When it comes to fine-line tattoos, the artistry often transcends the surface. It’s easy to look at the tiny, “simple” lines while scrolling on your feed and think, “That’s not so difficult. I could do that myself.” But when you really dive into the realm of tattooing, a complexity that surpasses casual observation is unveiled. Fine-line, in particular, emerges as one of the most challenging (and sought-after) styles, demanding a skill set that goes beyond appearances. These past few years, it seems like everyone has been wanting a fine-line tattoo. Many artists are concerned the tattoos won’t age well. And if you go to a tattoo artist who doesn’t specialize in the specific style of fine-line, those concerns may bode true. But Yuli Noama has a steady hand and embraces these challenges with pleasure. In our conversation, Yuli unveils the journey that led her to tattooing and the allure of fine-line.
Can you introduce yourself & tell us a bit about who you are?
My name is Yuli Noama; I’m 24, born in Israel in a very small town. My dad is a DJ and music producer, and my mom works in childcare. I’m the oldest of three, with two younger brothers. Three years ago, I made my wildest dream come true and moved to New York. Honestly, I never thought it would happen; it’s very uncommon where I’m from. I moved here to study Graphic design, but life had a different plan, and now I’m living my dream as a tattoo artist.
When did you first become interested in art?
Art has been my therapy since I could hold a pencil. I grew up in a very artistic household, with my dad being a music creator and my mom loving the arts. My brother is a very talented young artist as well. It really took off for me at age 16 when my designs were featured in a clothing collection. After my dad proudly posted my art on his Facebook page, a clothing designer saw it and decided to collab with me. It was a mind-blowing experience to have this kind of recognition for my work.
What made you want to become a tattoo artist?
I was 16 when I got my first tattoo. I remember looking at the whole process and thinking, I must do this when I grow up. When I turned 18, I bought a fake tattoo kit and I “tattooed” all my friends, and we all thought it just suited me so well. When I was 21, I started looking for any tattoo artist or tattoo shop that would agree to have me as an apprentice, and no one was taking any. Tattoo courses just became a big hit, and that was all they were doing, and I couldn’t afford it. Fast forward, I moved to New York, and I randomly get a walk-in tattoo at a shop in Soho. My boyfriend followed the tattoo artist on Instagram, and a few weeks later, he saw that he was opening his own shop in Chinatown and offering a tattoo course for $900. It was all I had in my bank account at the time, but I took a chance, did the course, that tattoo artist became my mentor and by the end of the course he offered me a job. So it paid off, big time.
What helped push you to where you are today?
My parents raised me to be very independent from a young age, and when I moved to New York, I had to support myself. In the beginning, I was working as a full-time nanny during the weekdays, attended graphic design classes in the evenings, and tattooed all day long on the weekends, meaning I had absolutely no free time, but I didn’t mind because I loved my job and going to school. After a couple of months of tattooing only on weekends, I realized that unless I made tattooing my full-time focus, I’d never reach the level I wanted to reach. That meant leaving my stable job, which was my main source of income. So, I quit the nanny job to pursue tattooing. It was rough at first, because I didn’t have a lot of clients, but I just had so much faith that this would work out for me, it never crossed my mind that I’d fail. I was surrounded by incredible people who believed in me every step of the way. Quitting my job to be a full-time tattoo artist was the best decision I made.
How did you come to find your current style? Why do you love fine-line?
Fine-line tattoos just suit my character so perfectly. I love small details and that clean, elegant look. My drawing style was never about realism or portraits; it was always linework, so I knew that’s what my tattooing style would be. Plus, I only have fine-line tattoos on my body, so I guess you can say I practice what I preach.
What is the most difficult aspect of fine-line tattoos?
Achieving precision and maintaining intricate details. It requires a very steady hand and attention to detail. No room for mistakes when it’s all about the lines.
Would you ever change tattoo styles? Is there a style you’d like to try out in the future?
While I love my current style, I’m also open to evolution and growth. Exploring micro-realism is definitely something I’m planning in the future, but my heart belongs to fine line. Can’t imagine straying too far from it.
If you had to tattoo one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would probably be memorial tattoos; they have so much meaning. Being a part of those special moments and hearing people share their stories with me is such a privilege.
If you weren’t tattooing, what do you think you would be doing?
Probably doing graphic design for fashion brands. That was my original plan during college. It’s just about expressing myself through art, no matter the canvas.
What advice do you have for someone aspiring to be an artist?
Practice like your life depends on it, show up for yourself every day, and when an opportunity knocks, kick that door wide open.
