Klaudia Zelenay

Year of birth: 1991.
Where do you live: Siofok, Hungary.
Describe your art in three words: Dark, Nature, Passion.
Your discipline: Tattoo Artist and Painter.
Website | Instagram

Your art spans both tattooing and painting. How do these two mediums complement or influence each other in your creative process?

Tattooing and painting offer me two unique yet complementary creative outlets. In tattooing, I work closely with people, turning their ideas into permanent art on their skin. It’s a collaborative process where I often have creative freedom, but it’s always tailored to the individual. In painting, however, I can fully immerse myself in my world, connecting deeply with my emotions and vision without external input. This balance between collaboration in tattooing and personal expression in painting enriches my creativity in both mediums. Tattooing sharpens my precision and adaptability, while painting allows me to explore concepts freely and intuitively.

What inspired you to transition from tattooing to focusing more on painting since 2020?

I didn’t transition from tattooing to painting; rather, I began dedicating more time to painting alongside tattooing. Both forms of art are essential to me, and I see them as complementary rather than exclusive. In 2020, I found myself exploring painting more seriously, which allowed me to dive deeper into self-expression and experiment with techniques I couldn’t fully apply in tattooing. Painting became an additional way to expand my creativity while still maintaining my passion for tattoo art.

Many of your paintings feature nature and animals. What role does your environment near Lake Balaton play in your artistic inspiration?

Although I was born and raised in Budapest, I spent a significant part of my childhood near Lake Balaton with my godparents. Those early experiences cultivated my love for nature, which remains a central theme in my art. In 2020, my husband and I moved to the Balaton area, and living here has deepened my connection to the natural world. The lake, changing seasons, and abundant wildlife constantly inspire my work, helping me capture the tranquility, beauty, and fleeting moments of nature on canvas.

Your work often balances light themes of nature with darker, horror-inspired motifs. How do you approach blending these contrasting elements?

As a fan of metal music and the horror genre, I find myself drawn to the darker, more mysterious aspects of life. These themes inspire the shadowy, intense elements in my work. At the same time, another side of me is deeply connected to the serenity and beauty of nature and the animal world. Bringing these contrasting aspects together feels natural, as they represent the duality within me.

Can you tell us more about your watercolor-like techniques with acrylics? How did you develop this unique approach?

I primarily use the watercolor style in my tattoo work, where it brings a vibrant yet delicate quality to the designs. In painting, I’m always exploring what might look better in watercolor than in my main mediums, acrylic or pastel. I discovered almost by accident that heavily diluted acrylics can mimic the translucency and fluidity of watercolors beautifully. However, despite these experiments, my main focus remains on acrylic and pastel as they allow for greater texture and depth in my art.

You’ve participated in exhibitions around the world. Which experience has been the most memorable or influential for you?

Each exhibition has been unique and rewarding, but the first opportunities in new locations always stand out as the most memorable. For example, showcasing my work at galleries like the Golden Duck Gallery (Budapest, Hungary) and the Teravarna Gallery (Los Angeles, USA) were milestones that boosted my confidence and encouraged me to explore new artistic directions. These moments of stepping into the unknown and presenting my art to new audiences are both challenging and deeply fulfilling.

What do you hope viewers take away from your art, both as a tattoo artist and a painter?

Through my art, I hope to convey the harmony between light and darkness, inspiring viewers to see the beauty in the darker side of life—proving that not everything that appears ominous is inherently negative. As a tattoo artist, my goal has always been to create meaningful, personalized works that resonate deeply with each client. Even after nine years in the profession, I remain committed to ensuring each tattoo is a reflection of the wearer’s personality and story. Similarly, my paintings aim to evoke emotion and spark reflection, inviting viewers to explore both their inner worlds and the world around them.

What are your plans for the future?

Looking ahead, I aim to continue expanding my artistic horizons by participating in more international exhibitions, exploring new mediums, and further integrating tattooing with painting. I hope to deepen the emotional connections with my tattoo clients, creating even more personal, meaningful works. Regarding painting, I’m excited to experiment with new techniques and themes, possibly collaborating with other artists to bring fresh perspectives to my work. Ultimately, I want my art to continue evolving while staying true to the balance between dark and light that defines my creative vision. Another significant plan is to move to the United States, as the immigration process is currently underway. This move will allow me to grow artistically and connect with a broader community of artists.