Luci and Lily are not only partners in life, but also in art. Together, they’ve built a creative space where realism and fine line meet in harmony, blending two distinct artistic voices under one roof.
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You run a studio together. What led you to this decision, and what core values does your studio stand for?
We opened our first studio in Romania because we wanted independence and the freedom to create a space that reflected our standards and artistic values. After moving to the UK over 10 years ago, opening our studio in Birmingham was the natural continuation of our journey.
Our studio has earned nominations as one of the best in 2024, 2025, and again this year. This recognition means a lot to us because it reflects not only artistic quality but also professionalism, hygiene standards, and client trust.
Our core values are quality, hygiene, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We believe a successful studio is not only about great tattoos, but also about creating a safe and welcoming environment.
Working as a couple in one studio can be unique — do you see it more as an advantage or a challenge? Have you faced any obstacles, and how do you handle them?
For us, it’s definitely an advantage. We’ve been working together for over 25 years, and art has always connected us. People often ask how we separate work from personal life, but the truth is we genuinely enjoy creating together. We respect each other’s creative space and trust each other’s judgement. Communication and mutual support are what make it work so naturally.
Any challenges we face are handled through open discussion and mutual support. Because we share the same vision and values, working together strengthens both our professional and personal relationship.
What do you like about being a tattoo artist and what do you find most challenging about your work?
We love the emotional connection we build with clients. Tattoos represent memories, milestones, and personal stories, and being trusted to create something permanent is a true honour.
The most challenging part is the responsibility and pressure to maintain precision and high standards. Every detail matters, and that responsibility keeps us focused and disciplined.
Luci Duroi
Can you please share your beginnings and your journey as tattoo artists?
Tattooing has been my life for 26 years, but my journey began long before that with a love for drawing as a child. Studying art taught me to see light, composition, and detail; skills I carry into every tattoo. Realism became my calling, a way to capture emotion and meaningful moments on skin. Over the years, my work has been recognised internationally and featured in newspapers and tattoo magazines, including a cover feature. Moving from Romania to the UK over 10 years ago allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and every step of this journey continues to shape my art.
You specialize in realism — what originally drew you to this style, and why did you choose it?
Realism allows me to capture emotion and depth in the most authentic way. I’m especially drawn to portraits, particularly baby portraits, because they preserve innocence and meaningful moments. The technical precision required in realism challenges me constantly, and I enjoy pushing myself to achieve lifelike detail and smooth transitions.
How do you approach the design process to achieve the best possible results for each tattoo — from the first idea to the final piece?
I start by listening carefully to the client’s story and understanding the emotion behind the tattoo. I study references in depth and carefully plan composition and lighting. During the session, I focus on precision and smooth shading to create realism that feels alive and timeless.
Is there a recent project you worked on that you’re especially proud of — and that was also challenging in a meaningful way?
Baby portraits remain some of my most meaningful work. Capturing subtle expressions and softness is technically demanding, but the emotional reaction from families makes every challenge worthwhile. These pieces are more than tattoos, they are preserved memories.
Tattooing is an industry that’s constantly evolving. What do you think has been the main driver of your personal and professional growth so far?
Consistency and passion have been my main drivers. Even after 26 years, I approach every tattoo as an opportunity to improve. Staying open to learning and adapting keeps my work evolving.
Do you have any exciting plans or upcoming projects you’d like to share?
We’re planning to attend tattoo conventions in the near future. Conventions offer an opportunity to showcase our work, connect with other artists, and continue challenging ourselves creatively.
We’re also exploring guest spots across Europe and beyond. After receiving studio nominations in recent years, we feel ready to expand our presence and continue evolving.
Lily Duroi
Can you please share your beginnings and your journey as tattoo artists?
Being part of the studio from the very beginning inspired my own path as a tattoo artist. After finishing university, I worked as an accountant, but when we opened our first studio in Romania, I transitioned into managing it. I spent many years alongside Luci as the studio manager, learning the business, understanding clients, and watching him create every day.
In 2018, I started tattooing myself, drawn by the shared passion that has always connected us: art. I specialise in fine line, dot work, and illustrative cartoon-inspired designs, creating delicate yet expressive tattoos that complement Luci’s realism. Art has always been part of our lives; we used to draw together long before tattoo machines came into the picture and now tattooing is another way we share that passion with our clients.
You specialize in fine line tattoos. What drew you to this style, and why did you choose to specialize in it?
I’ve always been drawn to clean lines and subtle details. Fine line and dot work require precision and balance, while cartoon and illustrative designs allow me to express creativity in a playful yet meaningful way. I love creating elegant tattoos that feel soft but still carry a strong personality. My style naturally complements Luci’s realism by offering contrast and delicacy.
How do you approach the design process to achieve the best possible results for each tattoo — from the first idea to the final piece?
Consultation is essential for me as well. I focus on understanding the client’s vision and refining the design digitally to ensure balance and flow with the body. Whether it’s fine line, dot work, or cartoon designs, precision and placement are crucial to achieving a clean, long lasting result.
Is there a recent project you worked on that you’re especially proud of — and that was also challenging in a meaningful way?
Recently, I completed a detailed fine line and dot work piece combining delicate florals with illustrative elements. Maintaining softness while ensuring longevity on the skin was challenging but achieving that balance was incredibly rewarding.
Tattooing is an industry that’s constantly evolving. What do you think has been the main driver of your personal and professional growth so far?
For me, growth came from stepping outside my comfort zone ,transitioning from accounting to managing a studio and then becoming a tattoo artist. Continuous learning, daily practice, and developing my own identity in fine line, dot work, and illustrative tattooing have shaped my growth.
And finally — how do you like to spend your free time outside of art and tattooing?
Outside the studio, art is still part of our daily lives. We love drawing together and exploring new creative ideas. Most importantly, we love spending time with our family ,we have two wonderful kids who keep us inspired and grounded.
We also enjoy traveling, discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives that bring fresh inspiration into our work.
