Draft:Chaim Machlev

Chaim Machlev
Born	(1980-11-07) November 7, 1980
Occupation	Tattoo Artist
Children	1
Website	dotstolines.com

Chaim Machlev (born November 7, 1980), known professionally as DotsToLines, is an Israeli-born tattoo artist recognized for his minimalist, geometric, and line-based tattoo designs. He operates private studios in both Berlin and Los Angeles, focusing on a one-on-one, ritualistic tattooing experience.

Early Life and Education

Machlev was born on November 7, 1980, in Israel. Initially, he worked as a project manager in the IT industry, overseeing numerous technicians for long hours. 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. 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.

Career

Establishing DotsToLines

In pursuit of a tattoo apprenticeship, Machlev moved from Israel to Berlin with minimal savings, eventually finding a studio owner who agreed to mentor him. 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. Over time, social media exposure drew international clients, encouraging Machlev to establish a second private studio in Los Angeles.

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. Many customers travel from around the world for appointments, sometimes waiting months or years for the opportunity.

Notable Collaborations

Machlev’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. 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.

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.

Artistic Style and Approach

Machlev’s aesthetic focuses on minimalist geometric lines, primarily in black ink for its “timeless” quality. Each tattoo is custom-designed directly on the client’s body, ensuring the piece harmonizes with the person’s form, posture, and personality. Machlev considers each session a collaborative ritual, often citing nature and music as key inspirations that inform his line-based techniques.

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.

Personal Life

Machlev 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. He is also a father and has expressed how family life shapes his motivations and priorities.