He has already changed eight tattoo studios simply because he doesn’t want to stop learning and improving. Now you can find him in the Brooklyn neighborhood of his native São Paulo.
Hi Fernando, how have these 17 years of tattoo art been so far?
My journey with art began in my childhood, but I only started tattooing a long time later. Since I was a child, I have always been passionate about drawings, spending hours detailing everything I saw in the images around me.
The quest for Realism has always fascinated me. I attended various drawing and painting schools, but always as a hobby and for fun. I worked in many different fields trying to find my passion. I taught martial arts, worked in sales, studied Engineering, Physical Therapy, Law, and was a public servant for the government.
When did you encounter tattoo art for the first time?
It wasn’t until I was 27 that I had my first encounter with tattooing when I took a tattoo course, driven purely by curiosity to see how it felt to draw on someone’s skin. I have always been very competitive, and when I realized that this could turn into a career, I dedicated myself completely to learning every detail and technique to achieve the best results in tattooing. Even today, 18 years later, I still feel like a beginner, always eager to learn more each day about this infinite universe of art. And it brings me immense joy to learn something new with every piece and to always be evolving.
Your style is not Realism, but Hyper-Realism. Does it mean that in your tattoos every detail is hyper-curated compared to the reference image?
Since my childhood, I have always been fascinated by observing every small detail in the objects and images I copied. My challenge was to achieve an almost perfect image on paper.
“Realistic” tattooing aims to reproduce images of objects or beings and to give a sense of something alive, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be identical; the artist can simply represent a character by altering small details without losing the essence of Realism. My goal with “Hyper-Realism” is to create an image on the skin that confuses the mind of the observer, causing them to question whether that image is truly the real object or just a reproduction.
This is my personal challenge that brings me so much joy and inspires me to continue studying and seeking more knowledge since childhood.
Assuming that each subject of each of your tattoos is equally important to you, do you feel a particular emotion when some customer asks you to tattoo Ayrton Senna? Besides, you are Brazilian from Sao Paulo and the figure of Ayrton is a sort of religion there…
Every piece of work is important to each client in some way, which is why they become incredibly significant to me. They have entrusted me with the task of creating an image that represents something deeply meaningful. However, when I receive requests to depict personalities like our great champion Ayrton Senna, it doubles the reason for me to take extra pleasure in searching for the best photo and capturing the life and emotion of this iconic figure who marked our history in the eyes of the tattoo. In these cases, I enjoy watching videos, re-reading stories, and listening to the songs that defined this character’s career. This way, while I’m tattooing, I can recall all of this and feel as though I’m recreating a member of my family.
“You have a time machine and can travel to any era. You can ask a question to a historical figure in the field of tattoo art or any artist. Who would you visit, and what would you ask them
We have countless phenomenal artists throughout our history, but there is one in particular who possessed a talent beyond human capacity and understanding: our great multitalented master, Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci was a brilliant mind capable of becoming a significant reference in various fields simultaneously – painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, anatomist, musician, among other areas of knowledge. If I had the opportunity to witness how he was able to learn and develop so profoundly in each subject, reaching such incredible levels, I believe that would be a transformative experience. And if I could ask him one question, it would be, “How???” (laughs)
Tell me about your workplace located in the Brooklyn neighborhood/barrio of São Paulo? Is yours a private studio?
My studio is already the eighth since I started my career, always evolving and seeking more prestigious locations while creating environments that make my clients feel comfortable and at ease so we can execute excellent work together. Currently, I am in a studio located in a high-end commercial building in the southern part of São Paulo, with a beautiful view of the city, which makes the work even more enjoyable for everyone.
We have other artists working here with me, and we strive to create an environment of experience sharing, where each artist can grow and learn from one another. We also periodically hold courses and workshops for training and specializing new tattoo artists, bringing in great artists to share their knowledge, thus contributing to the tattoo scene in Brazil.
What is the biggest goal you have for the next 17 years and beyond?
I plan to continue studying and discovering new cultures around the world, visiting museums, new cities, and countries, and learning from different artists, exploring new ways to think and perceive the universe of art. Tattooing has provided me the opportunity to open doors in studios in various countries, and I aim to visit as many places as possible, absorbing and living each new experience. So, I am open to invitations for new seasons; reach out to me (IG: @fernandosouzatattoo), and let’s chat! (smiles)
When will we see you in Europe? Do you have any conventions already scheduled in the old continent?
I was in Germany and Amsterdam in October of last year, and I am already planning my next season for May of this year. This time, I will be visiting to Scotland, Germany, and Belgium. I haven’t registered for any events yet, but I am researching what is available during that period and would love to participate in one while I’m there.
And your last famous words are… ?
If I could give one piece of advice to any new artist, it would be something like: “Just believe in what you love to do and strive to improve a little each day. It may be a cliché to say not to compare ourselves to others, but the truth is that if you are the best version of yourself, doing what you believe in, in the way you dream, that will make you unique to those who resonate with you. So, don’t keep comparing yourself and doing what is currently trendy; believe in and pursue what made you start.”
