Conversations with Anastasiia Pavlenko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasiia Pavlenko.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became a tattoo artist in Europe after getting my first tattoo. The experience fascinated me, and my husband encouraged me to try it myself. For years, I had been searching for a creative path—working various office jobs but always feeling unfulfilled. I considered different directions like makeup or web design (I even completed a web design course), but nothing truly clicked.

When my husband suggested I give tattooing a try, I was hesitant at first—but eventually decided to go for it. I trained with the same artist who did my first tattoo. It was only after I completed my first two tattoos on real people that I truly connected with the process. I found it almost meditative—something that helped me relax and disconnect from overthinking. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just doing a job—I was doing something that felt natural, fulfilling, and truly mine. And that’s how my journey as a tattoo artist began.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road in the beginning. After finishing my training, I had very little experience and almost no portfolio. I knew I had to build my skills and gain confidence, so I started tattooing my friends, family, and anyone who would let me—for free. It was the only way I could practice and start putting together a body of work.

But once I felt more confident in my abilities, I faced a new challenge: finding a job in a tattoo studio. That was a true test for me. I had to overcome my fear and literally go door-to-door, visiting different studios, introducing myself, and showing my work. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also taught me something really important—how to stand up for myself, know my worth, and present myself as a professional.

Eventually, my persistence paid off and I found a studio that believed in me. That’s where my real journey began, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come since those early days.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in fine line, realism, sketch, and minimalism styles. My work is delicate, detailed, and intentional—I focus on making every piece feel personal and meaningful to the client. Whether it’s a small minimalist symbol or a more intricate fine line composition, I always aim for elegance and precision.

What sets me apart is that I’ve built my skills through hands-on experience, trial and error, and deep personal commitment. I didn’t come from an artistic background, and I didn’t grow up knowing I’d become a tattoo artist. But I found my path, embraced it fully, and dedicated myself to constant growth.

What I’m most proud of is the progress I’ve made. Every design I create and every session I complete reflects the journey I’ve taken—from uncertainty to confidence, from curiosity to craftsmanship. I believe my clients can feel that in my work.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One of the most important qualities that has contributed to my success is persistence. I don’t give up easily—even when things feel uncertain or challenging. In the beginning, I had to overcome fear, rejection, and self-doubt, but I kept pushing forward because I believed in what I was building.

Another key trait is attention to detail. My work requires precision, patience, and a steady hand. I take pride in creating tattoos that are not only visually beautiful but also thoughtfully crafted and emotionally meaningful for my clients.

Together, that persistence and precision have helped me grow, improve, and stay connected to my purpose as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattooedbyana/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tattooedbyana

Image Credits
All images by tattooedbyana