| Submission declined on 27 August 2025 by Pythoncoder (talk). This submission appears to read more like an advertisement than an entry in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia articles need to be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources, not just to materials produced by the creator of the subject being discussed. This is important so that the article can meet Wikipedia's verifiability policy and the notability of the subject can be established. If you still feel that this subject is worthy of inclusion in Wikipedia, please rewrite your submission to comply with these policies.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
| Submission declined on 8 June 2025 by CSMention269 (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by CSMention269 2 months ago. | |
| Submission declined on 2 June 2025 by Theroadislong (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by Theroadislong 2 months ago. | |
Comment: Need secondary and independent sources for verification on the career section. ☮️Counter-Strike:Mention 269🕉️(🗨️ ● ✉️ ● 📔) 06:49, 8 June 2025 (UTC)
Chaim Machlev | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | November 7, 1980 |
| Occupation | Tattoo Artist |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | dotstolines |
Chaim Machlev (born November 7, 1980), known professionally as DotToLines, is an Israeli-born tattoo artist recognized for his minimalist, geometric, and line-based tattoo designs. His work has been featured in international publications such as GQ[1] and My Modern Met[2], and he has collaborated with luxury brands like Duval-Leroy Champagne[3]. He operates private studios in both Berlin and Los Angeles, focusing on a one-on-one, ritualistic tattooing experience.[1]
Early Life and Education
editMachlev was born on November 7, 1980, in Israel.[4] Initially, he worked as a project manager in the IT industry, overseeing numerous technicians for long hours.[5][6][7][2] Feeling burnt out and seeking a more creative path, he received his first tattoo at age 30. This experience prompted a dramatic shift in his life, leading him to quit his job and pursue tattooing full-time.[2] Despite having no formal art background, he credits his studies in computer science and psychology for influencing his structured approach to design and client engagement.[8]
Career
editEstablishing DotsToLines
editIn pursuit of a tattoo apprenticeship, Machlev moved from Israel to Berlin with minimal savings, eventually finding a studio owner who agreed to mentor him.[9][5][7][10] After six months, he opened his own small, private space, DotsToLines, where he lived on-site. Devoting himself to mastering “the ancient craft” of tattooing, he honed a style characterized by flowing lines, geometric shapes, and minimal use of color.[7] Over time, social media exposure drew international clients, encouraging Machlev to establish a second private studio in Los Angeles.[4][11]
He is known to tattoo only one client per day, believing that dedicating himself fully to each client yields better results and fosters a spiritual connection.[9][11] Many customers travel from around the world for appointments, sometimes waiting months or years for the opportunity.[7]
Notable Collaborations
editMachlev’s work has attracted attention from both major brands and well-known clients. He has collaborated with Mercedes-Benz and BMW, seeing such partnerships as a way to highlight tattooing as an art form in broader cultural contexts.[5][7] He’s also worked with Simon Gallup, Biffy Clyro, and Machine Gun Kelly, famously executing a “blast-over” design by inking over the musician’s existing tattoos.[1][12][13][14]
In 2024, Machlev partnered with Champagne Duval-Leroy to create the limited-edition Coffret Héritage, featuring rare vintages of the Fleur de Champagne cuvée (1988, 1997, and 2002). The collaboration aimed to “combine the elegance of Champagne and the contemporary art of tattooing,” highlighting Duval-Leroy’s heritage and Machlev’s distinctive graphic style.[3]
Artistic Style and Approach
editMachlev’s aesthetic focuses on minimalist geometric lines, primarily in black ink for its “timeless” quality.[2][8][11] His designs are often symmetrical, flow across the body, and emphasize minimalism, spiritual geometry, and movement. Bustle described his tattoos as "insanely beautiful geometric tattoos" that "flow with the natural lines and muscles of the body."[9] Each tattoo is custom-designed directly on the client’s body, ensuring the piece harmonizes with the person’s form, posture, and personality.[1][8] Machlev considers each session a collaborative ritual, often citing nature and music as key inspirations that inform his line-based techniques.[5]
He emphasizes the need for consistency, persistence, and focus, arguing that the hardest part of tattooing is not the technical skill alone but also the responsibility of meeting the high expectations of clients who travel from across the globe to see him.[7]
Personal Life
editMachlev regularly travels between Berlin and Los Angeles to run his private studios. He has spoken candidly about dealing with self-confidence—balancing the outward persona of DotsToLines with his own inner insecurities—and credits his ongoing passion for art and spirituality with guiding his career.[7] He is also a father and has expressed how family life shapes his motivations and priorities.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Gayomali, Chris (October 26, 2021). "Destination Ink: Six Cutting-Edge Tattoo Artists From Around the Globe". GQ. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Barnes, Sara (February 16, 2015). "Linear Designs of Minimalist Tattoos Gracefully Flow Across Bodies". My Modern Met. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Evison, James (September 5, 2024). "Champagne Duval-Leroy gets tattooed". The Drinks Business. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Stories, Local (May 22, 2023). "Meet Chaim Machlev | Tattoo Artist & Designer". SHOUTOUT LA. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Ledovskih, Alexander. "Beyond Colors: Focusing on Dots and Lines - Chaim Machlev | iNKPPL". inkppl.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ "Meet Chaim Machlev". canvasrebel.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Meet Chaim Machlev". Bold Journey Magazine. August 8, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Allen, Shane (May 9, 2020). "INTERVIEW // DotsToLines". Populist Magazine. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c "This Tattoo Artist In Berlin Is Creating Insanely Beautiful Geometric Tattoos — PHOTOS". Bustle. February 17, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ ANITA (October 30, 2020). "Chaim Machlev's Tattoos Conform to Nothing, Except the Body". HIGHLARK // Raise Your Own Flag. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ a b c "30 Best Tattoo Artists You Should Follow in 2024 - Saved Tattoo". www.saved-tattoo.com. January 12, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Rawte, Sakshi (April 17, 2024). "The Developing Relationship Between Crossing Continents And Lines Of Ink". Elle India. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Staff, Inked Mag (March 12, 2021). "Machine Gun Kelly Gets a Stunning New Tattoo". InkedMag. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ "About". DotsToLines. Retrieved March 14, 2025.