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The Remarkable Rise of Mirko Del Torto: A Tattoo Artist’s Journey to Stardom


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Mirko’s ascent in the world of tattoo artistry is nothing short of extraordinary. His exceptional artistic prowess has captivated the hearts of tattoo enthusiasts and earned him notable acclaim in prestigious tattoo publications.

However, Mirko’s influence extends beyond the pages of magazines. He has fortified his standing in the tattoo industry through sponsorships from leading brands in the tattoo product sector. Cartiel Needles, a prominent name recognized for its professional tattoo equipment and cutting-edge needle cartridges, proudly supports Mirko. This brand’s commitment to excellence and its global distribution network highlights the significance of Mirko’s endorsement, marking him as an artist of international repute.

Since 2021, Mirko Del Torto has held the esteemed position of resident artist at Eternal City Tattoo Studio, a highly acclaimed tattoo parlor with multiple locations across Italy. This studio is renowned for featuring some of the best tattoo artists globally, and its rigorous selection process highlights the elite nature of its artists. Mirko’s association with Eternal City Tattoo Studio is a testament to his status as a top-tier artist, consistently meeting and exceeding the high standards set by the studio.

Mirko’s expertise extends across Europe, having worked as a guest artist in some of the continent’s most prestigious studios, including Lowrider Tattoo in London and Thy Gallery. Additionally, Mirko has shared his knowledge through lectures on “Chican Tattoo” at MITA. His talent has been recognized through numerous awards, such as the Best of Friday prize at the 2022 Milano Tattoo Convention and the Best of Day prize at the 2024 Vicenza Tattoo Convention, where he stood out among many international artists.

Securing a position at a major tattoo studio like Eternal City Tattoo Studio and winning awards at prominent conventions like the Milano Tattoo Convention are monumental achievements. The studio’s stringent standards mean only the crème de la crème of tattoo artists is selected, and Mirko’s inclusion signifies his elite status in the industry. These accomplishments not only highlight Mirko’s exceptional skills but also position him at the pinnacle of his field, reinforcing his reputation as an elite tattoo artist. Winning accolades in Milan, one of the most important conventions in Europe, further cements his success, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.

Mirko’s journey is a shining example of passion, talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence in the tattoo industry, and his remarkable achievements continue to inspire aspiring artists worldwide.

We recently got in touch with him and did a quick candid interview.

What inspired you to become a tattoo artist and when did you start it as a career?

I have always been a great lover of art. Since I was a child, I have sought ways to express myself and everything I hold inside. I experimented with various art forms, starting with graffiti and even music, but it was through a friend that I discovered the world of tattoos, which enchanted me from the very beginning. My first contact with the world of tattoos was in 2012, and since then, I haven’t spent a single day without doing what I love.

How many tattoos do you have on your body, and what’s your favorite one?

I don’t know exactly how many tattoos I have, but most of my skin is tattooed. I still need to tattoo my right hand, one side of my neck, and my back. I have many tattoos that I am attached to, as they always remind me of a moment or episode in my life. Perhaps my favorite is the one on my neck and the inscription on the back of my head.

Which is your favorite client tattoo, what was the story behind it, and how much time did it take?

The tattoo I am most attached to is one I did for Alessandra, a client I am fond of. She allowed me to express a strong feeling through the tattoo we created, which won the first place at the most important convention in Italy, the “Milano Tattoo Convention.”

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What do you do in your free time when not tattooing people?

When I’m not tattooing, I spend my time seeking inspiration through movies, which I am passionate about, or music. I always look for new perspectives and influences that I can incorporate into my tattoos, striving to bring something new and personal to my work.

Why do you think people get a tattoo, even though it’s a painful process?

Because it’s an expression of who they are inside, seeking to externalize thoughts, pains, joys, and ideas, or to imprint a special moment on their skin with a design, without having to use words. Pain is a part of life, and often, feeling the pain of a tattoo makes us forget about things that really hurt. It’s like a process of awareness. Sometimes, it’s just for aesthetics, which is also a very important component nowadays.

Who is your favorite tattoo artist?

I have many tattoo artists who inspire me, and I remain impressed by their work and the paths they have taken. Today, my favorite tattoo artists include Ivano Natale, with whom I had the pleasure of working; Kindamo, a friend I worked with for a few months; Carlos Torres, an absolute legend in the world of tattoos; WEB MC, with whom I have the pleasure of working in Rome; and many others.

What are the different styles of tattoos you make?

I do black and gray tattoos. I specialize in Chicano tattoos done with a realistic technique, and I am now trying to incorporate ornamental elements and movement that add sinuosity and follow the body’s movements.

