Artist
Suneater
Michael Rosetti
Nadia Most
Tony Vilella
JankyBangers
Camoz
Misi Furucz
Pammy Raven
Oak
STAFF
Steve Azzara (RIP) President/Editor in Chief/MFIC
Pamela Sellers Co owner/President/Writer
Matt Sellers Writer/Creative director/Editor
Contributors
Cypress Bates Video Journalist/Writer
Mike Johnston Concert/ Event Photography
Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez
Cover- @Etgar Oak
Special Thanks to...
Daniel Kearney, Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez, Mark Lawrence, Shawn Alexander, Tommy’s Supplies, New England Tattoo Expo, Sellers Ink Tattoo, Sean Hightower, Walt Anderson, Carnival of Ink, The Most famous studio, Urbans edge tattoo after care. New England tatoo expo
Pro Team
Lydia Bruno, Pammy Sellers, Pepe Carire, And Jimmy Dalessio, Ninetoes, Nikko Gould, Josh Paul, And Mike Geyer
So you are currently located in Victoria Canada are you originally from there? Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what was it like growing up?
My name is Irving Santana, I’m 31, originally from a small city in Mexico called Colima. Growing up was fun, safe old days when kids used to play in the streets with friends!
At what age can you remember originally getting into art?
I remember “being good” at drawing since I was a kid, never really stoped doing it, never went to art school, but I did graduate from Architecture, so that kept me busy and creative for some years. But before that I was already doing some horror stuff just for fun!
How long have you been tattooing for and how has your journey been going for you?
I have been tattooing for 12 years almost. It started as a random journey because I started tattooing as a hobby, it did catch me right away and I took it more serious. Paying respect for the craft and focusing on the tools, assemble, disassemble, calibrate, etc…
The art came along with it and I got better in the process. I have learned a lot, enjoyed, and met beautiful people in this journey.
It’s looks like you specialize in dark art and dark art color infused, what got you into those certain styles?
I always liked dark related art, from music, paintings, books, movies, but i would say that maybe music for me has more impact in my work than everything else (of course everything is important but music is number 1)
If you had a least favorite tattoo style what is it and why?
Everything that doesn’t last long.
Who are some of your biggest inspiration and or influences in the tattoo and art industry?
Giger and Beksinski are the biggest influences in my work. I remember being amazed of the work by some of the biomech godfathers, like Guy Aitchison and Markus Lenhard more than 10 years ago, being a Giger fan and looking what this guys were able to create in the body was amazing.
In the dark side of the tattoo world I remember Tommy Lee Wendtner being a big influence in the tattoo world, he opened the doors for crazy things in my opinion.
Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year?
Not really, work hard and focus to be in Victoria for the rest of the year, I have been doing conventions and bunch of guestspots for the last 2 years, i promised myself to get more free time to paint more this year but I’m not, but i thank my clients for keeping me busy. Remember, we are nothing without them!
From what I can see are you currently located is Rome? Are you born and raised in Italy? Tell us about your self and what is was like growing up?
I was born and raised in Italy, in the beautiful city of Rome. My neighborhood wasn’t so beautiful, actually—I spent my childhood in a rough suburb of Rome, where life wasn’t always peaceful but was certainly fun for a little boy. My grandfather, an avid painter, played a significant role in my upbringing. His passion for art deeply influenced me, and from a very young age, I was drawn to drawing and painting. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to creativity.
Tell us a little bit about how you got in to tattooing and what was your apprentice ship like?
I started noticing tattoos pretty early in life. I remember my dad had a traditional portrait of a woman tattooed on his arm, and I was fascinated by it. To me, as a child, having a permanent drawing on skin was kind of magical. I remember proudly showing it to all my friends.
I got involved with tattooing around my 18th birthday, which was the age I had been waiting for to start exploring this world. By the age of 19, after spending a year making mistakes and learning at home, I realized I needed proper guidance. I decided to ask Alessandro Albrigi, a well-known tattoo artist from Rome and the person who was tattooing me at the time, if I could hang out at his shop to understand how professional tattooing really worked.
