Meet Misha | Painter, Tattoo Artist & Graphic Designer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Misha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Misha, why did you pursue a creative career?
My artistic journey began unexpectedly in high school when I signed up for an art class as a blow-off elective. I needed a few more credits to graduate, and art seemed like an easy choice. To my surprise, I discovered not only a natural talent but also a genuine passion for creating. That class sparked something in me, and from there, my interest in art began to grow into something much deeper.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From a very early age, I was fascinated by Eastern art—particularly the rich visual cultures of India, China, and Japan. That fascination naturally found its way into my creative process. As a tattoo artist, I began to incorporate elements of Eastern aesthetics into my work, and over time, my tattooing and painting began to influence each other.

This blending led to the development of my own unique style—a fusion of Asian art traditions and classic tattoo art. I draw from the bold, thick outlines of traditional tattooing, the expressive, oversized eyes inspired by Japanese manga, the graceful, flowing garments characteristic of Chinese figures, and the natural, organic backgrounds often seen in Indian art.

Each piece I create is a reflection of this cross-cultural conversation, where ancient traditions meet contemporary interpretation, and where body art and canvas speak the same visual language.

I’ve been an artist for over 40 years and a tattooist for 34 of those years. Throughout that time, I’ve faced many challenges—both creative and personal. When I first started tattooing, the industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated. There were very few women in the field, and it was difficult to be taken seriously. I had to let my work and determination speak loudly and clearly to carve out space for myself.

As an artist, I’ve experienced the natural ebb and flow of creativity—periods of intense inspiration followed by times of struggle. One of the biggest ongoing challenges has always been getting my work seen and finding the right audience. In the earlier years, it felt like an uphill climb, but thankfully, the rise of the internet and social media has made it easier to share my art with a wider world.

Through it all, my passion for creating has remained constant. My work continues to evolve, blending my roots in tattooing with a lifelong fascination for Eastern art. Every line I draw and every image I paint reflects the journey I’ve taken and the voice I’ve worked hard to claim.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I LOVE L.A.!

June marks 22 years since I moved here—and even after all this time, I still find new and exciting things to see and do.

Since opening my own studio, I don’t have as much time to explore as I used to, but I still get to play mini-tour guide for the many out-of-town clients who come to me for my cover-up specialty work. One of my favorite things to say is, “Pick a food, and I’ll tell you where to go.” (Spoiler: it’s usually more than one place!)

One of my favorite drives is taking the 101 up through Topanga Canyon, then winding all the way down to PCH. That moment—coming around the final bend and seeing the ocean spread out in front of you—is still breathtaking, no matter how many times I’ve done it. A quick cruise up PCH to Malibu Seafood for a sourdough bowl of clam chowder while watching the waves break? That’s my idea of a relaxing afternoon.

I also love heading down to Little Tokyo on New Year’s Day to get my yearly horoscope and blessings from the monks. It’s amazing seeing all the families down there doing the same. The smell of all the different foods from the stalls instantly transports me back to my time in Osaka.

And since it’s Pride Month, I have to say how happy I am that the L.A. Pride Parade is back in Hollywood—right by my studio! There’s something so special about stepping outside and seeing all the love and support the LGBTQ+ community receives in this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost my parents. At first, they tried to steer me away from the arts—not out of lack of support, but because they were concerned about how difficult it might be to build a stable career in that field. At the time, I had an aunt who worked as a draftsperson and a cousin who was drawing comics. So I knew it could be done.

I started following in my aunt’s footsteps, working as a layout artist at a job shop for Chrysler, helping create car manuals. It was technical, but not really creative work.

Soon after, I got into tattooing. When the opportunity for an apprenticeship came along, my parents actually helped cover the cost. That support made all the difference. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Website: https://www.misha-art.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecountessofcoverups/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TattoosByMisha https://www.facebook.com/Misha: Painting, Tattoos and Graphic Design

Other: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mishatattooart.bsky.social

TicTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigeyedmisha

Image Credits
All photos by Misha