The tattoo artist who works at the ‘Schutt & Asche Tattoo’ in Dresden is also an inspired illustrator who greatly admires Pixie Cold’s works and prefers to live her relationship with art outside the chaos and noise of everyday life.
Jennifer, can you tell us about yourself and your artistic journey so far?
I’ve been tattooing since 2019, but drawing and art have always been a big part of my life, especially nature-inspired motifs and portraits. Back in school, my older siblings and friends would often ask me to draw tattoo designs for them, and that’s when I realized I wanted to become a tattoo artist myself.
I loved the idea of creating something people would carry with them forever.
After school, I completed a three-year apprenticeship as a dental assistant before applying at ‘Inkerei Tattoo Studio’ (IG: @inkerei_tattoo_und_piercing) to learn tattooing. I worked there for 5 years before moving to ‘Schutt und Asche Tattoo Studio’ (IG: @schutt_und_asche_tattoo), where I currently work.
Besides getting tattoos, you also wear them: who was the artist behind your left sleeve, and what meaning did you want it to carry?”
My left sleeve was tattooed by Marco Gruschwitz (IG: @satanischepferde), who is also the owner of the studio (IG: @ schutt_und_asche_tattoo) I currently work at. I didn’t give him many specific ideas because I already loved his style so much. Basically I gave Marco Gruschwitz complete artistic freedom and trusted him to create whatever felt right to him, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Why a praying mantis holding a heart on your right arm?
The praying mantis on my right arm was done by Daria Stahp from Poland (IG: @dariastahp). I had been following her work for quite a while and always admired her art, so I approached it in a similar way and let her create something in her own style. I’ve always been drawn to nature-inspired motifs, so the praying mantis felt very fitting to me.
Can you tell us about your full-back piece?
My full-back piece was created by Mariñe Perez (IG: @marineperez). We started it in December 2025 and finished it this April at the ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention). Like with my other tattoos, I gave her a lot of creative freedom. The only thing I told her was that I feel very connected to nature and especially to forest-related motifs. She then designed this beautiful piece featuring a red deer, and I couldn’t be happier with it. Mariñe is such a kind and inspiring person, and I’m really grateful that I had the chance to meet her and her husband Bard (IG: @bardtjelta) – and now carry such an incredible piece of her work with me.
What does Fineline style mean to you?
For me, Fineline is all about precision, focus, and clean execution. I really enjoy the calm and controlled way of working that comes with Fineline.
How long has it become your signature style?
At the beginning of my journey, I was actually more drawn to Realism, especially because that’s what I used to draw a lot. Over time, I tried out different styles, but I quickly realized that I enjoy the exact and detailed nature of Fineline the most. It just felt like the right fit for me, both creatively and in the way I like to work.
Do you give equal importance to the illustration that proceeds the tattoo on the skin or do you sometimes like to improvise with the needle machine?
I usually start with a finished drawing that I work from during the tattoo. For me, the illustration is an important foundation that gives the piece its direction and structure. At the same time, especially with floral or botanical motifs, I sometimes prefer to work more intuitively and draw parts directly onto the skin.
In those moments I allow myself a bit of improvisation with shading or small details, depending on what feels right in the flow of the process.
Do you have a comfort zone that allows you to create more easily?
I feel most creative when I’m outside in nature. I spend a lot of time traveling with my partner in our camper, and my favourite moments are simply sitting outside and being surrounded by nature. That’s when I feel the most grounded and inspired. It’s less about noise or distractions, and more about being present and letting the environment influence my thoughts and ideas.
What is the name of your greatest living inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has always been Pixie Cold (IG: @pixie_cold), a German artist and illustrator. Pixie is the reason I started drawing in the first place, because I always admired her motifs and wanted to be able to create something similar myself. I’m still deeply inspired by her work today. She lives in a kind of “witch house” surrounded by nature and self-painted interiors, and she creates a lot of nature-inspired pieces. Every time I see new work from Pixie Cold, I feel inspired again and reminded of why I love creating art in the first place.
How do you feel about ‘Schutt & Asche Tattoo’ in Dresden?
For me, it feels like I’ve really arrived somewhere that feels like home. ‘Schutt & Asche Tattoo’ (IG: @ schutt_und_asche_tattoo) is like a small family, and I truly value everyone here. Being surrounded by so many creative people is incredibly inspiring. We also spend a lot of time together outside of work, with drawing or movie nights, which makes the whole atmosphere very connected and special to me.
If you had to describe yourself with a song, an album, a film, and a novel, who would it be Jennifer Leuschke?
If I had to describe myself with a song, it would be “Innerbloom” by Rüfüs Du Sol (IG: @rufusdusol), because it has this calm, immersive feeling that really matches the way I experience creativity. As an album, I would choose ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ by Billie Eilish (IG: @billieeilish) for its emotional depth and subtle intensity. For a film, I would say ‘Amélie – The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain’, as I connect with its quiet, creative way of seeing beauty in small, everyday moments. And as a book, I would choose ‘Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter’ by Astrid Lindgren, because of its sense of independence, freedom and strong connection to nature.
And your last famous words are… ?
Always create what feels right to you!
