Meet the Artist: Miryam Lumpini

The Iconic Tattoo Artist Behind Our Wanyama Design

Born in Stockholm, based in LA, and known around the world for her vibrant, nature-infused tattoo work, Miryam Lumpini—aka The Witch Doctor—has been creating bold, expressive art since 2008. Her designs pulse with energy, storytelling, and soul. And now, her vision lives on in the Wanyama: a fierce, elegant design created exclusively for Inkkas.

The Design: Wanyama

Wanyama was created for the nature lovers, the wildlife advocates, the style hunters.

Inspired by the sleek power and majestic beauty of the African leopard, this pattern unleashes your wild side with unapologetic strength. Bold jewel tones mirror the richness of nature, bringing the leopard’s untamed spirit to life in every step.

Whether you’re on the trail or the city streets, Wanyama is a celebration of confidence, adventure, and connection to the wild.
🖤 Available in the Wanyama Trekk Boot and Wanyama Trainer

Q&A with Miryam Lumpini

🎨 How did you first get into art and design?

I’ve been painting and around art supplies my whole life. I grew up as an only child with my single mother, who studied art in Stockholm and London—sometimes I even went to school with her! She’d take me to museums and gave me beautifully illustrated children’s books. We couldn’t afford many vacations, but we spent a lot of time outside—hiking, gardening, and just being in nature. That’s where I fell in love with organic elements and the healing essence of the natural world.

That’s where I fell in love with organic elements and the healing essence of the natural world.

🌿 Where does your inspiration come from?

I like to feel something when I look at art. 

My biggest inspiration is my clients—I try to channel their energy through animals, plants, stones, and organic elements in my tattoos and cover-ups. When I create personal work, I imagine a place or emotion I want to express in the most beautiful way possible… and I don’t stop painting until I’ve gotten there—or even further.

I imagine a place or emotion I want to express in the most beautiful way possible… and I don’t stop painting until I’ve gotten there—or even further.

✨ What keeps you creating?

Creating is how I live—it’s my livelihood and my lifeline.

Creating is how I live—it’s my livelihood and my lifeline. As an artist and entrepreneur, it’s up to me to find that balance between being free-thinking and letting go for creativity to flow… and also being present and grounded enough to meet real goals.I have to stay inspired in order to keep creating—and I have to keep creating to stay inspired.

🖌 What medium do you prefer to work with?

I love working with my hands—acrylic on canvas is my go-to for fine art, and of course, I tattoo on skin. For design work, including the Wanyama design, I use Procreate on the iPad. It gives me the freedom to sketch, build layers, and stay intuitive while still crafting something super precise.

🔗 Follow Miryam:

miryamlumpini.com
Instagram: @miryamlumpini