August 15, 2024No Comments

Latest Healed Tattoos

The selection of the latest healed tattoos. Reviews and before/after photos are included.

Hi there! I'm Natasha Tsozik, a vegan tattoo artist located in San Francisco, California. I've gathered a selection of my recent custom tattoos, featuring both the healed results and customer reviews. Dive into the stories behind tattoo projects, explore botanical tattoos, and discover pet portraits here. Check out my profiles on Google Maps and Yelp to read and share your experience of working with me. You'll find the inquiry form here. My books are always open! Check out the latest healed tattoos.

The collection of the recent healed tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.

Healed Floral tattoo for M.

"I could not be happier with my tattoo! I had been wanting this tattoo for a long time but didn't know who would be my tattoo artist! After finding Natasha Tsozik on a google search, I fell in love with her fine lines & botanicals!

Not only is her work amazing, but her studio space is so calming & peaceful. About the tattoo - Natasha chose the perfect section from a photo of my bridal bouquet and was so easy to work with. I was also very nervous about placement, but with Natasha's help and eye, she placed it in the perfect spot! I definitely will get another tat from her in the future!" ~ M.

More botanical tattoos.

Healed tattoos for D.

Explore the selection of fine art-inspired tattoos by me.

Healed matching Jasmine & Poppy tattoos for S.

"I cannot recommend Natasha Tsozik highly enough! I have been adding to my body art over many years and I have been lucky to find wonderful local artists.

When I came across Natasha on IG, I was immediately in love with her work. Her botanical pieces were exquisitely beautiful and full of life and energy. I reached out to her to see if she was available to consult.
Setting up time for a consultation via zoom was easy. Natasha was very easy to get along with, enthusiastic to hear my ideas, it felt like a collaboration from the beginning. We landed on two asymmetric upper thigh tattoos, with a combination of jasmine and California poppies. Scheduling our first session a month later.


Her studio is amazing, a small piece of zen in the Dogpatch. It's clean full of great art and high quality facilities and equipment. I felt at ease immediately.


Natasha has huge professionalism and an incredible eye for detail. Her skills as an illustrator comes out in her tattoos.
After a couple of fun sessions both pieces were complete. And now, a month later I'm so in love with the art she has given to me.
I can't wait to see how we can collaborate more on future pieces. Thank you Natasha!!
" ~ S.

Read the article about symbolism behind poppy flower tattoos.

Healed Dog Portrait for A.

An inspirational selection of pet tattoos.

Healed Mongolian arrows for L.

"I highly recommend Natasha’s studio! She is an amazing artist and professional! The studio’s environment was immaculate, ensuring a safe and hygienic session. If you are considering a tattoo this is a place where art and expertise come together to create something unique and beautiful." ~ L.

Read the review.

An inspirational selection of pet tattoos.

Healed cherry blossom tattoo for C.

"Thanks again,  I am loving the tattoo!" ~ C.

Explore more floral tattoos at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed Magnolia tattoo for D.

"Had a great experience getting a large first piece from Natasha Tsozik and ended up going back for a second piece. Very professional, careful, and gorgeous work. If you're getting a permanent piece of art, you can't go wrong with Natasha." ~ D.

Read the review.

Explore more botanical tattoos at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed Fig tattoo for V.

"Hi Natasha, It looks beautiful! ... Really like how the pink turned out after the colors settled. And I will be sure to leave a review! I’d been waiting a long time to get this tattoo (in honor of my dog who passed a couple of years ago—she loved jumping to get figs from the neighbor’s tree). I wanted to work with the right artist on it and am so happy with how it turned out. Thank you." ~ V.

Explore the symbolism behind fig tattoos at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed pet portrait tattoos for V.

"Natasha is the best of the best when it comes to tattooing in SF! I had an amazing working experience with her as we talked through my idea for a pet portrait tattoo for not one but three different pets and she really brought my idea to life. Her studio is super comfortable and she made the somewhat daunting process of sitting through a tattoo session really enjoyable with great conversation and plenty of check ins for breaks, etc. I would highly recommend Natasha for anyone looking to get a high quality tattoo!" ~ V.
Read the full review.

