We were lucky to catch up with Anna Koltun recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anna, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Since I was a child, I was always creative — drawing was my safe space, my way to express emotions I couldn’t put into words. I begged my mom to let me study art, but we couldn’t afford it. Instead, I got into journalism on a government scholarship, even though I never wanted to work in that field. I nearly dropped out during my final year.
That was when tattooing came into my life — completely unexpectedly. Most of my childhood friends were boys, and we’d often hang out in garages drinking beer. One night, a friend brought a cheap tattoo kit from China, and we all started experimenting. I was terrified, but I was also captivated.
I had always lacked confidence. Becoming a tattoo artist felt like a distant, unrealistic dream. But friends encouraged me, so I got my first job as a waitress, saved up, bought a machine, and started tattooing my friends at home. My family thought it was just a phase, a hobby at best. But for me, it was love. And I couldn’t stop.
That was eight years ago.
Four years later, I traveled to Germany and did my first guest spot. I remember the day I earned 400€ — the same as my monthly salary back home. It blew my mind. For the first time, I saw the value of my art. Still, back in Ukraine, I had to juggle multiple jobs to survive. Tattoos were cheap, and living off them alone was nearly impossible.
I stayed in Germany for almost three years — then I felt it again: the need for growth. I wanted more. I dreamed of going to the U.S., but unlike my friends who moved with partners, I had to go alone. It was the hardest, scariest decision of my life. But now, I can say with pride: it was also the best.
Here in America, everything changed. My growth accelerated. I feel alive, inspired, and free. Tattooing isn’t just my job — it’s my purpose. I wake up every day excited to work. I love my clients, I love the process, I love creating something meaningful and unique.
This profession gave me freedom, movement, opportunities I never dreamed of. And no matter how hard the road was, I wouldn’t change a thing. Choosing tattooing was the best decision I ever made.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
When I first started tattooing in Ukraine, I worked alongside traditional artists who often pushed me toward old school designs. But I always felt drawn to something softer, more delicate. At the time — about eight years ago — we didn’t have wireless machines, and it was nearly impossible to achieve fine lines with the tools available.
Later, when I moved to Germany, I focused on minimalist tattoos. That period helped me sharpen my technique — I would often work for a month straight without a single day off, sometimes seeing 6 to 8 clients a day. It was intense, but it taught me precision, discipline, and deep respect for the craft.
I’d say I truly started finding my own style here in the U.S. Lately, I’ve been most focused on floral freehand work. It’s become my signature. I love drawing directly on the skin — the body becomes the canvas, and the design flows with it. For me, it’s like a form of magic: I never fully know what the final result will be when I start. I just follow the feeling.
What makes this process even more special is the trust my clients give me. Freehand is risky — there’s no stencil, no clear preview. It requires full trust. That kind of energy fuels me. It pushes me to create something truly unique and beautiful every single time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been discipline, passion, and self-belief.
Discipline is everything. It’s what keeps you going on the days when motivation fades. Passion is what lights the fire — you truly have to love what you do. When I started, I was so excited just to be tattooing that I would’ve done it for free — and honestly, sometimes I still would. That’s how much I love this craft.
My advice to anyone just starting out is: practice as much as you can. Don’t expect to find your style or become a pro overnight. It takes time, and it’s supposed to — the journey itself is what shapes you. Enjoy it.
And above all, believe in yourself. Even when no one else does. Especially then.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I often find myself feeling overwhelmed — I tend to take on too many things at once. What helps me most is allowing myself to rest. My biggest advice: take breaks, and don’t be afraid to delegate. Yes, it can be expensive sometimes, but it’s an investment in your well-being.
Don’t expect yourself to carry more than you can handle. We’re all human — burnout is real, and it’s okay. The most important thing is not to give up, but to pause, recharge, and keep moving forward in small, steady steps.
Personally, nature helps me reset. Traveling and changing my environment gives me new energy, and spending time with inspiring people reminds me of my purpose. Even a short conversation can bring motivation and clarity back into my day.
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Image Credits
All images by me:)
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