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Where do you see the future of tattoos?

I see the future of tattoos expanding. In the last 10 years, things have changed radically with the advent of technology, which is always beneficial if taken in the right direction.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I will be 30 in a few days. I already have a solid background at both the national and European levels. My dream and goal are to leave my mark in this world and maybe in other artistic fields as well. I want to make my art and my feelings known to the whole world, and I believe that America is a crucial country for growing both as a person and as an artist.

If you had a choice, which celebrity would you like to tattoo, and any specific design?

I would love to tattoo Drake or J. Cole. It would be a dream and an honor for me. I wouldn’t know specifically what to tattoo, but I would like to exchange a few words with them to understand and imprint something personal from their lives on their skin.

Please share your social handles and how to reach out to get a tattoo.

You can find me on all major social media platforms: Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok under the same name “mirkodeltorto.” You can contact me directly there or via my email: [email protected].

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The 14 Best Model Tattoos Ever


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Porter: Revolutionizing the Tattoo Industry


Being a tattoo artist can be loads of fun. But let’s be real – managing the business side of your passion is not, with the chaotic whirlwind of emails, rescheduling nightmares, and financial headaches. Many tattoo artists have resorted to using general booking software and piecing together various tools, but these solutions often fall short of addressing the unique needs of the tattoo industry. Enter Porter: a revolutionary app designed specifically for tattoo artists. Porter is tailored to the tattoo world’s distinct needs, offering a comprehensive suite that encompasses booking, payments, marketing, and even financial management – all under one seamless digital roof.

Created by co-founders Mat Lefkofsky and Zack Neff, Porter was born out of a realization that the tattoo community lacked a comprehensive platform tailored to their unique requirements. As Lefkofsky explains, “Tattoos are exploding among our generation, but the booking process hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years, making it extremely inefficient and difficult for both artists and customers to book tattoos.”

The catalyst for Porter’s creation came when a friend shared his experience navigating the intricate web of emails, direct messages, and rescheduling efforts required to book multiple tattoo appointments. This insight prompted Lefkofsky and Neff to embark on a quest, interviewing countless tattoo artists and studio owners to understand their pain points and aspirations better.

“We literally spent a few months in early 2023, going around to tattoo artists and studio owners bargaining for their time, just to sit down and interview them about their business,” Lefkofsky recalls. The resounding feedback? Existing booking software and tools were inadequate, failing to account for the nuances of the tattoo industry.

With a clear vision in mind, the Porter team set out to create a platform that would revolutionize the way tattoo artists operate. At its core, Porter offers a comprehensive booking platform designed explicitly for the tattoo world, allowing artists to manage consultations, appointments, liability waivers, and more seamlessly.

But Porter goes beyond just booking. It’s an all-encompassing platform with point-of-sale hardware, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, marketing capabilities, and financial management features. This holistic approach empowers tattoo artists and studio owners to streamline their entire business within a single, intuitive platform.

“We built an all-in-one-suite with custom payment devices, marketing tools, and financial reporting designed specifically and only for the tattoo industry,” Lefkofsky explains. “So that a tattoo artist or a tattoo studio owner can come and run their entire business in one place gaining the ability to power their business with their data.”

For independent artists, Porter offers a streamlined solution for booking, calendar management, and payment processing, with a monthly subscription fee of $35 after a free trial period. Studio owners can opt for a more comprehensive package, which includes additional features like payroll management and employee scheduling at a monthly cost of $100 for studios with three or fewer artists, or $150 for larger studios.

What sets Porter apart is its unwavering commitment to understanding and catering to the unique needs of the tattoo community. As Lefkosky emphasizes, “We are completely dialed into the needs of our customers, constantly making changes to the product to better suit their business needs as artists and studio owners, based on their real-time feedback”

This customer-centric approach has worked wonders, as Porter users have reported tangible benefits, including increased revenue, fewer no-shows, and improved efficiency. “Artists who use us typically see a 25-35% increase in revenue within their first 3 months after switching to Porter,” Lefkosky proudly states. “Appointments don’t slip through the cracks, and they are able to schedule more appointments in a shorter amount of time”

Tattoo artist and Porter user Deundre can confirm. “I get so many more bookings now. Porter makes it so easy for me to see what exactly a client wants with a description, photos, which area of the body, the size, the color. With other software, I used to have to gather all this information through DM,” Deundre continues, “A lot of bookings used to get lost in the conversation, or clients would stop replying. With Porter, there is no back-and-forth. So whenever a client is inspired to book, they can without having to wait for me to reply. They are more likely to book because it’s a simpler process.”