I wasn’t very confident and didn’t want to bother anyone at the shop, so I started slowly, visiting once a week. Eventually, it became two days a week, then three, and so on. I didn’t have the typical “apprenticeship.” The shop already had an assistant, so I spent my first two years mostly drawing, watching the artists work, and showing them my designs for feedback. Of course, I did my share of cleaning tubes and floors, but I was lucky—the shop felt like a family.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been going for you?
I have been tattooing for 11 years now, and the journey has been incredible. I’ve gone through different stages in my career and understand the importance of having various influences along the way. Initially, tattooing was all about technique for me; it was what I sought and demanded from my work. Later, I entered a phase of stylistic exploration and research. Now, I am very focused on composition and body anatomy. I am deeply fascinated by the layers, phases, and challenges that tattooing as an art form encompasses. Each year feels like the first, and thinking that 11 years have already passed is astonishing to me.
Absolutely love your art! What style do you think your tattoos fall under? And what got you in to these certain styles of tattooing and art?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
I’m kind of struggling actually, especially recently. Japanese tattooing has always been the style I admire the most—the elegance, harmony, and power, with subjects deeply imbued with meaning and stories. However, when I started in 2013, it wasn’t easy to have clients request Japanese flash designs, as they were often conceived only for larger projects, and I knew I wasn’t ready for that.
Working in a street shop, I had to at least superficially learn the different languages of various styles to satisfy diverse client requests. This gave me the fortune of trying and learning many different techniques, which I believe is an important skill to have. Simultaneously, apart from technique, I continued studying the tattoo style I loved the most—the American interpretation of Japanese tattooing from the likes of Sailor Jerry, Ed Hardy, and Bob Roberts.
Apart from that, through my travels in Asia, I had the opportunity to understand the soul of art in cultural places and purchase books on Asian art, primarily Chinese and Japanese. Understanding the origins of Japanese tattooing and having spent time studying the American interpretation, I realized the importance of reference sources. So, I began developing my Japanese tattoos by interpreting ukiyo-e paintings and trying to put these images on skin, rather than studying directly under Japanese tattoo masters.
Taking a step back is something I’m doing now, and I think my style is all about this journey and the influences I’ve absorbed along the way.
What are some of your other favorite styles of tattooing?
Obviously, tattooing is something that evolves continuously, and over time, I find myself deciphering and understanding more and more. My favorite styles, in order, are Japanese, Borneo, and traditional. Borneo, in particular, is a style I’m currently exploring, appreciating how its designs follow the anatomy of the body.
Describing “my style” is challenging for me. I believe my work has a personal touch because I don’t directly reference other tattoos or tattooer Style. Instead, I delve deep into the references used in tattoos I admire.
My foundation lies in the Americana style, which blends American traditional and Japanese irezumi, a focus of my studies. However, I constantly seek to experiment and push boundaries, sometimes failing sometimes doing good, I enjoy merging various aspects of these styles, particularly focusing now on texture and composition. This involves balancing the bold heaviness of American traditional tattoos with the lighter floating elements of Japanese tattoos. I strive to find a delicate balance by studying Japanese subjects cultural rules and understanding how to play with them. Every day and with every tattoo I create, I am just experimenting and evolving my approach.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the tattoo and art industry?
There are many influences that change over time with my focus on different aspects, so I’ll concentrate on the main ones, the masters in my opinion. First, I cannot not mention Masters Ed Hardy, Bob roberts R.I.P legend, which are our contemporary tattoo ambassador both from California . Then, Kuronuma Horiyoshi II and Horitsune, who have deeply influenced my understanding and appreciation of Japanese tattooing. Sensei Horitoshi, whom I had the chance to meet in person during the Iron Gate Tattoo Convention in Sydney 2023, and Horikazu, for his outstanding details on Japanese composition, are also significant influences. And then of course are some of the current tattooers I had the chance to collaborate with or just watched them at work during these years who are a source of inspiration for me.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
I’m currently living one of my biggest accomplishments right now. It’s like a dream come true to work with one of the most influential Italian tattoo artists, Luca Mamone. It’s incredible and really reshapes my conceptions; it’s like being back at school every day, and it’s a lot of fun.