Explore the behind story and reference photos of pets at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed wedding bouquet tattoo for T.

"Natasha Tsozik was a dream to work with! I wanted part of my wedding bouquet tattooed on my left wrist and the experience and tattoo result more than exceeded my expectations. This was my first major tattoo and she made me feel super comfortable while making sure to keep an open dialogue about the process and design. The artwork and fine lines are amazing. Will certainly be working with Natasha again!!" ~ T.
Read the full review.

Explore the behind story for the tattoo at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed Strawberry tattoos for M.

"I always love tattoos from Natasha- from start to finish, she makes the entire process so relaxed and welcoming. her studio is a sweet reflection of her and her art- organized, imaginative, detailed, balanced.
i'm so happy to return and absolutely recommend her to people seeking first tattoos or those adding something new to their collection.
thanks lots Natasha;)"
~ M.
Read M.'s review.

Healed botanical tattoo for C.

"I highly recommend Natasha if you're looking for delicate linework and a well-done tattoo! Her studio has a very welcoming atmosphere, the custom piece she made for me was exactly as imagined (and she was wonderful to work with throughout the design process), and it's healed wonderfully without issue. Her studio and equipment are very clean and the pain was very minimal for a 6 hour tattoo. She walked me through the process, how the tattoo would heal, and recommended aftercare very clearly." ~ C.
Read the full review.

Explore the behind story and design drafts for the tattoo at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed dog tattoo for J.

"Natasha Tsozik is amazing in her artwork, her prep and client engagement. Picture is of day one and then four weeks later! And my tattoo looks incredible (my lighting isn't as good as hers). Follow her instructions, they really are great. Her studio is really comfortable, welcoming and a great environment for getting a tattoo. Her attention to detail and consultation with me in advance and day of the appointment was great. I also was incredibly impressed by the meticulous means she went to to make sure everything is clean and sterile. I also used Richie Bulldog Hustle Butter every day after removing the protective covering at four days." ~ C.
Read the full review.

Explore the behind story and reference photos provided at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed sunflower tattoo for E.

"Hey Natasha, Hope you are doing well! Just wanted to send you the picture of my tattoo a month out from the appointment. Again, thank you so much!" ~ E.

Explore the symbolism of sunflower tattoos at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed Sampaguita flower tattoo for T.

"Hi Natasha, I’m in love with how it has healed! Thank you for your amazing work. I look forward to working with you again!" ~ T.

Explore the behind story and reference photos provided at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed cup of flowers for C.

"It's healing so nicely!" ~ C.

Explore the behind story and reference photos at @NatashaTsozik.

Healed memorial tattoo for J.

"Hi Natasha! The tattoo is healing very well and looking wonderful. Thank you again for such beautiful work." ~ J.

Explore the behind story and reference photos at @NatashaTsozik.

Snoopy with a poppy flower for J.

"Hi Natasha! Sending you a pic of the tattoo at the one month mark, it looks great and healed very quickly!" ~ J.

Explore the behind story for the tattoo at @NatashaTsozik.

Rose & moon tattoo for S.

"It is healing so well. I love it! I will let you know next time I’m in California, so we can do my next tattoo :)" ~ S.

Explore the selection of moon tattoos and the latest healed tattoos at @NatashaTsozik.

Check out the available tattoo designs by me. Also, I'll be glad to do a custom tattoo design specially for you. Don't forget to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to see more latest healed tattoos, exclusive art, new available tattoo designs, and other updates. 

July 13, 20242 Comments

Cover-up Tattoos

A short guide for cover-up tattoos

Before and after healed photos included

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

📍Curren location: I have a beautiful private studio in Dogpatch, SF: 2344 3rd St.

Cover-ups of old tattoos





Read the behind story and design creating process.







Cover-ups of scars



New life for the old tattoos







Read the behind story and design creating process.

