The global coronavirus pandemic has forced the whole world to slow down. It slowed down many areas, including tattooing, because most tattoo artists on the planet now do not have an opportunity to meet with their clients, but in the same time this temporary isolation stimulates the artistic development of the artists themselves.

But we perceive this situation as an opportunity to chat calmly with those who are always busy, who has a booking scheduled for months ahead, who are always on the road, with the most interesting and unique people.

Today, Ukrainian tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola has become such a person. Her works are real island of serenity, tenderness and bright colors, so loved by girls from all over the world.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

We have been following the development of Valeria’s creativity for a long time and now we can finally share our conversation with you.


Valeria, tell me a little about yourself and how you came to the style in which you are working now?

- When I started tattooing, I tried myself in different styles to understand what is closer to me. At first, I made more graphic drawings, then I experimented more and more and started trying to work with color. So I started to draw my first sketches with watercolors and realized that working with color specifically brings me unreal pleasure.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

Tell me a little about your work.

- I love to mix different shades and work with contrast. I started making very colored tattoos, but with a black outline. After some time, I realized that making a lines I look forward to when I take up the color. And I just thought: «What if I don’t do a black lines at all?».

And then everything changed for me, I began to make more contrasting drawings due to color and light, which made my tattoos more gentle, but at the same time bright. A little later I found my favorite palette of «cosmic» colors, which I work constantly and for which my work is loved and recognized.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

What makes your tattoos truly yours?

- I think that my style is rather difficult to classify: a lot of people use colors in their work, but far from everyone succeeds in successfully combining a childhood dream of magic, human thirst to conquer space, and impeccable quality in one tattoo. I do not start from a certain style and do not limit myself to frames.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

Where do you get inspiration?

- Nature is my inspiration, my starting point. I am driven by the search for original solutions, the desire to go beyond the boundaries of everyday life and create a unique project that has not yet happened. My work is a reflection of me. I do not limit the drawing, I do not draw a black lines. I play with color and form, flirt with nature, with the bends of the human body, creating a new and unknown. I give all of myself to every job and it resonates with people around the world.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

Share your plans for the future. Is there anything particularly interesting?

- Of course, I am in a constant process and looking for something new for myself.

I have a huge number of ideas for projects in my head, that are very different from what people now see. But since quarantine is now around the world, I, like everyone else, cannot work and travel. The world slowed down a bit before giving a new impetus, and now it is very important to change internally and reach a new level in work.

  Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine

In the future I really want to return to regular trips and expand the geography for my work, but it's too early to talk about it.

Now it is very important to focus on what sets you apart from the others and offer something completely new. Now is the time for big changes.

Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine Tattoo artist Valeria Yarmola, color watercolor tattoo | Kiev, Ukraine