Meet Anna Berladyn

We recently connected with Anna Berladyn and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

It’s not always easy to stay creative, especially when work takes most of your energy. But I try to find moments that recharge me.

Art has always been my way to reconnect with myself. I love learning about artists, especially from the past. I’m not a fan of modern art trends — I’m more inspired by the lightness and freedom of Impressionism, and the smooth, flowing lines of Art Nouveau.

Music is another thing that keeps my imagination alive. Sometimes a line from a song can open a whole world in my mind. When the war in Ukraine began, I found a song that felt like it carried the ancient strength of our people. It inspired me to create two artworks that are still very personal and meaningful to me. I have many songs like this — they help me build complex and deep images.

And of course, nature and people. The way sunlight breaks through the leaves, or a quiet moment in a conversation — those things remind me to slow down and just feel.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a tattoo artist, painter, and jewelry maker from Ukraine, now based in the U.S. My creative journey started with fine art and historical reconstruction — I used to sew historical costumes and dance historical dances, and this love for history still inspires my work today. My background in fine art — I work with watercolor and oil painting, drawing is also one of the most important skills and these techniques influence my tattoo style.
In my tattoos, I try to bring the same feeling — creating not just an image, but a mood, a story, something deeply personal. I mostly work with private clients who are looking for meaningful, one-of-a-kind designs.

Right now, I’m focused on developing my own artistic voice, both in painting and tattooing. I continue to paint in watercolor and oil, exploring themes of nature, emotion, and human connection. I also plan to expand my tattoo practice by doing guest spots in Chicago and beyond.
My Ukrainian roots and the experiences of the war deeply influence my art — they remind me of the power of creativity to carry strength and hope.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think the most important things that shaped my journey were:
1. A strong foundation in fine art. The deeper and better your artistic base is, the easier it is to learn any new technique — whether it’s painting, tattooing, or something else. Understanding color, form, and composition gives you the freedom to create, not just copy.
2. Curiosity and continuous learning. I never stopped exploring — whether it’s learning about other artists, studying different art styles, or trying new materials. Staying curious keeps your work alive.
3. Emotional honesty in your art. For me, it’s important that my work reflects something real — my feelings, my story, or the story of the person I’m creating for. This honesty makes your work meaningful, and people can feel that.

My advice for someone starting out: build your artistic base first. Take the time to study classic art, learn the basics of drawing and painting — this will give you much more freedom in the future. And never stop learning — both technically and emotionally. Your style will come with time, but your foundation is what will carry you forward.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, my biggest challenge is building my own recognizable style — something unique and meaningful that clients will connect with and want specifically from me. The tattoo industry is very competitive, and I don’t want to get caught up in the race for clients by doing what everyone else is doing.

Instead, I’m focusing on creating work that is honest, high-quality, and personal. I believe that when your art has a soul and your approach to people is human and respectful, it naturally stands out.

I spend a lot of time developing my artistic voice — studying art history, exploring different styles, and reflecting on what feels true to me. It’s a slow process, but I know that building something real takes time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tattoo_berladyn