Interview with Tamara Shatirishvili: Exploring the Artistry Behind Her Tattoo Masterpieces

Author credit: Interview by Daniela Weiss

Tattooing is a form of contemporary art for me.” – Tamara Shatirishvili

Mag: Your tattoo style has caught the attention of many. How would you describe your work and what makes it so unique?

Tamara Ans:

I would say my work can best be described as a mix of graphic elements and organic, nature-inspired designs.

I’ve always loved botanical forms and my tattoos often reflect that whether it’s flowers, plants or abstract representations of nature. I think what makes my style stand out is the balance between clean lines, detailed shading and the ability to mix minimalism with rich symbolism.

Every tattoo is unique because I approach each one with a fresh perspective, drawing on my intuition, the client’s input and the specific space on the body.

Mag: You mentioned that you are drawn to graphic elements. How does that influence your technique and approach to tattooing?

Tamara Ans:

My background in graphic design definitely plays a role. I think in terms of structure and composition, even when I’m working with organic subjects like flowers or animals.

I love the precision and sharpness of graphic work and I try to incorporate that clean, defined look into my tattoos. But what’s key for me is blending that with the fluidity of nature.

For example, the petals of a flower might have very defined edges, but the veins or shadows within it will have a more natural, flowing quality. The challenge is finding that perfect balance between the two.

Mag: How do you approach the placement and flow of a tattoo on the body?

Tamara Ans:

Placement is incredibly important and it’s something I think about very carefully. A tattoo isn’t just about the design itself it’s about how it interacts with the natural curves and lines of the body.

I try to make each tattoo feel like it’s part of the body’s natural anatomy. When a client comes to me, I always take into account the shape of the area we’re working with.

For example, if I’m designing a floral tattoo piece for the arm, I’ll consider how the design flows with the muscle and shape of the arm. My goal is to create something that complements the client’s body and enhances their natural shape.

Mag: You’re known for freehand work. Can you tell us about your experience with freehand tattooing and why it’s so important to your process?

Tamara Ans:

Freehand tattooing is something I’m really passionate about because it allows me to work intuitively and create something truly one-of-a-kind. When I’m not using stencils, I feel like I have the freedom to let the design evolve as I’m working. It allows me to make adjustments and changes on the fly, which is something I really enjoy.

I’ve always been someone who is inspired by the moment, so freehand fits my approach perfectly. It feels much more organic and I believe it gives the tattoo a life of its own.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing the design come together in real time and I love the challenge of making each line and curve work with the body’s natural form.

Mag: Do you think tattoo trends influence your work or do you consciously avoid them?

Tamara Ans:

I try not to follow trends too closely. I believe tattoos should have a personal meaning and a timeless quality, so I focus on creating pieces that will resonate with my clients for years to come.

Trends can be fun, but they can also make tattoos feel fleeting or superficial. I think it’s important to be true to your own artistic vision and not just chase what’s popular.

That said, I do take inspiration from many sources whether that’s nature, other artists or cultural influences but I always strive to reinterpret that inspiration in a way that’s unique to me.

Mag: What’s your approach to color in your tattoos?

Tamara Ans:

I tend to work in black and grey for the most part. I find that this allows me to focus more on the intricacies of linework and shading. I love the depth and dimension you can achieve with just black ink. It’s also versatile and timeless.

Mag: How do you collaborate with your clients to bring their ideas to life?

Tamara Ans:

For me, tattooing is a collaboration. I always start by listening carefully to my clients what they’re envisioning, why they want the tattoo and how they want it to feel.

From there, I take that input and incorporate it into a design that fits their body and personality. I want the tattoo to be something they’ll love and connect with, so I make sure they feel involved in the process.

I also offer my professional input, especially when it comes to the tattoo placement or certain elements of the design. It’s important to me that they trust me as an artist, but at the same time, I want them to feel empowered and heard.

Mag: Looking at your body of work, what do you hope people take away from your tattoos?

Tamara Ans:

I hope my tattoos speak to the individuality of each person. Tattoos are deeply personal and I want my designs to reflect that. Whether it’s through the symbolism of a flower or the delicate lines of a natural form, I want people to feel like their tattoo is an extension of themselves.

Ultimately, I want to give people a meaningful piece of art that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Mag: I know you participate in tattoo conventions as well. One of the brightest events in 2024 was the Krakow Tattoofest. Could you tell us more about your experience there?

Tamara Ans:

Yes, Tattoofest in Krakow was definitely one of the highlights of 2024 for me. It’s an incredibly well-organized and inspiring event one of the most prestigious tattoo festivals in Europe.

Over 500 artists took part and the level of work presented was truly impressive. I competed in the Graphic Tattoo category, which had 73 entries and I was honored to take 2nd place.

That recognition meant a lot to me, especially considering the high standard of work being showcased. It was also a great opportunity to connect with other tattoo artists, exchange ideas and feel part of a wider creative community. Experiences like this remind me why I love what I do.

Mag: Lastly, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or things you’re excited about?

Tamara Ans:

Yes one project I’m really excited about is the release of my first online masterclass. It will be launching very soon and it offers a full behind-the-scenes look at how I work from sketching the design and freehand drawing on the body to setting up my workspace, executing the tattoo and photographing the final result each stage is covered.

The course will be structured as seven separate video sessions and hosted as paid content on a private YouTube channel. It’s created for artists who already have some experience and want to dive deeper into my process how I approach composition, flow and decision-making during a session.

I hope it becomes a valuable resource and an inspiring push for those looking to refine their own style.

Mag: You can check out Tamara’s incredible work and follow her journey on Instagram at @tomagematoma.

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