Meet Valeria Marinaci - tattoo artist

Kai Hilton

Design and Visitor Experience Officer

I caught up with Valeria Marinaci, a local tattoo artist who has created some lovely t-shirt designs for us. 

Tell us about yourself

I’m a tattoo artist based in Sussex, a part-time potter, and a mum! I originally come from Sicily, made the move to England 14 years ago, and now I call Eastbourne home with my wonderful husband, our almost 3-year-old son, and our adopted black cat, Django.

How did you become a tattoo artist?

I've had a passion for tattooing since I was a teenager. After school, I would spend a lot of time hanging out at a local tattoo shop, and it was there I realized that this was my dream career. When I moved to England in 2011, I was lucky enough to find an apprenticeship at a studio in Brighton.

What do you specialise in?

My tattoo style is always evolving. Right now, I’m really into creating floral designs that beautifully flow with the body. I absolutely love incorporating folk art elements—anything with birds and flowers really captures my heart.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I draw inspiration from all sorts of sources. I’m fascinated by textiles, especially old embroidery—I even have a vintage English embroidery book that I constantly reference. I’m also inspired by Eastern European and Sicilian folk art, pottery, and even vintage children's books. Basically, anything that's colourful, cheerful, and floral grabs my attention.

Tell us about the artwork you designed for us.

For the designs I created for the Sussex Wildlife Trust, I aimed to capture that playful and whimsical vibe that resonates through my tattoos and artworks. I wanted to showcase a hidden world where you might find a lovely bird or a vibrant butterfly nestled among beautiful poppies and tall grasses—little elements we often overlook when we’re busy rushing around.

Is nature important to you?

Nature and wildlife hold a special place in my heart, both personally and as a family. Being surrounded by greenery is where I find the most peace; it’s like everything quiets down, and I can really take a breath. Life can be so hectic, so it’s super important for us to step outside—whether it's a walk in the woods or a stroll along the beach—to feel the wind on our faces and reconnect.

Where is your favourite wild space?

One of my favourite spots is Cuckmere Haven. I have so many wonderful memories of walking there with our old dog, enjoying picnics at sunset by the river, swimming in the sea during the summer, and watching our son play with the pebbles as a baby. It really holds a special place in my heart.

What skills do you need to do your work?

As a tattoo artist, I truly believe that having a knack for drawing or an artistic eye can definitely be a plus, but it’s not the be-all-end-all. With plenty of practice and commitment, you'll see your skills blossom! I think having good people skills is important too. When someone is getting a tattoo, they can feel quite vulnerable, and that’s when they often share their thoughts on mental health, past experiences, or just everyday stresses. It’s really rewarding to be there to listen and chat about these topics.

What is your favourite tattoo on yourself? (If you don’t mind us asking!)

One of my favourite tattoos is definitely the two vibrant butterflies on my chest, beautifully done by my talented friend Inma Solfire.

See Valeria's designs on our Teemill store here - available in women's, men's and children's sizes 

See more of Valeria's work on Instagram @valeriamarinaci. You can find her tattoo work here.