As the tattoo industry continues to thrive and evolve, platforms like Porter are poised to play a pivotal role in empowering artists and studio owners to focus on their craft while leaving the operational complexities to a seamless, industry-tailored solution.

Learn more about Porter here.



The Ink Matters – InkedMag


When getting inked, the tattoo artist’s skill and the design itself are crucial factors. But an often overlooked yet equally important element is the quality of the tattoo ink used. The ink is what will give your tattoo its vibrant colors, crisp lines, and bold presence – it’s the literal fabric of your body art. Skimping on ink quality can lead to a range of issues down the line, from premature fading to potential health risks. 

The Importance of Quality Ink

At its core, tattoo ink is composed of pigments suspended in a carrier solution. While this may sound simple, the quality and type of pigments and carriers used can make a world of difference. Top-notch tattoo inks contain vibrant, stable pigments derived from minerals and plants rather than potentially toxic heavy metals or industrial dyes. The carrier solutions in professional-grade inks are designed to be sterile, smooth, and compatible with the skin to prevent infections and allergic reactions.

When an experienced tattoo artist uses a quality ink, the results are evident – bold, saturated colors that retain their vibrancy for years, crisp lines without blurring or spreading, and reduced risk of the ink being rejected by the body. In contrast, cheap inks can start fading within a couple of years, bleed into undesirable areas, develop unsightly patchiness, and even trigger inflammatory reactions in some individuals.

One of the primary goals when getting a tattoo is permanence – you want that art to remain looking fresh for decades to come. Quality inks are formulated to be highly resilient and resistant to the effects of sun exposure, friction, and the body’s natural processes that cause pigments to break down over time. By using inks with superior lightfastness and stability, your tattoo artist can create a piece that maintains its vibrancy and crisp edges long after the initial healing process.

Innovations in Ink

The tattoo industry is constantly evolving, and ink manufacturers are at the forefront of this evolution. Some of the latest innovations in ink technology include:

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Formulations: As ethical considerations become more important to consumers, brands are developing vegan-friendly inks that avoid any animal-derived ingredients like bone char or glycerin from animal fats.

Improved Pigment Purity: New filtration and refining methods allow ink makers to produce pigments with unparalleled purity, reducing the risk of contaminants that could trigger reactions.

UV Protection: Some inks now incorporate UV-blocking compounds that help protect the pigments from sun damage, a leading cause of premature fading in tattoos.

Brighter, More Vibrant Colors: Advances in pigment chemistry have yielded inks capable of producing colors that pop off the skin with unrivaled brilliance, expanding the creative potential for tattoo artists.

The Risks of Low-Quality Ink

While quality tattoo inks are thoroughly vetted for safety and performance, bargain basement inks often cut corners and use questionable ingredients. Some of the potential risks associated with low-grade tattoo inks include:

Allergic Reactions: Cheap inks may contain metals, dyes, or other substances that can trigger allergic responses like rashes, excessive swelling, or even systemic reactions requiring medical treatment.

Infection and Rejection: Compromised sterility and the presence of contaminants in low-quality inks increase the chances of developing infections at the tattoo site or having the ink rejected by the body’s immune system.

Premature Fading and Blurring: With inferior pigments and carrier solutions, tattoos done with cheap ink will start losing vibrancy and clarity at a much faster rate than those done with professional-grade products.

Difficulty with Laser Removal: Should you ever want to remove or modify a tattoo, low-quality inks can be highly resistant to laser removal techniques, leading to incomplete fading and increased risk of scarring.

Getting inked is an artistic expression that will be part of your body for life. It’s crucial to ensure that your canvas – your skin – is adorned with the highest quality materials available. Don’t shortchange your tattoo experience by allowing an artist to use subpar inks that could compromise the look and longevity of your body art. Do your research, ask about the specific inks the artist uses, and most importantly, be an informed consumer. 

Here are our favorite high-quality inks that we swear by: 

Dermaglo Ink

Dermaglo is an artist-owned and run company that has offered some of the best pigments to artists worldwide for decades. They manufacture and distribute all of their ink in-house in Northeast England, supervised by tattoo artists to ensure each batch is perfect. They constantly ensure that they offer the best and brightest pigments on the market.

Dynamic Platinum Inks

REACH compliant for use throughout Europe and beyond. All Dynamic Platinum Color Tattoo Inks have met or exceeded all regulations as set forth by REACH.

Vegan and Never Tested on Animals: Dynamic Color products contain zero animal products and are never tested on any furry friends. Their tattoo inks are safe on the skin, better for the environment, and ultimately preferred for your overall health.

