An Inspired Chat with Lina Shuliar

Lina Shuliar shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m learning to step into a role I’ve been putting off for a long time—managing my own brand, social media, and advertising. I’ve always focused on creating meaningful art and connecting with clients through the tattoo itself. But now, I’m expanding—learning more about myself, my public persona, and how to express who I am beyond just the artwork.

I’m exploring new roles at tattoo conventions, showing more of myself both online and offline, and learning how to confidently handle the business side of things. It’s not easy, but I feel like many artists in the tattoo industry are going through something similar. We’re in an era where we need to evolve—step into stronger, more multifaceted versions of ourselves.

Last weekend in Richmond, Virginia, I had a sweet Uber driver—an older lady who asked me what I do for a living. I told her I’ve been tattooing for 15 years now, and she said, “Well, you must be good at it if you’ve been doing it that long.” That simple comment really made me reflect on my journey. I’ve faced so many challenges, always learning something new along the way.

Now feels like another turning point—a time to grow again, step forward into the new undiscovered world, such as ads , personal brand and marketing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey, I’m Lina—a tattoo artist with over 15 years of experience, currently working out of Miami. My style is heavily inspired by dark fantasy, folklore, games, anime, and gothic vibes. I love creating big custom pieces like sleeves and full back tattoos that feel personal and meaningful for each client.

My work is all about staying true to myself, celebrating individuality, and building real connections with the people I tattoo. Lately, I’ve been focusing on growing my presence—both online and offline—while also learning more about the business side of things. My husband (who’s also a tattooer) and I are working toward opening our own studio one day, a space where both artists and clients can feel inspired, comfortable, and truly seen.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I used to work as an art school teacher, teaching kids between the ages of 8 and 14 how to draw and build compositions. I also taught some sculpture classes. It was never meant to be a long-term thing—just a part-time job while I was studying—but I really enjoyed it. It was a fun and inspiring experience.

At the same time, I was in my first year of university, studying environmental design and architecture. That period taught me a lot, and I still draw from it today in my tattoo work. I’m especially grateful for the skills it gave me—like being able to freehand anything on large surfaces, understanding composition and perspective, and having a solid foundation in anatomy: bones, muscles, skin, all of it.

I’m also thankful for the professors who encouraged creativity, balance, and structure—who showed me that even wild ideas can have a place if you know how to shape them.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I hit a point where I just couldn’t keep tattooing the way I used to. I realized I no longer wanted to do bright, colorful pieces in Japanese, neo-traditional, or new school styles. Most of my work back then was full of happy, cartoonish characters with super saturated color palettes—and people really loved that side of my art. I got a lot of compliments on my color choices and how bold everything looked.

But one day, I looked through my recent portfolio and thought, “I can’t do this anymore. I’m done with this style.” I was completely burned out, and I knew I needed a change.

Around that time, I was traveling a lot through Europe, and those trips completely shifted my perspective. I discovered a whole new aesthetic—gothic, dark, mysterious, almost like a fairytale world—and it felt like home to me. I was deeply inspired by everything I saw, and I started drawing in that vibe just to see what would happen.

Now, everything I do is rooted in that transformation. My current work carries the energy of those travels and that moment when I finally allowed myself to evolve as an artist.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One cultural value I protect at all costs is authentic self-expression. Whether it’s in art, personal style, or storytelling, I believe in honoring individuality and staying true to who you are—especially in creative industries, where it’s easy to get lost in trends or expectations. I’ve gone through big changes in my own work, and each time I’ve followed what felt true to me, not what was popular or safe. I think that kind of honesty—rooted in culture, emotion, and personal evolution—is what gives art real power and meaning.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss the process itself—the trust we build, the shared creativity, and the connection that forms over time. Most of my projects are large and personal, so we spend a lot of time together. It’s not just about the tattoo—it’s about the journey we go on while creating it. For many of my clients, it becomes something deeper, almost like a friendship.

We laugh, we talk about life, we push through pain and celebrate progress. I think they’d miss that safe, inspiring space we create together—and honestly, I would too. I could see myself still wanting to stay in touch, maybe hosting little meetups or chats just to hear how they’re doing and how they’re feeling without our sessions.

And of course, I think they’d miss that final moment—when they look at the finished piece and truly see themselves in it. That spark in their eyes… I’d miss that most too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linalcfr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina.lcfr/