Can you please start by introducing yourself and telling us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
I’m Maya Lanska, a traveling artist whose journey into tattooing was quite unconventional. I spent several years working as a professional life drawing model in art schools and private studios, which gave me a front-row seat to the creative process. After each class, I would go home and try to mimic and understand what the teachers had taught through my own practice, experimenting with the same techniques of anatomy, form, and light that I had just seen being discussed.
Tattooing has been a dream of mine since I was about 17 or 18 years old; I’ve always loved the art form. Even as I pursued a B.Sc. and was accepted for a Master’s in Neuroscience, my independent art practice remained my anchor. Ultimately, I realized my heart was in the studio rather than the lab, so I chose to leave academia to fully commit to my dream of becoming a tattoo artist and painter, choosing the art world over the laboratory.
You specialize in blackwork — how would you describe your style, and what first drew you to it?
I describe my style as inspired by charcoal and sketchbook aesthetics. What first drew me to this way of working is how it truly feels like creating an artwork on the skin. It feels ‘free’ and less rigid; it allows for a certain flow and atmosphere that feels more organic.
That sense of freedom comes with a high demand for detail and precision. I focus on textures that mimic charcoal or graphite to give the pieces a specific vibe and depth. It allows me to create pieces that flow naturally with the body, making the art fit perfectly on any area while feeling like a living part of the person.
Microrealism requires a strong focus on detail, precision, and fine lines. What helps you the most when creating such delicate and technically demanding work?
Creating small pieces with high levels of detail actually requires a lot of time and patience. Because of that, I rely on music and podcasts to keep me ‘in the zone’ throughout the session; it creates a focus bubble that allows me to stay precise for hours.
I’ve always naturally gravitated toward intricate work, so while the process is technically demanding, it doesn’t feel like a chore. I genuinely enjoy the process of creating details and the satisfaction of seeing the piece come together.
How do you approach the design process to balance your artistic vision with your clients’ ideas?
I see every tattoo as a collaboration. It starts with a conversation where the client shares the story behind their idea and shows me reference photos of what they want to achieve. From there, I create a design that translates their ideas into ‘tattoo language.’ This means taking their vision and figuring out what will work best on their body in terms of flow and composition, while ensuring the design stays true to the client’s original idea and budget.
Are there any other forms of art that you pursue besides tattooing?
Beyond tattooing, I am deeply involved in oil painting, as well as charcoal and pencil drawing.
I love learning new skills and trying out different materials and mediums. For me, it’s all about the exploration—I’m always looking for new ways to express my vision and keep my creative process fresh.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of tattooing?
Outside of work, traveling is a huge part of my life; I love the freedom of being on the road and just experiencing how life feels in different parts of the world. When I need to recharge and find new inspiration, I head straight for nature—it’s where I go to ground myself. I’m also a big fan of the scene; I love going to techno and psytrance raves. It’s my favorite way to just dance and get completely lost in the music, which is the perfect release after a long week of intense focus.
Do you have any special or exciting plans in the near future?
I’ve spent a wonderful amount of time traveling across Australia and New Zealand, but I’m now settled in Germany for the next chapter. I’m excited to share that I’ll be spending 2026 in the Dresden and Berlin area! I’m looking forward to becoming part of the local scene here, meeting new clients, and continuing to grow my style in such a creative environment.
Author Lenka Banyarova, published May 6th 2026