Interview: Aneta on Dotwork, Storytelling, and Building Tattoos That Feel Alive

Before we jump in, quick context: Aneta is the artist behind my full backpiece, including the dragon design that runs all the way down, a mix of my original idea and her signature style. What I love about her work is how it can look soft and elegant up close, but still hit with real power from a distance. That’s exactly why I wanted to do a short interview with her for the blog.

Tattoo artist Aneta

And because tattoos and metal belong together, we also put together a Spotify playlist with metal songs related to tattoos, perfect to play while reading this interview:

1)

Niflheim Records:

Before I approached you about my tattoo, I was already impressed by your style, it feels soft and detailed, but also powerful. How did you develop your shading approach and the visual language that’s so recognizably “you”?

Aneta:

My style has developed over years of experimenting with detail and shading. Dotwork allows me to build depth and rhythm in every tattoo. Blacks and greys combined with bare skin work almost like sculpting with light and shadow. This combination I find elegant and timeless. Over time, people started recognizing my “visual language.” It became more than just a technique. For me, it’s a way of seeing the body, composition, and space, allowing me to convey emotions through form itself.

2)

Niflheim Records:

I had a clear concept in my head, but I couldn’t translate it into a drawing. After talking, you turned it into something real and added your own artistic touch. What’s your process for translating a client’s idea and emotions into a finished design?

Aneta:

I always start with a conversation. I try to understand the client’s story, vibe, and motivations. Sometimes these are memories, dreams, or symbols that are hard to put into words. Then I create sketches, merging their concept with my vision. I add gradients, details, and density, making the tattoo truly “come alive.” Every detail is thoughtful, cohesive, and yet dynamic and full of life. Meeting and brainstorming ideas is incredibly helpful, especially when a client has an idea but doesn’t know how to visualize it. That’s my role – these meetings cost nothing, except a little bit of time.

3)

Niflheim Records:

Is there a tattoo you’re especially proud of, and why? Not necessarily the most complex one, but the one that felt “perfect” when it was finished.

Aneta:

It’s hard to pick just one. Many pieces feel perfect in the moment of creation. I get completely immersed and enjoy the process of making something unique. I remember a few special sessions where everything aligned perfectly – composition, body flow, and details approved 100% by the client. In those moments, I felt the tattoo reflected my style and the client’s story, and honored the trust they placed in me. Looking back, I know that each new tattoo can be even better, as I analyze my work and see what I could have done differently. Yet this is the loop of a perfectionist, so I focus on enjoying the moment of tattooing itself, cherishing the feeling of creating a design that feels perfect right then. That feeling is irreplaceable. It’s not just about the final result, but the entire journey that leads to it.

4)

Niflheim Records:

The tattoo scene feels huge right now, you see everything from traditional tebori to futuristic styles at conventions. Where do you think the industry is going next? And do you think AI will affect the artist-client connection in a positive or negative way?

Aneta:

The industry is incredibly diverse now – from traditional tebori to experimental styles. In the future, we’ll see even more personalization and blending of styles. I believe the industry is moving toward highly individualized tattoos, where each piece reflects the client’s story, personality, and body in a unique way. AI is an endless source of inspiration. It can generate ideas quickly, help visualize concepts, and experiment with styles that might take hours to sketch manually. However, I see AI as a tool, not a replacement. I find the greatest joy in the process of drawing and working with a client.

True custom tattoo designs rely on the human touch – understanding the client’s story, adapting to the body, and interpreting emotions visually. The connection, intuition, and trust between artist and client are the foundation of meaningful, unique tattoos – things no algorithm can replicate. AI might speed up some stages or spark creativity, but it can’t replace the bond formed during collaboration, and the human element will always remain at the heart of custom tattooing.

5)

Niflheim Records:

Was there a moment in your career where you felt like giving up, and then something happened that changed everything? What did you learn from that phase?

Aneta:

Probably the beginning. I was moving from small pieces to larger projects, convincing clients to trust more complex designs. I had no experience with big tattoos, though I felt that was the path I wanted to take. Stepping out of my comfort zone was an invaluable lesson. It taught me that growth requires pushing boundaries, taking on new challenges, and experimenting. I was always certain that tattooing was for me, and despite the difficulties, it never crossed my mind to give up. This is a perfect example of how a dream can be turned into reality. I feel deeply that I am exactly where I’m meant to be as a tattoo artist, and that confidence shapes how I approach every project to this day.

6)

Niflheim Records:

The scene is more competitive than ever, which is great for clients but intense for artists. Does having a strong signature style feel like a “safe advantage”, or does it create pressure to keep evolving every day?

Aneta:

Having a strong, recognizable style gives an advantage – people come for something unique they can’t find elsewhere. At the same time, it’s a pressure to keep evolving and not repeat yourself. It’s a balance between stability and creative challenge that drives me to experiment and explore new ways of expressing myself in every project. Competition is huge. Today, being a tattoo artist isn’t enough. You also need to understand social media, video, and photography to reach audiences among so many talented people. Tattooing has become trendy, and many try their hand at it. Over time, however, real hard work reveals who will truly sustain themselves in the industry.

7)

Niflheim Records:

When someone sees one of your tattoos, what do you want them to feel immediately? Is there a mood, message, or “signature emotion” you’re always trying to create?

Aneta:

I want people to feel more than just the image. Emotions ranging from subtle elegance to bold intensity, tailored to each design. The tattoo should feel like a natural part of the body – as if it has always belonged there, perfectly fitting its shape, movement, and character. Every tattoo I create carries a unique atmosphere that I want the client and those who see it to feel immediately. This experience goes beyond the visual effect, allowing the tattoo to become an integral part of the wearer’s story and personality.

Follow Aneta

If you want to see more of Aneta’s work or contact her for projects, here are the best places to start:

• Instagram: @aneta.tattoo

• Booking / Contact: Here

Big thanks to Aneta for taking the time for this interview and for sharing her experience and thoughts so openly. I really appreciate it, not only as a client, but also as someone who loves the craft behind tattooing.

And to close this post properly: below you’ll find a picture of the tattoo I mentioned at the beginning, my full backpiece, including the dragon concept that we developed together, my original idea brought to life through Aneta’s signature style.