoo Flash. Charismatic and at the same time incredibly elegant characters came off of vintage magazine art-deco covers. A series of graphic illustrations referring to the magnificent artworks of Vogue magazine. The tattoo designs are a perfect fit for both: fashion fans and lovers of floral and fine-line tattoos.
“Fashion starts from a drawing; Vogue started as an illustrated magazine,”
Once in a bookstore, I came across a great specimen from the 80s. A selection of illustrated vintage Vogue covers. When I got my hands on the book, I knew I had to create this tattoo project.
It's telling that I was attracted to those pages. Flower arrangments, beautiful graphic folds of fabrics, fine lines of ink—ideal for being embodied in someone's tattoo. I love my job! The world around us is full of inspiration, you just need to reach out.
I wanted to find common features and combine illustrations from different years and different artists into a single homage—Vogue Tattoo Flash. It was so great to go through all the pages to choose the covers that speak to me the most. Finding those little details, beautiful curves, or textures that I love so much. And was so fun to decide how to translate them to the limited color palette that I prefer. And rendering them in fine lines which you all know me for:)
As a fan of botanical illustrations and a tattoo artist based in the Bay Area, it's essential for me to share a selection of Poppy Flower tattoos. One of the most trending symbols of California state. The growing popularity of such tattoos is challenging me to work harder on the uniqueness of each design. I set a goal for myself to achieve originality for every client. As you can see, not a single tattoo is repeated.
Enjoy the selection of Poppy flower tattoos I did including CA Poppies. Each one is unique. I'd be glad to add yours to this collection.
The selection of Poppy flower tattoos I did including CA Poppies.
History
Long before the Europeans came to the “New World”, indigenous people used various preparations of the California Poppy plant for toothaches, to relieve headaches and stomach aches, as well as a sleep aid.
When the early Spanish frontiersmen of California saw slopes overgrown with Poppy flowers, they called the plant “cup of gold” (“Copa de Oro”). It is also known as the Golden Poppy and Cups of Flame. Because of the magnificent spectacle, the coast was called the “land of fire.” And a Poppy Flower became a symbol of ”True Gold is in the Heart”.
As I've mentioned earlier, the Golden Poppy has been California’s symbol for over a hundred years. However, the way Poppy got its recognition is thorny and long. It took a whole decade for Sara Allen Lemmon to achieve official acknowledgment of the poppy as a symbol of the state.
Lemmon, previously Plummer, is attributed to discovering 110 species, roughly three percent, of all known species of California’s vascular plants and has two plants named directly after her, baccharis plummerae and plummera floribunda. Lemmon and her husband had two of the genera they discovered named after them, Lemmonia and Plummera, one of the highest botanical honors to be bestowed. She also provided scientific illustrations for her husband’s books—illustrations that were so revered that she was the first woman allowed to speak to the California Academy of Science.
I encourage you to read the history of the poppy becoming the flower of the state in tribute to Sarah.
The Golden Poppy’s place as California’s state flower rests on the talent and incredible determination of Sara Plummer Lemmon. Her botanical passion and steadfastness in the face of legislative roadblocks and dismissal shows that like the Golden Poppy, she too has a rich, layered, and forgotten history. All around California, the Golden Poppy grows wild, beaming up at the sky with its satin-like petals and stored-up sunshine, radiating through its deep, golden-orange hue. Its glow serves as a reminder that it is thanks to Lemmon that the Golden Poppy has secured a permanent place in Californian history.
The flower has various meanings: eternal sleep, imagination, oblivion, avoidance of problems, remembrance, and more. Poppy expresses the power of ambition, attitude, clear thinking, higher understanding, luck, and spiritual concepts.
What a California Poppy Flower tattoo can say about an owner? Poppies are popular among the public as symbolic tattoos, which are widely used to represent dreams, rest, and calmness. According to Floriography, the California Poppy flower can also be regarded as a declaration of love. As well as a memento about California.
Recently, I was approached by K. and D. with an interesting idea for pairing tattoos. The Star Wars inspired tattoos. Their concept is based on the love story between Princess Leia and Han Solo from Star Wars. A portrait of Leia for K. with words "I love you", and a Han Solo's blaster with "I know" for D. Also, to my great pleasure, there was room for a flower arrangement! I love how designs are different and matching at the same time.
