Pro Artist of the month - Rakhee Shah

August 07, 2025 - 4 months ago

Countless awards under her belt, sponsorships from some of the biggest brands in tattooing, and the quality of work to rival the best, our Magnum Pro Artist of the month is none other than Rakhee Shah!

Based in her beloved London, Rakhee is the owner of Xotica Tattoo Company and a tour de force in tattooing, popping up at guest spots and conventions across the globe and producing what is easily some of the best work around.

We spoke to Rakhee about being a female POC in a white male-dominated industry, how becoming a mother changed her tattooing trajectory, and what concepts from Hinduism inspire her designs.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a tattoo artist?

Art was always a big part of my identity. I had a super basic apprenticeship of sorts, traditional in most ways, not really structured or informative, but I managed to get my foot in the door. I carved my own way into the industry through persistence, self-teaching, and a lot of resilience. Tattooing felt like the perfect medium to express my passion for art.

Did you face any challenges in your early days, and if so, how did you overcome them?

Many. Breaking into the industry without a real mentor meant I had to teach myself most things – from techniques to business and self-promotion. I faced limited support, and lots of trial and error. But it also came with disguised opportunities for which I will always be grateful, those challenges forced me to build strength and independence early on.

How have you found being a female POC in a predominantly white male-dominated industry?

It’s been tough at times – you feel the weight of expectations and assumptions, but it also pushed me to hold space for others. I’ve had to prove myself again and again, being seen as a women in this industry requires way more of you than the male counterparts and on top of which being a POC comes with expected stereotypes, but I’m proud to be part of a wave that’s bringing more diversity, visibility, and representation into tattooing.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your style or way you tattoo?

It’s hard to pinpoint one thing – I pull inspiration from surrealism, photography, design, textures, movement, I’ve never had a one particular influence but more a collection of passionate and talented people or works. Realism was my base, but I’ve always gravitated toward creating emotion and story through abstract composition.

How has your approach to tattooing changed over the years, and are there other styles you’d like to try your hand at?

In the beginning, I took on every style – just to learn, adapt, and survive. Over time, especially after becoming a mum, I refined my focus. Now I specialise in abstract realism – it gives me room to be expressive and technical at the same time. I’m always open to evolving, but this feels like home for now.

How would you describe your style?

Abstract realism with emotional depth. It’s a mix of detailed, lifelike imagery layered with expressive textures, colour, and movement. I love when a piece feels like it could only exist on that one person’s skin.

What does the term “Maya” mean to you and how does this inspire your work?

To me, Maya is about illusion, perception, and the layers of reality we each carry. It mirrors how I design – combining the visible with the emotional, the literal with the abstract. It’s about duality and unseen depth.

How did you come to open your own studio, Xotica Tattoo Company, and who works there alongside you?

Opening Xotica was about creating a space that reflected my values – inclusive, professional, and hopefully inspiring to others, it’s had its ups and downs like all business but that’s usually the case in environments that have passionate, strong minded people. I’ve had an amazing rotation of guest artists and collaborators over the years, and I’m always open to connecting with creatives who align with good values.

Can you talk about the importance of creating a welcoming space where both your clients and artists can feel confident expressing themselves?

It’s everything. People come to get tattooed often when they’re marking something big – joy, pain, transformation. They need to feel safe and seen. That goes for artists too. I wanted a studio where expression and identity aren’t boxed in – where people feel respected and empowered, making people feel individual and seen is not only good for everyone in that space but also good business sense.

Why is London the perfect home for your studio?

London is where I grew up – it’s home, creative, and full of contrast. That energy feeds my art. It’s diverse and vibrant, which aligns with the stories I get to tell through tattooing.

What three places would you recommend for someone visiting London for the first time?

Oh wow, that would require a bit of a conversation as London has so many diverse areas which cater for everyone’s likes, but obviously my studio being number one!

From initial consultation to finished tattoo, can you describe your client process?

I always start by listening. I want to understand the why behind the tattoo – whether it’s deeply personal or purely aesthetic. From there, I create a design that balances vision and trust. On the day, I make sure the space feels calm, professional, and open.

What advice would you give both those getting their first tattoo and artists starting an apprenticeship?

To clients: research your artist, ask questions, and trust the process. To new artists: learn humility. Tattooing is not just drawing – it’s people, pressure, and constant learning. Respect the craft and the client equally.

Which tattoo brands are your daily go-tos that can’t work without?

I’m selective about quality – from my machine setup being Stigma machines which I’ve used for over 10 years to pigments being Xtreme Tattoo Inks. I choose tools that allow for both fine detail and bold expression, and I never compromise on hygiene or consistency.

What are your top aftercare tips for looking after tattoos this summer?

Hydration and protection are key. Keep it clean, moisturised, and out of direct sun until it’s fully healed. Let your skin breathe – and don’t skip the healing balm.

How do you balance being a mother with tattooing full-time and owning a studio?

Balance has never been linear, sometimes you feel like it’s going smooth and sometimes you feel overwhelmed, life is always throwing curveballs at you but learning tools to remember what’s important and not feeling like you always need to come up with solutions is important, it takes time but I have learnt that it’s important not to waste time on anything that doesn’t align with my growth or values anymore.

How did having your son change the trajectory of your tattooing?

It completely shifted how I worked. I moved from doing every type of tattoo to focusing on the kind of art that fulfilled me. He gave me the courage to trust my own creative voice.

You have travelled around the world for guest spots and conventions, but which places have been your favourite?

Dresden stands out – the energy, the community, the beauty of the city. Every place teaches me something different, but it’s always the people that leave the biggest impact.

Which award has been your personal favourite to receive?

Although yes, I have received awards over the years, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of only working for the adulation and temporary adrenaline it provides. The award process is strange at the best of times and we’ve all been in situations where results left people a bit confused, so now it’s just treated as something I prefer to do just for my clients. As long as the piece has come up to the standard I was hoping for it beats any trophy.

Who has been your favourite artist to collaborate with and who is on your collab bucket list?

I love collaborating with artists, they have all challenged me and taught me so much through technique and work approach. There are so many incredible artists out there – some I’ve worked with, some I admire from afar. I’m always open to collaboration that’s rooted in authenticity.

Have you worked any conventions this year, and do you have any more lined up before the end of 2025?

Yes, I’ve done a few spots already this year and have more in the works. I love the energy of conventions – it’s intense but inspiring to be around so much talent and drive. Next one is Big London in September. 

What is next for Rakhee Shah?

More travel, more collaborations, I have exciting projects in the pipeline with my sponsors and continuing to grow Xotica as a creative space. I’m working on expanding the ways I connect with people – through seminars and mentoring. Big things are on the horizon.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Rakhee for taking part in our interview! You can check out all of her work and upcoming conventions, guest spots and seminars on Instagram at @rakhee_tattoo and Facebook at @rakhee.tattoos too.