Daily Inspiration: Meet Swani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Swani.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
im swani, I started tattooing in 2015. Before that, I spent about a year studying at a ceramics school, which influenced the way I think about form, flow, and composition.

Since then, I’ve been developing a style influenced by Eastern motifs and ornamental patterns. That background in ceramics also pushed me to think about tattooing in a more craft-driven way, paying attention to structure, balance, and how the design moves with the body.

As I continued tattooing, I was fortunate to have opportunities to share my work with a wider audience, which eventually led me to come to the United States.

Most of my work focuses on larger pieces like sleeves, backs, and head pieces, where the flow and density of the design can really come together.

In November 2024 I moved to Los Angeles and have continued my work here under the name Swanissober, focusing on refining my style and continuing to grow as an artist.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most artists, there were times when it was difficult to find my direction and build a stable career from tattooing. Developing a personal style also takes a lot of time, experimentation, and patience.

Moving to another country was another challenge. Starting over in a new environment, building new connections, and continuing to grow as an artist required a lot of adjustment.

But those experiences also pushed me to work harder and stay focused on improving my craft. I think those challenges are part of the process that shapes you as an artist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I focus on large-scale tattoo work, especially pieces that involve strong flow and ornamental structure across the body. Many of my projects are sleeves, back pieces, or head pieces where the design can move naturally with the form of the body.

My work is influenced by Eastern motifs and ornamental patterns, and I spend a lot of time thinking about density, rhythm, and how different elements connect together.

I’m also very interested in exploring traditional Eastern subjects and finding new ways to reinterpret them. I often draw inspiration from things like Buddhist art, traditional Korean imagery, and Japanese art, and try to approach those themes in a way that feels fresh while still respecting the original influences.

What I’m most proud of is being able to create designs that feel cohesive on the body rather than just placing images in separate areas. I try to build pieces that flow as one composition.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like most about Los Angeles is the diversity of people and creative energy here. There are so many artists from different backgrounds, and that mix of cultures creates a really interesting environment for creative work. It feels like a place where you can constantly find new inspiration.

What I probably like least is how spread out the city is. Sometimes it takes a long time to get around because of traffic and distance. But at the same time, that’s also part of what makes Los Angeles unique.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/swanissober?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanissober?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@swanissober