Professional Quality Pre-Dispersed Inks: The Dynamic Platinum Tattoo Color Range provides premium quality tattoo ink with the most impressive pigment content in the business. Noted for its smooth flow rate, their inks are up to the challenge of any piece — from precise detail work to outlining or shading.

Authentic and Hygienic: Dynamic is aware of the large volume of fraudulent products on the market, which is why all Dynamic Platinum Tattoo Inks arrive in crystal clear PET bottles with a Holographic label adorned with the Dynamic Color logo anti-counterfeiting coating. Even our heat seals, which secure your sterilized product, hold the Dynamic Color stamp of approval.

Reliable Healing: Say goodbye to stubborn healing processes or unhappy clients. Dynamic Platinum Tattoo Inks go in smooth and heal vibrantly for noticeably vivid results that can stand the test of time.

Bold, Bright, Long-Lasting Colors: Every artist deserves high-quality ink. Available in an expanded range of 30 colors, their high-pigment inks can be mixed to create your own custom blends. With Dynamic Platinum Tattoo Ink on your needle, the only limit is your own imagination.

Sacred Tattoo Ink

From the original creator of Fanstia, Eternal, and former owner/CEO of Fusion comes Sacred Tattoo Ink.
Adam Everett has years of ink-making experience – since 1996 to be exact. Sacred Ink is the best ink you will use. It is made in small batches in their state-of-the-art clean room at their 4000-square-foot facility. All batches are made with a higher pigment load and no glycerin or fillers of any kind. They get their pre-dispersed pigment bases from top chemists that they have known and trusted for decades and all are made in the USA. Their facility is dedicated to the sole purpose of putting out the best tattoo inks you can use. This has been and continues to be a passion – they are a true family business. Sacred Ink, Because every body is a Temple.

World Famous Tattoo Ink

World Famous Tattoo Ink brings premium quality tattoo ink with super high pigment content and an amazing flow rate. World Famous Ink flies into the skin and heals super fast. Their inks are vegan, vibrant, long-lasting, reliable, and better for immunity and overall health.

Starbrite Colors

Starbrite Colors from Tommy’s Supplies is a full, 180-color line of tattoo inks that are bottled, labeled, gamma-treated, tested, and shipped according to FDA stipulations. After years of research and development, consulting with the FDA, and meeting all of the specified guidelines, Starbrite has some of the most authentic and cleanest tattoo ink.

Tune in to Top Talent


Established in 1986, Winch Design has evolved into an internationally renowned multi-disciplinary studio known for its expertise in crafting custom designs for superyachts, architecture, private jets, and interiors.

Studio Winch introduces a fresh perspective to the realm of Winch Design, emphasizing interior design, decoration, and styling for residential and commercial spaces alike. It celebrates art, culture, and a blend of contemporary and heritage elements to craft spaces brimming with personality, whether for existing clients or newcomers. Every object is imbued with significance as the team meticulously curates narratives through a bespoke collection tailored to each client.

A Haven Harmonized

Studio Winch crafted the ultimate recording sanctuary in Antwerp for AFROJACK, the GRAMMY Award-winning producer and electronic dance music luminary. Known as Project Antwerp, it is a timeless enclave fully dedicated to sound and boundless creativity, offering both a productive workspace and a serene retreat.

Collaborating closely with AFROJACK, the Studio Winch team brought the studio to life, envisioning a space that resonates intimately with the artist’s essence. Drawing inspiration from AFROJACK’s love for superyachts, the concept design for the recording studio channels the allure of a clandestine midnight library adorned with celestial motifs and art deco accents.

Beyond serving as AFROJACK’s haven, this space also catalyzes fostering creativity and nurturing emerging talent through his record label, WALL Recordings. With ample recording space, a comfortable living area, and six bedrooms, logistical constraints are cast aside, allowing creativity to flow freely for artists signed to the label and collaborators alike.

The studio exudes an intimate and clandestine atmosphere, enhanced by cleverly incorporated recessed lighting designs that facilitate both daytime and nighttime ambiance. Full-height windows that open to the surrounding gardens can be concealed with blackout blinds, making the space adaptable and versatile for various purposes.

Access to the studio is granted through an American walnut door featuring a bronze art deco starburst motif. Above, a striking ceiling light composed of overlapping rings traces the paths of planets in the solar system. The combination of American walnut, black-ebonized timber, and midnight blue velvet establishes a refined and captivating foundation, complemented by midnight sky-colored fabric paneling on the walls. A rug reminiscent of stormy clouds rests atop elegant parquet flooring, while celestial motifs echo throughout the space, and an integrated drinks cabinet adorned with intricate teal straw marquetry beckons guests to unwind. At the heart of the studio sits a custom-made inlaid desk and a Studio Winch sofa, surrounded by plush deep blue velvet armchairs.

