Daily Inspiration: Meet Valeriia Volokhova

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeriia Volokhova.

Hi Valeriia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Valeriia Volokhova, also known as Ooqza. I have been tattooing for over 13 years now. I was born in Russia, traveled a lot, lived in London, and eventually got to Los Angeles — a place where I am still making leaps and bounds as an artist. I got into tattooing completely by accident — it all started while I was studying at university. During that time, I was pursuing graphic design, but I fell in love with tattooing almost immediately. Very early on I decided that I wanted to leave my mark on the tattoo industry. My journey has taken me to many places around the world; I have been invited to numerous tattoo conventions across the United States, Europe, Russia, and Australia as a participant and a judge. These invitations are an amazing honor, and I don’t take these opportunities lightly, as they are a true recognition of what I have achieved in my work and my involvement in the movement and evolution of tattoo culture.

Over the years, my art has connected with people from around the world — I have been in international tattoo magazines, interviewed by the media across many different countries, and collaborated with musicians and artists. I am really proud and happy to be a part of a worldwide, ongoing conversation about what tattooing is and can be — an emotional and personal experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest, I consider myself a fairly adaptable person. I think I’m someone who can grow roots even in the harshest soil. No matter where I end up, I always find a way to rebuild from scratch. There’s a quiet belief inside me that I’ll figure it out, and I will get wherever I want to go.
If I had to name the most challenging period in my career, it would be the beginning years, learning how to tattoo. Without having access to a professional environment — no mentorship, no community, no one to ask for an advice. I had to learn everything the hand way, through trial and error. It took time. But that is exactly what shaped my persistence, independence, and profound respect for the craft.
Moving has also been a huge factor on my path. Each time meant a complete reset — a new country, new rules. I had to rebuild everything: my routine, my social circle, my professional path. At each of those moments, it was my willingness to adapt that allowed me to progress.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
From the very beginning I have only used designs that come from my own sketches. For me, tattooing is not just visual art, but a medium to express emotions, to translate them, and to communicate in a way far deeper than words themselves.
My style is shaped by my love for anime, dark romanticism, and character design, and is connected to the exploration of fragility, beauty, and the truth of the inner world. In tattooing, I attempt to show the most sensitive and raw states of the human experience.
I see myself as part of a new generation of artists pushing the boundaries of tattooing worldwide. I offer tattooing not just as a service, but as a deeply transformational form of fine art. Each piece I create is an ongoing collaboration between me and the person wearing it. I provide everyone a little more than just an image – I want them to carry a feeling, a moment, or a story.
What I am most proud of is staying true to my vision while building a client base that appreciates and seeks out my authentic style. What is most distinguishing to me is the emotion and honesty I can bring to every tattoo, and the fact the people come to me to get a tattoo but leave with the experience of being seen.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my warmest childhood memories is how I used to draw while my mother was cooking something in the kitchen. I was definitely under 10, I don’t remember exactly. I depicted princesses in luxurious dresses, came up with outfits, hairstyles, and accessories for them. Then she would come and look at what I had done. These moments were pure peace and inspiration for me.
Mom wrote stories and illustrated them herself. She had a big brown notebook with her works, which I often leafed through. For me, it was like a guide, an example of what to strive for. I always felt a bit sad that she didn’t choose a creative path for herself, because she definitely had talent.
I remember showing her my first drawings and clothing designs, and her support always felt very important to me. She believed in me, and that allowed me to believe in myself, too. It’s in moments like these that the foundation of your whole life is laid. I think that’s when I truly fell in love with drawing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooqza/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ooqza