Julia Theodora Blieskastel / Germany @julia_theodora_tattoo www.shwarzweisstattoo.de

In an international competition with over 100 participants from all corners of the globe, one voice stood out clearly: the voice of the public. Thousands of people voted, made their choice, and crowned Julia as their favorite artist. And that’s not all—her talent was also recognized by the expert jury, which awarded her first place in a specific category of the contest.

With a career that began only in 2021 under the guidance of Sascha Linz, Julia has proven that passion, artistic sensitivity, and dedication to the craft can achieve in just a few years what might take others decades.

In this exclusive interview, Julia opens the doors to her creative world: her beginnings drawing with her grandmother, the personal and artistic partnership with her mentor, the challenges of making her way in the industry, and her dreams for the future. With honesty and clarity, she reminds us that tattooing is not just technique—it’s a powerful way to communicate emotion.

1. Julia, with only a few years in the tattoo world, you achieved something incredible: you were chosen by thousands of people from all over the world as their favorite artist, and you also won in a specific category of the competition. How did you experience this double recognition?

Honestly, it still feels unreal. I never thought something like this would happen—especially after such a short time in the tattoo world. That so many people voted for me and I also won a category is something really special. I’m incredibly grateful. It showed me that all the hard work, the long hours, and the persistence really paid off.

2.You started tattooing in 2021 under the guidance of Sascha Linz, an artist with extensive experience. What did it mean to you to learn from someone so close and so accomplished?

Learning from Sascha was a big deal for me. He knows exactly what he’s doing and doesn’t accept half-assed work. That kind of pressure helped me improve fast. It wasn’t always easy, but it pushed me in the right direction.

3.You mentioned that you loved drawing since you were a child, especially with your grandmother. Do you think that early emotional connection with art influenced your sensitivity as a tattoo artist?

Yeah, for sure. Drawing with my grandma as a kid was really special to me. That’s where it all started. I think that emotional connection to art is still there when I tattoo. It’s not just technical—there’s always a feeling behind it.

4.You work at Schwarz-Weiss Tattoo alongside Sascha, who is also your partner. What is it like to share both life and the studio with someone who is also your mentor?

It’s intense sometimes, no lie. Living and working with your partner and mentor means there’s no real separation between work and private life. But it also works because we support each other and keep each other sharp. Honestly, the best thing is being able to share my biggest passion with the person I love—and who also happens to be my best friend. Working and growing together like that is something really special.

5.Your style is known for grey realism, super clean lines, strong contrasts, and a touch of Pixar-like inspiration. How did you come to define such a distinctive aesthetic identity?

I didn’t plan my style—it just happened over time. I’ve always liked grey realism, clean lines, and strong contrasts. I love the lighting you see in old photographs or Rembrandt-style portraits. And even though people mention the Pixar vibe, I think there’s also a kind of melancholic feeling in most of my pieces.

6.What kind of portraits or themes do you enjoy tattooing the most, and why? Is there anything that particularly inspires you when choosing your designs?

I love tattooing portraits—especially of famous people or faces with strong expressions. I’m really into contrasts and dramatic lighting. That kind of mood just speaks to me. If a reference photo already hits me emotionally, I know I want to work with it.

7. The people who voted for you likely felt a strong connection to your art. What do you think your work conveys that creates such a powerful bond with the audience?

I think people feel something when they see my work. It’s not just clean and realistic—it has a mood. I always try to put real emotion into it, and maybe that’s what makes people connect with it.

8..In addition to the public vote, you were also awarded by the jury in a category. How did it feel to know that your work was appreciated in that way?

That hit differently. It’s one thing to win a public vote, but when a jury of pros picks your work, it means they see the craft behind it. That kind of recognition means a lot. I feel very proud & honored. So at this point: thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

9.After this recognition, how do you envision your path in the coming years? What goals or dreams would you like to achieve as an artist?

I just want to keep getting better—every single day. I never want to stand still or feel like I’ve “made it.” There’s always more to learn, more to improve. My big goal is to one day tattoo alongside the best artists in the world at Gods of Ink. That’s where I see myself in the future, and I’m ready to work for it.

10.If you had to thank one person (besides Sascha) for this moment in your career, who would it be and why?

I want to thank my clients first. Their trust means everything to me. Especially in the early days, when I was still finding my way, they gave me the chance to grow. Without that trust, none of this would’ve been possible.

And like Snoop Dogg said: “I wanna thank me….” It might sound bold, but it’s true. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t backed myself when no one else did.

For staying consistent, for pushing through all the setbacks, and for not letting doubt stop me.