Diana Diaz: Illustrative Stories in Boots and Polka Dots — The World of Little Characters
Meet Diana Diaz, born Diana Tarakanova, a 24-year-old tattoo artist from Ukraine with a style and universe entirely her own. In this Tattoogenda feature, we dive into Diana’s whimsical yet structured world—where tiny characters in boots act out life’s everyday moments in timeless black ink.
An Artistic Dream Deferred, Then Reclaimed
Diana’s creative roots run deep. She studied monumental and decorative painting at the Ivan Trush Lviv State College of Decorative and Applied Arts, dreaming of turning art into a career. But when money ran short, she had to pause her studies. “I started tattooing to earn money,” she recalls, “and when I saw how natural it felt, I knew I had to commit fully.”
At just 16, Diana bought her first tattoo kit from AliExpress, started on pig skin and fruit, and quickly progressed to doing real tattoos for small fees. She had been dreaming of this since she was 14—so much so that she made a vision board of her future tattoo life.
A Universe of Boots and Stories
Diana’s tattoo style is illustrative modern-traditional, with a unique twist: her recurring world of “little boot people”. “Each design is a scene, a small story,” she explains. “I love giving my characters retro clothing—like 60s polka-dot skirts—and always boots. That’s their identity.”
The aesthetic is clean, bold, and charming, with strong black areas, clever skin breaks, and crisp outlines that age gracefully. Her work has both narrative and graphic clarity—a perfect balance.
The Art of Connection
Diana’s creative process starts with a question: What are my characters doing today? “I want to create something that emotionally connects with my client—something familiar.” Whether it’s interacting with objects or each other, her characters always tell a story.
As a guest artist, she often doesn’t get to see her healed tattoos again—“so finishing the tattoo is bittersweet. I love the process, and always feel a little sad when it’s over.”
Challenges and the Choice to Simplify
Diana began her tattoo journey experimenting with realism, often working 5–9 hour sessions. But it didn’t align with her personality or creative direction. “I eventually embraced simpler designs—ones that felt more like me and were in high demand.”
Today, the clothing details in her tattoos—especially the retro boots and patterns—have become her signature. And her favorite subjects? Simple, timeless tattoos that hold emotional weight.
