Anya Proshchina’s tattoos are instantly recognizable for their breathtaking realism and delicate, feminine touch. With soft lines, muted colors, and an abundance of floral and nature-inspired designs, it’s no surprise that her schedule at Glass Moon Tattoo in Denver is packed with clients seeking her unique artistry permanently etched onto their skin. We spoke with Anya to delve into how her deep connection with nature fuels her artistic vision and shapes her signature style of feminine tattooing.
Close-up shot of a delicate floral tattoo on a forearm, showcasing soft lines and muted colors.
Anya’s journey into the world of tattoos wasn’t a direct path. Before dedicating herself to ink, she envisioned herself in another creative field, perhaps still working with her hands, surrounded by the natural world. “I’m pretty sure I’d still be doing something artistic,” Anya reflects, “absolutely sure it’d be something with my hands. I always remember myself creating something. I can also see myself doing something with plants or animals involved.” This inherent artistic drive, combined with a practical need, ultimately led her to tattooing. Unable to find an artist who could perfectly execute her vision for finishing her own leg tattoo, a friend suggested she learn to do it herself. While she playfully admits, “Long story short, my leg is still not finished today. One day!”, this initial spark ignited a passion that has blossomed into a thriving career specializing in feminine and realistic tattoos.
Detailed black and gray rose tattoo on a hand, exemplifying realism in feminine tattoo art.
Her artistic talents extend beyond the tattoo studio. When asked about hidden talents, Anya shares a few lighthearted and quirky skills: “Hmm… let me think haha, I can do headstand – does this count? I can move my ears. One of my friends said “find brand new items at thrift stores.” These unexpected talents offer a glimpse into Anya’s playful personality, which subtly translates into the approachable and graceful nature of her feminine tattoo designs. Currently, her musical inspiration comes from eclectic sounds, listing artists like Thievery Corporation, Tetra Hydro K, Emancipator, Drumspyder, and L’entourloop as her go-to playlist. This diverse musical taste mirrors the intricate and layered details found within her tattoo work.
Vibrant floral thigh tattoo featuring realistic flowers and leaves, highlighting the feminine nature-inspired theme.
Nature serves as Anya’s primary muse, profoundly influencing her feminine tattoo aesthetic. “Since I prefer to do a lot of nature related stuff I definitely take my inspiration from nature a lot,” she explains. “I love plants so much and always take reference pictures when I have a chance.” This deep appreciation for the natural world is evident in her work, where flowers, leaves, and organic forms are rendered with meticulous detail and a soft, inherently feminine sensibility. Her dedication to capturing the essence of nature translates into tattoos that are not only visually stunning but also resonate with a sense of delicate beauty and organic flow, key characteristics of feminine tattoo styles.
Back tattoo showcasing delicate flowers and leaves winding down the spine, embodying feminine elegance.
Reflecting on her journey, Anya recalls her first tattoo experiences. Her very first, a small bird, has since been covered, but she remembers her first “normal size” tattoo as a rose on her hip. Roses, a classic symbol of femininity, are a recurring motif in tattoo art and particularly in Anya’s portfolio, showcasing her long-standing appreciation for traditionally feminine imagery. This early experience likely contributed to her understanding and refinement of feminine tattoo aesthetics.
Shoulder tattoo of a realistic butterfly surrounded by delicate floral elements, representing feminine grace and transformation.
While Anya is largely satisfied with her own tattoo choices and the work she provides, she emphasizes the importance of open communication with clients to ensure they are happy with their feminine tattoo designs long-term. “I definitely have less favorite tattoos on my body that probably will get covered up or reworked eventually!” she admits. Regarding tattoos she has given, she prioritizes client satisfaction and ethical practice. “I am always trying to be open and straightforward about everything. I always let a client know about all concerns of the design or placement they picked for example, I also can say no if I think that design is not a good idea or it doesn’t align with my beliefs for example.” This dedication to honesty and client well-being is crucial in the tattoo industry and especially when creating permanent art that clients will cherish.
Inner arm tattoo of a detailed peony flower with soft shading, exemplifying popular feminine floral tattoo choices.
Humorously recounting a unique tattoo request, Anya shares a story of “bro tattoos” featuring unicorns. While this particular request might not align with her signature feminine style, it highlights her experience in accommodating diverse client ideas, especially early in her career. “It was 2 unicorns having sex under a rainbow, they wanted to place it on their butt cheeks… they both got it as tramp stamps. I think that was the strangest.”
Elaborate floral sleeve tattoo with vibrant colors and realistic botanical details, a statement piece of feminine body art.
The most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist, for Anya, is the emotional connection she forges with her clients, particularly when creating feminine cover-up tattoos. “My absolute favorite part of my job is the emotion I see on peoples faces when they see their finished tattoo for the first time. Especially when coverups are completed,” she expresses. “Most people expect a cover up to be something not pretty and obvious cover up looking, but my cover ups are not like that. I’ve seen the same person come in hating some part of their body (scars for example) and then walk out of the shop the same day wanting to show it off to everyone now- that’s probably one of the best moments of my job. I’m so happy I can do that for somebody.” This ability to transform negative self-perception into body positivity through beautiful, often feminine, tattoo art is a powerful motivator for her. The most challenging part, she notes, is having to decline requests, but she always strives to guide clients towards artists who might be a better fit.
Close up of a wrist tattoo featuring a delicate lavender sprig, a minimalist yet feminine tattoo design.
Anya observes a concerning trend in the tattoo industry: a focus on fleeting trends over quality, particularly with very small, delicate tattoos that may not age well. “Tattoos that are going to look like poop within 1-3 years! All the tiny tiny thingys, scripts or symbols that were made in the wrong size and not going to last,” she cautions. However, her positive outlook shines through as she sees this trend as an opportunity to help clients through cover-ups, transforming less-than-ideal tattoos into beautiful, enduring pieces of art, often within her signature feminine style.
Upper arm tattoo of a bouquet of wildflowers with soft watercolor effect, embodying a modern feminine tattoo trend.
Beyond nature, Anya also draws inspiration from other artists and explores various art mediums outside of tattooing. “Other artists can definitely be my inspiration sometimes. I also try to explore other art mediums besides tattooing in my free time and I think that also keeps me going a lot.” This commitment to continuous learning and exploration ensures her feminine tattoo designs remain fresh, innovative, and deeply personal.
Ankle tattoo of a subtle and elegant floral vine, showcasing a minimalist feminine tattoo placement.
To see more of Anya Proshchina’s stunning Feminine Tattoos and realistic artwork, you can follow her on Instagram @kimkim_tattoo or visit her website Kimkimtattoo.com. For inquiries, reach out via email at [email protected].
