From international conventions and competitions to the quiet, focused moments of drawing directly on skin, Sofia Lanbina, also known as betstattoo, is a fineline tattoo artist based in Munich, Germany, whose work is guided by patience, intuition, and a deep respect for the body. Having left behind a stable IT career to fully commit to tattooing, she reflects on the realities of working independently in a private studio and the many unseen responsibilities that come with the profession.
Drawing all of her designs freehand, Sofia approaches skin not as a surface to fill, but as a form to follow, allowing florals and natural elements to flow organically with each individual client. This conversation offers a thoughtful look into an artist who values consistency over speed, depth over visibility, and growth that happens line by line.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
My name is Sofia Lanbina or, because of Instagram, also known as betstattoo. I’m a fineline tattoo artist and I draw all my designs freehand. I love nature and flowers, so that’s what my style is based on.
Where can your customers find you?
I work in a private tattoo studio based in Munich, Germany.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Persistent.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
It’s simply my life. I already cannot imagine how I lived before I started tattooing. I love doing it, I love how hard the job actually is but also how rewarding it is. It’s never boring.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I actually first tried tattooing only because I loved drawing (but also tattoos) and I wanted to find some way to share it with others. But in the beginning I thought it’d be just a hobby, something I can do for friends but once I started, I couldn’t stop. I had an IT office job at the time but I worked remotely which allowed me to have enough time for drawing and tattooing. After a year of working two jobs, I realised that if I want to grow as a tattoo artist, I need to quit my job and focus on tattooing, so that’s what I did. Not without hesitation though, I was a beginner artist and I wasn’t sure if I could make it in this huge tattoo world but I’m glad I’ve attempted it because I haven’t regretted it for a second.
How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?
They were scared just for the same reason as I was that I’m not going to be able to make a living but they were supportive and understanding for sure. Since I already had quite a few tattoos myself, it wasn’t a surprise for them and I guess this fact kind of prepared them for my tattoo path.
Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?
It wasn’t a real apprenticeship, I was lucky to find an artist who was willing to show me the basics and explain the tools and spend enough time with me until I understood everything, she was also always there for me when I already tattooed on my own, so I could ask her questions. It was really helpful in the beginning.
What did your first tattoo look like?
My first tattoo wasn’t the smartest choice. It was an outline of a snake around 12 cm long which is too big for a first tattoo I feel like. Why wasn’t it the smartest choice? Well, straight consistent lines were hard enough but I also had to make them perfectly round. It wasn’t a great combination for a first tattoo for sure, it was hard to complete.
Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?
I have a private studio, which means I work on my own and even though I enjoy that, being one on one with my customers is definitely great, but I miss having colleagues as well. That’s why I love doing guest spots, they allow me to spend time with other artists which is always fun. I had different experiences, it always depends on the environment and people, and you can not always see the true picture via social media. So, finding new great places to guest is awesome but I do enjoy coming back to the familiar studios as well.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I didn’t know how much a tattoo artist needs to be able to do by themselves. It’s so much more than only drawing and tattooing, it’s also management, taxes, photography and videography, editing, marketing, psychology, the list goes on. I had to invest a lot of times into every aspect to understand how everything works and the learning process still never ends.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Seeing people smile when they first look at their tattoo. It’s always such genuine happiness and admiration. It’s definitely the most rewarding part for me.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
Keep your tattoos clean and don’t over-moisturise, the skin needs to breathe.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My style is gentle flowy florals and leaves. To me it’s important that a tattoo integrates naturally into the body shape. I somehow always admired nature, it’s so calming and it’s always around, it’s peaceful to look at, so my drawings were always based on nature and when I started tattooing, it didn’t change, I just continued drawing nature-inspired designs and had no doubts about what to tattoo. I also feel like any nature-inspired tattoo is timeless, so it’s kind of always a good idea to get one.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
At first I discuss the main points via email, I don’t need to know too many details or do in-person consultations because I draw all of my tattoos freehand and when I meet my client for the first time at the tattoo session, we can discuss all the details and try different options right on skin. I first draw simple shapes on the body with a marker to mark the size and flow, and also find the right placement in the composition for each flower. After approving it with the client, I draw a defined design on the skin with a pen. I never rush people with a decision and I’m always ready to redraw the design. It’s very important for me to see that a client is excited and sure about what they see.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
At this point, most of the requests I get align with my artistic vision and even when they don’t exactly align, my clients tend to listen to my suggestions. I guess I’m lucky that way. I think what helps is to only show on social media the tattoos I’d love to do more of and to show the vibe that represents me.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
I only tattoo what aligns with my beliefs and vision, so I have to decline requests a lot. In the last few years I’ve realised that for me it’s more important to tattoo something I love and I feel satisfied with tattooing, so I never agree to tattoo something I don’t genuinely like.
Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I’m sponsored by Pepax and Kwadron. Pepax provides me with cartridges, it’s been a blast working with them. Kwadron provides me with ink, their INX is just perfect for fineline work, so I couldn’t be happier. They are also one of my biggest supporters, I love how Kwadron not only sponsors with products but they actually care for their artists and are in constant contact with them.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
It’s important to be respectful to other artists and other styles. It means not to steal someone’s designs and not to speak negatively about someone’s work. I think the tattoo industry is competitive enough and we, as tattoo artists, have to support and help each other.
Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
I never stop learning. If I have a tattoo artist that I admire the technique of, I’d try and get a master-class with them, I think it’s always useful to get someone else’s perspective on things because we all have our own ways of tattooing even the same things or using the same needles. Besides that, I think what helps to stay engaged and develop your own skills further is participating in competition. I do participate in tattoo conventions many times a year and I present my work in different competitions, not only Fineline. I love getting feedback from other artists / judges and being able to see what others are capable of as well.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
A tattoo has to be observed from a distance.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I participate in several conventions per year all across Europe, I think it’s a totally different world within our industry. I’ve participated, competed and judged both huge and small conventions, and I think both have their own charm.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
If I don’t judge at a convention, I always present a tattoo for a competition. So before each convention I think through what I want to present and I find a client for it in advance because it’s always a big project, so I want to make sure I have someone to tattoo it on.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? You are welcome to specify your awards.
So far I have won 2d Best Fineline at Antwerp Tattoo Convention, 2d Best Fineline at Verona Tattoo Convention and 1st Best Fineline at Tattoo Generation Fest.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
I think Barcelona Tattoo Expo would be the one that boosted my career the most, I was noticed and approached there by several brands which opened many opportunities for me, I was also invited there as a judge in 2025 which was not my first time judging but it was a really great experience because Barcelona Tattoo Expo is one of the most well-known and, in my opinion, one of the most well-organised conventions in Europe.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
A couple of years ago I’ve created a tattoo that consisted of wild flowers growing up the lower leg with the plants of different height, with some plants growing up the knee, I absolutely love the wild and well-integrated look of it and people loved it as well, so now it has become one of my signature compositions for tattoos.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I work really hard and I could say that I’m pretty proud of where I am right now. I win awards at international competitions, I get invited to be in the jury for international conventions, I have the most known brands in the industry as sponsors, I get approached by tattoo magazines for interviews, I get to tattoo what I love and people are coming for exactly that, I have my own style that people and other artists recognise. All of that was achieved step by step and I think each point is a great accomplishment but none of them is less valuable than the other.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Be patient, don’t compare yourself to others too much, create your own path, be true to yourself and be consistent. Love your job, love the tattoo world, respect every artist you encounter, be humble and never stop learning.
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