Another significant accomplishment is having the chance to work with Henning Jørgensen in Helsingør, Denmark, at Royal Tattoo. Additionally, being invited to the Iron Gate Tattoo Convention in Sydney is something I’ll always cherish. Traveling so far and having people appreciate my work is something I’ll always keep in my heart.
Do you have any big plans coming up?
Oh yes, while I’m replying to this, I’m working on my papers for an exciting new opportunity. I can’t reveal all the details just yet, but if you are European and you want to get tattooed now is the time, Stay tuned!
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You are currently located in Toronto Canada, are you originally from Canada? Tell us a little about yourself?
I have been in Toronto for 20 years now, but I was born in Iran! My family immigrated to Canada when my brother and I were young, and as much as I love my home country, I think Canada is home for me.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I have been tattooing for about 7 years. I did my bachelors degree in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University, and about a year after graduating, I started apprenticing to become a tattoo artist. It definitely wasn’t planned, and the entire time in school I had no idea I wanted to be a tattoo artist!! But it has been one of my greatest achievements in life, to become a tattoo artist and to be able to thrive in the industry!
Let me know if I am correct or not but do you own or just work for Grey pastel studio? How is that shop?
I own Grey Pastel Studio. It’s just a private studio and I only work out of. A quiet & clean space just for me.
What do you call the style you are most known for is it micro realism? What got you into that certain style of tattooing?
I would say small black&grey realism, but I have recently been drawn to including a bit of colour in my work. I want to explore coloured tattoos more & I have a lot of respect for colour realism artists! It’s not easy!
Most of your work seems to be in black and grey do you also like working in colors?
Yes. I would love to do more colour tattoos! But Black and Grey is my favourite style to do for now.
Tell us all about Gerdu!
Gerdu is my pet parrot! She is 4 years old and has been with me ever since she was 2 months old. She is so loved and it’s funny that a lot of famous tattoo artists actually follow Gerdu’s Instagram page! My feathered companion is famous!
Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year?
I have been invited to some tattoo shops in Canada that I haven’t visited in the past, and I would love to do that this year. I have plans to visit Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and a few cities in Nova Scotia! I am lucky enough to be chosen by some wonderful artists and studios to be their guest and work alongside amazing talented individuals.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself where you are from and what was it like growing up?
My name is Etgar Oak, I was born in 1985 in Latvia. At the moment I live and work in New York. Growing up wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, you know? We had our fair share of challenges, but amidst it all, there was always art. My old man, he was an artist, and I was mesmerized by his talent. I remember watching him paint and sketch for hours on end. And then there was that one time he tattooed my brother right at home with a homemade tattoo machine. That was my first real taste of the tattoo world. Oh, and did I mention I come from a family of 10 kids? Yeah, it was a full house, and the struggle was real because we never had much money. How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been going for you?
I never actually went through any official training or apprenticeship. Tattooing started as a hobby for me when I was about 18 or 19 years old. However, it wasn’t until about 9 years ago that I made it my full-time job and started working as a professional tattoo artist. I’m really self-judgmental, and that helps me never stop learning and becoming a better artist and person. All I have to do is strive to be better than I was yesterday.
I got to witness your work in person so I can say you definitely specialize in black and grey and it’s amazing work, what got you into that certain style of tattooing? I focus on black and grey realism because it lets me create detailed designs that stand out. My dad, who was an artist, inspired me to love realistic art. Seeing artists like Bob Tyrrell doing amazing work in this style motivated me too. Since I didn’t have formal training, I taught myself tattooing over many years. I tried different styles but found black and grey realism suited me best. So, I kept at it, always trying to get better. It’s not just about the style; it’s also about the challenge and satisfaction of mastering it.
