Cristhofer Nieiro Belo Horizonte / Minas Gerais - MG @cris.nieiro

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 for the future of tattooing.

1.As an artist with so many recognitions and awards, how would you describe your journey from the beginning until now? What key moments marked that path?

It’s unbelievable to think that a boy who was born in the outskirts of Belo Horizonte could live and experience everything I’ve been through thanks to my own art. There have been countless moments that have shaped my journey so far. I think it would be hard to describe just a few, but I believe the most important thing up until now hasn’t been the awards, the events, or the achievements—it has been the friendships I’ve been able to make and build along the way, the people I’ve had the chance to meet, and that’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Today, I live a very happy life being able to live and take my art around the world. That’s truly indescribable.

2.You are a very versatile artist and have worked in different styles. Is there one that you enjoy the most or consider your favorite?

From the very beginning until now, I think I’ve explored almost every style tattooing has to offer. I believe that the more diverse knowledge we have, the more complete and versatile we become as artists. So I sought to train and experiment with everything, but of course, along the way, we start gravitating toward what we feel most connected to. For a long, long time, I was focused on realism, studying the techniques intensely. But at some point, I realized that what bothered me was the lack of creativity, the limited room for exploration, design, and freedom. Nowadays, I enjoy working with color more because it gives me the freedom to create what I want, the way I want—without too many rules, obstacles, or barriers. After many years of experience, I’ve reached a point where clients seek me out specifically for my work. Through color, with a realistic touch but not strictly labeled as realism, I can deliver something unique to my clients—and that’s what makes me happiest today.

3. Throughout your career, you’ve had the chance to travel. What places have you visited, and what experiences did they leave you with?

It’s surreal because I came from a neighborhood in the outskirts of Belo Horizonte and today I’ve traveled to 10 countries. That’s something I couldn’t have imagined for my future, not even in my wildest dreams. I think every place I’ve been to has given me a special experience and a life lesson. Being able to travel all over Brazil with my art, attending different events, going to a country like the United States that offers countless possibilities, discovering big parts of Europe, visiting countries with different cultures, different ways, different languages—it has all been very special. Each place leaves a unique mark on me. And like I said, I’m very happy that wherever I go, I manage to make great friendships. Today I know that anywhere in the world I decide to take my art, I’ll be welcomed and have friends to share the experience with.

4.You’ve also participated in conventions and received awards. How did you experience those moments?

In the beginning, I think, like most Brazilian tattoo artists, I wanted to win competitions and have a big trophy hanging on my wall. But as experience came and things happened, I realized it wasn’t just about that anymore. It was about living every experience, traveling, and getting to know new places. Many times I thought I had reached as far as I could go, but then new doors opened, new things happened, and I was invited to new places. Recently I got to attend three events—two of them being dream events for any tattoo artist in the world. Winning an award at those events is inexplicable. The New York Empire State Tattoo Convention is the biggest and most important event in the U.S., and I was the only Brazilian to win three awards in a single edition. There’s no way to describe that—it was so, so rewarding. It made all the effort worth it. And right after that, on the same tour, I participated in the first Icons and Prodigies in Venice, an event that gathered the best tattoo artists in the world. What’s crazy is that a few months earlier, I wasn’t even going to be there. It’s an invite-only event, or you apply and get selected. At first, I was denied, but I tried again and got accepted—just a few months before it happened. That approval turned my schedule and my life upside down because I had to reorganize everything to make it work. Just being there was already a huge recognition, since the world’s best artists were present. I went with my great friend, Fernando Tampa—someone I consider a reference—and we worked together on a piece that won the award for best tattoo of the event. Even today, it’s hard to explain what we felt at that moment. It was more than a prize—it was about representing a generation, representing an entire country, proving to people who come from where we come from that it’s possible to reach the top, even starting from the bottom, going through hardships and setbacks. So it’s more than just a prize—it’s a message for the new generation that it is truly possible to reach the top.

