Vini MoschenNovo Hamburgo - Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil @vinimoschen Tiktok: @vinimoschentattoo
Vini Moschen wrote a golden page in the recent history of body art. After participating alongside more than 100 artists from all corners of the planet, the Brazilian tattoo artist emerged as the grand overall winner of the international competition celebrating the 22nd anniversary of DGN Tattoo Magazine, also taking first place in the Embroidery Style (Patch Tattoo) category.
The true value of this recognition lies in the weight of the signatures behind the decision. The final verdict was delivered by a panel of judges of unquestionable global standing: Bob Tyrrell, Silvano Fiato, Mashkow, and Nissaco—four titans who saw in Vini’s precision, texture, and technical level a work of impeccable professional caliber.
In this interview, the artist opens the doors to his universe: discovering a unique style in the midst of the pandemic, the sacrifice behind endless workdays, his years spent as a nomad around the world, and the value of gratitude toward those who trusted in his talent from day one.
1.Vinícius, it is an absolute pleasure to have you in the magazine and celebrate this recognition with you. To start from the very beginning, we’d love to travel back in time: what was your first contact with the art world like, and at what point did you realize that tattooing was the medium you wanted to dedicate your life to?
The pleasure of being here is all mine, I thank you for this wonderful opportunity! My first contact with the world of art was when they gave me my first tattoo; it was lettering on my back that said 'Veni, Vidi, Vici.' That was the spark for me to start following tattooing more closely and soon fall in love with it. Since I was a child, I used to see tattooed people on television and in the streets and found it enchanting! After my first tattoo, I gradually got more tattoos on my body and made friends with some tattoo artists. During the pandemic, I decided to start studying tattooing while working another job. It was at that moment that something shifted in my head and I realized that I loved this world!
2.When someone starts tattooing, they usually explore different paths. In your early days, what were those first styles that went through your machines? How do you remember that Vinícius who was taking his first steps and pulling his first lines?
When I started, I did a few basic tattoos, just linework and quick ones. I also studied a bit of Oriental style, but within just 4–5 months of tattooing, I discovered the Patch Tattoo (embroidered) style and fell in love! Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to studying it every single day of my life, and it’s been 5 years now.
3.You achieved a fascinating visual identity by blending the texture of embroidery with the urban language of stickers, playing with other aesthetics while always keeping the textile texture as your main core. How was that search born, and at what moment did you feel you had found a signature style that was completely your own?
I’ve always focused on the embroidery style as the main part of my work, but I started seeing some other styles that interested me and realized I could try to blend them together, allowing me to study more about other tattoo techniques to build on my knowledge. Before I knew it, I had created a new concept… But I’m passionate about different styles—they fascinate me. So whenever I can, I try to study new things, always thinking about adding to my knowledge and enriching the art of embroidery.
4.Tricking the human eye so that a tattoo looks stitched or pasted onto the skin requires an impeccable technique. From needle physics to color saturation, what have been the biggest technical challenges in achieving that illusion of shadows, threads, and volume?
The technical level I’ve achieved in this style today is honestly quite impressive, both on social media and when I finish a piece on a client. The biggest challenges were figuring out which needle configurations and colors to use to get clean finishes and excellent healing for the style, since there was no information anywhere about how to do this type of tattoo when I started. So I had to study a lot to reach the level I work at today.
5.In the intro you shared with us for the competition, you mentioned that you don't have a fixed studio and that you travel the world collecting unforgettable experiences. How does that nomadic life influence both your creative process and your personal life? Is this a journey you travel solo, or do you have a travel companion on this adventure?
I spent 4 years traveling the world without a permanent studio, and that gave me a huge wealth of technical knowledge and life experience—which I consider just as important. I have unforgettable memories and unique moments in my story that tattooing brought into my life during those trips! Right now, I do my traveling solo, exploring new and familiar places where I always meet wonderful people along the journey! In the last 4 months, I became a co-owner of a tattoo studio in Brazil called 'Bendito Risco,' home to my best friends and wonderful people who serve as my 'home base' whenever I return. This stage is proving to be even more challenging, but I am extremely happy with everything that’s been happening!
6.Having industry legends like Bob Tyrrell, Silvano Fiato, Nissaco, and Mashkow evaluate and award your work among 100 artists from all over the world is a massive endorsement. What did it mean to you, on both a personal and professional level, to have icons of such diverse styles recognize your work?
Having my work recognized by these big names in the tattoo world is something incredible, which will be forever etched in my memory. I’m immensely grateful to them for this review, as it has driven my motivation to evolve even further!
7.That exact moment when you found out you were the winner of the competition... How did you experience it? What was the first thing that went through your mind, and who did you want to celebrate the news with first?
First, I was completely shocked, I couldn't believe it for a while... I had to show my studio mates just to make sure it was real. Then I showed my fiancée and my mother, because they support me every single day on my journey!!
8.In the day-to-day work at the studio, it’s easy to lose track of time. Have you paused lately to look back at the journey of your career? If so, what do you feel when looking in retrospect at everything you’ve built?
Yes, it’s so easy to lose track of time! There were countless days where I came in early and left in the middle of the night just to deliver a work that was 100% top quality. There were sleepless nights and many days I missed spending time with family and friends. I’d see so many people out having fun while I was working. But now the results are starting to show, and looking back, I can see it wasn’t just luck—it was something built step by step.
9.How does your schedule look for the upcoming months? Do you have upcoming travel plans, guest spots at other studios, or appearances at international conventions?
My schedule is packed until the middle of next year with plenty of trips, including Singapore, Uruguay, Italy, England, and Brazil. I'll be participating in three major events by the end of the year: Tattoo Week (Brazil), Icons and Prodigies (Italy), and Vale Ink Tattoo (Brazil). And I’m super happy that I was invited to be a judge at Tattoo Week, since it’s one of the biggest tattoo conventions in the world!
10.To wrap up this great interview, would you like to dedicate a few words or acknowledgments to those who have been part of your journey and this incredible moment?
I want to say that on our own, we NEVER get anywhere. I’ve had so many people pass through my life over the last few years who have contributed to my story. I want to give a special thanks to my mentor Rafinha Oliveira, who taught me and gave me the opportunity to enter the tattoo world. To my mother Carla and my stepfather Roberto, who supported me at every stage of my career, including when I was just starting out. My salary was very low, and they helped me with food, a place to sleep, and even gave me a space to work out of for a few months. I will never forget that. Thank you to my friends at the Bendito Risco studio, who became family and push me to be better every single day. Especially my best friend and business partner Dennis Bugs, who spent days, nights, and early mornings studying with me so we could both grow (we still do this to this day). Without him, I wouldn’t be 'Vini Moschen.' Finally, I want to thank my fiancée Bibiane Franzen for supporting me every day, for giving me the best family in the world with the boys (Pedro and João), and for showing me what true love really is. LIFE IS GOOD, LIFE IS SO GOOD!!!!
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