Marina Molist: From Barcelona’s Fine Line Scene to New York

Catalan tattoo artist Marina Molist shares her journey in fine line tattooing, the importance of handwriting, and her dream come true of tattooing in New York.

When Marina Molist started tattooing, fine line was still a niche style in Spain. While many doubted its longevity, she chose to follow her intuition, embracing delicate lines, elegant aesthetics, and a deeply personal artistic vision. Eight years later, that intuition has grown into an international career that has taken her from Barcelona to New York, attracting more than 100,000 followers and clients from around the world.

Known for her balanced compositions, distinctive handwriting, and artistic sensitivity that combines technique with emotion, Marina has transformed fine line tattooing into much more than a passing trend. For her, every tattoo is an intimate collaboration with the person who will wear it—a process where trust and creativity play an essential role.

In this interview, we discuss her beginnings, the evolution of fine line tattooing, her experiences working in different cities around the world, her recent collaboration with Tatteco Temporary Tattoos, and what it feels like to look at her left arm, which has become a visual diary of her entire artistic journey.

You've been tattooing for 7–8 years now. What would surprise the Marina who was just starting out about the Marina of today?

Everything. I don't think I ever imagined I would be where I am today. Being able to travel the world creating art, with so many people trusting me to leave a permanent mark on their skin, is incredible. Building my personal brand and being able to live, travel, and connect with so many people because of it is something I’m deeply grateful for. Living in New York while tattooing has always been one of my biggest dreams.

When you started tattooing, fine line wasn’t very common in Spain. What made you commit to that style from the very beginning?

It was the style I identified with the most. I always imagined myself being tattooed, but with tattoos that wouldn’t take away from my feminine and elegant aesthetic. I followed my intuition and believed in myself, even though at the time it wasn’t common and many people didn’t believe in it. Today, I’d say it’s one of the most popular tattoo styles.

Many of your lettering tattoos are done using your own handwriting. How did you realize that would become such a personal part of your style?

I’ve always loved writing. From primary school, when we practiced handwriting exercises, to today, where I still write in my notebooks every day. Writing is a huge part of who I am, and beautiful handwriting fascinates me. I find it incredibly elegant, unique, and special.

Fine line tattooing leaves no room for error. How do you prepare mentally and technically before each tattoo?

I feel like I enter a deep state of concentration when I start tattooing. There’s no room for mistakes, so I need to make sure I’m completely focused on the tattoo, the machine, and the skin. After eight years of practice, it’s something that has become second nature. I think it’s about trusting yourself and refining your technique every single day.

What’s the most meaningful or emotional design you’ve ever tattooed using your own handwriting?

For me, it’s always special when I tattoo people I love. The fact that my entire family wears my tattoos is something I’m very proud of. I tattooed the words T’estimo—“I love you” in Catalan—on both my mother and father.

Your compositions made up of multiple small tattoos are very popular. How do you create that visual balance?

At this point, it feels very natural to me. When I look at a specific area of the body and need to create a composition with multiple tattoos, I instinctively know where things should go to create balance on the skin. I always say that mixing elements with words, numbers, and lettering creates the visual harmony that many people are looking for.

You’ve tattooed in many cities around the world. What has it been like bringing your style to an international audience? How different are clients from one country to another?

It has been incredible. Every city I’ve visited has welcomed me warmly. I love seeing how people are different from place to place, yet I always seem to attract the same type of client. My clients tend to share a similar aesthetic and are looking for the same type of art on their skin, which I love. The cultures and personalities may differ, but the connection is always there. Those experiences are very special to me.

Do you think fine line is a trend that will continue evolving, or has it already become a classic style?

I think it’s already a very established style. I don’t think it will change much because its strength lies in its simplicity. Fine line, as the name suggests, should be delicate and understated, while often carrying a very powerful meaning.

What role does trust play when developing creative and unique designs with your clients?

Trust is a very important part of the process. When clients trust my judgment, my designs, and my vision for their compositions, it means a lot to me. I always try to make people feel comfortable and build a genuine connection. For me, tattooing is a ritual and a collaboration between the client and me. We both contribute to the final piece and shape it together.

You recently started a collaboration with Tatteco Temporary Tattoos to release temporary tattoos in your style. What motivated you to take that step, and how has it been translating your work into a new format?

I’ve always thought it would be amazing for people who don’t want permanent tattoos to experience what these delicate designs might look like on their bodies. At the same time, people who already love tattoos can have fun experimenting with them. I think it’s a fantastic idea, and I’m very excited to see the final result. The process has been enjoyable—I simply tried to create a variety of elements that I think a large part of my audience will connect with.

How would you like your work to evolve over the next few years? Do you see yourself exploring other styles or expanding your studio?

I’m at a point where I’m really happy with where I am. Working between New York and Barcelona is a dream come true. I’d love to continue developing this stage of my life and perhaps establish a more permanent base in both cities. I want to keep traveling occasionally, grow as a person and as an artist, and most importantly, enjoy the present and be grateful every day for where I am.

Your left arm has been your personal canvas since the beginning. What does it mean to look at that journey tattooed on your own skin?

It’s very special to me. It might even be my favorite part of my body because of what it represents. It shows my evolution as an artist, and I can see all of my progress there. Not all the tattoos are perfectly done because it was the area where I practiced during my first years. It attracts a lot of attention, which I love, because it represents my style one hundred percent.

Sigue el perfil de Marina aquí.