Riccardo Bottino Gorizia / Italy +39.0481.791355 www.rickytattoo.itFB PAGE:BottinoRiccardo FB:rickytattoo.monfalcone IG:riccardobottino
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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. As the founder of his own studio and a member of prestigious industry teams, his artistic vision transcends borders, securing an international projection that places him as a key figure in the contemporary tattoo scene.
What were your early years in tattooing like?
My early years in the world of tattooing were above all years of great passion, research, and sacrifice. I began tattooing in the early 1990s, at a time when tattooing was still very different from what we know today, and there was not the same availability of information, tools, and training that exists now. I had to build my path almost entirely on my own, studying, observing, and practicing extensively. Every tattoo was an opportunity to learn something new and to improve my technique. It was a long journey, full of mistakes, experimentation, and continuous improvement, but it was precisely this difficulty that allowed me to build very solid foundations. Over time, I came to understand that tattooing was not simply a technique to learn, but a true form of art. Looking back at those years today, I believe they were fundamental for everything that came after. The discipline, consistency, and constant pursuit of quality that I developed back then are still an essential part of my work today.
How would you describe your development as an artist throughout your career?
My evolution in tattooing has been a long and very gradual journey, which began in the 1990s, at a time when the industry was very different from today and learning resources were quite limited. This led me from the very beginning to work in a highly independent way, relying mainly on direct experience and constant practice. In the early years, I focused primarily on the fundamental technical aspects: line precision, the control of coil machines, and understanding the skin as an artistic surface. Every piece was a concrete opportunity to improve and build a solid foundation. Over time, however, my approach began to change. I started to see tattooing not just as a technique, but as a true artistic language. This shift led me to work more deeply on composition, depth, and visual impact, with a particular focus on realism and Black & Grey. Later on, I felt the need to develop a more personal and recognizable style, aiming to give my work a distinct identity through the use of light, shadow, and detail. Today, I consider my work the result of this journey: a combination of experience, continuous research, and artistic growth. Even now, I continue to study and experiment, because I believe that in tattooing it is essential to never stop evolving.
How would you describe your style?
My tattoo style is Black & Grey realism, with a strong focus on depth, light control, and emotional impact. Over time, I have developed a personal approach that goes beyond technique: my goal is to create powerful, cohesive images that are immediately recognizable. My distinctive feature is the use of light and shadow as a narrative language. I do not simply reproduce a subject; instead, I build atmosphere, volume, and movement directly on the skin, treating it as a living surface. This allows me to achieve work that is both technically solid and highly expressive. While remaining rooted in realism, my style is the result of continuous artistic exploration. Each piece is carefully designed in terms of detail, texture, and compositional balance, with the aim of achieving visual impact from a distance and precision up close. Over time, I have consolidated a clear and recognizable visual identity, shaped by my experience, technical discipline, and constant artistic evolution.
What did it mean to you to open your own studio?
Opening my tattoo studio in the 1990s represented a fundamental step for me, both personally and professionally. During that period, tattooing did not yet have the visibility and widespread acceptance it has today, and deciding to open a studio meant, above all, deeply believing in a vision, even without any certainty about the future. For me, it was an act of great responsibility and determination: it meant transforming a passion into a real profession, but also actively contributing to the growth and credibility of tattooing as an art form. There were no structured paths or models to follow, so I had to build everything step by step, from the clientele to the reputation, all the way to the artistic identity of the studio. Opening my studio in those years also meant taking on the risk of being among the pioneers, in a context where tattooing was still often misunderstood. This pushed me to work with even greater seriousness, always focusing on quality, hygiene, and a conscious artistic approach. Over time, that studio changed locations several times, expanded, and became not only a workplace, but a space for growth, exchange, and continuous research. Looking at it today, I consider it one of the most important decisions of my life.
What were your experiences like at conventions?
Tattoo conventions have played a fundamental role in my professional growth. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous conventions both in Italy and abroad, connecting with internationally renowned artists and engaging with styles, techniques, and approaches that are completely different from my own. Each convention has been a growth experience for me: not only a competition, but above all an opportunity to showcase my work, receive feedback, meet other professionals, and continue developing my artistic research. Throughout my career, I have also had the satisfaction of receiving important awards, including First Place in the Best Black & Grey category at the Milan Tattoo Convention, which is recognized as the most prestigious and important event in the Italian tattoo scene, as well as many other awards at conventions in Trieste (Italy), Breda (Netherlands), Valencia (Spain), and many other significant recognitions. Over the years, conventions have taken on an even deeper meaning for me. Being invited as a guest artist and representing my country at international events means bringing abroad not only my work, but also my experience and my vision of Italian tattooing. Today, I consider conventions a fundamental part of my career: they are the place where tattooing truly becomes international, through exchange, sharing, and mutual recognition among artists.
Have you had any role models throughout your artistic journey?
Throughout my artistic journey, I have had several reference artists, especially among those who have contributed to improving this art form. I have always been very interested in those who were able to transform realistic tattooing into something personal, studying the way they use light, shadows, contrast, and detail. Rather than trying to imitate a single artist, I have sought inspiration from many different paths, constantly observing and studying the work of others. Conventions have also played a fundamental role in this: interacting in person with artists from all over the world has allowed me to see different techniques and approaches and to continue growing. Over time, however, my goal has become to develop my own identity.
What plans do you have for the remainder of the year?
For the end of this year and the beginning of the next, I have several important projects planned, especially related to my professional growth on an international level. 2026 represents a particularly significant moment for me, as I am increasingly taking my work outside of Italy. In recent months, I have started building a more concrete presence in the United States, participating in major conventions and developing new professional collaborations. Among the most important upcoming events will be the New York Tattoo Convention and other American conventions where I will be present as a Special Guest and as a representative of the Italian tattoo scene. At the same time, I will continue to develop collaborations with major industry brands, including Tattoo Goo, World Famous Tattoo Ink, and the Kwadron Wolfpack Pro Team. For me, these collaborations represent not only recognition of the work I have done over the years, but also an opportunity to connect and exchange with artists and professionals from all over the world. In the coming years, the goal is to continue on this path, increasing my international presence, participating in new conventions, and further developing my work. I want to keep investing in the quality of my projects, always keeping my style at the center—especially Black & Grey and Realism—while at the same time seeking new inspiration and new experiences. In short, I see the end of 2026 not as a final destination, but as the beginning of a new phase in my artistic journey: more international, more ambitious, and with new goals to achieve.
If someone wants to contact you, how can they do so?
For anyone interested in contacting me regarding to get a tattoo, collaborations, guest spots, conventions, artistic projects, or professional opportunities, I can be reached through my email, website, social media, or directly through my studio. I’m always open to connecting with artists, studios, conventions, brands, and industry professionals from around the world. I’m especially interested in international collaborations and opportunities that allow me to share my work and represent the Italian tattoo tradition on an international stage. info@rickytattoo.it , riccardobottino@aol.com , http://www.rickytattoo.it. Riccardo Bottino Via 1 Maggio 58/F, 34074 Monfalcone (Gorizia) Italy, +39.0481.791355
Any special message you would like to share?
The message I would like to share is that borders should never be a limitation for an artist. My goal is to continue representing Italian excellence in the tattoo industry, to connect and collaborate with leading international artists, and to contribute through my work to the growth and evolution of this art form
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