Asya Teryaeva is a tattoo artist specializing in fine line black and grey floral tattoos. Based in Düsseldorf, her style is characterized by the lightness of her lines, the delicacy of her shading, and her ability to adapt each design to the body’s anatomy. Most importantly, her signature lies in the botanical subjects she chooses, creating tattoos that, like true pieces of jewelry, enhance the wearer’s body and stand the test of time.
How did you start your journey in the tattoo industry?
I’ve been drawing since I was a child, but I never saw myself as a traditional fine artist who exhibits their work. Still, I knew I wanted my profession to be connected with art. It was around the time the fine line style started to emerge, and I simply decided to give it a try. I had a lot of support from my friends, who encouraged me to go for it. I found a studio where I could learn, and that’s how it all started.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when entering this profession?
When I started, there wasn’t much information available about the fine line style, so I had to learn everything through trial and error. Artists who are starting out today are really lucky—they can learn from the best through online courses or one-on-one masterclasses, which simply didn’t exist eight years ago when I was beginning.
Your tattoo style is very distinctive—black and grey floral tattoos with delicate shading. What drew you to this aesthetic?
When the fine line style started to develop, it caught my attention right away. I’ve always loved drawing with a pencil or black pen. Even during art school, I was never really drawn to painting with color.
The black and grey technique has always felt natural to me, and of course, that strongly influenced my style.
Why did you choose to focus on floral tattoos?
I think floral tattoos are timeless. They don’t necessarily need to have a deep meaning—though of course, tattoos often gain meaning because of the moment in life when we get them. But beyond that, I just think they’re beautiful on the body—like a piece of jewelry.
When I started, I experimented with different themes in my work, but I noticed that floral tattoos had the most emotional impact on my clients, who are mostly women. It’s amazing to see how a tattoo can make someone feel better, happier, or more confident. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
How do you approach designing a floral tattoo while keeping it unique for each client?
My process is highly collaborative—I use freehand technique to create the design. This allows me to adapt each piece to the client’s body shape, ensuring a natural flow and perfect fit. I always take time to understand the client’s anatomy and preferences. For me, tattooing isn’t just about placing an image on the skin—it’s about creating something that feels right for that person.
Do you take inspiration from botanical illustrations or other artistic references when designing your tattoos?
Most of the time I use my own photography of plants and flowers to study their natural forms. This allows me to capture the nuances of shape and texture. Client-provided photos are also valuable sources of inspiration. Ultimately, I aim for a balanced design.
I want my tattoos to feel natural and elegant—detailed, but not overwhelming.
You travel a lot. How does that influence your work?
I’d say that traveling is a part of my work. I’ve always dreamed of having a job where travel was essential, so once my work started gaining international demand, it really felt like a dream come true. My career has taken me from St. Petersburg to studios across Europe and the USA, and I couldn’t be happier about having such a global presence. Traveling inspires me deeply and keeps my creative energy alive.
What are your future goals and projects in the tattoo industry?
I’d love to continue pushing the boundaries of floral tattooing. Whether I’m creating a full sleeve or a single delicate bloom, my goal is always the same—to bring nature to life in ink in a way that flows beautifully with the body.
As for future projects, I’ve noticed that there are very few events or spaces that specifically focus on fine line tattooing—like conventions or workshops. I think it would be really interesting to organize something like that with fellow artists, specifically tailored to the fine line tattoo community.