July 12, 20242 Comments

Art-Inspired Tattoos: A Fusion of Creativity and Ink

Art-inspired tattoos are a captivating trend that merges the worlds of fine art and body art. These tattoos draw from various art movements, styles, and iconic works, transforming skin into a living canvas that tells a story of creativity and personal expression. At Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo, my private studio I specialize in these intricate designs, offering clients a chance to wear their favorite art.

Fill the inquiry form to get a custom art-inspired tattoo by me.

One of the most appealing aspects of art-inspired tattoos is the personal interpretation they allow. Tattoo artists can blend classical elements with modern techniques, creating bespoke pieces that reflect the wearer's tastes and stories. This customization ensures that each tattoo is a unique masterpiece in its own right. 

These designs often challenge traditional tattoo aesthetics, offering unique and visually striking alternatives. As a tattoo artist, I often use fine-line tattoo techniques to create detailed, delicate artwork that stands out for its precision and elegance.

Art-inspired tattoos utilize various techniques and styles, from realistic portraits to abstract designs. Watercolor tattoos, for example, mimic the fluidity and vibrancy of watercolor paintings, while line art tattoos capture the essence of sketches and drawings. These diverse approaches enable a wide range of artistic expression on skin.

Art-inspired tattoos are more than just body art; they are a celebration of artistic heritage and personal expression. By blending classical and contemporary art with tattooing, this trend allows individuals to carry a piece of their favorite art with them, creating a permanent homage to the world of creativity. 

For those seeking a unique and personal form of expression, I encourage you to visit Natasha Tsozik Fine Art tattoo studio in San Francisco. It could be the perfect way to transform your body into a living gallery.


Crispy and delicate designs. Fine Line Tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.

Ideas for Pet Portrait Tattoos. The Selection of Pet Tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.


More Art Inspired Tattoos

Fill the inquiry form to get a custom art-inspired tattoo by me.

June 2, 2024No Comments

Natasha Tsozik Fine Art at Crane Cove Market

Join Me at The Park Market at Crane Cove on June 29th!

Update: "Friends, Merch, and Memories!" Check out the video recap of the event.

Mark your calendars for June 29th because I’m bringing my Natasha Tsozik Art Store to Crane Cove Market with my prints, accessories, original art, clothes and more.

Stop by to say hello and browse through the cool art pieces from my store. I’m excited to introduce some incredible new items just for you!

Event Highlights

The Park Market is a vibrant, recurring event that celebrates local artisans, delicious food, refreshing drinks, fun games, and live music. This year’s market promises even more with free, family-friendly activities such as paddleboarding lessons and health and wellness classes.

Event Schedule

The Crane Cove event is hosting six markets in 2024, held on the last Saturday of each month from May to October.

Natasha Tsozik Art Store at Crane Cove Market

Date: June 29
Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: The Crane Cove Park
Cost: Free

What to Expect

You’ll be thrilled with all that Crane Cove event has to offer, including:

  • Delectable treats from local vendors
  • Energetic live music performances
  • A bustling marketplace featuring local entrepreneurs
  • The new Merchant Marketplace, perfect for treasure hunting in a flea market-style setting

Join Me at Crane Cove Market!

Follow the links below to learn more about the event. I can’t wait to see you there!

Facebook: @sfparksalliance
Instagram: @sfparksalliance
San Francisco Parks Alliance
Natasha Tsozik Online Art Store

Don’t forget to save the date!

May 22, 20243 Comments

Ideas for Pet Portrait Tattoos

Booking Fall.

The Selection of Pet Tattoos: 2024 Updated Collection.

Memorial pet portrait tattoos have a special place in my heart. In addition to the Familiars project, I have accumulated a large number of works with animals.

Where do I start before getting a tribute tattoo?

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.

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 portrait tattoos? Check out my portfolio.

Pet Portraits by Rae Ritchie is a great example of how an illustration can emphasize character.

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.

