Riccardo Bottino is a prominent Italian tattoo artist whose career is defined by consistency, continuous research, and a deep passion for his craft. Since his early years in the 1990s, he has transformed tattooing into a true form of living art on the skin, perfecting a realistic and Black & Grey style that balances technical precision with high expressiveness. Internationally recognized for his excellence, he has firmly established himself as one of the best artists of 2026.

Based in Seoul, Baegi is a Korean tattoo artist who has developed his career through constant experimentation and the co-founding of Frame studio. His current work focuses on abstract blackwork and dark designs that adapt organically to the body. His approach stands out for its intuitive nature, prioritizing freehand creation and direct collaboration with each client. Why did you choose tattooing, and what was it that initially captivated you about this art form? I’ve loved d

There is a magical moment in realism that separates a good technical execution from a piece with a soul: the gaze. In Florencia's work, each animal's eyes do not just reflect light, but a living story. Specializing in animal realism, her needle captures the texture of fur, the wetness of a nose, and above all, that unbreakable bond between people and their pets. We sat down with her to understand how to build a career dedicated to portraying nature on skin, the challenges of

Tsuu's evolution has been a journey of patience and deep respect for the craft. After completing a rigorous five-year apprenticeship at a studio, he decided to take the leap into independence. Today, he marks nine years of successfully running his own shop in Tokyo, Rainfall Tattoo. For him, growth never stops; it thrives on a continuous cycle of observation, practice, and refinement—a process he now shares with his own apprentices, discovering that teaching is the ultimate t

With over nine years of self-taught experience and a masterful command of color realism, this renowned tattoo artist has traveled across twelve countries, shattering boundaries in skin art. Now permanently based in Cartagena, Colombia, they share their philosophy on discipline, the technical secrets behind color theory, and their mission to educate the next generation—elevating tattooing into a respected discipline of rigorous craft and continuous learning. How did you get st

How did your journey into the tattoo world begin? My journey into tattooing was shaped by a long path that initially moved away from art. I earned a master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations and went on to work in corporate roles within human resources and media licensing. From the outside, it was a stable and conventional career, and I valued the education and experiences it gave me. However, despite years of academic study and professional work, my de

What inspired you to combine nature and animals in your art? I’ve always loved animals — ever since I was a kid, I was collecting animal toys, stickers, and anything with wildlife on it. One of my favorite PC games growing up was ‘Tarzan’, and I was obsessed with the jungle scenes and how alive everything felt. Nature has always given me this special kind of energy — it recharges and inspires me. So mixing animals and nature in my art just came naturally. Even all the tattoos

Tattooing is far more than just ink on skin; it is a canvas of identity, memory, and resilience. For over 16 years, Brazilian artist Thais Freitas has been transforming personal narratives into delicate, timeless works of art. As a true pioneer of the fine line floral style, Thais has taken her distinct touch of lightness and anatomical precision across borders, building a renowned international career that spans Germany, France, Italy, and beyond. But her impact goes much de

How did you start your journey in the world of tattooing, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally? Since my school years, I have nurtured a special love for painting. As an adult, I gradually discovered the unique beauty of tattoo art—where each tattoo is a living work of art on the human body. I realized that tattooing is not simply a form of decoration, but also a means to express personality, creativity, passion for art, as well as the desire to bring beauty to o

Megan Wood is a California-based tattoo artist and owner of Rose Noir Studio in Dublin, CA. With nearly 15 years of experience, she specializes in color realism, creating vibrant, lifelike tattoos that flow naturally with the body. Inspired by nature, travel, and storytelling, Megan sees tattooing as more than just art—it’s a way for clients to express their individuality and feel at home in their own skin. Her award-winning work and dedication to her craft have made her a tr

Tattooing has long transcended the realm of mere bodily ornamentation to establish itself as an artistic language with a heavy conceptual weight. In this conversation, we dive into the universe of a visual creator who, bypassing academic classrooms in favor of a self-taught path, transformed black ink into her definitive medium. Her style rejects obvious narratives; instead, she favors the impact of intuition, building atmospheres that linger in the mind like a déjà vu, guide

What was the process that led you to develop your style? Every artistic style comes from a long process of exploration. When I first entered the industry, I was quite lost and unsure of my direction. Through continuous experimentation, I realized that I’m especially drawn to vivid, saturated colors — I seem to perceive more tones than most people, and I enjoy translating that richness into my work. Over time, I combined this sense of color with clean structure and flowing lin

Why did you choose this style? The style I enjoy the most is color surrealism because it allows me to flow and connect with what I am feeling at the moment of creation. I love being able to combine real and imaginary elements, playing with shapes and contrasts so that the piece transmits a genuine emotion. Through color, I can capture on the skin what is in my mind, trying to give each tone an intention and create balance. Surrealism gives me that freedom to express myself wi

