Illustrative · Anime · Black & Gray · San Francisco

Ksu
Storm

Art that earns its place on your skin.

Black Serum Studio · 310 Valencia St, San Francisco

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Ksu Storm — tattoo artist portrait
Ksu Storm tattooing at convention
Ksu Storm with Japanese fox mask

Born in Ukraine.
Creating in SF.

I'm Kseniia Oliinyk — known in the tattoo world as Ksu Storm. My work lives at the intersection of fine art and permanent body modification: saturated color realism that moves, Japanese compositions that breathe, cover-ups that make the past disappear.

At Black Serum on Valencia Street, I treat every piece as a collaboration between my artistic vision and your life story. Whether you're bringing reference photos for hyper-realistic color work, trusting me to transform something you've grown to hate, or chasing an anime dream — my commitment is the same: art made for you and no one else.

1,777+
Pieces completed
10+
Years experience
3
Countries featured
Judge &
Speaker
Conventions

Selected Work

Press & Recognition

TH-INK Magazine UK
Tattoo Artist Ksu Storm
July 2025

Ksu Storm is a San Francisco-based tattoo artist specializing in color realism and cover-up work. Featured in TH-INK Magazine for her unique approach to tattoo therapy and scar transformation.

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Core Magazines
Ksu Storm: Drawing on Scars
October 2025

"A tattoo might be the only way a family can identify a loved one." Kseniia Oliinyk draws on her nursing background to transform scars into meaningful art, with special significance for soldiers seeking protective symbols and identity restoration.

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Voyage LA Magazine
Check Out Kseniia Oliinyk's Story
October 2025

"Right now I specialize in covering up old tattoos and scars — I call it tattoo therapy. By covering a scar, the person no longer associates that part of their body with a traumatic event, and this helps improve their quality of life."

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Skin-Artists.com
Interview with Kseniia Oliinyk
December 2025

"My passion for art really began in my early childhood. At 14, when I saw Miami Ink — especially Kat Von D — I realized tattooing combined two things I loved: art and medicine. That's when I decided tattooing would become my life's work."

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inkTALK
Art, Medicine & Professional Innovation
July 2026

Combining artistic education, published research, and the development of the Hand-Over-Hand Experiential Methodology (HHEM), Kseniia Oliinyk has built a career that bridges art, professional education, and innovation within the tattoo industry.

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inkTALK Education
The Hand-Over-Hand Experiential Methodology
July 2026

"A strong foundation does something more than improve technique. It builds confidence — in your actions, in your results." Kseniia Oliinyk on structuring professional tattoo education through guided, experiential learning.

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From Idea to Ink

01
Submit Your Inquiry

Fill out the booking form with your idea, size, placement, and reference images. I review every request personally within 3–5 business days.

02
Consultation

We'll discuss your vision, refine the concept, and choose placement together. Remote consultations available via video call or DM.

03
Custom Design

I create a design made exclusively for you. No flash. No repeats. A deposit secures your appointment and kicks off the design process.

04
Your Session

Arrive at Black Serum on Valencia Street ready to transform. I guide you through every step for a comfortable, memorable experience.

Words from Clients

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before booking. Don't see your question? Send me a message.


Ask Me Directly

Submit an inquiry through the booking form below. Include your idea, approximate size, placement, and any reference images. I respond to all inquiries personally within 3–5 business days.

Pricing starts at $300 for small pieces and varies based on size, complexity, and placement. Every consultation includes a full price estimate. A deposit is required to secure your appointment and goes toward the total cost.

Cover-ups are one of my core specialties. Send clear photos of the existing tattoo or scar with your inquiry — I'll assess what's possible and design something you'll be proud of. No judgment, ever.

I work by appointment only. My schedule typically books out 6–10 weeks in advance, so I recommend reaching out as early as possible for your preferred date. For large or complex pieces, 2–3 months ahead is ideal.

Full aftercare instructions are provided at your appointment. The short version: keep it clean with fragrance-free soap, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer, stay out of direct sun, and avoid soaking in water for the first two weeks. Protect your investment — good aftercare is 50% of a great healed result.

Yes — I attend conventions and do guest spots throughout the year. Follow @storm_tattooart on Instagram for announcements of upcoming dates and locations.

My focus is illustrative color, anime, and black & gray. I don't typically take on strict fine-line minimalism or traditional American styles, as those aren't where my expertise lives. I'd rather refer you to the right artist than compromise on quality.

Let's Create Together

Fill out the form and I'll get back to you within 3–5 business days. The more detail you share, the better I can plan your piece.

Studio
Black Serum
310 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Instagram
Booking Window
6–10 weeks in advance
Large pieces: 2–3 months ahead

Inquiry Form

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By submitting you agree to be contacted about your inquiry. A deposit is required to confirm all appointments.

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