After a tattoo session, I strive to keep in touch with every client. Feel free to explore the reviews.
Google Maps | Yelp 

Tattoo by Natasha Tsozik
Tattoo by Natasha Tsozik
Tattoo by Natasha Tsozik
Tattoo by Natasha Tsozik
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The Symbolism of Poppy Flower Tattoos. The selection of Poppy flower tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.

Crispy and delicate designs. Fine Line Tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.


More memorial pet tattoos:

May 12, 20245 Comments

Poppy Flower Tattoos: Updated

Symbolic Tattoo

California Poppy Flower

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. 

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.

www.ladyscience.com

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.

www.ladyscience.com

The Symbolism of Poppy Flower Tattoos

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.


Redwood tree as a symbol of California state. Explore the selection of redwood tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.

The Symbolism of Butterfly Tattoos. Explore the selection of butterfly tattoos by Natasha Tsozik.


More compositions with poppies

Available Poppy flower tattoo designs

Latest Articles:

May 6, 2024No Comments

San Francisco Scent Class

Reflecting on a Sensory Journey at Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo

An Immersive Experience

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a delightful event at my studio, Natasha Tsozik Fine Art TattooThe San Francisco Scent Class. In brief, held on Earth Day (April 22nd), this unique gathering immersed us in the art of all-natural botanical perfumery, guided by perfumers Amy Bilodeau of Orris Water and Victoria Artz from Common Senses. Undeniably fascinating event!

Photo report of the San Francisco Scent Class at Natasha Tsozik Fine Art studio.
Throughout the evening, guests and I explored the world of fragrances, documenting our sensations, sharing memories, and capturing feelings inspired by the scents.

Meet the perfumers of the San Francisco Scent Class:

Victoria Artz (@common5enses) is an all-natural perfumer based in San Francisco of the brand Common Senses. With each unique scent, created by Victoria, you will feel the transformative power of fragrance. In fact, igniting your inner creativity and empowering you to embrace your sensuality and individuality.

Amy Bilodeau (@orris_water), the perfumer behind Orris Water, is an artisan of botanical fragrances. With a deep understanding of the power of scent, she creates captivating blends that definitely transport wearers to ethereal realms, evoking emotions and enticing the senses.

Meet the host:

Natasha Tsozik (@natasha_tsozik) is a female tattoo artist, working at a private studio in Dogpatch, San Francisco. She specializes in fine line floral/botanical, portrait and animal tattoos in a black & grey illustrative style. Besides, Natasha utilizes vegan tattoo ink and biodegradable tattoo supplies.

San Francisco Scent Class: A Journey Through the Natural World of Botanical Perfumery

Throughout the evening, guests and I explored the world of fragrances. Moreover, we were documenting our sensations, sharing memories, and capturing feelings inspired by the scents. At our Perfume Bar, we carefully selected complementary aromas, while Amy and Victoria expertly crafted bespoke toilette waters for us to enjoy. In addition, we even had the option to personalize our creations with hand-written or printed labels using my studio label printer.

Guests at the San Francisco Scent Class at Natasha Tsozik Fine Art studio.
The guests and I delved into the world of all-natural botanical perfumery at the San Francisco Scent Class.

Finally, to set the mood, Amy started the event with a soothing sound bath session. It created an ambiance of relaxation and creativity that enhanced our sensory experience.

Perfumers of the San Francisco Scent Class at Natasha Tsozik Fine Art studio.
Under the guidance of perfumers Amy Bilodeau and Victoria Artz.

To conclude, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this event, the San Francisco Scent Class. Without a doubt, I am excited about the possibility of hosting more gatherings like this in the future. Local artists and event organizers are welcome to reach out. I'm open to discussing collaborations or hosting your own events at my studio, in the heart of Dogpatch, San Francisco.

Check out the video report capturing the essence of our wonderful evening together, the San Francisco Scent Class. I look forward to welcoming you to future events at Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo!


The video is shot by me and edited by Roman Toporov (@eggsandbaky)

Highlights of the San Francisco Scent Class:

April 29, 2024No Comments

Special Summer Offer

Great news for teachers and tutors spending their summer in SF!

