Resident Artist
Styles:
- Neo trad
- Blackwork
- Fineline
- Colour
- Florals
- Whimsical / Cottagecore
Liv (laugh love) joined the OFS family in march 2024 having previously started off her tattooing journey in her hometown of Leicester. When Liv isnt at the studio, she is usually working on something creative, on the lookout for cool antiques and spending time with her family where they grow their own vegetables and keep animals such as chickens, cats and dogs!
Book a tattoo with Liv
Interview with Liv Valentine Tattoo Artist
Hi Liv! How did your journey into the world of tattooing start?
I first got into tattooing when I left art college and worked at a studio in Leicester. I sat with the artists all day learning as much as I could for around two years. While I was there I also learned how to pierce. Working there taught me how tattoo studios work, allowed me to develop artistically, and made me want to immerse myself fully into the industry.
What got you interested specifically in tattooing?
I remember watching an interview with Kat Von D when I was 8 years old and since then I knew that I wanted to tattoo. It made me realise that art wasn’t just pencils, paints and charcoals, but could actually be so much more.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my work as illustrative, feminine and whimsical.
What can a client expect from you if they choose you as their artist?
Always a cup of tea (if you want one) and an artist that is professional and passionate even if I do have the tendency to yap, given the chance.
What or who is/are your key influences as an artist?
A lot of my art is inspired by nostalgic books from my childhood such as The Wind in the Willows, stories by Beatrix Potter and Enid Blyton. In addition to this there are also favourite artists of mine, such as Alphonse Mucha, and Friedrich Schenck
What is your favourite subject matter or style to tattoo?
I really like tattooing anthropomorphised animals, nature inspired pieces and florals.
Any styles you want to explore in the future?
I would love to continue to grow my portfolio as a colour artist, using a lot of muted tones.
Favourite machine to use?
I am using the Mast Archer Wireless Machine, however, Micky Sharpz coil machines have a special place in my heart from when I first started tattooing.
When you are not tattooing, what do you like to do?
I like to read, draw, bake and spend time with my family gardening and growing our homestead.
Top 3 favourite things?
Nature documentaries, antique shopping and bad taxidermy
What advice would you give to someone getting their first tattoo?
Eat before, get a good night sleep, trust your artist, it’s not as scary as your friends tell you it is.
As someone who has only been in this industry for a handful of years, looking back on your journey so far with what you have learnt, what advice would you give to anyone starting out in the tattooing world?
My best advice would be to set a goal of where you want to be and chip away at it until you can raise your own bar and set new ones. Never stop learning from other artists, and celebrate the little wins along the way!
Why do you think some people are drawn to the darker side of life?
Because they must have heard of “the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise (…) it’s a sith legend….”