What are some of your biggest achievements and accomplishments in your career? Like awards, sponsorship any thing like that?
In my career, I’ve been lucky to achieve some great things. I’m sponsored by KWADRON, which I’m really grateful for. I’ve also been fortunate to win multiple awards, and the recognition I’ve received in the past few years has been incredible. This year alone, I was honored to bring home 9 awards from the conventions I attended. It’s humbling, really, and I’m just thankful for the opportunities I’ve had.
I met you at the New England tattoo convention, do you do a lot of travel and conventions? If so where are some of your favorite locations?
In the last couple of years, I’ve been to quite a few tattoo conventions, mostly in the New York area where I work. But this year, I’m planning to branch out and travel further, like California and Florida, which I’m really excited about. As for favorites, I gotta be honest, I don’t really have one. Each convention is unique, and I enjoy the different experiences they offer. One thing’s for sure though, I love the challenge of competing in bigger competitions.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the tattoo are art industry?
I really enjoy the work of artists like Ralf Nonnweiler, David Vega, Noah Bissi, Bob Tyrrell, and Thomas Carli Jarlier. Every time they share something new, I’m eager to see it. Their talent is undeniable. Nowadays, tattoo art is just incredible with so many amazing artists out there showcasing their skills. It’s inspiring to witness the creativity and diversity in the industry.
Do you have any big plans in the near future?
I surely have big plans for the near future, as I always do. Dream big, do bigger! Right now, I’m more focused on gaining recognition here in the US and in the global tattoo industry. Though I’d love to know that everything I’ve planned will work out, recent years have shown that not everything always goes as planned. Even if I map out the next steps, I’m trying to not go too crazy about it. Sure, things will work out and the best outcome will be there, but knowing every step ahead is almost impossible. Gotta live a little, you know?
Why did you start tattooing?
I began my journey in the art of tattooing in 2006, influenced by close friends. My passion for art dates back to my early childhood, and tattooing emerged as a unique opportunity to merge my love for art with the possibility of making a living, turning passion into profession. Who influenced you the most on this journey?
When I was taking my first steps into tattooing, I received crucial encouragement from a friend who was a tattoo artist himself. He saw potential in my drawings and urged me to pursue this path. Later on, I was greatly influenced by a mentor who played a vital role in my development. Regarding my specialization in the style of colored realism, I drew inspiration from studying the works of great art masters, including Rembrandt, Picasso, and others.
Your social media posts are always on point, how much time and effort goes into making those and how much does your tattooing benefit from them?
Indeed, I dedicate a considerable amount of time to crafting my social media content. I personally handle the majority of my posts, including photos and videos, which I create myself. This investment significantly enhances the visibility of my work, drawing more clients and admirers to my work.
Where do you tend to find inspiration or references for your tattoos?
I personally take charge of creating and developing all projects and designs for each client. They provide me with references for what they want to be tattooed or describe their vision for the tattoo, and I bring those ideas to life in the designs. I have always been incredibly curious, so when something truly captivates me, I immerse myself in all the related content I can find. Since my youth, I have absorbed a wealth of art-related material, which has significantly enhanced my creative abilities and enriched my work.
What does the future look like for you as an artist, what’s the ultimate goal?
I plan to continue working diligently and dedicating myself to constant learning, aiming to enhance my skills and deliver top-notch work for my clients. The pursuit of excellence is an ongoing journey, and my ultimate goal is to exceed each client’s expectations, turning their ideas into unique and memorable pieces of art.
What affect does being a tattooer have on your personal life; family and social?
Being a tattoo artist has an incredibly positive impact on my personal and social life. I live and breathe art every day, and one of my favorite hobbies is painting canvases with my 5-year-old daughter during my days off. Both she and my wife have a deep appreciation for art. Tattooing has brought significant achievements into our lives, making me very grateful and content with my profession.