Cush Comforts

Studio Winch conceptualized the adjacent studio house, offering lodging for guests. Within the living areas of the property, the ambiance is casual and unassuming. These juxtaposing transitional spaces leverage traditional Flemish architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows to establish an airy and serene atmosphere through the interplay of light across various surfaces.

The six bedrooms within the studio house mimic the style of those found in a New York City loft, featuring a blend of mid-century and contemporary furnishings. Each room is anchored by a neutral color palette and adorned with vibrant accents, cultivating a laid-back and youthful interior. The minimalist design approach, infused with a timeless touch of history, serves as an ideal backdrop for the distinctive artworks adorning each room, reflecting a shared passion for music throughout.

You can’t sit on sound and creativity, but if you could, it would look like this. Of the completed work, the EDM icon himself says, “I’m incredibly happy with how Project Antwerp turned out and all of the detail and planning that Winch put into something that’s so special to me.”

Shared Ambitions

At the heart of Winch Design lies its people. In July 2021, the company transitioned to full employee ownership — a move that aligns seamlessly with Winch’s ethos, which has always prioritized its employees. Their loyalty, talent, and dedication have been integral to the company’s success.

Another crucial focus for Winch Design is sustainability. In 2020, the company introduced the “Life Worth Living” social and ecological strategy. This framework guides sustainable development, intertwining business success with environmental and social well-being. Winch Design has partnered with the Water Revolution Foundation and committed to its code of conduct, emphasizing sustainability across its entire supply chain. Additionally, the company has endorsed the Walpole British Luxury Sustainability Manifesto. Winch Design also proudly supports the ocean conservation efforts of the Blue Marine Foundation and has earned accreditation from Planet Mark for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions annually.

Winch Design champions British craftsmanship. The unique skills and meticulous attention to detail of its valued partners breathe life into the Winch Design portfolio. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the “Under Winch’s Wing” initiative was launched to support smaller craftspeople and suppliers whose unparalleled expertise has been instrumental in realizing the Winch Design vision for the past 36 years.

Chella Man Remakes Themselves in Daring ‘Autonomy’ Body Art Performance


In a deeply personal performance art piece titled “Autonomy,” artist Chella Man explores identity, embodiment, and self-determination. The two-part work, which debuted on May 2nd at Performance Space NY, sees Man engage with a hyper-realistic silicone sculpture – a “clone” cast from their own form. 

At the heart of “Autonomy” lies a powerful act of reclamation. Man pierces, erodes, and transforms the mold of themselves, treating their body as a mutable canvas for self-expression. Having learned to tattoo specifically for this performance, Man lovingly tattoo replicas of their own body art onto the clone’s flesh, some becoming visible only as Man strips away the outer layers of silicone skin – emphasizing that tattoos are not mere surface adornments, but as evocations of something primal and internal. 

Photo by Annie Forrest

The performance also sees Man inscribe the sculpture with surgical scars mirroring their own, including those from top surgery and a cochlear implant – “trophies of my body’s resilience and adaptability,” in the artist’s own words. Submerged in a clinical blue light, “Autonomy” recontextualizes these markings as acts of self-determination, even as it acknowledges the realities of the medical-industrial complex. 

Photo by Annie Forrest

For Man, this work serves as a potent assertion of identity. “I conceived the idea of Autonomy years ago, at a point in my medical transition on testosterone, after getting top surgery, when I stopped noticing so many rapid shifts in my body. In this moment of stability, I began reflecting on how I had literally built my body,” Man says. 

The culmination of this introspective process is an installation at The Jewish Museum, where the transformed silicone “clone” will be on display as part of the group exhibition “Overflow, Afterglow: New Work in Chromatic Figuration” from May 24th to September 15th. Bathed in warm, golden light, the figure serves as a powerful symbol of reclamation and growth.

Photo by Annie Forrest

“Autonomy” emerges from Chella Man’s celebrated multidisciplinary practice, which has seen them explore their personal and artistic journey through mediums like filmmaking, writing, modeling, and performance. As they state, “I don’t think the body is ever complete: time doesn’t stop. So to me this body I’m creating is a checkpoint, symbolic of a period of growth and an accumulation of revelations.”

Man has crafted a transcendent vision of becoming – an unforgettable artistic statement that asserts the malleability of identity and the resilience of the human spirit.



A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation


Belin Photographed with his work

Cubism, with its revolutionary approach to depicting reality through fragmented forms and geometric shapes, laid the foundation for numerous artistic movements in the 20th century. One such movement that emerged as a response to the cubist style was neocubism, which sought to reinterpret and modernize the principles of cubism. In the wake of neocubism, a new wave of artistic expression known as post-neocubism arose.

