An artist who believes that the most powerful tattoos are not the loudest ones, but those that remain coherent, dignified, and meaningful for a lifetime – Giulia’s background in competitive dance and formal art education informs a practice defined by balance, contrast, and anatomical awareness. Each tattoo is conceived as part of a broader visual system, where placement, negative space, and aging are considered as carefully as line weight and shading. For her, tattooing is not an act of decoration alone, but a shared moment one that carries emotional weight, technical intention, and lasting responsibility.
From navigating trend-driven client expectations to preserving elegance over time, her perspective reflects an artist deeply committed to quality over quantity. Her work and her words serve as a reminder that true refinement in tattooing is often quiet, measured, and built through patience rather than exposure.
Throughout this interview, Giulia speaks candidly about discipline, humility, and the ethical obligations of modern tattooing. From navigating trend-driven client expectations to preserving elegance over time, her perspective reflects an artist deeply committed to quality over quantity.
How would you like to introduce yourself?
I’m Giulia Covelli, an Italian tattoo artist specializing in black-and-grey ornamental and floral work, with strong fantasy, gothic, and oriental influences. My practice is built around precision, contrast, and long-term aesthetic coherence within each client’s body project.
Where can your customers find you?
Clients can find me at my studio, Nero Tattoo Atelier, in Duino (Trieste), Italy, as well as at regular guest spots and tattoo conventions across Europe and Asia.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
The tattoo scene in Italy is currently very diverse and highly competitive, with a wide range of styles and strong artistic standards.
How would you define yourself in one word?
Precise. I guess :p
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
During my years as a competitive dancer, I was very young, but I noticed small glimpses of tattoos on some of the dancers. That visual contrast sparked my curiosity and stayed with me.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Tattooing is a way of dressing the body with a permanent form of elegance. It carries meaning, technical intention, and the memory of a shared moment between artist and client.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?
I began my journey at the Accademia di Disegno e Illustrazione di Padova. After exploring the tattoo world through shows and studio visits, I decided to pursue apprenticeships in Italy and abroad, gradually embracing tattooing as my profession.
How did your family react when you started?
At first, my family was a bit skeptical, but they became supportive once they saw the seriousness of my studies, dedication, and the commitment behind my apprenticeship.
Did you go through an apprenticeship?
Yes. I completed a long and demanding apprenticeship, starting with Riccardo Bottino in Italy and continuing abroad. It was challenging but absolutely fundamental to my growth.
What did your first tattoo look like?
It was a small yellow Pokémon tattoo on my ankle, done on myself. I’ve never retouched it haha. Maybe I should one day.
Do you usually do guest spots?
Yes. Working in different studios across Europe and Asia has been essential for my artistic and professional development.
As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?
My days are divided between designing, tattooing, consultations, drinking herbal teas, and doing my best to eat properly throughout the day.
What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Realizing how deeply tattooing can influence people’s lives, confidence, and overall well-being.
How do you determine the price of a tattoo?
Pricing is based on size, placement, complexity, and the time required to execute the piece properly.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Guiding clients toward tattoos that are truly worth wearing long-term, especially in a landscape heavily influenced by social media trends.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
Seeing clients feel transformed, confident, and comfortable in their own bodies.
What tools and machines do you prefer to use?
I mainly work with FK Irons machines and high-quality cartridge needles from various trusted brands.
What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?
Never allow the tattooed skin to become dehydrated.
How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?
My style is black-and-grey, combining ornamental, floral, fantasy, gothic, and oriental influences. Over time, this visual language naturally aligned with my sensitivity and artistic vision.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
I always begin with a consultation to understand the client’s intention and the placement. From there, I design the tattoo around the anatomy to ensure harmony with the body.
How do you stay creatively inspired?
By walking in nature, especially mountain forests. Reading fantasy literature, dancing, and listening to good music.
How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?
Through deep communication. I listen carefully, read between the lines, and offer a solution shaped by experience and artistic responsibility.
Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?
I’d like to explore Japanese new-school projects interpreted through my own personal vision, possibly in the future.
What’s the most underrated tattoo style?
The simplest and cleanest styles. They are often underestimated, yet they are the most difficult to execute well.
What’s the most overrated tattoo style?
Styles that go viral and get endlessly replicated without depth, often reduced to fashion rather than meaningful design.
Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?
I avoid tattoos that are likely to heal poorly or age badly, as well as political, religious, or generally disrespectful content.
Do you have sponsors?
Yes, I’m sponsored by Killer Ink, a leading European tattoo supplier.
As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?
Respecting the client’s body and being completely honest about aging, limitations, and realistic outcomes is essential to my ethics.
What’s your favorite way to keep learning?
Continuous study, traveling for guest spots, observing high-level artists, and working alongside them.
Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?
Yes. I’ll be teaching a workshop in December focused on linework and shading using 3 and 1 needles.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?
Give yourself time, and always stay humble.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
By never believing I’m already at the top.
What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?
The ability to combine technical and compositional excellence with an exceptional client experience.
How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?
It’s positive to see tattoos becoming more accepted, though less positive to see them becoming overly commercial.
What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?
That everything they see on social media is real or achievable. Much of it is a copy of a copy of a copy.
What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?
Large-scale blackwork has been growing extremely fast.
What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?
It can be useful for references and brainstorming, but the final vision must always remain human.
What would you change about the tattoo industry?
Greater client education and more transparency about how tattoos realistically age.
Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?
Yes, including projects focused on team building and the psychological well-being of tattoo artists.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes. I’m involved in dance and music, and I’m currently taking singing lessons.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Épinal. Small, beautiful, and very well organized.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
They push me technically, connect me with other artists, and consistently take me out of my comfort zone.
How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?
By designing well in advance, organizing my setup carefully, staying focused and buying an excessive amount of candy at the show.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
To challenge myself, meet new clients, and continue growing.
Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests?
Yes, including winning awards at Brussels and other European conventions.
Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?
Yes, whenever possible.
How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve?
By diversifying themes and adding dedicated spaces for tattoo history and culture.
Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?
My guest spot at Tokyo Three Tides had a significant impact on my career.
Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?
Tattoos that truly changed how clients perceive their bodies or their lives.
What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Building a solid international career while remaining personal and authentic.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Take your time. Study seriously, stay disciplined, read books, watch documentaries, and remain active within the tattoo community.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
To continue making people happy through my work while respecting my own well-being.
What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?
Uniting technique, elegance, and genuine care.
What’s your last message to our readers?
Choose tattoos that truly represent who you are, and take the time to find the right artist.
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