Iero Tattoo Charlotte, North Carolina Inst: @iero.tattoo

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 Studio, balancing her days between designs, clients, and personal projects. In this exclusive interview, she talks to us about her life and her plans for the year.

1. How did you get started in the art world?

I’ve loved drawing since I was a child. Even when I watched cartoons, I would try to copy the characters. Later, I started seeing tattoo shows and watching artists create large-scale projects. I completely fell in love with this art form and set a goal to pursue it in life. It’s incredible—to create living artwork, fill people with emotion, and give them a way to express themselves in this world.

2.Do you remember your first tattoo? What was that experience like?

Of course, my first tattoo was on my friend. I was very nervous, afraid I would do something wrong or hurt her. My mind was full of thoughts and all the advice my teacher had given me. With that first tattoo, I was more mentally exhausted than physically. But afterward, I realized—it was the beginning of my journey.

3.What drew you to the blackwork tattoo style?

I’ve always enjoyed drawing with pencils and liners, especially something dark and mystical. I’ve always loved horror movies and the supernatural, and I try to reflect that in the techniques I work with.

4.How would you define the role of tattooing in your life?

I would say it’s what I live for—it’s a dream that became an inseparable part of my life. It’s the kind of art I want to bring into the world. When I got my first tattoos, it felt like the puzzle came together, if you know what I mean. And becoming a tattoo artist felt like a beautiful frame around my perspective of the world.

5.How did you discover pottery, and what motivated you to explore it as well?

How do you combine your tattoo practice with pottery? Do they influence each other?

I started pottery intuitively—I just wanted to try it and feel how a form is created. I love trying new things. Pottery, for example, is an inspiring experience. I’d also love to try sculpture, to create something truly unique, or paint more with oils. I’m always open to discovering something new—even in things I already know, there’s always another side to explore.

6.Was there a mentor, place, or key moment that marked the beginning of your artistic journey?

I had a teacher who was first my tattoo artist and later became my mentor. She was my inspiration and support. She believed in me, even when I doubted myself. That meant a lot at the start of my

7.Where are you currently working, and what is your daily life like as an artist?

I currently work at Ghost Tattoo Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Every day I draw, talk to clients, and create tattoos. A modern tattoo artist has a pretty intense schedule, but I always try to make time for myself and my family.

8.What’s next for you this year?

I hope there’s a lot of exciting things ahead. I already attended my first tattoo convention, and it was such an interesting experience. More conventions are coming, guest spots in different cities, and many new and inspiring projects.

9.If someone wants to contact you, where can they reach you?

Most of my bookings happen through Instagram. Right now, it’s the most comfortable platform for communication in my case.

10. Any final words of thanks?

I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey—my mentor who believed in me, my loved ones who supported me, and every client who has chosen me. I’m truly grateful to each and every one of them for everything I have today and the path I’ve walked.