Ink Will Triumph: A Conversation with Veronika Minaeva
Credit: @ink.will.triumph
One of the many exciting ways in which Ottawa’s arts scene continues to grow is through our tattooing community. Across the city, the art of tattooing has blossomed through a network of talented artists and captivated clients who believe in ink’s ability to tell a story. Among the emerging creatives of this community is Veronika Minaeva – also known as @ink.will.triumph – who has found her home at the Sage Tattoo & Art Gallery in Nepean. I had the pleasure of chatting with the artist for Nosy Mag, and she dished on her rise to success and her unique approach to personalized creativity.
Veronika describes herself as a 33-year-old tattoo artist, illustrator, and mother of three young daughters. Her work falls under the umbrella of fine-line tattooing – a style that is increasingly gaining popularity for its softer shading and delicate approach to body modification. She specializes in floral designs and has already established a reputation for her intricate blooms. Among her most recent accomplishments are half-sleeve peonies swarmed by speckled hummingbirds and blackberries. Ribs across the city are adorned with gentle orchids and stems of lavender. She has also ventured into tattooing animal designs and boasts experience with anything from playful kitties to detailed seahorses.
Credit: @ink.will.triumph
When I ask Veronika how she has developed this artistic style, she explains that she is particularly drawn to florals for their beauty and delicate appearance. Through special care and attention to the details of nature, she is able to create a unique product for the customer that reflects this fascination. She explains that her favourite way to tattoo clients is through large freehand pieces, where she draws the designs right on the client’s body with a permanent marker. “I always try to add some flow to my designs to compliment the body shape of my clients,” she shares.
Veronika’s unique approach to the tattooing industry is displayed not only through her biophilic designs, but also in the tattooing environment that she maintains. Veronika offers her services to women only, and explains that there is safety in this decision. “I don’t feel safe and comfortable tattooing men and I know a lot of women who aren’t comfortable to be tattooed by men,” she shares. “I noticed that a lot of my clients aren’t comfortable being exposed to [men] while tattooing, so I’m trying to create a safe space for women.” Veronika explains that the consideration of women’s safety is an integral part of her work. “My booth can be completely closed from the sight of other people. I have heard from some of my clients that this option was the main reason they chose me as their tattoo artist.”
Credit: @ink.will.triumph
Another example of her devotion to her clients lies in the fact that she always shares the amount of time taken to complete a tattoo. This is information that many tattoo artists do not publicly divulge, so I asked Veronika to explain this decision. “I actually borrowed this idea from another artist,” she responds. “I do it for my clients so that they have a better idea of how long it would take to get a piece by me.” For the tattoo aficionados who have spent an unknown amount of hours shifting on a sweaty pleather seat, this gesture sounds rather considerate. These examples serve as reminders of Veronika’s dedication, and as indications that her approach to the industry is a gift to the city.
Credit: @tonydibphoto
Despite an expansive tattooing portfolio and a devoted base of clients, it has been only a couple of years since Veronika transitioned into the industry from her previous career in illustration. Since then, the Ottawa tattooing community has embraced her approach to body art and propelled her to success. Veronika first fell in love with tattooing after receiving a tattoo herself. When I asked the artist to explain how this experience motivated her, she was delighted to share how tattooing first made her feel. “The process looked so interesting and the result was so beautiful that I decided to try myself,” she explains. “All my family members supported me in this decision and from there I just dove right into tattooing! As I’ve always been drawing and painting, I just had to learn a few techniques and get used to a tattoo machine. Now, I’m really enjoying what I’m doing.”
Although her experience in illustration ensured a smoother transition into tattoo artistry, there are still learning curves. When I ask Veronika what she wishes she had known at the start of her tattooing journey, she responds with a smile: “I wish I knew how to tell the difference between good solid lines and ones that don’t have enough ink.” Since that time, Veronika has taken strides, but she makes it clear that there is so much still to learn. When I ask her about her artistic “bucket list”, she reveals several big goals for the future: “I want to improve my tattooing in general. I want to learn how to use negative space better, how to add more contrast and depth to my designs… [and] I really want to do more sleeves and large hip pieces.” She is also looking forward to expanding her repertoire of nature, noting that more animals, birds and rare flowers are next on her radar.
Credit: @tonydibphoto
In closing my conversation with Veronika, I am reminded of the purpose that tattooing serves and how sentimental a few marks of ink can be. Tattooing is a marker of one’s identity, a means of expressing culture and personality and of physically reaffirming the self. At a time when demonstrations of identity have been muffled and restricted to the home, the value that a tattoo provides may be all the more significant. Veronika’s alias feels fitting – through moments like these, ink will triumph.
While Ottawa’s tattooing industry has been hit once again with a COVID-induced shutdown, my conversation with Veronika leaves me confident that she will come back with a bang. Veronika’s warmth and passion are authentically part of her craft. If her rapid rise to success is any indication, this is only just the beginning.
Veronika Minaeva
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