Star Wars Inspired Tattoos – Making the Design
Check out the process of bringing an idea to life.
Final Look of the Star Wars Inspired Tattoos
HealedHan Solo's gun after first session.
The Inspiration
Working on this project I combined my favorite style and art skills. Portraits, Hair, Star Wars-inspired tattoo flash and Flowers.
Portraits.
I honed my illustrative style by drawing tons of them! Would love to do more portrait tattoos.
Hair.
You can't imagine how I love drawing hair 🙂 That's why I created these tattoo designs with just hair-dos.
Star Wars-inspired tattoo flash I have. Yes, hrrrm..
A mix of Russian folklore and Star Wars. Meet Luke-Ivan Tsarevitch and others. You can find a fairy-tale about each one by clicking on the image or read it below. All the illustrations are available as a tattoo designs.
Short descriptions of the fairytales
Leia / Alyonushka
Alyonushka – is an orphan. Her little brother doesn't listen to her, drinks water from a hoof print in mud and turns into a goatling. A king has married this beautiful girl, but a witch, who wants to take away her husband , drowns Alyonushka in a pond and becomes her. Only her little brother (the goatling) knows the truth and can save Alyonushka and himself from the evil witch.
C-3PO / Sirin
Sirin (from a greek "Σειρῆνες " ("siren")) – is an edenic bird with a woman's head. It's also depicted with another edenic bird, Alconost, but unlike that bird it sings sad songs. Sometimes these songs could hurt people (they could lose their mind). That's why in some legends, Sirin has a negative connotation and it's considered to be a dark bird, the underworld messenger.
Darth Maul / Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga – mistress of the forest, animals and birds, almighty prophetic old woman, guardian of the other world's borders. Her name is derived from a Proto-Slavic word "ęgа" representing snakes and reptiles. Baba Yaga casts spells, flies in a pounder, and ensnares good fellows and children in order to eat them. She dwells of the forest border in a hut on chicken legs, surrounded by a fence made of human bones and skulls. In ancient times the dead were buried in such little houses located above the ground on tall stumps that looked like chicken legs. A zombie grandmother lies still and can't see a person who comes from the world of the living (the living and the dead do not see each other). She finds out about a person's arrival by the smell.
Ivan Tsarevich (meaning Ivan, the King's Son) – is one of the main characters of Russian folklore. He is the youngest of three brothers. Koschey (the immortal warlock) stole his bride and in order to save her. Ivan Tsarevich needs to enter the Far Far Away kingdom (i.e. the underworld), pass many trials, and cunningly overcome Koschey.
Memorial pet portraittattoos have a special place in my heart. In addition to the Familiars project, I have accumulated a large number of works with animals.
Memorial Pet Tattoos
A simple fine line tattoo with a little bit of shading becomes a celebration of the exceptional bond between a client and their dog/cat, or even an eland. Besides being a popular tattoo choice, it is also an expression of love.
As a tattoo artist, I'm happy to share a selection of tattoo ideas for pet portraits with you. Behind every tattoo you see below there is a touching story. Each illustration is unique.
Where do I start before getting a tribute tattoo?
There are no criteria about when you can get a tattoo in honor of or inspired by your pet. A tattoo is a permanent reminder of the impact your friend had on you and also the way to celebrate their life. Take your time. Here are some pieces of advice for you.
First of all, look for a few favorite photos of your pet. Pictures can be made from a different perspective but should be of good quality.
Prepare a shortlist of details you want to be embodied in a design. It could be a heart-shaped nose or a funny-looking spot. Anything, that characterizes your pet.
Describe your Idea. Feel free to share your thoughts with me. Your cat can become a magic dragon! I'll be there to answer all your questions.
Ready for more pet portraittattoos? Check out my portfolio.
A small fine line tattoo with an original design could be your first tattoo. Looking for inspiration in Bay Area? I can prepare a custom design of a memorial tattoo specially for you. Here is an inquiry form.
