Sandra Daukshta Latvia, Riga @Sandradaukshtatattoo sandradaukshta@gmail.com
From her first freehand sketches as a teenager to working at international conventions as far as China and New Zealand, Sandra has walked a path of continuous learning. With over 15 years in the craft, she quickly realized that tattooing is about much more than just mastering a machine—it requires a solid foundation in academic drawing and a keen understanding of the body as a living canvas. Today, focused on illustrative realism and large-scale pieces, the Latvia-based artist reflects on her evolution, the importance of long-lasting color, and what it takes to build an authentic visual identity beyond short-lived trends.
1. Sandra, to get to know you better, how do you recall your first experiences with art and painting, and at what moment did you realize that tattooing was going to become a part of your life?
I have been drawing and painting since I was a child. Art was always something I naturally loved doing. As a teenager, I became interested in tattoos, bought my first tattoo kit from eBay, and started tattooing some friends.
I quickly realized that tattooing required much more than just knowing how to use a machine, so I started taking academical drawing classes and focused on improving my artistic skills. At 19, I started my first apprenticeship, and that was when tattooing became a serious part of my life.
2. What was that first experience working on skin like, and what key lesson did taking those first steps leave you with?
My first experiences were far from perfect, I didn’t have a mentor, just information from internet. But they taught me a lot. Skin is completely different from paper, and you quickly learn that things don’t always go as planned.
The biggest lesson was patience. You need time and practice to grow your technical skills.
3. Looking at the solid quality of your current work, how has your style evolved over time, and what elements from traditional painting do you still incorporate into your tattoo designs?
My style has evolved a lot. Over time, I moved toward what I would describe as illustrative realism, simplifying realistic images and focusing more on strong color, contrast, and readability.
My background in drawing and painting is still very important to me. I think a lot about light, shadows, color relationships. But I always have to consider how the design will work on the body and how it will age, because it’s not as easy as on plain canvas or paper.
4. Every artist has influences that shape their journey. In your case, which figures or movements from art and tattooing have played the biggest role in building your visual identity?
I don’t think there is one specific artist who influenced me the most. Traveling and working with artists around the world has probably had the biggest impact. But there are few artists that inspired me with design or techniques since I first started tattooing around 15 years ago, it was Ad Pancho, Bullet Bg and Nikko Hurtado.
I also really admire Japanese tattooing. I love how large pieces can be created with a few strong elements. While still telling a complete story and flowing naturally with the body.
5. Today you are in a phase of professional consolidation. How would you describe the creative and personal moment you are currently experiencing?
I feel like I’m at a point where I understand myself much better as an artist. I’m less interested in following trends and more focused on creating work that feels true to me.
I’m also more confident about what I want - bold, colorful, strong designs that look good not only when they’re fresh but also as they age.
6. You have taken part in various conventions and events. What do these community gatherings mean to you, and what has been one of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had at them?
For me, conventions are about much more than competitions. They are a great opportunity to meet artists from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
Definitely traveling to different parts of the world, is one of the most amazing experiences. Conventions are a place to meet different cultures and people. I was happy to travel even as far as China and New Zealand for conversations.
7. Which aspects of today’s industry excite you the most, and which ones do you feel still need more space or recognition?
I’m excited that tattooing is increasingly being recognized as a serious art form, and there are so many talented artists pushing the industry forward.
I would love to see more attention given to healed tattoos and longevity. Social media focuses so much on fresh tattoos, but I believe a great tattoo should be designed to look good for many years.
8. Looking ahead, what projects, techniques, or artistic explorations are you planning to dive into in this new stage?
I would love to focus more on large-scale projects, especially backs and torsos. I’ve done many sleeves and leg projects, so working on larger areas feels like the next exciting step for me.
I also want to paint more and show it to public.
9. How is the rest of this year looking for you?
The rest of the year is looking very exciting. I’m continuing to work with clients in Latvia and planning more international trips.
I’m also working on getting my US visa, and I’m really looking forward to eventually work there. I’ve already had many people reach out about future projects, which makes me very happy.
10. To wrap up, if you could go back to when you were just starting out and give advice to the Sandra of that time, what would you tell her?
Be patient and trust the process. Don’t compare yourself to other artists everyone develops at a different pace.
Focus on drawing, learning the fundamentals, and improving your skills. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and do everything with passion and positivity energy.
11. No artistic journey is walked alone. Which people, colleagues, or spaces would you like to give a special shoutout or thanks to?
I’m grateful to all the artists I’ve met and worked with throughout my career. Every studio, guest spot, convention, and collaboration has taught me something.
I’m especially thankful to my clients for trusting me with their bodies and giving me the freedom to create.
And of course I’m very grateful to my husband Mihails Neverovs, who is not just great tattoo artist, but the biggest support for me.
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