About Me

@sofiyabelousova, Ipswich, UK.

I was born in Russia and moved to the UK at 17 to pursue higher education. I completed an Access to HE (Fashion) at LCF, UAL; a Foundation in Art and Design at LCC, UAL; a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture, and an MSc in Business Management (Entrepreneurship) at Oxford Brookes University.

As seen by my study choices, I have always been drawn to creative fields. While my journey started with a degree in Interior Architecture and working in that industry, I felt it didn’t give me the creative freedom I desired.

In 2020, following the first UK COVID19 lockdown, I began a tattoo apprenticeship at Abrakadavra Tattoo Art Club. Immersed in a talented, multidisciplinary team, I dived deep into extensive tattoo knowledge that surrounded me and continued to develop my own artistic style.

These days, like most artists, I am always in pursuit of growth and style development. I don’t necessarily think of style as a static notion to be defined by, but the best description I can give to my work at present would be large-scale decorative architectural and ornamental blackwork.

My work is largely inspired by architectural façades, Art Nouveau metalwork, and ornamental filigree. I have many books on architectural ornaments as well as symbolism, and they always help guide my creativity. I also enjoy researching mythological tales and the meanings of symbols used in both art and architecture when working on designs—especially bodysuits. It’s important to me that the designs are thematically consistent and have an overarching symbolic meaning. It doesn’t have to be overt, but it does have to be there in some way.

That said, the main focus in any tattoo I do is, first and foremost, my clients. The person I work on is always the centrepiece, the focal point, and the main subject of the piece. My passion lies in using tattoo art as a sculpting and framing method to enhance the overall perception of the body, with a particular focus on movement and natural body flow.

I love getting to know my clients over the course of our monthly sessions. I’ve noticed that when people come to get large-scale work done, they are often on the precipice of a new life chapter. I love witnessing—and in some way taking part in—those transformations.

I’m excited for every opportunity to grow as an artist and can’t wait to see what new artistic projects lie ahead in the years to come.