Introducing Vitalina Bender, a tattoo artist whose recent award, 1st place in the "Best of Graphic" category at the 3rd Chemnitz Tattoo Convention, has become a significant milestone in her career. Originally from Odessa, she is now successfully working in Leipzig, Germany, at one of the most popular tattoo studios in the country — Katharsis Tattoo Studio. Vitalina is known for her exquisite fine line and graphic designs, where she combines art and precision to create stunning personalized tattoos. In this interview, she shares her creative journey, sources of inspiration, and dedication to the craft that fuels her passion for tattooing.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and where are you working now?
- I am originally from Odessa, but since 2019 I have been living permanently in Germany, in the city of Leipzig. I work at Katharsis Tattoo Studio, where I am a resident and leading fine line tattoo artist.
What led you to tattooing? Who was your mentor? Tell us about the experience.
- I have been drawn to art since childhood, especially Renaissance works. I was fascinated by the detailed paintings and sculptures created by great masters. Their ability to convey emotions, movement, and anatomical precision inspired my own creative experiments.
Over time, my love for art evolved, and I became interested in different forms of self-expression. One day, I saw an exquisitely done tattoo, and it opened up a new world for me. I realized that I could bring my art not only to canvas or sculpture but also to living skin, turning it into a unique and lasting work of art.
My tattoo mentor was an experienced artist who was also inspired by classical art. He taught me the intricacies of working with skin, various techniques, and tattoo styles.
Is tattooing for you an art, a job, or something else?
- For me, tattooing is, above all, an art. I see tattooing as an opportunity to bring my creativity to life on a living canvas, immortalizing it for a lifetime. However, tattooing is not only art but also a job that requires great skill, patience, and attention to detail. Every new project is a challenge and a responsibility, as I understand that I am creating not just an image but a part of the client's personality and story.
Besides this, tattooing for me is a form of self-expression and emotional communication. It is a unique way of interacting with people, giving them something meaningful and permanent.
Where are you currently working? Tell us about this place.
- I am currently working at one of the top studios in Germany, Katharsis Tattoo Studio.
Your portfolio is at the intersection of graphic and fine line tattooing. But which do you prefer more, and how did your style evolve?
- My style developed gradually. I started by learning the basics of graphics, exploring various techniques and styles, and experimenting with different approaches to tattooing. However, over time, I realized that fine line allows me to express my love for details and elegant lines more fully.
I drew inspiration not only from classical art but also from modern graphics, studied the work of other tattoo artists, participated in masterclasses, and continuously improved my skills.
What features of your work can you highlight on your own?
- I place great importance on details, creating elegant and realistic floral compositions. Each of my tattoos is absolutely unique and is developed from scratch for every client.
I spend a lot of time and effort understanding the client’s wishes and creating a design that holds personal meaning and reflects their individuality.
I often work in the freehand technique, which allows me to adapt the design directly on the client's body. This makes it possible to better consider anatomical features and create the most natural and harmonious drawings.
What is more important to you in your work: the client’s idea or your own? How does the sketch for your tattoo come to life? Where do you draw inspiration from?
- For me, both the client's idea and my own are equally important. I believe that a successful tattoo is born from the synergy between the client’s vision and my artistic approach.
How the sketch comes to life:
— Initial consultation: it starts with a detailed discussion of the client’s idea. I listen to their wishes, preferences, symbolism, and any specific elements they want to include in the design. We discuss the style, size, and placement of the tattoo to better understand their vision.
— Research and inspiration: I study the proposed ideas and find inspiration from various sources. I gather references and take notes to better understand how to combine the client's wishes with my style.
— Concept: I develop the first rough sketches that convey the essence of the client’s idea. These sketches serve as a starting point for further discussion and refinement.
— Collaborative refinement: I meet with the client to discuss the initial sketches. We review them and talk about what they like and what they’d like to change. I make adjustments and refinements based on the client’s feedback.
