By: James Dawson

How Valeriia Volokhova Gained Recognition in the Tattoo World with Her Black-and-White Aesthetic

In the fast-moving world of tattoo art, trends can shift rapidly. But some names tend to linger — and Ooqza is one of those. More than a nickname, it’s an entire artistic universe shaped by Valeriia Volokhova: dark, emotional, and quietly magnetic. Now based in Los Angeles, her style resonates with tattoo artists around the world. But the story began in a much more modest place — a small town in Russia.

Valeriia was born just outside of Moscow in a family with no ties to the arts — her parents were social workers. A creative path didn’t seem particularly likely, but her instincts led her elsewhere. It all began unexpectedly during her time at college when someone at a party asked her for a tattoo. At the time, she was studying graphic design and decided to give it a try, buying a basic machine and diving into tattooing without mentors or formal training.

“There was no one to learn from in my hometown,” she recalls. “I had to figure everything out on my own — hours of YouTube, learning the depth of the needle, different techniques, all of it.”

What kept her going was a sort of fierce, determined belief — a deep-seated conviction that she could succeed, no matter the fear, the lack of support, or the early failures. Even in the hardest moments, she continued pushing forward.

That combination of persistence and raw passion formed the foundation of her 13-year journey. Today, Valeriia is a respected artist, a frequent presence at international tattoo conventions, and a guest judge in countries such as Australia, the U.S., Russia, and Europe.

The Birth of a Visual Language

Her breakthrough didn’t come solely from technique — it came from finding her voice. At one point, Valeriia realized that her work needed to do more than just look good — it needed to convey something deeper. This realization gave birth to the Ooqza style: melancholic gothic girls, emotionally charged characters, almost like snapshots from imaginary worlds and raw inner states.

Her black-and-white aesthetic blends everything that inspires her — Japanese manga, fashion, concept art, cinema, and emotional vulnerability.

“It’s not just about putting an image on skin. That’s the final step. I’m creating a space where someone can express what they can’t put into words. For me, a tattoo is an act of self-love — a way to recognize what lives inside you.”

As her popularity grew, so did the imitations. Some Russian brands even used her artwork without permission — leading to legal disputes. But even that served as a sign: her visual language had become something people recognized and admired.

Today, Valeriia has over 180,000 followers, and that number continues to increase. Her work is regularly featured in art blogs and fashion magazines. She receives invites to festivals and masterclasses across the globe. A new wave of tattoo artists views her work as a reference — layered, emotional, and refined.

Her influence extends beyond social media numbers. Within the tattoo community, Ooqza has become a kind of cultural touchstone — a name spoken with respect in studios from Berlin to Buenos Aires. Young artists often cite her as the inspiration for why they picked up a tattoo machine in the first place. Her style, characterized by restraint, precision, and emotional depth, has sparked an entire subgenre of minimalist storytelling tattoos — melancholic, compelling, and profoundly human.

After gaining recognition in Moscow and Europe, Valeriia moved to Los Angeles — a natural next step. In LA, she continues building the Ooqza brand, tattooing clients from around the world, and engaging with the local art scene. But no matter how far she’s come, she still carries her mysterious, European energy with her — and that’s part of what makes her work so unique.

The story of Ooqza is one of rising from humble beginnings and earning respect — without connections or resources. Just vision, authenticity, and the courage to share your inner world through your craft. Her confidence and devotion have helped establish her as one of the more remarkable figures in the tattoo industry today.