Lifestyle Notes - Ulyana Nesheva

In the new edition of our ongoing “Lifestyle Notes” column, we meet Ulyana Nesheva — a tattoo artist and the founder of 619studio and 619studio.asterism. We talked about the role art plays in her life, minimalism in her creative work, and her plans for the near future.

You once said: “An artist exists where there is no order or clarity. It’s always a storm inside.”
How comfortable are you living in that state? Is this “storm” a way for you to understand yourself and the world?

It isn’t comfortable — it’s difficult, and sometimes it feels simply impossible. But at times I need that state in order to exist and to feel alive. I crave inner silence, and honestly, over the past four years, more and more often. Right now it’s hard to let the storm pull me under, because climbing back out is harder when you don’t feel safe.

Do you remember the moment when it became clear that art was your main path?

It feels like I’ve always known. Even as a child, when fashion shows came on TV, my sisters and I would try to sketch those looks in time from a tiny black-and-white screen, then finish them from memory. Art books were our entertainment — we could spend hours looking at artworks and choosing our favorites.

Why do you think people choose you?
You’ve said tattooing is an art form without strict boundaries, and that it can’t exist without another person’s participation. Do you experience this process as a collaboration?

It varies. Tattooing balances between art and craft. I wouldn’t call it a collaboration — it’s more about trust and the ability to listen. And sometimes, a tattoo is simply a tattoo.

Do you have a tattoo of your own that holds special meaning for you? What’s its story?

Not really. Every tattoo is important. When I see them, I immediately remember who I was at the time I got that tattoo. And it’s interesting to explore how your perception of your past self changes over time.

It feels like there’s a desire in your work to capture time — moments, states, and people’s feelings — through tattoos, paintings, and other forms.
Why is that so important to you? Do you sense where this desire comes from?

Art can’t exist without something personal underneath — that’s what gives it life. And we’re made of feelings and inner states, so it can’t really be any other way.

How does an idea usually come to you — intuitively, or through an inner search and long reflection?

It’s very situational. Often it’s just a quick thought that later grows into meaning — if it’s worth it.

Do you have any creative rituals or habits? And how do you recover when you feel tired or internally paused?

When it comes to creating, I need silence so I can hear my own thoughts more clearly.
When there’s nothing left inside, I need to close myself off at home — and be alone.
Routine household tasks, and anything that doesn’t require emotional involvement, help me restore my inner resources.

Art can’t exist without something personal underneath — that’s what gives it life.

Minimalism is felt not only in your art, but also in your lifestyle and clothing. What does minimalism mean to you today, and how does it show up in your wardrobe?

I love accents — and accents are only possible when there’s space to notice them. An emphasis on the eyes, on skin, on accessories as part of your mood. When there’s too much visual noise, it’s hard to see what actually defines you. It works the same way with people.

6:19 Studio is more than a tattoo studio — it’s a space for dialogue, interaction, and collaborations.
How do you see its development in the future?

Right now it’s hard to imagine the future, but I didn’t used to plan far ahead either. I’ve always done everything intuitively — the way I wanted to in the moment. And I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made on my own; it always feels organic and timely.
Sometimes it’s timely only because I never force myself to do something for the sake of a distant goal — I act when I feel ready. Every important idea that comes to me is realized right away. I’m not chasing artificial growth — it has to be sustainable, true to myself.
Sometimes you don’t need planning at all. It’s enough to feel like spring grass in dark, wet soil.

Do you have any dreams or projects that are still unrealized? What are these ideas, and why are they important to you?

A few weeks ago, I decided in a single day to open a second studio — and within a couple of days I had already started. I make big decisions quickly, and if there’s an idea, nothing can stop me.
Right now I’m working on 6:19 asterism at my own pace — without rushing or pressure. And I like it.