What are your hobbies outside of tattooing?
During my days off, I take immense pleasure in painting on canvas and taking leisurely strolls with my family. These activities provide me with enjoying precious moments with my daughter and my wife. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
When I was still at the beginning of my career as a tattoo artist, my master told me something that changed the way I saw my work, and it’s something that I carry with me to this day:
“Most artists can’t view their own work critically because they have the creator’s perspective, and for the creator, the work is like a child. Parents never find their children ugly! The hardest thing for an artist is to be able to criticize themselves realistically and thus evolve.”
I see you have a signature ink set coming out, what was that whole process like?
Yes, my ink set with RAW pigments was made with a lot of care and dedication. I am a lover of classical art and created the set with all the knowledge I have about it. Most of my tattoos are done using the shades I would use if I were painting a classical-style painting. However, every time I went to tattoo, I needed to create the tones (mixing colors and colors to achieve the necessary shades), and this used up a lot of my client’s session time. So, the goal of my ink set is to facilitate not only my work but also the work of other tattoo artists who do the same style of tattoo that I do.
What would you do if you couldn’t tattoo anymore?
Without a doubt, I would remain involved in the world of art, conducting workshops and assisting others in reaching their full potential in this profession. Art is a perennial passion in my life, and I would dedicate myself to sharing my knowledge and experience, aiming to inspire and guide other artists.
How can people book with you?
People interested in booking an appointment can easily reach out via email. My booking manager is readily available to answer any inquiries, offer quotations, and ensure that every client receives the personalized attention they require. You can contact us at appts@ tonytattoos.com for all your needs related to scheduling and information
Tell us and the readers a little bit about yourself, where are you born and raised and what was it like growing up?
I was born in Viamão, a small city in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul state in Brazil. Growing up was great; being a child is wonderful, but it was a bit tough. My mother has four children, and I am the eldest. My father left us when we were young, so it was not easy at all. However, I am very grateful to have a wonderful and strong mother and I am thankful for everything I went through. It made me who I am today, shaped by all the experiences and lessons from the past.
So tell us a little bit about where you are from and what it was like growing up?
I’m from Vancouver BC I grew up in the heyday of skateboarding, punk rock , hip hop, graffiti etc..
At what age do you remember getting in to art?
Ive been making art since I can remember, my grandfather was an accomplished oil painter, and I started making t-shirts when I was 17.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been going for you?
I always wanted to tattoo but was too intimidated to ask for an apprenticeship, then after painting flash for a few years one of my close friends who was already tattooing told me I should just jump in and built me my first machine. It was rough at the start, I had a small child and couldn’t really hang around a shop all day as an apprentice and make no money so I started tattooing my friends for free at home. This pissed a lot of people in the industry off but it was the only way I could keep going. All I ever wanted was to be in a shop one day so as soon as I landed a job I left the home tatts for good and never looked back.
Your style is very bright and bold what style would you call that, and what got you into that certain style of tattooing?
I’m as much inspired by traditional tattoo designs as I am skate art , album art , psychedelic art , graffiti and things of that nature. It was a natural evolution for me to incorporate my personal history with the things I was part of growing up into my tattoos.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in the tattoo industry?
Honestly I don’t know if I have accomplished enough yet.. I still want to get so much better with my tattooing and designs I still think there is so much to learn and techniques I want to try. Being able to travel and tattoo with other people I look up to in the industry was a big one though..
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I’m a musician so I have played in a lot of bands , i’ve made albums before and will most likely make more in the future. I also love painting and want to get get better at that and develop my own style maybe something a bit different than tattoo flash.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the tattoo and art industry?
Geno , Frank Garbuggino , Cheyenne Sawyer, Chad Koplinger , Daniel Higgs , Deno..
Camoz
So tell us a little bit about yourself where are you from what was it like growing up?
