Bold, versatile, and anything but typical: Today, we’re proud to spotlight Dominika, aka @domi_inks, a visionary tattoo artist from Poland, now based in Calgary, Canada. With a background in chemical engineering and a former career as a pro volleyball player, her path led her against all odds into tattooing, a journey meant to be for the artist. Dominika has developed a striking style of abstract, captivating illusions – fluid, surreal compositions made of dots, lines, masterfully using negative space and creating intricate compositions. Her visceral work blurs the line between sculptural approaches, digital aesthetics and trippy compositions, bending the possibilities of style and imagination.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hey! My name is Dominika, known as @domi_inks on Instagram. I’m a 33-year-old Polish tattoo artist living and working in Canada. By trade, I’m an engineer with a master’s degree in chemical engineering, and I used to play professional volleyball in Europe. I love experimenting with tattoos and have developed my own unique style, creating optical illusions that simulate images using dots or circular lines. Besides tattooing, I’m passionate about the outdoors and sports. I’m an avid hiker (maybe a bit too much!) – in 2023, I hiked the Pacific Coast Trail, a 4,300km (2650 miles) journey from Mexico to Canada. I also enjoy snowboarding and kiteboarding. Nature is my way to recharge and take a mental break from work.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My parents, who were artists, introduced me to art, and I think the idea of creating art ON a person was magical to me. I got my first tattoo at the age of 25, and I was fascinated by the process itself and the medium. I got my first tattoo during a spontaneous backpacking trip to Mexico in 2017. I loved the creative part and the whole process. My tattoo artist was really cool, and just hearing her talk about it was inspiring.
How and when did you start tattooing?
It’s a tricky question. I first touched a machine in 2018, a typical case of trying out on friends. At the time, I had a full-time job as a chemical engineer, working for a crown corporation. The idea of quitting and starting something entirely new and different seemed crazy, so I didn’t take tattooing seriously back then. I encountered my first shop in 2019 and would visit after hours, teaching myself and figuring things out. In 2021, I found a professional shop with talented artists who could mentor me. I quit my engineering job and started tattooing full-time in July 2021. I put in a lot of effort to learn and improve every day. It was a scary decision, but it’s been the best one I’ve ever made. I’m still relatively new to tattooing, but…
Where are you based?
I’m all over the place, but my home base is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada – just an hour away from the beautiful Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. I also love to travel all over Canada and the world for conventions!
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Canada these days?
In my opinion, the Canadian tattoo scene is more focused on American traditional and Japanese styles. I think Canada is a bit behind the European tattoo scene, likely due to our smaller community and fewer artists in such a vast country. However, it’s awesome to see new artists and immigrants bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to Canada, and I believe the industry is really growing here.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I’ve developed my own style through experimentation over the years; it’s an abstract, surrealistic aesthetic with a mix of mediums. I enjoy being different, and somehow, I’ve created my own unique thing. You have to see it to understand: it’s an abstract/optical illusion where I create images from lines or dots that vary in size and spacing, giving the illusion of smooth tones when viewed from a distance. People often compare my style to a ripple effect or fingerprints (though they’re not!)
