Award-winning tattoo artist Natasha Lisova, more famously known as Natasha Animal, creates incredibly realistic colourful tattoo art based on her favourite subject – animals!

Primarily working from NBK Tattoo in Düsseldorf, Germany, she creates tattoos that combine realism with expressive elements for pieces that are a harmonious blend of body and art.

We spoke to Natasha about how she started her tattoo journey, who inspired and encouraged her, and the dedication and work she has put in landing a sponsorship with World Famous Ink!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a child, I always aspired to become an artist. Growing up in a creative household significantly influenced my ambitions. My father, a movie director, and my mother, a costume designer, filled our home with artistic influences from the world of movie making and theatre.

This environment sparked my interest in the arts from a young age. Initially, I enrolled in an art college to study stage makeup, inspired by the creative people around me. However, my path eventually led me to the fascinating world of tattooing, where I found my true calling.

Who helped you or inspired you the most at the beginning of your career?

My journey into the world of tattooing began when I was 17, during my second year at a theatre and art college. I was surrounded by creative individuals who were just starting their tattoo artistry. The non-conformist style, vibrant hair colours, and artistic expressions of my peers deeply influenced me.

I was lucky to have the support and encouragement of my family and friends, especially those in the creative field. This was instrumental in shaping my early career.

And then my first tattoo was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a passion that would define my career.   

How do you describe your tattoo art style?

My tattoo art style is a unique blend of realism and expressive elements. From the beginning of my tattoo journey, I was captivated by the magic of realism, which felt like a natural fit for my artistic spirit.

I particularly enjoy creating tattoos of animals, capturing their intricate details and unique personalities. My style evolved significantly when many of my clients requested animal-themed tattoos. This specialisation allowed me to develop a distinct approach, integrating human anatomy and artistic elements harmoniously. The result is a style that combines realistic depiction with a creative touch, making each piece a harmonious blend of body and art.

How do you think your art has developed since you started?

Since I started, my art has developed significantly in terms of technique and complexity. Initially, my focus was on mastering realism and capturing the essence of my subjects, particularly animals.

Over the years, I have experimented with various styles and approaches, refining my skills and expanding my artistic repertoire. My work has become more detailed and vibrant, incorporating a broader range of elements and compositions. Each project is an opportunity to learn and grow, pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve artistically.

What studios do you work in and where?

I primarily work from a studio in Düsseldorf, Germany named NBK Tattoo, where I work with my Russian artist friends, who help maintain an artistic atmosphere and inspire me a lot. This city has become my home and a source of endless inspiration over the past two years. The creative atmosphere of Düsseldorf has profoundly influenced my work, providing a conducive environment for artistic growth.

Although my main base is in Düsseldorf, I frequently travel for guest spots and conventions around the world, which allows me to connect with a diverse range of clients and artists.

 Where do you find tattoo inspiration?

I find inspiration in nature, music, and everyday life. Observing animals in their natural habitats, listening to music, and exploring new places all contribute to my creative process.

Music, in particular, plays a significant role in my artistic journey. Each painting or tattoo is often inspired by a specific song or album, translating the emotions and feelings evoked by the music onto the canvas or skin. Additionally, interacting with clients and understanding their stories and passions helps me create personalised and meaningful designs.

Do you prefer creating images of pets, or wild animals?

While I appreciate the connection people have with their pets, I am currently stepping away from working on pet tattoos. I see more artistic freedom and opportunities to develop my art in creating tattoos of wild animals.

Wild animals offer a broader canvas for creativity and complexity, aligning more with my artistic goals. This shift allows me to explore new techniques and styles, keeping my work fresh and innovative. When you work with pets, the work is quite limited in terms of how you can express yourself. With wild animals I can be somewhat wild myself, which removes limitations from my art and allows me to create more interesting projects that look interesting on skin.

How do you design your large composition pieces?

Designing large composition pieces involves careful planning and collaboration with the client. I start by understanding the client's vision and the story they want to convey. Then, I create detailed sketches, considering factors such as placement, flow, and colour schemes. Each element is meticulously planned to ensure a cohesive and visually striking final piece. This process often includes experimenting with non-standard placements and compositions, which is something I also explore in my paintings.

Have you won any awards you’d like to tell us about?

Yes, I have been fortunate to receive several awards at various tattoo conventions and festivals. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I put into my craft.

One of the most memorable aspects of these awards is the recognition from fellow artists whom I admire. Being acknowledged by such talented peers is incredibly gratifying and motivating. It’s an amazing feeling when an artist you look up to takes notice of your work and wants to engage with you.

While winning awards and trophies is significant, the emotional recognition from respected artists holds a special place for me.

What is your favourite tattoo that you’ve done in the last year?

