Thais Freitas Rio de Janeiro / Brazil @thaisfreitastattoo
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 deeper than aesthetic beauty. Through her deeply meaningful Florescer Project, Thais uses her art to cover traumatic scars for women free of charge, helping them reclaim their self-esteem and heal from the past. In this exclusive interview, we dive into her artistic journey—from exhibiting her first childhood drawings at six years old to becoming an internationally recognized artist—and explore the passion, human connection, and social purpose behind her breathtaking work.
1.Tell us, how did your career in tattooing begin?
My journey in tattooing began over 16 years ago, driven by a passion for art and by the desire to transform stories into something people could carry forever on their skin. From the very beginning, I understood that tattooing goes far beyond technique: it represents identity, memory, resilience, and meaning. My first contact with art happened during childhood. At the age of six, I had the opportunity to exhibit my drawings in an art gallery, an experience that awakened in me the certainty that creating would always be part of my life. Over the years, I have constantly sought improvement, developing my own artistic identity and becoming one of Brazil's pioneers in the fine line style, especially in floral tattoos. This dedication opened doors for me to work internationally and to earn recognition from clients and professionals both in Brazil and abroad.
2.What difficulties and challenges have you faced throughout these years?
Like any career built with dedication, I faced many challenges. In the beginning, I had to earn my place in an extremely competitive market, prove my work every day, and continuously invest in knowledge and improvement. Later, the challenge arose of taking my art to other countries, adapting to new languages, cultures, and ways of working. Each obstacle required courage, discipline, and persistence. Today, looking back, I realize that every difficulty was fundamental in shaping not only the professional I am, but also the person I have become.
3.What is the process of getting a tattoo with you like?
I seek to provide an experience that goes far beyond the tattoo itself. Everything begins with a conversation to understand each client's story, feelings, and expectations. From there, I develop a completely personalized project, respecting the anatomy of the body and aiming for an elegant, delicate, and timeless result. Throughout the entire process, I make sure that each person feels welcomed, safe, and involved in the creation of their own artwork. I believe that a great tattoo is born from the union of technique, sensitivity, and human connection.
4.How would you define your style?
My work is primarily recognized for fine line floral tattoos, characterized by delicate lines, precision, and lightness. I seek to create elegant, feminine, and timeless compositions, always valuing the anatomy and individuality of each client. More than following trends, my goal is to create works that continue to move people and remain meaningful many years later.
5.You have visited many countries around the world. What has that experience meant to you?
Traveling through tattooing has been one of the greatest transformations of my life. Working in different countries has allowed me to discover new cultures, learn from incredible artists, and understand that art is a universal language. Today, I maintain a frequent schedule in countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, and Spain. I also receive invitations to work in several other countries, both within and outside Europe, which I often need to postpone because of my schedule. Having clients of different nationalities and representing Brazilian tattooing internationally is a privilege that I carry with great pride. These experiences have broadened my professional and personal perspective and reinforced my commitment to excellence in every piece of work.
6.You have received awards and recognition. What value do you give them personally? Are they a source of motivation for you?
Every form of recognition is received with great gratitude. Throughout my journey, I have had the honor of being awarded at Tattoo Week, considered the largest tattoo event in the world, as well as receiving other forms of recognition that have helped consolidate my career nationally and internationally. However, I believe that my greatest recognition also comes through the many invitations I receive from studios around the world. All of these achievements have opened many doors and have also given me the opportunity to serve as a judge at several tattoo championships, something I consider both a great responsibility and an enormous honor. Not to mention, of course, the trust of my clients and the positive impact I am able to create through my art. Awards motivate me, but they also remind me daily of the responsibility to keep evolving, studying, and always delivering my very best.
7.How important do you consider social media to be in your profession?
Social media has become an essential tool for sharing my work and building genuine connections with people from all over the world. In addition to showing the results of my tattoos, I like to share behind-the-scenes moments, the creative process, and the reality behind the profession. I believe that authenticity creates trust, and this closeness makes all the difference.
8.What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I intend to continue expanding my international schedule, strengthening my work in Europe, consolidating new partnerships, and increasing the presence of my work in different countries. At the same time, I want to dedicate even more attention to the Florescer Project, an initiative that I consider the most significant purpose of my professional journey. Florescer was created to offer free artistic coverage of traumatic scars for women. More than transforming a scar into a tattoo, regardless of its origin, the project seeks to promote the reconstruction of self-esteem, restore confidence, and offer the possibility of a new beginning. Witnessing women rebuild a positive relationship with their own image, give new meaning to marks associated with difficult experiences, and recover their self-esteem is, without a doubt, one of the greatest accomplishments of my artistic career. I also intend to continue investing consistently in technical improvement, in the development of projects that integrate art and social impact, and in the production of knowledge within the field in which I work. Among my goals for the coming years is the completion of a scientific article dedicated to the study of artistic coverage of traumatic scars and its psychological effects, analyzing how this process can contribute to identity reconstruction, the strengthening of self-esteem, and the improvement of emotional well-being among the patients served. I believe that the integration of artistic practice, research, and social commitment can broaden the recognition of tattooing as a tool for personal transformation, promoting positive impacts that go beyond the aesthetic dimension and reach relevant aspects of emotional health and quality of life.
9.What are the ways to contact you?
To follow my recent work, check my international schedule, and obtain information about appointments, my main channel is Instagram @thaisfreitastattoo or my website, www.thaisfreitastattoo.com. If you prefer to schedule an appointment or ask questions directly, you can also contact me via WhatsApp at +351 936 505 391 or by email at contact@thaisfreitastattoo.com.
10.Would you like to leave a special message?
I deeply believe that tattooing has the power to transform much more than the skin. It can restore self-esteem, immortalize stories, honor important people, and represent a new chapter in someone's life. If I could leave a message for tattoo artists who are beginning their journey, I would tell them never to allow haste to become greater than their desire to evolve. Study, respect every client, be ethical, and be passionate about what you do. Recognition is the consequence of consistent work built with dedication over time. I am very proud to represent Brazil through my art, and I am profoundly grateful to every client, partner, and opportunity that has been part of this journey. I hope to continue bringing the sensitivity, delicacy, and strength of Brazilian tattooing to the world.
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