My name is Cristhian Camilo Ortiz, better know as Camoz. I was born in Cali, Colombia, and I am 32. Since i was a child I have been interested in visual arts, drawing, painting, photography, among others. During my youth I was also passionate about sports, and playing video games, that remains to this day.
At what age did you realize you loved art?
For as long as I can remember, drawing was my greatest fun when I was a child.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been treating you?
I’ve been tattooing for 8 years. It has been a real challenge but a very exciting one, I always have a desire to grow and learn more, my thirst for knowledge never ends. This world has filled me with satisfaction and motivation to continue growing.
If I am correct you own your own tattoo shop? Tell us a little about that.
Yes, my studio is called Artesano Tattoo and Piercing. He’s like my little son. It is a space where I can let my passion for art fly and where I strive to create a space in which clients feel comfortable. You specialize in realism color and black and grey, what got you in to those certain styles?
What I like most about realism is its level of difficulty. I love challenges. I feel that with realism the challenge never ends, it can always be better.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the tattoo and art industry?
My great inspirations are Hernan Yepes, Victoria Lee and Gregory. I love what they do. Do you have any big plans for the near future?
I would like to continue targeting an international clientele. Every time I get more clients from outside Colombia and that motivates me. When I started it seemed unthinkable to have such an international audience but today it is a reality that continues to grow.
So you are from Slovakia, Are you currently there now? Tell us about yourself and what was it like growing up?
Yes, I truly come from Slovakia, from a small but charming town called Komárno, and I still live here today. Why am I still here? I just couldn’t part with the local lángos! Growing up here was fantastic, but I think any kid can make themselves happy anywhere as long as there’s enough room to run around and a few good friends nearby.
Can you remember what originally got you into tattooing?
I’ve been fascinated by tattoos since kindergarten. Where I lived, many people already had tattoos, and I used to “tattoo” my friends with a marker, drawing various patterns on their hands. You could say I started my career early. :) When I was 15-16 years old, I got my first real tattoo with a homemade tattoo machine, and the “artist” who did it left the machine with me. That’s when I started to tattoo myself and my friends with real tattoos. :)
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I have been tattooing for 13 years. This period has been like a thrilling roller coaster—filled with learning, growth, and of course, challenges. The beginnings were tough since I didn’t really have anyone to learn from, so I had to teach myself a lot of the craft. But I always knew that the time and money invested in learning would pay off, so I saved up to attend seminars by other tattoo artists, which really gave my career a boost. :)
What style do you like doing the most, and what got you into that certain style of tattooing?
I mostly love the new school style. I stumbled upon Victor Chil’s work one day, and I immediately fell in love with this style. It’s beautiful, funny, and cheerful, and I wish I could do it all the time. The only hiccup is that most people don’t really want this style on their bodies. But I hope the day will come when every person will have at least one new school tattoo adorning their body. That would show that people have become more open and happier. ;)
What are some of your biggest accomplishments in your career? Awards things like that?
My greatest achievement is that I still tattoo with the same passion I started with, always seeking challenges and growth. I’ve won numerous awards at tattoo conventions, including Best of Day 1 at the Evian Tattoo Show, Best of Show at the Venezia Tattoo Convention, and Best of Newschool 1st place at the Urban Land Tattoo Expo Roma. These are the achievements I’m most proud of. But perhaps even more importantly, I’ve met so many wonderful people throughout my career, which is a true victory. The combination of challenges and friendships truly colors my work!
Do you ever get to travel for work and if so where are some of your favorite locations?
I usually travel just for work, but I’m not complaining! Every place has its own beauty, and visiting new places is always wonderful. My favorite places so far are New York, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. These cities are brimming with inspiration, creative energies, and opportunities to learn new techniques. And who wouldn’t love to do their job in places where you can admire artistic masterpieces over coffee?
To our beloved friend Steve Azzara your legacy and hard work will be rememberd and continued through your magazine and memories. We all think about you everday until we meet again ol friend.
Rip
Steve Azzara Owner/ Founder / Mfic