5.You’ve created several tattoos inspired by DC Comics, especially Batman’s villains. Is there something in particular that attracts you to those characters or that universe?

This one is funny—many people got to know me through the Joker tattoos I used to do. A recurring question was if he was my favorite character or something like that, but actually it happened completely by chance. I was preparing an art piece for an event and realized that the Joker is visually impactful, with strong contrasts and technically challenging elements—like big white areas to fill—which makes the tattoo stand out a lot. That’s why I started doing it. At every event, I managed to stand out with those Jokers. Then, when preparing another project, I couldn’t come up with anything that would be as impactful, so I kept doing variations of the same character in different ways for a while. It was really cool because it gave me a lot of visibility, and I was able to show technical richness in my work.

6. In your photos, it’s clear that friends, colleagues, and your family hold an important place… what can you tell us about them? How much do they influence your artistic life?

My friends and my family mean everything to me. As I’ve said, making these friendships along the journey is what makes it so beautiful. Some of my friends have become like brothers to me, especially through tattooing. I also have friends who used to be idols and references in tattooing and today are my personal friends—and that’s surreal. It feels like I’m living in a dream, being able to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects with them. But my biggest influence in tattooing is my father, who’s also a tattoo artist. It’s thanks to his influence since my childhood that I chose this path. I’ve never done anything else, and honestly, I don’t even know if I’d be able to do anything other than tattooing. That’s 100% because of him. Being able to tattoo alongside him today, sharing ideas and experiences—it’s extremely valuable. Few people get to live what I’m living. It’s very special. On top of that, I get to share these experiences daily with my wife, so I’d say this is true wealth.

7.Do you have plans for the upcoming months?

The next few months are going to be crazy. Once again, I’ll be leaving Brazil to attend events in the United States. In January, I’ll have the chance to attend an event in Paris—I think it’s the most hyped event in the world. For two years I tried to get in and wasn’t accepted, but now in February 2026, I’ll finally participate for the first time. The plans are big—not just to attend but to really make an impact at such a huge event. In March 2026, I’ll be hosting my own event here in Brazil. I never imagined organizing a tattoo convention, but after everything I’ve experienced with tattooing, the idea and opportunity came up. Now, with seven or eight months to go, the anticipation is indescribable. The responsibility of organizing an event the way I envision it—something that’s meaningful for my fellow tattoo artists, my brothers—is huge. I want to create something that not only benefits those close to me but also a whole generation of tattoo artists. Something that has never been done before in Brazil: bringing so many renowned international artists who are global references in tattooing. To bring them to my city, my home, and share this with other artists—including beginners who otherwise might take years to have such an opportunity, or maybe never would—it’s truly unique. The event is called Inspire Tattoo Convention, and it will take place in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on March 13, 14, and 15, 2026. Here’s my invitation for all artists to come, join, and share this experience with us.

8. Any dreams or wishes?

I think I’ve already achieved my biggest dreams—which was to give my mother, my family, and the people around me a better life. A life with more opportunities, a life completely different from the one I came from. That’s it. Today, I’m living the dream. It’s more about being grateful for everything and everyone than about asking for more.

9. Where can people get in touch with you?

Through Instagram, through my website—which I’ll share here. And I’ll also leave the event’s Instagram for everyone who wants to check it out and get in touch.

10.To conclude, would you like to share a message?

I think I have not just one, but two messages. The first is to tell everyone that yes, it is possible—with effort, dedication, and determination—to reach any place we dream of. The second is a message to the generation that comes after mine, the younger generation: to respect tattooing, to give it the respect it deserves. Not to kill its culture or its history for money. To truly respect it and live all that tattooing can give us. And not just tattooing—any form of art. I know living from art is very hard, but the reward is huge. I see many young people coming up, and they don’t respect the process, the history. So I make it my mission to pass on knowledge and information so this doesn’t die or get done in the wrong way. That’s the message I want to leave.