— Final rendering: after all the details are agreed upon, I create the final sketch.
Thus, the sketch comes to life through close collaboration with the client, combining their ideas with my artistic vision. This allows us to create a unique and meaningful piece that satisfies both.
My inspiration for designs often comes from everyday life, emotions, and personal interests. I find it by exploring different artistic media such as painting, illustration, and photography. Additionally, I enjoy collaborating with clients to create custom designs that reflect their individuality and resonate with their stories.
What are the themes in your personal top?
- One of the most significant cases for me was working with a client who wanted a tattoo representing the journey of life from the origin of Adam and Eve to the present day. The design included symbolic elements such as a procession of planets and the depiction of the four seasons on a tree.
Working on this tattoo was not only creatively rich but also deeply meaningful. Seeing the client's reaction and realizing that my art holds such deep significance for them made this experience truly memorable and special for me.
Do you travel often? Where have you already been? Which country has had the most influence on your creativity?
- I really love to travel and try to explore the world every 2-3 months. During this time, I have been to various corners of the globe, including Europe, Asia, and America. Every trip inspires me and brings new ideas to my creativity.
America has had the greatest influence on my creativity. It was a tour from New York to Miami via Los Angeles. The diversity of cultures, artistic styles, and dynamic art in the cities greatly expanded my horizons.
We saw your triumph at the 3rd Chemnitz Tattoo Convention, where you took 1st place in Graphics. Can you tell us about this experience and what doors this event opens for you in the future?
- Winning the tattoo convention, where I took first place in the graphic tattoo category, opens up many new opportunities.
Competing with talented participants and taking first place — this is not just an achievement but a confirmation of a high level of mastery. First of all, this victory strengthens my reputation in the industry, attracting more clients who value quality and professionalism.
Moreover, the award opens doors to the international arena, allowing me to participate in larger conventions and collaborate with well-known masters. Opportunities for partnerships with brands and manufacturers of tattoo equipment arise, which can provide access to new projects and support.
This victory is not only a confirmation of my mastery but also an inspiration for further growth and the achievement of new goals.
What else do you do besides tattooing?
- Besides tattooing, I am passionate about sports and a healthy lifestyle. I was previously a fitness trainer and nutritionist, and this area remains an important part of my life. I continue to actively engage in sports and monitor my health, which helps me maintain energy and inspiration for creativity.
We saw your project related to sports and a healthy lifestyle. Tell us about it.
- My project related to sports and a healthy lifestyle arose from my passion for fitness and nutrition. I graduated from a prestigious university in Moscow with a degree in integrative nutrition. Within this project, I helped many people improve their health and appearance.
I conducted individual and group training sessions, developed personalized nutrition and workout programs. My goal was to help people achieve harmony between body and spirit, improve their physical condition and overall well-being. The project included not only fitness training but also educational seminars and consultations on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
This activity gave me valuable skills and knowledge that I continue to apply in my current work.
Do you think tattooing helps gain self-confidence?
- Yes, I believe that tattooing helps gain self-confidence. When a client sees the result of my work and feels positive emotions, it really boosts their self-esteem and confidence.
What is most important for you in the career of a tattoo artist? What goals do you set for yourself?
- For me, the most important thing in the career of a tattoo artist is continuous development and striving to reach a global level. I believe that a key element of a successful tattoo career is not only improving skills and artistry but also the pursuit of recognition and respect in the global community of tattoo artists.
My goal is not to stop at what I have achieved but to constantly improve and expand my horizons. I want to create tattoos that will be recognizable and valued on the global stage, implement innovative approaches and technologies, and develop my own unique style.
Additionally, I strive for international recognition and collaboration with other talented artists and tattooists around the world.
Share your creative plans for the near future.
- My creative plans for the near future include touring America and creating unique tattoos for my clients. I also plan to actively participate in international tattoo conventions and exhibitions to promote my name and unique style in the global tattoo community.
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