Interview by Sara Gray on March 10, 2026
Tattooing occupies a unique space between art, design, and personal storytelling. Unlike traditional illustration, tattoos live on a moving, breathing canvas — the human body. For Lisbon-based tattoo artist Veronika Klinkova, this relationship between design and body is at the heart of her creative process.
Known online as Tokki @tokki.ttt, Veronika has developed a distinctive style inspired by Asian aesthetics and thoughtful composition. With over 14,000 followers on Instagram and an international clientele, her work continues to reach audiences beyond Portugal, with guest visits planned in cities such as Munich, Paris, and Cologne.
In this interview, Veronika Tokki shares how she discovered tattooing, how she approaches design on the body, and why tattoos can become powerful symbols of personal transformation.
Discovering Tattooing Through Art
Art has always been present in Veronika Tokki’s life. Long before she began tattooing, drawing was already an essential part of her daily routine.
“I started by drawing a lot and being deeply interested in art from a young age,” she says.
But the idea of tattooing came from a more personal source: her older sister.
“My main inspiration was and still is my older sister. She has many amazing tattoos, and I was fascinated by them. At some point I thought — maybe I could create this kind of art as well.”
Motivated by that idea, Veronika Tokki began building a portfolio of drawings. This eventually led to an apprenticeship where she learned the fundamentals of the craft.
“It was during my apprenticeship that I really understood the basics of tattooing,” she explains.
Designing for the Body
Unlike traditional illustration, tattoo design must work in harmony with the shape and movement of the body. For Veronika Tokki, this relationship between artwork and anatomy is essential.
“My style combines Asian-inspired aesthetics with a strong focus on detail and composition,” she explains. “I like designs that flow naturally with the body.”
This idea of flow guides her entire design process. A tattoo should not feel like an image simply placed on the skin — it should become part of the body’s visual rhythm.
“I always try to find a balance between creativity and clarity in the design,” she says.
From Idea to Tattoo
Every project begins with a conversation.
“Usually it starts with talking to the client about their idea, the placement, and what the tattoo means to them,” Veronika Tokki explains.
After this initial discussion, she begins developing the visual concept.
“I sketch the design and adapt it to the body so that it fits naturally.”
Once the design is finalized, the technical work begins — a stage that requires patience and precision.
“Technique, patience, and attention are the key elements in bringing the project to life.”
Tattooing as Emotional Transformation
While many tattoos are purely aesthetic, some carry a deeper emotional meaning. One particular project remains especially memorable for Veronika Tokki.
A client once approached her with scars on her arm from a difficult period in her life. Instead of hiding them, the client wanted to transform them into something meaningful.
The two chose a concept inspired by Kintsugi, the Japanese philosophy of repairing broken pottery with gold.
“In Kintsugi, the cracks are not hidden but highlighted as part of the object’s history,” Veronika Tokki explains.
She designed the tattoo to follow the natural lines of the scars, turning them into delicate patterns that emphasized the body’s story rather than concealing it.
“By the end, what once felt like painful reminders became a symbol of strength and healing,” she says.
For Veronika Tokki, moments like this reveal the deeper impact tattooing can have.
“It reminds me that tattooing can be very personal and powerful.”
The Evolution of Tattoo Culture
The tattoo industry has changed dramatically in recent years. Social media has allowed artists to share ideas, styles, and techniques across borders.
“The industry has become more mainstream and accepted,” Veronika Tokki says. “There is a huge exchange of ideas thanks to social media.”
This global connection has also allowed her work to reach an international audience. In addition to working in Lisbon, she regularly travels to meet clients in other cities.
As tattoo culture continues to evolve, she believes innovation will play a major role in the future of the craft.
“I think we will see even more new styles, techniques, and technologies in the coming years,” she says, “while still respecting traditional foundations.”
Rethinking What Tattooing Really Is
Despite its growing popularity, tattooing is still often misunderstood.
“One common misconception is that tattooing is just about drawing,” Veronika Tokki says.
In reality, the profession requires a wide range of skills — from technical precision and hygiene standards to communication with clients.
“You also have to constantly learn and improve,” she adds. “Finding better ways to place designs on the skin so they flow naturally is a big part of the process.”
Advice for a First Tattoo
For those considering their first tattoo, Veronika Tokki recommends patience and research.
“Take your time choosing both the design and the artist,” she advises. “Look carefully at portfolios and see how tattoos look once they are healed.”
Feeling comfortable with the artist is equally important.
“A thoughtful decision usually leads to a much better experience.”
A Creative Path
Although tattooing has become her main artistic medium, Veronika Tokki believes her creative path would always have involved art in some form.
“I’ve always been interested in fashion design,” she says. “It’s another creative field where you can work with your hands and create artistic pieces.”
For now, however, the human canvas remains her favorite space for artistic exploration.
Through careful composition, meaningful storytelling, and designs that flow with the body, Veronika Veronika Tokki continues to transform personal stories into lasting works of art.