Miguel Arcángel, known internationally as Arcángel Tattoo, has established himself as one of the most prominent exponents of black and grey. Originally from Venezuela and currently based in Miami, his professional journey started from the ground up, driven by the support of his family in Caracas and a natural talent that quickly led him to pursue technical excellence. This focus, combined with his discretion and professionalism, has allowed him to earn the trust of major figu

After more than a decade in the craft, Changsu Yoo maintains a workflow that stays far away from the rush of modern trends. Trained in the culture of traditional Japanese tattooing, his approach in Seoul is built on constant study and meticulous technical preparation before ever touching the skin. For Changsu, Irezumi is a long-term process. His large-scale pieces are the result of days spent sketching and a deep analysis of how each design adapts to the body. In an industry

Blending the dynamism of the animated style with the precision of realism into a single piece without losing strength or harmony requires more than just craft: it demands a distinct visual signature. Camilo Rodríguez has spent over a decade proving that color on skin is a landscape of infinite possibilities. His work, characterized by exclusive color palettes and high-impact compositions, has positioned him as one of the most solid names in the Latin American scene. This resp

What motivated you to enter the world of tattooing? The motivation came after I started tattooing, not before. It was never “I’ve dreamed of being a tattoo artist since childhood. It was more like: “oh, I tried it and I understand how it works. I know how to make it better. Let’s do it.” With every piece I made, I felt more and more that this is not the limit — and that I can go further. And more importantly, I could see how. Each tattoo shows me the next step of growth. I st

Since childhood, Tiago Koss has been deeply connected to the world of art. His journey into tattooing began at 17 when he first experimented with a tattoo machine, discovering a passion that led him to become a professional artist in 2018. Transitioning from paper to skin was a major challenge, but through dedication and practice, Tiago refined his technique. Inspired by renowned Brazilian artists such as Tampa, Ramon, and Fernando Souza, he has continuously evolved, speciali

No bold lines, yet a bold identity. This artist, originally from Ukraine, began tattooing in Poland and now continues his career in the United States. His technique—developed almost by chance—reduces pain, is gentle on the skin, and creates images that resemble pencil sketches, brought to life with the precision of micro-realism. Behind his style are years of drawing, observation, and a constant drive to improve. Recently, he’s begun adding small touches of color and comic ch

From Charlotte, North Carolina, Iero transforms tattooing into a way of life. Her love for drawing began in childhood, and over time, she found in tattooing the perfect way to unite art and emotion. Her style, blackwork, reflects her affinity for the dark and mystical, inspired by horror films and the supernatural. In addition to tattooing, she also explores pottery and other forms of art, always searching for new ways to express herself. She currently works at Ghost Tattoo S

Eugene is a tattoo artist who understands tattooing as a long-term process rather than immediate visual impact. Influenced by drawing from a young age, he found in the human body a definitive medium for his work. His style is defined by line density, the use of space, and a consistent emotional tone, reflecting a clear and coherent artistic vision developed over time. 1.What motivated you to start tattooing? I have enjoyed drawing pictures since I was young, and I have come i

Cristhofer Nieiro is one of Brazil’s most recognized tattoo artists, with a career that has taken him from the outskirts of Belo Horizonte to the biggest tattoo stages in the world. Known for his versatility, creativity, and international achievements, he has transformed his passion into a global journey, collecting awards, friendships, and unforgettable experiences along the way. In this interview, Cristhofer shares insights into his path, his artistic vision, and his dreams

With a journey that spans borders—from Transylvania to Hungary, from London to Calgary—Szidónia has shaped an artistic identity as international as it is unique. In the recent DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition, she was selected as one of the top five artists among more than 100 participants from around the globe. This recognition came from a prestigious jury composed of Paul Booth, Jesse Smith, Victoria Lee, and Shi Ryu. She also took first place in the Color Real

From an early age, art was his path. Today, his flawless technique and mastery of color realism have earned him a place among the top five artists in the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. Chosen by an elite jury —Paul Booth, Jesse Smith, Victoria Lee, and Shi Ryu— this Thai tattooist stands out not only for his technical skill but also for the passion he pours into every piece. In these pages, we uncover the essence of his work and what drives him to keep pushing

Eonsoo Kim’s work stands out for its sober and elegant approach to black and grey realism. With a background in visual design, his style seeks the essence: clean compositions, visual balance, and a mastery of light and shadow that conveys intense atmospheres without excess. Rather than covering the skin with details, Eonsoo embraces simplicity and the power of empty space, creating tattoos that breathe and move the viewer. Inspired both by his clients’ personal stories and by