For Miguel Angel Belinchón, or Belin, post-neocubism is an artistic form in which he feels completely comfortable expressing what he needs. According to Belin, it encompasses the artistic avant-garde effect that has contributed the most to his artistic development. It incorporates the clarity and power of graffiti lines, the precision of realism, and the freedom of cubism to play with perspective and forms, which in turn allows him to unleash his imagination.

Historical Context

Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century, broke away from traditional modes of representation and introduced a new way of looking at the world through multiple perspectives. Neocubism, which gained prominence in the mid-20th century, retained the geometric precision of cubism while incorporating elements of abstraction and surrealism. The transition to post-neocubism was driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional cubist techniques and explore new possibilities in form, color, and composition.

Belin draws inspiration from great masters like Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Gustav Klimt, and Amedeo Modigliani, as well as from his personal friends and contemporaries in the current art scene, such as Digital DOES, Smug One, and DAIM.

Characteristics of Post-Neocubism Art

Post-neocubism art is characterized by its fusion of traditional cubist elements with modern influences, resulting in a dynamic interplay of shapes, colors, and textures. Artists working in the post-neocubist style often experiment with unconventional perspectives and spatial arrangements, creating visually captivating compositions that challenge viewers’ perceptions of space and dimension. The use of technology and digital mediums has also become increasingly prevalent in post-neocubist works, allowing artists to explore new avenues of creative expression and engage with audiences in innovative ways.

“Generally, I immerse myself in my surroundings, my life, and my family,” Belin says. “Sometimes I reflect on society and the world, but I like to retreat into my own world, focusing on the simple things.” His forms and creations come from his graffiti days, where originality and precision in strokes fundamentally stand out.
A mentor taught Belin that proportions and conventions were “nonsense.” From our intellect and feelings, we can create new and bold worlds and figures. Belin says the cubist style itself is bold and groundbreaking. Each artist interprets it uniquely, contributing continuously to the movement. Integrating realism, which Belin has studied for many years, makes him feel comfortable yet expectant. Breaking the figure requires him to be both consistent and daring.

Themes and Symbolism

Common themes in post-neocubism include identity, memory, and the relationship between humans and technology. Artists often use symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper meanings in their works, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of the modern world. The intersection of culture, society, and identity is a recurring motif in post-neocubist art, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of artists working in this evolving style. Specifically for Belin, color contributes entirely to his creations, serving as a parallel language to the figure, explaining that it’s like the guitar accompanying the bass in a melody; it has its own discourse and lyrics.

Post-neocubist artists employ a variety of innovative techniques to create their works, including collage, digital manipulation, and mixed media. Experimentation with materials and mediums allows artists to push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices and explore new modes of expression. Digital advancements also have a profound influence on post-neocubism, enabling artists to incorporate interactive elements and multimedia components into their works, blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms.

Critiques and Interpretations

The reception of post-neocubism in the art world is mixed, with some critics praising its innovative approach to combining traditional and modern elements, while others question its authenticity and originality. Critical interpretations of post-neocubist works often focus on the political, social, and cultural implications of the art, highlighting the complex relationships between art, society, and technology. Debates surrounding the commercialization and commodification of post-neocubism also continue within the art community.

The Future of Post-Neocubism

As post-neocubism continues to evolve, its future remains both exciting and uncertain. With each new generation of artists bringing their unique perspectives and innovations to the movement, post-neocubism will continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression and challenge our preconceived notions of what art can be.

As technology advances and the world becomes increasingly interconnected, post-neocubist artists will have new tools and platforms to create and share their work. The digital realm, in particular, offers opportunities for experimentation and collaboration, allowing artists to connect with audiences around the globe and explore new modes of artistic expression.

Ultimately, the legacy of post-neocubism lies in its ability to inspire creativity, provoke thought, and spark dialogue. By embracing the spirit of innovation and experimentation, artists can continue to push the boundaries of art and contribute to a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape.
Fundamentally, post-neocubism represents a bold, forward-thinking approach to artistic creation that combines the rich history of cubism with contemporary sensibilities. Through its emphasis on formal experimentation, social commentary, and technological innovation, post-neocubism offers a compelling framework for artistic exploration and expression in the 21st century.

For Belin, one of his greatest challenges is to surpass himself, creating a piece that is not like the previous one but doesn’t deviate so much that it seems created by someone else. Maintaining his artistic identity is a constant challenge. Belin shares, “I hope viewers enjoy my work as a moment in life, as someone who has dedicated moments to providing brushstrokes for a purpose. I want them to see an artist in constant evolution, with much to express.”



