Tamara Shatirishvili: From Design to Skin – A Tattoo Artist’s Evolution

We sat down with renowned tattoo artist Tamara Shatirishvili at her studio to dive into the journey behind her striking Asian floral tattoos, her artistic evolution, and the vision that drives her unique style. As one of the co-founders of PÓRTICO Tattoo Gallery and a partner at Sasha Tattooing Studio in Paris, Tamara’s path to tattoo artistry is nothing short of inspiring.

Q: Tamara, thank you for joining us today! To start, can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to the world of tattooing?

Tamara: Thank you for having me! Well, I’ve been passionate about art since I was a child. I grew up surrounded by creativity—my grandfather was a geography professor, and he published books on natural sciences. I created illustrations for his works, which sparked my love for drawing. I followed that path, attending art school, then college, and later studying design at university. But tattooing wasn’t even on my radar at first.

It was actually in 2012 when I first picked up a tattoo machine, almost as an experiment. At that time, I didn’t have much knowledge, and it was just a hobby I played around with at home. I wasn’t ready to commit to it fully, so I put it aside for almost two years. But in 2014, my husband bought us our first professional tattoo machines, and that’s when everything changed. We started practicing seriously, working on friends, and eventually, it turned into something I could no longer ignore—it became my career.

Q: You mentioned your design background. How did that influence your tattoo style?

Tamara: My background in design definitely played a big role in how I approach tattooing. I’ve always preferred working with my hands rather than digital tools, and tattooing allowed me to express myself in a tangible, unique way. There’s something special about being able to create directly on the human body, as opposed to a digital canvas. But my design education also gave me a deep understanding of composition, color theory, and how to use space effectively—things that I bring into my tattoo work.

Q: So, what would you say defines your tattoo style today?

Tamara: My style is primarily graphic Asian florals, which has evolved from a combination of personal influences and a deep connection to nature. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by botany, and I’d say that’s a huge part of my creative DNA. My grandfather’s influence, along with his books on natural sciences, really shaped my love for nature’s forms and structures.

As for the Asian floral aspect, it really came into focus when I discovered the work of Kubrick and the book Japanese Flora by Sören Sangkuhl. Those works introduced me to this minimalist, symbolic aesthetic—rich in detail but very refined. It sparked something in me, and from that point on, I knew I wanted to incorporate these elements into my tattooing.

Q: You’ve clearly had some strong influences. How do you describe your creative process when working on a new piece?

Tamara: My creative process is very intuitive. I don’t always sit down with a specific plan in mind. It’s more about being open to whatever inspiration comes my way. My work is a reflection of my life experiences, a visual diary of everything I’ve seen, felt, and lived. I love freehand tattooing because it allows me to be spontaneous, to really interact with the client’s body, the lines, and the shapes in an organic way. Each tattoo is unique because it’s always tailored to the person and the moment.

Q: Can you walk us through your journey as a tattoo artist?

Tamara: It’s been quite a ride. I started in Belarus, working in a tattoo studio, learning from others, and gaining experience. But after a while, I felt like I needed something more—more freedom and the ability to travel. So, I opened a home-based studio with my husband, and that’s when the international trips began. We visited a lot of different countries, including Barcelona, where we started working as guest artists. It wasn’t long before we moved there in 2019 to become residents at Sasha Tattooing Barcelona. That period was truly transformative—I made a lot of great connections, learned so much, and formed lasting friendships.

In 2021, we opened PÓRTICO Tattoo Gallery in Poland, which was a huge milestone for me. It gave me the chance to grow not just as an artist, but also as a business owner. Then, in 2024, I became a partner at Sasha Tattooing in Paris. It’s been a dream come true—working at some of the best studios in Europe and meeting incredibly talented artists.

Now, I split my time between Warsaw and Paris, and I continue to travel, taking on projects in my favorite studios and collaborating with artists from all over.

Q: What’s one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had with a client?

Tamara: There’s one story that really sticks with me. A client named Louise came to me from the U.S. after overcoming breast cancer. She wanted a tattoo to mark the end of a difficult chapter in her life. We created a piece that was deeply meaningful to her, and the process of making that tattoo was incredibly emotional. The final piece gave her the confidence and strength she had regained. Louise’s energy and resilience continue to inspire me.

Q: How have you seen the tattoo industry evolve over the years?

Tamara: It’s been fascinating to watch the industry change. When I started, tattooing was more niche. It wasn’t as accessible, and the information wasn’t out there like it is now. Only those who were truly dedicated to the craft persevered. But now, with the internet, social media, and access to more resources, new artists can learn quickly, and the tattoo community has grown exponentially.

While that’s great in many ways, there’s also a downside. Tattooing is now often seen as a quick way to make money, which sometimes leads to a lack of respect for the art form. For me, I’ve always tried to stay true to myself. I’m not in this for the trends or the profit; I’m here because tattooing allows me to express myself and create something meaningful for my clients.

Q: Finally, Tamara, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the tattoo industry?

Tamara: My biggest piece of advice is to be patient. Tattooing is a lifelong journey. Don’t rush to find your style or chase after trends. The most important thing is to stay true to your own vision and take the time to really understand the craft. Keep learning, keep pushing yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s okay to not have it all figured out in the beginning—it’s the process that matters.

You can follow Tamara and check out her incredible work on Instagram: @tomagematoma.