from an average one is by the amount of thin layers that the artist has added to the
artwork. An amazing black-and-grey piece will also contain a wide spectrum of
grey shades, use a fine-line technique and showcase intricate details. An average
black-and-grey tattoo is often flat, lacks a sense of dimension and has a limited
grey scale.
When did you start doing micro tattoos? I’ve only ever done micro tattoos. I was
often critiqued by my peers for trying to concentrate so much detail on such a
small scale but I feel like now, as a movement, micro tattoos are starting to gain
their well-deserved recognition. I continually try to push the envelope by creating
smaller and more complex works of art. As for what inspired me to create micro
tattoos, I’ve always been under the impression that tattoos should be for everyone.
Tattoos should not just be seen as something rebellious or alternative, but as a
refined and elegant work of art—almost like precious jewels. I want tattoos to be a
refined accessory and I would like to elevate the aesthetic of tattoos in society.
What role does contrast play in your work and how do you achieve good contrast
in your tattoos? I would say contrast plays a significant role in the way I achieve
a sense of realism in my artwork. Given that I tattoo primarily in black-and-grey,
having a wide variety of shades allows me to create a life-like effect and distinction
between the subjects. Contrast is a very lengthy process that requires several thin
layers in order to create an illusion of three dimensionality. This type of depth is
much more simple to attain when tattooing in color.
How did you meet Demi Lovato and what was your process designing that tattoo?
I met her in the VIP lounge at an Ariana Grande concert. I was invited to this
event by Scooter Braun, who I had recently tattooed, and he introduced me to
Demi. There was an instant connection from the start when she confided in me
about how she would like to memorialize the triumphs she’s made and how she’s
overcome many obstacles. By intently listening to her open up about her life I was
able to visualize the main characteristics of the tattoo I would create for her. I view
this step of the tattooing process as a collaboration between the artist and client,
so that each becomes emotionally invested in the artwork.
How do you think your tattoos will age over time? The aging of tattoos depends on
the client and how well they take care of their skin. Someone who is disciplined
at moisturizing and protecting their tattoos using sunscreen will have a gorgeous
piece for the rest of their life. I’m actually in the process of developing a product
that will address these concerns. That being said, after several years it could be
worth coming back to do an occasional touch up.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs? On an artistic level, I absorb the
rich imagery all over my hometown (Rome, Italy), particularly the ancient times as
well as the baroque period that is then translated in my art. I also find inspiration
through my travels and I love incorporating these two vastly different worlds into my
designs. Looking at New York as an example of the perfect architectural contrast
to Rome, I try to juxtapose hyper-modern attributes like geometric shapes and
patterns seen in New York to the classic and organic flow of the antiquity present
in Rome. I believe it is imperative to study all forms of art in order to have a well-
rounded perspective.
If you weren’t tattooing, what would you be doing with your life? If I wasn’t a tattoo
artist I would most likely have studied medicine to become a plastic surgeon
because of my love for "sezione aurea," (The Golden Ratio). It’s essentially the
aesthetic perfection of beauty within the art world but it’s also the definition of
instinctual human attraction to symmetry. Hence one of my inspirations for the
name of my studio in Rome, "Aureo." (Aureo/a is Latin for golden.)