Toan Teng has stood out in our international competition, reaching the Top Five among more than 100 artists from around the world. His talent also earned him first place in the Large Pieces category and third place in Color Surrealism, awards that reflect his dedication and the level of excellence he brings to every piece. Recognized by a prestigious international jury, Toan has shown that his approach goes beyond technique: he combines skill, sensitivity, and a deep emotiona

In the heart of Seoul, South Korea, Oowha has been steadily building a name in the tattoo world thanks to her refined approach to black and grey realism. From a very young age, art was never just a hobby for her—it was a natural path, a vocation that shaped both her life and her career. With a style rooted in deep contrasts, emotion, and tonal precision, her work reflects not only her technical mastery but also her unique artistic vision. Over the years, Oowha has gained inte

NOHOTATAU is a Polynesian tattoo artist whose work is deeply rooted in ancestral tradition and cultural identity. Raised in a family closely connected to traditional Polynesian arts—including dance, wood and stone sculpture, and tattooing—his artistic path was shaped from an early age by respect for heritage and symbolic meaning. His practice is defined by a fully freehand approach, allowing each design to be created directly on the body in harmony with its form and with the

With over 11 years of experience and an artistic vision deeply influenced by his background in architecture, this talented tattoo artist was selected as one of the Top 5 artists in the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. The jury — composed of industry icons Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu — praised his mastery of realism, a style that not only led him to the finals but also earned him awards in specific categories. Founder of Crazy Tattoo studio

Mustafa Çorbacı, known in the tattoo world as Elmucos, is a realism artist who blends his background in sculpture and graphic design with a deep passion for light, form, and texture. His career began in Türkiye, where he opened several studios, and today he continues in the United States, developing his style and sharing his vision through conventions and guest spots. He opens the door to his story, his style, and the challenges that keep him in constant motion within the wor

In an international competition with over 100 participants from all corners of the globe, one voice stood out clearly: the voice of the public. Thousands of people voted, made their choice, and crowned Julia as their favorite artist. And that’s not all—her talent was also recognized by the expert jury, which awarded her first place in a specific category of the contest. With a career that began only in 2021 under the guidance of Sascha Linz, Julia has proven that passion, art

Julia Pagneux, 24, began tattooing three years ago and has since continually evolved, exploring new forms of artistic expression. Her training in applied arts and plastic arts provided her with a strong foundation, which she now translates onto her clients’ skin, seamlessly merging painting and tattooing. She began her career at Old Border Ink in Clermont-Ferrand, where she spent her first two years refining her technique in black and grey tattoos. Today, Julia works independ

IVOLY NANIWA is one of the contemporary leading figures in Japanese tattooing. He was selected as a Top Five artist by an elite jury composed of Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu, and also became the winner of the Oriental Color category, recognitions that highlight both his technical mastery and conceptual depth. Rooted in Japanese tattoo tradition, his work reflects a strong commitment to symbolism, history, and spiritual values. Beyond his personal artisti

Passionate and precise, this tattoo artist transformed her love for drawing into a career spanning over 15 years. Trained in decorative and applied arts, she went from dreaming of painting churches to creating works of art on skin. She began working in color but found in black and grey a timeless elegance that enhances form and detail. She masters various styles within this palette, with a special affinity for fine-line graphic work, which allows her to achieve a level of det

Grigorii Butrin has built a solid career within black and grey realism, establishing himself as an artist who understands tattooing not merely as a craft, but as a disciplined art form grounded in precision, depth, and professional responsibility. With a medical background and an artistic foundation developed since childhood, he has successfully merged technical knowledge with visual sensitivity, shaping a distinctive and refined style. In this interview, he reflects on his b

Franz was chosen as the Public Choice Winner in our international competition through an open vote held on our Instagram (@dgntattoomag) , where thousands of people participated by selecting their favorite artist among more than 100 participants from around the world. Throughout the process, his work clearly stood out and resonated strongly with the audience. His path in tattooing is defined by versatility and a solid artistic foundation, which has allowed him to develop a di

With 12 years of experience, Dong Oni is a leading figure in the Oriental style, recognized not only for his technical skill but also for his deep commitment to the culture he represents. Recently, he was chosen as one of the top 5 artists in the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition, standing out among more than 100 participants from around the world. Additionally, Dong Oni has been awarded 4 prizes in the same competition, an achievement that highlights his mastery

Selected among more than 100 artists from around the world, this artist was named a Top Five winner, chosen by a high-level international jury composed of Paul Booth, Jesse Smith, Victoria Lee, and Shi Ryu—a distinction that reaffirms the strength and coherence of his artistic language. In addition, he was the winner of the Oriental Black and Grey category, standing out for a proposal in which composition and respect for the body’s natural flow become fundamental pillars. His