Yoshi Tattooer – InkedMag


His passion for art ignited at the young age of six, making art an integral part of his life. Initially hesitant about tattooing, Yoshi overcame his fears after his parents’ passing, finding courage in necessity. Self-taught and driven, he developed his unique engraving and line weight style over 11 years, drawing inspiration from medieval books and his early manga drawings.

1) Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?
I am Yoshi, I was born in Japan and grew up in Korea. I am half Korean and half

2) Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?
I am Yoshi, I was born in Japan and grew up in Korea. I am half Korean and half Japanese.

3) When did you first become interested in art?
I’ve been drawing since I was 6 years old. Art is a part of my life.

4) What made you want to become a tattooer?
I wanted to become a tattoo artist, but I was afraid of messing with people’s bodies. After My parents passed away. I needed money to keep my life. I didn’t have enough money for keep my study. so, I dropped out of university and started tattooing. Money makes me brave.

5) How did you start tattooing? Did you have an apprenticeship?
I learn by myself.

6) How would you describe your signature style? How long did it take you to find this style?
Engraving style, Line weight style. It’s been about 11 years. It was a long journey.

7) How do you find your references?
From many things, especially old medieval books!

8) How did you come to find your current style?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a manga artist, so I drew a lot of manga pen drawings. I studied fine art at university, where I developed skills for creating engraving styles. However, in 2011, there were no fine line tools or pen-type machines like there are today. I learned the traditional Japanese style and started for the first time. After finding fine line needles and pen-type machines, I didn’t try fine line work because older tattoo artists told me, “Fine line is not a tattoo. It is permanent makeup.”Fast forward to two years ago, when my client wanted a fine line tattoo. I tried using 01 RL and 03RL needles, and it was so fun! I switched to engraving styles two years ago. Since childhood, I have drawn many eyes. One day, I thought it would look cool if I could create eye drawings using just line weight, and it worked!

9) What are the most difficult aspects in black and grey fine lines?
For me, it is not about tattooing. The most difficult thing is the ‘creativity’. All Custom artists can agree.

10) Can you walk us through your design process?
I always write memos when an idea pops up, and search references on Pinterest or Google, and draw iPad procreate apps.

11) Do you work in any mediums other than tattooing?
My major was sculpture, I do wood sculpture and wax carving.

12) What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a tattoo artist?
I am really interested in Architecture. My Japanese family business is Construction, I had an opportunity to do that. Or a Doctor.

13) What is one thing you want to change about the tattoo industry?
It’s not about the tattoo industry, but in Korea and even Japan tattoos are illegal now. It’s complicate between legal and illegal. I really want to be legal.

14) Where do you see your art going in the future?
I want to be an art brand. Making my art fancy products and selling them to people.

 

 



Rich Forever – InkedMag


Rich Forever, the trap trio comprised of Rich The Kid, Famous Dex and Jay Critch, are influential forces in their own right. But together, they are curating an undeniable niche in hip-hop to foster the genre’s creative evolution.

The super collective symbolizes fame, fortune and flexing, apparent in their lyrical content, drip and moniker. Sharing powerful chemistry as party starters with an artistic formula that is refreshing the architecture of rap groups, Rich Forever is focused on having a good time. Their latest installment from the Rich Forever series, Rich Forever 5 set to be released July 12 through Create Music Group, reinforces each member’s individuality in personality, attitude and star power while also delivering a cohesive raw energy sound. The Rich Forever collective further delves into expanding their broad appeal and flexing anthems. On the single “Rich & Reckless,” the crew highlights their melodic bars playful charm that exudes confidence, while the track “Big Dawg,” with its bouncy bass-heavy beat, offers listeners an ear full of braggadocio talk that speaks to their young legend status, inviting repeat listens. Cole Bennett, founder of the entertainment platform Lyrical Lemonade, directed the visuals for “Big Dawg,” capturing the cinematic essence of the guys’ laid-back yet animated and trippy personas. Rich The Kid, Famous Dex and Jay Critch have curated a body of bold work with experimentation and interpretation, allowing them to exhibit their artistry to its fullest potential. Looking to take the art form to the next stratosphere, this act is on a quest to live life to the limit; all gas and no brakes.

In 2017, Rich the Kid put a chokehold on the culture when he dropped the viral hit “New Freezer” featuring Kendrick Lamar and was credited as one of the early pioneers of his city’s trap scene. His stellar career includes a slew of wildly popular singles, in addition to iconic alignments with Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Kodak Black, Lil Tjay and Migos. His full-length 2018 debut, The World Is Yours, secured the number two spot on the Billboard 200. Fast forward to 2024 and he, along with Playboi Carti, yielded their first #1 single with “Carnival” from Ye and Ty Dolla $ign’s VULTURES 1, an album that also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s 200 and remained there for weeks. The single “Carnival” remained #1 on Spotify, Apple Music, Tik Tok and Billboard’s Hot 100 for weeks dethroning Beyonce herself becoming one of the most streamed hip hop songs of 2024.

