Sophia Indebetouw, a fourth-year student at the University of Virginia, has become a prominent name in Charlottesville’s tattoo scene. Known for her distinctive approach to body art, her work can be found not on traditional canvases but across the city—etched into the skin of those who have chosen her to create permanent designs.
From an early age, Indebetouw had a passion for visual art, particularly pen drawing. This affinity for precise, calculated strokes would eventually lead her to tattooing, a medium that combines both artistry and permanence. Her journey as an artist has been shaped by years of doodling and drawing, with her mother playing a key role in fostering her creativity.
“My mom supports all my artistic endeavors, so she encouraged me to explore tattooing,” Indebetouw said. “It started out as a fun hobby, but it quickly grew into something much more.”
Indebetouw’s career as a tattoo artist began in her first year at the University, when her mother gifted her a tattoo gun. Initially, she practiced on fake skin, but soon moved on to tattooing herself. Over time, she developed a highly detailed and methodical approach to her art, emphasizing the importance of design, editing, and revision before committing ink to skin.
This past summer, Indebetouw began accepting tattoo commissions for the first time, sharing her craft with the local community. By posting her work on Instagram (@inked_by_soph), she has expanded her reach, showcasing her art to a wider audience.
What sets Indebetouw’s work apart is the personal connection she fosters with her clients. Unlike larger tattoo shops, where the artist-client relationship may be more transactional, Indebetouw takes a collaborative approach, working closely with her clients throughout the design process. Sophia Levine, a longtime friend and customer, described how Indebetouw’s attention to detail and willingness to collaborate made her tattoo experience unique.
“She offered to sketch out my idea, and we worked together to refine it until it was exactly what I wanted,” Levine explained. “It’s not just about getting a tattoo; it’s about creating something meaningful, and she makes sure you’re completely satisfied with the design.”
For clients like Levine, receiving a tattoo from a freelance artist like Indebetouw holds special significance. The intimacy of working with someone they know, in a more personal setting, enhances the overall experience. Levine shared that she values the relaxed, mutually beneficial environment that comes with being tattooed by an artist she trusts.
“I’ve always gone to people I know for my tattoos, and I find that dynamic so much more fulfilling,” Levine said. “It’s just a different experience when you’re not in a professional shop.”
Indebetouw sees tattoo art as a deeply personal and unique form of expression. The process of creating a design that someone will carry with them for life is a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly. She noted the importance of the bond she shares with her clients, many of whom become friends as a result of the intimate process.
“Tattooing is a lot more personal than other forms of art,” Indebetouw said. “It’s a big decision for someone to carry a piece of art with them for the rest of their life, so it’s no surprise that I become close to the people I tattoo.”
Despite tattoos being a historically stigmatized art form, perceptions have changed in recent years, especially among younger generations. While tattoos have become more accepted in contemporary culture, Indebetouw acknowledges that there are still areas where the practice is not fully embraced—particularly in professional settings.
“In the workforce, there is definitely still a stigma, but it’s definitely lessening,” she said. “It’s not fully accepted everywhere, but I think it’s getting there.”
As she nears the end of her college career, Indebetouw has expressed interest in continuing tattooing as a hobby. For her, the medium’s appeal lies in its ability to help people express themselves in a permanent, meaningful way.
“I think tattoos look cool, and I love helping people express themselves through art,” Indebetouw said. “I’m not going to say you’re not cool if you don’t have tattoos, but I think they’re a really cool form of self-expression.”
Much like the tattoos she creates, Indebetouw’s passion for body art is something that will undoubtedly endure long after her time at the University.
Related topics: