We talked to this Russian-born artist who works in Munich and amazes with her refined works. Find out more about this real “nature storyteller”.
![Sofia, tattoo artist, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-artist-@betstattoo-1-e1705852809270.jpg)
Sofia, did you always want to be a tattoo artist in life or did you come to this profession after other life experiences?
I never thought I’d become a tattoo artist and be lucky enough to find myself. I have a bachelor’s degree in translation but I knew I don’t want to translate for a living. So I worked as a SEO specialist and I liked it a lot, but I felt that there was something missing, something not right.
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-13.jpg)
I always drew as a hobby and loved tattoos, so one day I just realised that I should try tattooing… And it turned out to be something that really makes me happy!
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-12.jpg)
I know that your surname is ‘Lanbina’. So what are your origins? You have a very Italian-sounding name, you know?
(laughs) Well, I’m from Russia but I get what you mean. However, it’s read with the stress on the first “A” which makes it sound less Italian!
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-11.jpg)
They called you a “nature storyteller” even before you were a tattoo artist. Do you find yourself in this definition?
People who come to me with a tattoo idea often want a tattoo to represent some story, memory or person. I believe you can achieve that by creating a flower/plant/nature tattoo.
From the top of my head, whenever you’d like to get a tattoo representing a person, you don’t have to get their name tattooed.
You can rather make it less obvious and more interesting by assigning a flower for this specific person.
![Sofia, tattoo artist, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-artist-@betstattoo-2.jpg)
Why mainly flower subjects? I know that they represent 90% of your artistic universe…
I was influenced a lot by flowers, growing up. We always had flowers at home, so it’s just something that feels really familiar to me. Spending time in nature, I always did quick sketches of different plants in my sketchbook. All this made me feel very confident and at peace creating flower designs.
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-10.jpg)
I know that your technique involves freehand tattooing without the aid of any stencils. Is this a way of feeling more comfortable with your vision of art?
I’ve started using the freehand technique because it makes the experience truly personalized. I create designs right on the body considering the flow of that particular placement and the specifics of a particular person like birthmarks or scars.
Since there is no initial design, I come up with all the details right while tattooing which is my favourite part.
It helps me create a perfect tattoo and I love my clients for trusting me enough to let me do this for them!
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-9.jpg)
Your work is very delicate, ethereal, graceful that seem to almost touch the skin rather than tattoo it deep into the epidermis. Do you agree with me?
I agree. My tattoos look very delicate, it’s achieved by using a single needle and not only black but also grey tones. However, the ink goes deep enough into the dermis to heal perfectly. I share a lot of healed tattoos on my Instagram (IG: @betstattoo).
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-8.jpg)
Tell me about your private tattoo studio? It’s in Munich, right?
That’s right! I have a private studio in Munich where I work on my own. It has a very calm and welcoming atmosphere full of light and plants.
![Sofia, tattoo artist, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-artist-@betstattoo-4.jpg)
Do you listen to music when you tattoo? Do sounds and melodies help you to stay focused?
I always turn on some music at my studio, I like it to be in the background but I never listen to music in headphones while tattooing because this makes me feel disconnected with a client.
I like being present, knowing what’s going on around me and speaking to a client whenever I want.
I love music though, it plays a big part in my life. I mostly listen to rock, country and folk music. I have several favourite bands, some of them are All Time Low, Rise Against and Sum 41.
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-7.jpg)
And your last famous words are… ?
Chase your fears, guys – it’s so worth it!
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-5.jpg)
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-4.jpg)
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-3.jpg)
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-2.jpg)
![Tattoo by Sofia, @betstattoo](https://www.tattoolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sofia-tattoo-@betstattoo-1.jpg)