After attending art classes this year, I got very inspired to create a human portrait for a tattoo. The reason is - I wanted to create something emotional. With animals it’s often hard to share a certain emotion in a detailed way. Human portraits allow you to be more expressive and melancholic. In that work, I was able to show the true emotion and channel what people are seeing when they’re looking at my project.

How did you secure your World Famous Ink sponsorship?

Securing the World Famous Ink sponsorship was a significant milestone in my career. It came about through years of hard work and dedication. My active participation in international conventions and honing my style caught the attention of World Famous Ink, leading to this exciting partnership. I’m incredibly grateful that World Famous decided to work with me. This sponsorship not only validates my efforts but also provides me with the resources and support to continue pushing the boundaries of my art.

Why is it important to show healed photos of your work?

Showing healed photos of my work is crucial because it provides clients with an accurate representation of the tattoo's longevity and quality. Fresh tattoos can look very different from healed ones, so it's important to demonstrate how the colours and details settle over time. This transparency helps build trust with clients and sets realistic expectations. Additionally, it showcases my commitment to quality and the enduring beauty of my tattoos.

What advice do you give your clients about aftercare and healing?

I always emphasise the importance of proper aftercare to my clients. This includes keeping the tattoo clean and moisturised, avoiding direct sunlight, and refraining from picking at scabs.

Following these guidelines ensures optimal healing and helps maintain the vibrancy and detail of the tattoo. I provide my clients with a detailed aftercare package, including written instructions and necessary products to ensure their tattoo heals beautifully. I also make sure to remind the clients to stay in touch with me during the healing process and not be afraid to ask questions if they are unsure or concerned about something. I make sure to include the care products free of charge, so that the client can have the most high-quality products without the need to go to a pharmacy and look for remedies on their own.

Which tattoo artists are doing amazing work right now?

There are so many talented artists in the industry right now. Some of the artists I admire include Hugo Feist, Alex Sorsa, Oxi.Tattoo, Lukas Smyku, but obviously there are hundreds of other amazing artists who I haven’t listed here simply because it would take too long, but I’m very happy to see all the different talents in our field.

Each of these artists brings something special to the table, continuously pushing the boundaries of tattoo art. Collaborating with other artists, like Waler Montero, also provides an opportunity to learn and grow, creating works that combine our strengths and creativity.

How do you get in the zone for tattooing?

To get in the zone for tattooing, I like to create a calm and focused environment. Listening to music that inspires me is a big part of this process. Music helps me connect with my emotions and channel them into my work. Additionally, taking a few moments to visualise the design and mentally prepare before starting a session helps me achieve the best results. This routine allows me to fully immerse myself in the creative process, ensuring each tattoo is crafted with precision and passion.

Do you make any other art outside of tattooing?

Yes, I do. I love to paint, and it provides me with a different way to express myself. Painting helps me get out of the box that tattoos might enforce on me. For example, with paintings, I can experiment with non-standard placements or compositions without worrying about how the final result will look on a specific body part.

This freedom allows me to work with more elements and control the viewer's perspective. Additionally, painting allows me to channel the emotions and inspiration I derive from music, creating works that are deeply personal and expressive.

How many tattoos do you have, and which is your favourite?

I have several tattoos, each with its own unique meaning and story. However, one of the most meaningful ones is the sleeve I got from Sandra Daukshta. When I was looking for a tattoo for myself, I found Sandra and felt like her outlook on art was very similar to mine. I was able to connect with her and fully trust the project, knowing she would create something that I’d be happy to wear on my body proudly.

Do you have any conventions or guest spots lined up for 2024?

In the next six months, I am planning to take a step back from conventions to rest and recharge my artistic battery. However, I do plan to return to the convention scene in 2025.

Once I am fully rested, I look forward to participating in international conventions and guest spots, sharing my art with people around the world once again. Düsseldorf will remain my main base, but I will continue to explore new opportunities and collaborations.

What do you enjoy doing outside of tattooing?

Outside of tattooing, I enjoy spending time in nature, spending time with my loved ones, painting, and listening to music. These activities help me relax and find inspiration.

I also love travelling, as it allows me to experience new cultures and draw inspiration from different environments and perspectives. These experiences not only enrich my life but also feed into my artistic practice, keeping my creativity vibrant and evolving.

What does the future hold for Natasha Animal?

The future holds many exciting possibilities for me. I plan to continue evolving as an artist, exploring new techniques and styles in both tattooing and painting. After taking a short break from conventions to rest and recharge my artistic battery, I will return to the convention circuit with renewed energy and creativity.

I am also looking forward to further developing my online and offline courses for tattoo artists, sharing my knowledge and passion with others. Ultimately, I aim to create meaningful and impactful art that resonates with people and brings joy and inspiration to their lives.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our catch-up with Natasha! Make sure to check out her incredible work on Instagram or Facebook, or book in at NBK Tattoo to be the proud owner of an original Natasha Animal art piece!