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
Anything trippy and different gets me excited! I love tattooing human portraits and animals. I’m fascinated by the human body, faces, and eyes, which is definitely reflected in my work. While I mostly do black and grey tattoos, I’ve been working on developing my color skills and would love to incorporate more color into my art. I enjoy meeting my clients’ expectations and adding my own twist to their ideas.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I’m inspired by the human body, fiction, and the depiction of women, particularly in fine arts, sculpture, and other forms of creative expression.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Finding a balance between work and life is key. I struggle to stop working, as there’s always something to do, whether it’s tattooing, drawing, seeking inspiration, brainstorming, communicating with clients, scheduling consultations, responding to messages, editing photos, or managing social media. I also have a hard time saying “no” to conventions and missing out on seeing industry friends.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Getting to do what I absolutely love and getting paid for it is amazing. Seeing clients satisfied with their projects and creating something beautiful that boosts their self-confidence and makes them feel better is incredibly rewarding. I also think it’s special how close we get with our clients – they let us into their vulnerable space and trust us, often opening up in the process. For me, building connections with clients is a highlight. I’m excited to hang out, get to know them, and share in their journey. It’s a truly special bond.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I absolutely love conventions! Since 2021, I’ve attended nearly 20 conventions in Canada and worldwide, and I find them to be my favorite part of tattooing. I enjoy seeing industry friends from around the globe, getting inspired, and receiving a creative boost from them. I also appreciate the competitive aspect, I always learn something new and meet amazing people. Conventions recharge my batteries in a weird way, and I’m a social butterfly, so it’s a perfect fit for me.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, definitely. The first convention I attended as a visitor was in 2018, when I wasn’t even tattooing yet. I was blown away by the talented artists (many of whom are friends now) and their work, it was incredibly inspiring. Four years later, I attended the same convention as an artist and had a great experience. Then, in 2023, I took home two first-place awards like Best Portrait and Best Small Black and Grey at a smaller convention in Regina, Saskatchewan, where I was living at the time.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
For me, it’s about connecting with fellow artists, exchanging experiences, learning from each other, and making valuable connections for the future. I also thrive in a room full of creative souls, and it’s incredibly inspiring! Plus, I love meeting potential clients who appreciate my work and bouncing ideas off me. The challenge of meeting their expectations is something I really enjoy.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
This year’s World of Ink in Poland was amazing! With 600 artists from 60 countries, the talent was mind-blowing so many incredibly skilled people in one place. What struck me was how down-to-earth everyone was, no egos, no gatekeeping, just a willingness to share knowledge and experience. I made some fantastic connections, and it’s a convention that holds a special place in my heart since it’s in my home country. My mom and friends could even come and watch me tattoo, which was wonderful. Winning an award in the abstract category was a huge highlight, and it’s the biggest achievement in my career so far. That being said, I also adore smaller conventions with up to 80 artists. It feels like a family gathering, where you can easily connect with others and feel like you’re tattooing alongside 80 friends in one room. It’s so much fun!
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
It may sound like a dream, but this industry isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. You’ll put in years of hard work, often for free, honing your craft and drawing constantly. So, it’s essential to genuinely love drawing! Tattooing isn’t a 9-to-5 gig; it’s a 24/7 commitment that requires self-motivation. You’re always working or thinking about work, whether it’s planning tattoos, communicating with clients, editing photos, or investing in courses and workshops. Breaking into the industry and staying busy can be tough due to the saturation, and it’s stressful meeting client expectations, building trust, finding new clients, and staying driven while maintaining your passion. I believe it takes a special person to become a tattoo artist. Additionally, being social is crucial, as building relationships with clients is a huge part of the job.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire humble people with no ego in this industry. I’ve been fortunate to work with renowned tattoo shops and artists, and what impresses me most are those who are down-to-earth, supportive, and genuinely want to see others grow. I’m drawn to driven individuals who are always eager to learn and improve, never becoming complacent even when they’re busy. Most importantly, I appreciate artists who respect their clients, without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
For me, it’s about building strong relationships within the community and having clients who love my style. That being said, I’m always open to exploring new projects and styles, I take walk-ins whenever I’m available and enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Awards are a great motivator, and winning at World of Ink in the abstract category was particularly meaningful. Each award, of which I have around 10, feels like a milestone that motivates me to keep innovating and breaking my own boundaries.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
When it comes to other forms of art, I love drawing (of course!) and painting. I’m particularly fascinated by street art, and I’ve started working on a few murals on my own. Painting on a large scale, especially with spray paint, is a different vibe and it’s really challenging for me in a good way.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I’d love to attend more international conventions and participate in guest spots around the world. I’m also a big fan of collaborations, they’re a great way to learn from others, build friendships, and create something new. I’d definitely love to do more of these in the future!
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I’m incredibly grateful to all my clients who have trusted me and given me creative freedom over the years – without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m also thankful to the tattoo community as a whole; it’s amazing to see everyone growing and creating together, and it’s so inspiring. I’m excited to see what the future holds and what the next few years will bring.
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