I'm excited to offer you a special discount on your new tattoo. Instead of our regular rate of $340-360, the hourly rate and minimum for a tattoo on weekdays (Wednesday to Friday) in June & July will be $320. As Karl the fog rolls in the city, teachers are invited to take advantage of this special offer and treat themselves to a meaningful tattoo experience. Simply reach out to me directly with any proof of your teaching status, and we'll schedule your appointment. For starters, I always suggest setting an online consultation ($20). Feel free to explore my F.A.Q. section for more useful info. Can't wait to ink you!

Looking forward to meeting you in my private tattoo studio located in Dogpatch, SF.

This offer is valid through June & July 2024, exclusively on weekdays. Contact me directly for the list of available slots. Applicants must provide proof of their teaching employment. Please note, that this offer is not publicly available and its terms are subject to change without prior notice. Kindly verify the information's current status when booking your session.

March 15, 20241 Comment

Year One Of Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo

What a journey!💫

Welcome to Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo! 💙 I'm Natasha Tsozik, a tattoo artist based in the San Francisco, Bay Area. Let me share my journey with my tattoo career and the studio. It's a never-ending process of adorning it with love and art.

It’s been a full year since I got my private studio in SF, Dogpatch. My Fine Art Tattoo studio 💙 It feels like it was just yesterday! Hours of painting walls, assembling everything, tattooing, tea drinking and even an Art Show. A dream come true.

I am deeply grateful for all the support from my friends, family and clients. 

Special thanks to:

Micah Riot and Ink Medicine Podcast.
Melissa Mohammadi—Abstract artist.
Elizabeth Mathiasen—Jewelry designer;
Andrew Lawrence—San Francisco sign painter.
The video is shot by me and edited by Roman Toporov.

March 4, 20242 Comments

Vegan Tattooing

Exploring Vegan and Eco-Friendly Practices in the Tattoo Industry

I’ve always been bothered by how much waste our industry generates. So eco-tattooing emerges as a beacon of sustainable artistry. Embracing eco-friendly practices and vegan tattooing, these tattoos celebrate not just creativity, but also environmental consciousness. Let’s explore how a tattoo world can become a better environment. 

Natasha Tsozik—vegan tattoo artist, based in San Francisco, Bay Area. 

Nature has always been my primary source of inspiration, especially for crafting floral tattoos. I’ve been vegan for more than a decade, thus implementing these ideas in my work too is a genuine goal. Eco-tattooing is a way of life. 

Striking a balance between safety and environmentally friendly practices poses a significant challenge. Throughout the decades, the stress on ensuring maximum safety for both clients and tattoo artists has often led the tattoo industry to rely on less sustainable methods. Currently, not all tattoo supplies can be easily replaced by green alternatives, mainly because many techniques originate from the medical field with strict regulations. Nevertheless, thanks to a variety of studies, numerous aspects of our approach can already be adjusted in favor of ecological considerations.

The fantastic news is that more tattoo artists today are considering the planet when establishing their practices. I began this journey before it gained widespread recognition, even when there weren't a lot of eco-friendly tattoo supplies available. I had to improvise 🙂 So, I'm really happy that these new supply companies are becoming more recognizable and accessible. We're realizing that clean and safe setups can also be eco-friendly.

What is eco-friendly tattooing?

"Eco-tattooing" refers to a conscientious approach within the tattooing industry aimed at doing the least possible damage to the environment. This practice entails adopting eco-conscious products and processes to reduce waste and reliance on non-renewable resources. Eco-tattooing embraces vegan principles by offering cruelty-free products and services. 

Key features of vegan-tattooing.

Minimizing the environmental impact:

The primary goal of eco-tattooing is to reduce the single-use plastics and harmful chemicals associated with the tattooing process. This involves a shift towards using tattoo supplies that are certified as compostable or biodegradable

Waste Minimization:

Eco-tattooing results in less waste production compared to traditional methods. Traditional plastic tattoo supplies frequently find their way into landfills or incineration facilities, presenting long-term environmental risks. In contrast, compostable products break down naturally, returning to the earth without leaving harmful residues.

