She started by studying and performing realistic tattoos but today, in her studio in Lausanne (‘The Spiny Fox Tattoo’), Larisa has become an artist 100% esteemed for her style.
Hi Larisa, your art is truly sophisticated, and I imagine it wasn’t born overnight. Could you tell us about your journey so far in the world of tattooing?
My journey as a tattoo artist began in 2015, but my artistic roots stretch back to the year 2000, when I was just six years old. My mom, a true visionary, enrolled me in art school.
That first step led to another art school, then to art college, where I studied classical painting, visual arts, and academic drawing. Later, I pursued design at university. It was during my university years that I discovered the world of tattooing, and I immediately realized it was where I truly belonged. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
Your tattoo style doesn’t seem to belong to a specific category like Neo-Traditional, Color, or Botanical. It feels like you’re drawn to the elegance, grace, and power of color itself. What’s your take on that?
You’re absolutely right! My style is a blend of Realism and Neo-Traditional. The first significant part of my career was dedicated to Realism. However, after five years, I started exploring Neo-Traditional, which was just gaining popularity in Russia at the time.
Neo-Traditional fascinated me because of its artistic freedom: stylized objects framed with bold outlines, reminiscent of Alfons Mucha’s work, stole my heart.
Most importantly, the style allowed me to bend the rules, deform shapes, experiment with proportions, and let my imagination run wild. While Realism still influences my work, I proudly identify as a Neo-Traditionalist today.
Do you spend a lot of time selecting your colors?
My work is characterized by complex, muted tones – sometimes even muddy shades – drawn from the natural world. For example, I’ll often notice a rusty brick next to olive-tinted dirt and dry grass, which translates into an ideal analogous triad from Johannes Itten’s color wheel (a Swiss painter and a pioneer in color theory. Ed).
I rarely use premixed colors straight from the bottle. I blend them as I work (each shade is typically a mix of 2–3 colors) but sometimes up to 5–6. If I like a particular combination, I note the proportions for future projects. I’d say I’m constantly searching and experimenting with color.
Can you tell us about your studio, ‘The Spiny Fox Tattoo,’ in Lausanne? What can clients expect when they visit you?
‘The Spiny Fox Tattoo’ (IG: @thespinyfox) is a project born out of spontaneity. My husband, Michael (IG: @the__para__dox), and I were initially planning to move to Asia last summer, but life had other plans, and we ended up opening our studio in Lausanne instead. Michael is the heart, brain, and backbone of this place. He takes care of everything – promotion, guest artist organization, client management, and all administrative work – leaving me free to focus on drawing and tattooing.
Tell me something more about your Swiss location…
Our cozy yet modern studio (IG: @thespinyfox) is located in the heart of Lausanne, Switzerland. It’s a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels at home. We have five tattoo beds and are currently looking for two more resident artists to join our team. Additionally, we’re always on the lookout for guest artists to share knowledge and experiences with.
What’s your favorite song or music to listen to when you draw or tattoo?
Since becoming a mom (my son is two years old), I’ve developed a deep appreciation for silence – every parent will understand this! (laughs)
When I’m designing, silence is my go-to.
But while tattooing, I love listening to audiobooks, particularly Russian classics in several volumes or educational podcasts. That said, no matter what, Placebo (IG: @placeboworld) will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you could meet a big name in tattooing (past or present), who would it be, and what would you ask them?
Without a doubt, it would be Hannah Flowers (IG: @hannahflowers_art). I’m absolutely in awe of her creativity and work ethic. I don’t have a specific question in mind for Hannah Flowers; I’d just love to hear about her daily routines, her artistic journey, and the stories behind her tattoos. But honestly, the real question is… why have you never answered my emails? (laughs)
What’s the biggest challenge you plan to set for yourself in 2025?
I’m the queen of challenges and goal-setting – it’s practically my hobby! Right now, I’m busy working on a few, but one of the biggest goals for 2025 is to participate in major tattoo conventions.
And your last famous words are…?
1% talent, 99% perseverance and hard work.