Although Famous Dex hails from the south side of Chicago, the ambitious lyricist was heavily influenced by southern hip-hop. After finding some chart success with Dex Meets Dexter, his 2018 debut, he continued to grind it out releasing a flurry of mixtapes that kept his name circulating in the game. Famous Dex eventually signed with RFM and hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the A$AP Rocky collaboration, “Pick It Up.” In 2020, he dropped his second studio album Diana, in honor of his mother, which featured guest spots from Trippie Redd and Wiz Khalifa. A born and bred New Yorker, Jay Critch was considered a hometown hero during his initial rise on the music scene in 2017 even though he’s been fine-tuning his skills since the age of 14. He knows how to interpret the narrative of an east coast vibe setter with a distinct level of cool, which is why his buzz increased with every money-minded bar he dropped. The multi-gifted spitter has an impressive list of features under his designer belt including names like Cardi B, French Montana and A Boogie wit da Hoodie.

Excellent storytellers, each member of Rich Forever has a passion for their craft and admires one another’s artistic greatness. They are individually talented yet collectively unstoppable. Knowing how to hold the attention of their broad fan base, this accomplished team has only scratched the surface.

Inked Magazine caught up with Rich The Kid and Famous Dex in NYC and shot the two rappers for our latest digital cover.

Available July 12 – Pre-Save the new album Rich Forever 5 here.

Purchase official Rich Forever merchandise here.

Camilla Romagnoli, absolute faith in Black ‘n’ Grey


Camilla is a make-up artist from Milan who has so far collected many elegant tattoos in an absolutely random way. Let’s find out how…

Camilla, a make up artist like you should also be intrigued by the world of tattoo art, right?
No, having been part of this industry for many years now, I don’t think that the two passions necessarily have to go hand in hand. On the contrary! In my case, however, I first fell in love with tattoos and then with make-up.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

You are tattooed on almost every part of your body, but your front is still clean. Will you dedicate yourself to it in the future or do you prefer to leave it like this?
I think it will stay like this: clean. I don’t think I’d love having my chest tattooed and I’m too afraid to get my belly tattooed…

Yet I said the same thing about my legs or back years ago! So, who can tell? I might even contradict myself! (smiles)

Do you think there’s a sort of “fil rouge” in all those Black ‘n’ Gray pieces that adorn your body? Or you just like to get tattooed randomly?
I started completely random and I will continue that way. The only constant, for me, is trying to collect moments and memories.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

By the way: why Black ‘n’ Grey tattoos?
I actually have some color tattoos too: only three, for the record, and they date back to when I first started getting tattooed. The choice of Black ‘n’ Grey, however, was spontaneous. I just love how it “shows off” on me.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

Can you show us the subjects that decorate your back?
On my back I have a random composition. I started with a crying spider woman made by Tttristesse (IG: @tttristesse) and later on I added a sacred heart plus a butterfly by Max Brain Tattoo (IG: @maxbraintattoo) a dragon by Tha Hanged and the little stars by Giulia Puntini (IG: @sailormakoto). In the end I closed that piece with another Tttristesse butterfly.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

Does applying make-up on a tattooed person (even in key points such as the neck or the face) involve a different working methodology?
A tattooed person is identical to all the others and the products used are the same as are the various steps. I simply don’t like covering up tattoos so I always keep a very natural and transparent base, just the way I like it.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

Do you have a reference tattoo artist (or even more than one) who has followed you so far in your search for ink?
I have known Max Brain (IG: @maxbraintattoo) for many years and I greatly respect his work and his evolution; his philosophy of life and his continuous research and desire to discover. He works in Varese at ‘Colors Shop Tattoo’ (IG: @colorstattooshop).

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

Do you have a still unexpressed desire related to tattoo art?
I don’t want to say it too loud but I’d really like to travel and converse with the artists I like most in Italy and around the world. I have so many curiosities and a lot of questions to ask them.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa
Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

And your famous last words are… ?
I would say that we should all have more faith in ourselves and consequently in the universe. Life is really incredible.

Camilla, tattoo model, @cccamilllaaaa

Follow Camilla Romagnoli on Instagram: @cccamilllaaaa

The post Camilla Romagnoli, absolute faith in Black ‘n’ Grey appeared first on Tattoo Life.