Maya Lindqvist
Custom Tattoo Artist | Illustrative Blackwork & Fine-Line Specialist
Ottawa
Professional Summary
Dedicated tattoo artist with over a decade of combined studio apprenticeship and professional tattooing experience in Ottawa. Specializes in illustrative blackwork, delicate botanical motifs, and precise fine-line designs customized to client anatomy.
Committed to exceptional hygiene standards, trauma-informed client consultations, and comprehensive aftercare support to ensure safe application and optimal healed results.
Tattooing Experience
Northern Birch Tattoo Studio
Ottawa, ON
Resident Tattoo Artist
Aug 2021 – Present
- Conduct in-depth design consultations and execute custom fine-line, illustrative blackwork, and botanical tattoos for an active client roster.
- Prepare digital stencils and anatomy-fitted mockups using Procreate, tailoring placement to natural muscle flow and skin elasticity.
- Maintain rigorous aseptic techniques and cross-contamination prevention across all workstations, adhering to Ottawa Public Health personal services guidelines.
- Provide comprehensive written and verbal aftercare instructions, monitoring healing progress through scheduled follow-up check-ins.
Timberline Needleworks
Ottawa, ON
Tattoo Artist
Sep 2017 – Jul 2021
- Tattooed walk-in patrons and appointment clients across traditional, neo-traditional, and script motifs while developing a personal illustrative style.
- Assisted with daily shop sterilization duties including autoclave spore monitoring, instrument packaging, and surface disinfection protocols.
- Tuned rotary and coil tattoo machines, configured diverse needle groupings, and mixed custom graywashes.
Apprentice Tattoo Artist
Feb 2015 – Aug 2017
- Completed a structured body-art apprenticeship under senior artists, logging over 1,500 hours of design drafting, sterilization practice, and supervised tattooing.
- Handled client intake, verified consent documentation, managed appointment scheduling, and organized medical-grade supply inventories.
Education
Ottawa School of Art
Diploma in Fine Arts · Fine Arts · Ottawa, ON · Honours · Sep 2011 – Apr 2014
Completed comprehensive studio coursework focusing on observational drawing, printmaking, human anatomy, and tonal composition.
Organized the graduating cohort gallery showcase and received the departmental drawing merit recognition.
Selected Projects
Boreal Botanical Flash Series
Apr 2023 – Nov 2023
- Created a collection of 45 original flash designs featuring native Ontario flora and fauna, raising over $3,200 for local conservation initiatives during a studio flash event.
- Documented healed results over a six-month window to analyze ink retention across different skin types and placement areas.
Core Competencies
Fine-line illustration
Illustrative blackwork
Custom flash design
Aseptic technique & sterilization
Needle groupings & depth control
Client consultation & anatomy fitting
Digital stencil preparation (Procreate)
Skin assessment & aftercare guidance
Rotary & coil machine maintenance
Cross-contamination prevention
Languages
English
C2
French
B2
Certifications & Training
Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED
Canadian Red Cross · May 2024
Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control for Body Artists
ProTrainings Canada · Apr 2026
Community Involvement
Capital Youth Arts Collective
Ottawa, ON · May 2022 – Sep 2024
- Community Art Mentor
- Painted large-scale outdoor temporary murals for community events to support emerging urban art spaces in central Ottawa.
- Mentored adolescent community center participants in basic ink-drawing techniques and sketchbook development.