Conversations with Yustyna Mohylyak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yustyna Mohylyak.

Yustyna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in the cultural heart of Ukraine, I’ve always been surrounded by art, history, and spiritual depth. I come from Lviv — a city of lions, legends, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture, where creativity and culture live in every corner. Growing up in that environment taught me that art is much more than aesthetics — it reflects identity, emotion, and spirit.
I graduated from the Academy of Art in 2005 as a fashion designer and also previously held the title of Ukraine’s national snowboarding champion. Although these paths may seem unrelated, both shaped my creativity, discipline, precision, and artistic perspective.
My journey into tattooing began during my travels in Sri Lanka. I spent a lot of time drawing by the ocean, and surfers and travelers who watched me create began asking if they could wear my artwork on their skin.
That experience completely changed the way I viewed art and human connection.
For over six years, I’ve specialized in symbolic, spiritual, and fine-line tattoos created with intention and meaning. I believe tattoos are deeply personal — symbols connected to healing, transformation, identity, and inner strength. Many of my clients come to me not only for a tattoo, but for guidance in choosing designs that truly resonate with their journey and energy.
In 2023, due to the war in Ukraine, I relocated to Los Angeles and began rebuilding my life and creative path in a completely new environment. While challenging, that experience became a powerful period of growth that continues to inspire my work today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has definitely not been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was relocating to Los Angeles from Ukraine in 2023 because of the war. Moving to a new country and rebuilding your life, career, and community from the beginning is both emotionally and professionally challenging. You leave behind familiarity, clients, language, comfort, and the life you once knew, and you have to rediscover yourself in a completely new environment.

Another challenge has been staying true to my artistic vision in an industry that often moves very quickly through trends and social media aesthetics. My work is deeply personal and intentional, and I’ve always believed in creating tattoos with meaning rather than simply following what is popular at the moment. Building a clientele that truly connects with that philosophy takes time, trust, and patience.

At the same time, every challenge has shaped me as both an artist and a person. I believe difficult experiences deepen your perspective and give more meaning to the work you create. Looking back, those moments taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuing to create even during uncertain times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in symbolic, spiritual, and fine-line tattoos created with deep intention and meaning. For me, tattooing is not only about creating something visually beautiful — it’s about creating something personal that resonates with a person’s story, energy, transformation, and inner world.
Many of my clients come to me because they are looking for more than just a design. They want guidance in choosing symbols, elements, and compositions that truly reflect their journey, goals, healing, protection, empowerment, or important life experiences. I see every tattoo as a collaboration and a deeply personal process.
What sets my work apart is the emotional and spiritual connection behind it. I take time to understand the person, their story, and the meaning they want to carry with them. My background in art and design allows me to approach tattooing with both precision and creativity, while my personal philosophy brings intuition and intention into the process.
I’m most proud of creating work that people feel genuinely connected to — tattoos that become part of their identity and continue to hold meaning for them over time. For me, the most rewarding part is knowing that my art can help someone feel empowered, understood, healed, or more connected to themselves.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can support my work simply by connecting with it, sharing it, and following my artistic journey. I’m always grateful for every person who resonates with my vision and trusts me with something as personal as a tattoo.
I currently work at Hermosa Ink Collective in Hermosa Beach, one of the highest-rated and most reviewed tattoo and piercing studios in Southern California, with over 2,000 five-star reviews. I work with clients across Los Angeles on custom fine-line and symbolic tattoos created with intention and meaning.
Most of my projects begin through conversation and collaboration, where we explore ideas, personal stories, symbolism, and aesthetic direction in order to create something timeless and deeply individual.
I’m also open to collaborations with artists, photographers, fashion creatives, wellness spaces, and upcoming creative projects that align with authenticity, creativity, and self-expression.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yustynatattoo

Image Credits
Yustyna Mohylyak