Daniele is the Grand Winner of the DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition – 21st Edition, selected among more than 100 artists from around the world by a highly prestigious jury composed of Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu. In addition, he earned first place in the Surrealism category, confirming his strong artistic identity within one of the most demanding and competitive styles in contemporary tattooing. With a solid artistic foundation and a clearl

Selected from over 100 artists from around the world, Callum was chosen by a prestigious international jury as one of the top five tattoo artists in our DGN Tattoo Magazine International Competition. His style, dedication, and artistic vision also earned him the “Best Freestyle Colour” award, securing his place among the most outstanding talents in today’s tattoo scene. His journey began with persistence, talent, and an unstoppable passion for art. From repeated rejections wh

Anki Suen, from Hong Kong, is a talented tattoo artist recognized for her Abstract Oriental style, which combines abstract art, calligraphy, and watercolor effects, creating pieces that flow with the body and convey harmony and emotion. She was selected among the Top Five out of over 100 international artists by a high-level jury —Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu— and also won in the Abstract and Watercolor categories of our international competition, showca

Cathy was selected among the Top Five of our international competition and was the winner of the Color Realism category, evaluated by a high-level international jury composed of Paul Booth, Victoria Lee, Jesse Smith, and Shi Ryu. She is a Chinese tattoo artist with more than ten years of experience, specializing in color realism and hyper-realism. Self-taught, she has developed a personal visual language that combines technical precision with a strong emotional depth and an a

With over two decades of experience, Wilson is a visionary artist based in Orlando, Florida, whose passion for art began at a very young age. Influenced by geometric patterns and mandalas created by his mother, as well as the rebellious aesthetic of rock, Wilson found in tattooing a unique and transformative form of expression. Throughout his career, Wilson has perfected a style that combines geometric, Polynesian, and Japanese elements, blending them with creativity and inno

From Los Angeles, USA, Yanox combines his background in painting with his passion for tattooing, creating realistic designs that stand out for their detail and depth. His love for art began in childhood, and over the years, he has refined his ability to merge the precision of tattooing with the artistic sensitivity of painting. Every piece he creates, whether on skin or canvas, showcases his mastery of light, shadow, and composition. Learn more about his work and let his stor

Juann, a talented tattoo artist from Mexico, whose journey into the world of tattooing is both inspiring and captivating. Starting in late 2015, his love for drawing and painting guided him towards a career in tattooing, igniting a passion that would shape his life forever. This interview explores Juann's early beginnings, his diverse artistic influences, and his dedication to mastering multiple tattoo styles. He shares the story of transitioning from aspiring painter to acco

1. What inspired you to specialize in abstract and geometric tattoos? First of all want to say Hello to all readers, I hope this can distract a little from what's happening around. Liquid forms in this form came to my mind back in early 2019 when I first posted sketches with this style. You can check it out on Instagram. I'll never forget the feeling that I did something interesting. Now it's quite a popular gimmick and used by many, but back then, it was understood by few.

Jesus Alonso is a distinguished tattoo artist based in Manhattan, New York. Coming from Sevilla, Spain, Transitioning from a career in commerce in 2010, he pursued his passion for art through tattooing. Specializing in black and grey realism, Alonso's work captivates with its depth and emotion. His journey in New York has been marked by continuous growth and recognition, including invitations to prestigious tattoo conventions like the Empire State Tattoo Convention. Focused

With roots in Brazil and a heart in Los Angeles, Karol is a tattoo artist who has taken the world of skin art by storm. Her distinctive technique and nature-inspired designs have elevated her art to unimaginable heights. Join us in exploring her fascinating journey and achievements in an exclusive interview that redefines the art of tattooing. Join us on this journey through Karol's creativity and talent! 1. Karol, could you tell us where you're from and where you are current

Social networks IG @lucklesstattoos Website kuroshino.com tattoo studio IG @atelier.kuroshino Beginning as a piercer, his attraction to tattooing were greater and among friends he began his first steps as a tattoo artist. Today luckless, already installed in the body art industry, open his doors to tell us his story... Tell us,how it was to make the decision to start the tattoo? Was there a colleague who helped you or family, friends who motivated you? I always had a stro

IG: julesboho.tattoo Studios: Linzer Tattooatelier (Austria) and Chronic Ink (Vancouver) Jules shares her life between Canada and Austria, she is an artist dedicated 100% to art in different techniques. Her life has always been between oils and brushes, different textures, canvases and paints, but 10 years ago she decided to incorporate tattoos into her routine and since then her passion for art has been even stronger. Graphic designer and received in communication, Jules hig