With over two decades of experience, Lanni James has made a name for herself of the German tattoo scene. From the moment she first stepped into a tattoo studio at 17, she was captivated by the art form’s transformative power. Today, she specializes in realism, surrealism, geometric compositions, heavy black work, and Nordic-inspired designs, carefully tailoring each piece to reflect her clients’ stories and emotions.
Beyond tattooing, Lanni explores acrylic, oil, and digital painting, constantly pushing the boundaries of her creative practice. Looking ahead, she aims to further elevate her artistry while mentoring emerging tattooists to help them discover their own authentic path. Her dedication, skill, and client-focused approach have earned her a reputation as one of Germany’s most respected and inspiring tattoo professionals.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Lanni, a tattooist from Germany! I have been tattooing for 20 years. I specialize in custom tattoos and enjoy mixing up styles to create beautiful artworks. I love to involve my client in the design process to make each tattoo as personal as possible.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
Old friends from high school have told me that when I was 15, I was already talking about how cool it would be to be a tattoo artist, though I have no recollection. I do vividly remember how I felt the first time I visited a tattoo studio when I was 17. Although the shop was tiny, dark, and grubby, it was absolutely the most amazing and awesome place I had ever been to. I remember looking at the tattoo artist’s art books, particularly Darkwerks by Brom. I ordered it the next day and have treasured it ever since!
How and when did you start tattooing?
After getting my first tattoo in 2000 at 17, I asked how to become a tattoo artist. The tattooist told me straight that it was nearly impossible to get an apprenticeship. I gave up on the idea and, about five years later, was accepted into to study for a BA (Hons) in Illustration. At the time, my intention was to get into computer game design.
In my first year of university, I got a tongue piercing and chatted with the piercer about learning to pierce as a student job. He said that since I was at art school, I should apply for a tattoo apprenticeship at the studio. A week later, I came back with a portfolio, and two days after that, I started learning to tattoo.
Where are you based?
I am currently based in my own shop, Lotus Studios, in Bramsche, Lower Saxony, Germany. As of February 2026, I will be in a new studio, Fei(n)ste Art Gallery, just 20 minutes away in Bersenbrück.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Germany these days?
It’s definitely grown a great deal since I opened my shop in 2009. I have really prospered here! Right now, I feel the industry is in a state of flux. Many new studios have opened, and many artists are beginning to struggle. I think those artists with a stable long-term client base, great service, and artistic capability have the opportunity to really soar in the coming years.
How would you define your tattoo style?
Eclectic and dynamic. I spent many years tattooing all styles. These days, I’m inspired by mixing the styles I do best, mainly realism/surrealism, geometry, heavy black, and Nordic-inspired pieces.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I love large pieces, where I can really get into detail with my client translating their deepest feelings into dynamic artworks, with a lot of client interaction mixed with creative freedom.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
Absolutely my clients. I rarely design a piece without the client being present and personally involved. Their energy fuels my creativity, their stories, their emotions. Without this input, the artwork feels hollow. Each piece I create tells a personal story and connects deeply with the client.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Keeping up with higher standards, technology, staying unique, and keeping it real. One huge issue is that many artists feel pressured by social media expectations and fall into the trap of creating tattoos aimed at pleasing the online community. This leads not only to issues in tattoo longevity but also to a massive loss of authenticity in their work. That puts them into a pool of thousands of competitors, which can negatively affect their business. This is not a pool I want to step into, so social media is not a high priority for me, even now, when for many artists it’s the only base for gaining new clients.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Helping people and making them happy. Creating artworks based on human connection. It is utterly fulfilling.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I see conventions as great places to network and showcase my work in other cities and countries, and as opportunities to gain recognition in the industry. However, I find working at conventions extremely stressful and often question whether it is the best experience for my clients. That’s why, at conventions, I prefer to tattoo long-term clients who are very experienced rather than people I have never worked with before.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you ever attended?
Yes! It was Dortmund Tattoo Con 2011. I was terrified. I felt like such a young buck with no clue at all. It was an awesome experience!
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Networking with other artists and perhaps gaining clientele from other cities.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far, and why?
I honestly haven’t attended many different conventions. I generally enjoy any convention where I can see familiar faces and hang out with artists from all over the world whom I’ve met or chatted with online.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Be an artist first. Love your art. Be mind-blowingly good at it and then learn to translate it into tattooing. Learn to recognize your clients and see them on a deep level. Realize that the art we do is not for us… it’s for them.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I’ve had the opportunity over the years to talk and work with many amazing artists. I admire those who strive to do the best artwork they can while staying humble and keeping the client as their top priority.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I’ve had thousands of people trust me to permanently mark their bodies. I’m deeply thankful to every single person I’ve ever tattooed. It has become my life’s work and deepest passion. I’m grateful and honored every day for the amazing path I walk. Simply being here, doing this, and loving it every day is my greatest accomplishment.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, I do acrylic and oil paintings, mixed media, and digital paintings.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To invest heavily in my creative skills. Even after 20 years of tattooing, I want to level up and start creating the best art of my life. I would also love to start teaching, perhaps spend time with artists who are struggling to find their footing, and help them discover their authenticity and direction.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
This is such a general question! I wouldn’t know where to start!
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