Valeriia Volokhova aka Ooqza is an artist on a mission to literally leave her mark around the world. Her instantly recognizable art speaks for itself — raw, honest, a spectrum of emotion — with each tattoo being a symbiosis of her own personal journey and that of her client. From drawing in her youth in a tiny town in Moscow to becoming a world renowned tattoo artist currently touring the U.S., Valeriia is where she is today due to her grit and years of hard work. But even more, she’s here by virtue of an unwavering authenticity to herself.
I was able to catch up with Valeriia during her time in Los Angeles before she visits Denver for the first time in April.
Growing up three hours south of moscow in Russia, there were no artists in your family, who were mostly social workers. Yet, here you are an illustrator turned acclaimed tattoo artist. What do you attribute to your innate creativity? And when did you realize you were an artist?
My mom always nurtured my creative spirit. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid — mostly designing clothes for women because that fascinated me. She once told me that when she was little, she never felt supported in her creativity by her own mother, so she wanted to change that in our relationship. Honestly, I don’t believe creativity is something you’re just born with. I think anyone can develop it in one way or another. The results will be different for everyone, but it all depends on how much effort you put in.
Your career began in college at a party when someone noticed your illustrations and asked for a tattoo, to which you agreed to after buying a primitive machine set. At the time, there weren’t any tattoo artists in your area who you felt you could learn from, so How did you go about teaching yourself?
When I was starting out, of course, there were tattoo artists around, but even with my zero experience back then, I knew they couldn’t give me what I wanted. I was aiming for something beyond what they had achieved — something more aesthetic, more refined and better quality. So I had to teach myself, gathering bits of information from the internet. Thirteen years ago, there were no tutorials on how to use tattoo machines, how deep the needle should go, or any real instructions. Everything I learned was through trial and error. The only thing I could find were some random videos from foreign tattoo artists on YouTube. I’d pause, rewind, and analyze every second where I could see their hands, how they held the machine — trying to understand anything at all. You can imagine how long that process took.
Searching for your style initially, a friend asked you why you didn’t draw anime which has been an integral part of your life since 13. you “received your sight” just then, with Japanese influenced art serving as a stylistic cornerstone. Describe your first memory of anime. Fast forward, what currently serves as your creative muse?
It’s hard to say what my first anime was — probably Pokémon or Sailor Moon — but the first one I truly fell in love with was Shaman King. For years after watching it, every time I blew out birthday candles, I wished to see spirits in real life. I wanted that experience so badly. Maybe to help people who had lost loved ones … maybe to help the spirits themselves, because so many probably left this world with unfinished business or unspoken words.
Anime creators teach us about strength and the importance of appreciating what we have. My muse is the experiences we go through — everything I personally have lived through, and I think many people will relate to that. The way I’ve grown from the moment I became aware that I exist on this planet to where I am today — it’s priceless.
Take us through your creative process of initially developing a piece to the act of tattooing it. do you have any specific rituals?
I don’t really have specific rituals, but I need to have control over my space. I usually draw alone in quiet places, whether it’s my apartment or a hotel room. I can work in a café too, but only if I have my own little corner where no one intrudes. Sometimes I listen to music, but other times I get so deep into designing that I only realize hours later that I’ve been sitting in complete silence. When I travel, I always put on noise-canceling headphones and sketch on the plane. There’s something a little romantic about creating designs in the sky.
When I design a tattoo for a client, I always ask what kind of emotion they want it to convey. I think that’s really important. I know some artists actually fear clients who request specific emotions, but I see it as a tool to understand people better. We all experience a full spectrum of emotions every day and no matter how much we might want to avoid some of them, it’s part of life. Sometimes, going through certain moments is incredibly hard, but I find beauty in that, and I reflect it in my work. Even a face that seems expressionless can hide an entire storm of feelings.
Most of the time, clients trust me to create their designs, but I always ask about any key details they really want to include. It increases the chances that I’ll create something that feels perfect for them. After all, it’s a custom piece — it’s not just about my vision, but theirs too.
Tattooing is a major exchange of energy between the artist and the art receiver. How do you keep grounded and balanced in your life?
I wouldn’t say I have a great work-life balance, but I do love having control over things that affect me personally. The choices we make every day — even small ones like what to eat, when to work, who to spend time with — bring a sense of peace. I listen to myself, I know what I want, and I try to give that to myself. That’s my version of balance.
Favorite tattoo-related experience.
I can’t pick just one standout experience, but what makes me happiest is my clients’ reactions. The excitement in their messages when they see the design before their session. Or the moment after their tattoo is done — when they’re exhausted but staring at it in the mirror, saying it turned out even better than they imagined. Seeing that joy in them makes me happy too.
Outside of creating art, what do you enjoy the most?
I love psychology — it’s my hobby — and understanding people on a deeper level makes me happy. I also can’t live without vintage shopping; it’s always a surprise because you never know what you’ll find, and that makes it exciting. Spending time with my friends is another thing I really enjoy. I’ve met some amazing and rare people here. Sometimes we just hang out, watch a great movie, or go play pool.
Your definition of art.
To me, art is a conversation. It connects with people. Someone can look at a piece and feel exactly what the artist felt when they created it. It’s a silent dialogue between the creator and the viewer.
What would be a dream come true for you?
Right now, my biggest wish is the same as when I first started tattooing — to leave a mark on the industry. That goal has only grown bigger over time. I’ve already achieved some things, but I want to create work that lasts. People don’t live forever, but art does. I’m on my way to creating something that will be remembered and become part of the culture
What are you looking forward to most in Denver?
I’ll be visiting Denver for the first time. I’m open to new experiences and don’t have a strict plan — I’m still exploring this country and want to visit as many major cities as possible. Maybe even some smaller ones. I’m always looking for adventure, and I love meeting locals and hearing their stories.
What else are you excited for this year?
I have plans to attend several international and U.S. tattoo conventions, work on expanding my Ooqza brand, and finally settle down. It’s been one of my goals for the past few years. I can feel that this year is going to bring big changes, and I can’t wait!
Follow Ooqza for more work + to stay up-to-date with where she’ll be next — Instagram & TikTok
Krysti Joméi is the co-owner and co-founder of Birdy Magazine. Creating in Colorado for the past decade plus, she’s lived all around San Francisco, by Houston’s NASA, on an island across from Seattle, near the WA/Canadian border, and under the Nandi Hills in Kenya. She loves outer space, the ocean, running in nature, anything written by Trent Reznor, and adventuring with her partner, Jonny, husky and black cat.