Tonya Martines Seminole / Florida / USA Instagram: inkedwolfie inkedwolfie22@gmail.com
What inspired you to combine nature and animals in your art?
I’ve always loved animals — ever since I was a kid, I was collecting animal toys, stickers, and anything with wildlife on it. One of my favorite PC games growing up was ‘Tarzan’, and I was obsessed with the jungle scenes and how alive everything felt. Nature has always given me this special kind of energy — it recharges and inspires me. So mixing animals and nature in my art just came naturally. Even all the tattoos on my body are animals, each one showing a piece of my connection to the wild and the beauty of nature.
How was the process of moving from drawing and painting to professional tattooing?
I started my tattoo journey in Ukraine, where I’m originally from. Back in college, my classmates often asked me to draw fake tattoos on them with permanent markers, and they were the first ones to tell me I should try tattooing for real. Art had always been a big part of my life — when I was 19, I even launched my own brand of hand-painted tote bags. A few years later, I finally decided to explore tattooing, and it instantly became my biggest passion. It combined everything I loved — creativity, precision, and the chance to turn art into something meaningful and personal for others. I still paint and create digital art whenever I can — it keeps my inspiration flowing and helps me grow as an artist.
What did it mean to you to start from scratch in the United States?
In 2022, because of the war in Ukraine, I had to leave my country and was granted temporary protected status in the United States. I had never been to the U.S. before, so at first, it felt like a completely different world to me. I was very homesick, and on top of that, nobody knew me here as a tattoo artist. My portfolio wasn’t big enough yet to easily find a spot in a tattoo shop, so I truly had to start from zero — building not only my career and recognition but also a new life and adapting to an entirely new country and culture.
Your dragon style is very distinctive. How did that design come about?
About two years ago, a girl asked me for a dragon tattoo on her thigh, and I designed a custom piece — a feminine dragon drawn with a mix of fine and bold lines. I didn’t want it to look like the typical dragon tattoos I’d seen online, so I added my own touch and style. To my surprise, the design quickly caught people’s attention. More and more clients started asking me for dragon tattoos, and I was thrilled — I’d always dreamed of developing a signature style, something unique that people would come to me specifically for. I’ve lost count of how many dragons I’ve done since then, but that first one will always be special to me. It brought me recognition in my area. New clients still ask for them, and I genuinely enjoy creating each one.
What were your first experiences like when you started tattooing?
Everything felt different and more complicated back then. I first tried tattooing in my home country in 2017, and the equipment was totally different. There were no wireless machines yet and barely any tutorials online. You had to dig for info for hours and teach yourself, since finding a mentor was tough — either nobody wanted to teach or it cost way more than I could afford as a student. So I learned slowly, brick by brick. I practiced on fake skin and later started inviting people who wanted free tattoos. My first machine was a cheap Chinese one that stopped working after two months. I didn’t even have a printer, so I’d go across the street to print stencil options. Even with all that, I loved the process and seeing the healed results. I couldn’t make it a full-time job back then, so I had to pause for a few years. But I never stopped thinking about it — and when I moved to the U.S., I got back into it. Now it’s finally more than just a hobby.
You enjoy creating clothing, sculptures, and other artistic pieces. What draws you to these forms of art?
I love creating something original and one-of-a-kind — something that exists in just one form. For me, it’s a way of expressing myself. I’ve loved doing that since childhood — it all started with painting the walls in my room. Why settle for something boring when you can make it brighter, more interesting, and truly unique? I’m drawn to custom pieces of art, clothing, and other creations because they carry personality and become recognizable in their own special way.
Is there any destination you’ve traveled to that has especially marked you?
Absolutely! My trip to Sedona, Arizona, made me fall in love with that place. I had dreamed of seeing a canyon for a long time when I was living in Ukraine, and in Arizona, those dreams finally came true. Sedona, in particular, felt very spiritual and special. There’s so much to explore there — like the vortexes, which are believed to be swirling centers of the earth’s energy. I’ve been to Sedona several times already, and each visit reveals a new side of it to me. Last time, I rode in a hot air balloon, and it was an incredible experience. There’s just something about that place that makes it truly unique for me. Another favorite destination of mine is Park City, Utah. I’ve traveled through Utah several times, and I never get tired of it, its landscapes and its energy. What’s funny is that every time I go to Utah, one of my reels or posts on Instagram is blowing up :)
Do you have plans to participate in conventions, take new trips, or work on personal projects in the future?
Absolutely! Within the next year, I definitely plan to participate in conventions cuz that’s what helps to grow as an artist. I feel like I’ve finally reached a point where I’m mentally ready for it and excited about all the new opportunities ahead. As for trips, there’s already a lot planned, and I’m hoping to combine some of them with work. I definitely plan to do guest spots and attend tattoo conventions in other states and countries. Who knows — maybe those experiences will inspire me for some new creative projects along the way.
If someone wants to contact you, how can they do it?
People can contact me by email at inkedwolfie22@gmail.com or reach out to me on Instagram: inkedwolfie. In my Instagram bio, they can also find links to my other social media accounts and my tattoo booking form :)
Do you want to leave a special message or dedication?
To My Future Self: Keep your fire alive. Remember why you started — every line and shade is proof you’re doing something real. Trust your hands, trust your heart. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be — keep creating. To My Clients and Everyone Who Supports My Art: Thank you for believing in my work and letting me bring your ideas to life. Your trust and support keep this dream alive. Grateful for every one of you.
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