Energy Efficiency:

Unlike traditional plastics, the manufacturing of eco-friendly tattoo supplies requires significantly less energy. This energy-saving aspect translates into reduced consumption of fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable industry.

Vegan-Friendly Service:

Eco-tattooing follows vegan principles by using cruelty-free products and services, including vegan tattoo ink and plant- and water-based tattoo care. Ensuring no harm to animals within the tattooing process, appealing to both vegans and those looking for sustainable options. 

Personal Experience: Vegan For Life.

At Natasha Tsozik Fine Art Tattoo Studio you’ll get an eco-friendly approach: from vegan tattoo ink and biodegradable tattoo supplies to even vegan snacks in the lounge area. 

My goal is to set up the process in such a way as to utilize as many compostable shop supplies as possible. I aim for all tattoo supplies, except for metal parts like needles and blades in razors, to be compostable and environmentally friendly. For example, I have ensured that the liquid solidifying powder I use (which tattooers use to properly dispose of contaminated liquids. In ink caps for example) is biodegradable

Yet, not all of these products are nature-friendly. I had to make sure that the paper tape that I use is plastic-free, for example. ‘Cause the most popular are not. 

My go-to consumables and barrier protection products are from Good Judy and a few others that I occasionally seek out. I am particularly drawn to the company's eco-conscious approach to living. On the Good Judy platform, you'll find a wealth of valuable information about bioplastics and biodegradable products. Each product details proper disposal methods and highlights its advantages.

You can already transition to using more eco-conscious products like thick eco towels (you use much less of them than traditional ones), biodegradable gloves, bamboo tongue depressors instead of wooden, razors with compostable handles, compostable bottle bags, ink caps, clip cord sleeves, barrier film, trash bags, compostable masks and so on.

As tattoo artists, we must think about cross-contamination and adhere to strict cleaning routines. It doesn’t stop me from applying greener yet still effective products. For example, for surface cleaning, I use Benefect and Optim 1 since they’re eco-friendly and non-carcinogenic.

In my private tattoo studio, I exclusively use vegan ink. Which is made from plant-based or synthetic materials, ensuring no harm to animals within my practice. Fortunately, it’s pretty common for inks nowadays. My top choices for tattoo ink are Dynamic, World Famous, Intenze, and Fusion.

Selecting tattoo care products without petroleum-based ingredients is highly recommended, and many tattoo artists have already embraced this approach. Typically, opting for plant- and water-based tattoo care is considered the healthiest way to nurture your fresh tattoo.

Recently, I've been using Mad Rabbit products and I'm impressed by their serious approach to manufacturing. Even the packaging is designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. I now carry some of the vegan Mad Rabbit products I prefer at my store, including before and aftercare like a numbing cream and lotions.

Certainly, besides the traditional waste disposal methods in the tattoo industry, it will be necessary to integrate new practices into the routine, and in some cases, replace existing ones. Here are some resources you might find useful for understanding the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials, discovering new tips, and aligning yourself with eco-friendly practices.

obsidiantattoosupply.com—If you're in the US, here you can purchase ink caps I like by Green House Tattoo Supply;
goodjudy.ca—More eco-friendly tattoo supplies;
Good Judy's blog–How to transition to using more eco-conscious products;
luckysupply.com—Discover the top reasons tattooers worldwide are going green;

Vegan Tattooing In Conclusion

In conclusion, eco-friendly tattooing is about minimizing environmental impact while promoting sustainability in the industry. Despite challenges, there's a growing awareness among tattoo artists towards eco-friendly alternatives like compostable supplies, vegan inks, and petroleum-free care products. This shift not only benefits the environment but also fosters a healthier future for tattooing. With continued dedication, the momentum towards eco-friendly practices in the industry will flourish.

I hope you got inspired by my story about vegan tattooing & want to continue implementing a more sustainable approach to your practice 💚