Originally from Romania and now based in northern Italy, Marius “MVM” Mitrofan has built a strong international reputation through dedication, vision, and a distinctive creative style. Founder of MVM Tattoo Studio in Saluzzo, Marius is best known for his powerful realism and surrealism, in both black & grey and color. From his early fascination with ink to the stages of major tattoo conventions, his story is one of passion, discipline, and constant artistic evolution. In this interview, he opens up about his journey, inspirations, challenges, and dreams for the future.
For readers who don’t know you yet, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Marius MVM, founder of MVM Tattoo Studio in Saluzzo, a small town in northern Italy. I specialize in realism and surrealism, both in black & grey and in color. I love these styles because they allow me to reproduce on skin what I see with my eyes and feel with my heart.
Where does your fascination with tattoos come from?
I’ve been fascinated by tattoos since I was a child. I remember staring endlessly at the one my grandfather had on his arm—a tank firing a shot.
When I was 19, I moved from Romania to Italy, and at first my path was supposed to be completely different. But my passion for tattoos never left me.
During lunch breaks, my father and I used to watch on TV, and that’s when I truly realized how deeply this world attracted me.
When and how did you start tattooing?
In 2011, my father—half for fun, half out of passion—bought a non-professional tattoo kit and an English instruction book to learn how to use it. I helped him by translating, and he started doing his first tattoos.
I wasn’t supposed to become the tattoo artist—but the moment I tattooed him for the first time, I fell in love with it instantly. From that point on, I started saving money to buy my first professional kit and continue what he had begun.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Italy today?
I believe tattooing in Italy is going through a kind of rebirth. There are many different styles—some highly developed, others forgotten or still waiting to be explored. It’s a time of great creativity and cross-pollination.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I like my style to feel solid, fluid, and narrative. Every piece I create must tell a story or transmit a feeling.
What kind of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
I love large-scale projects that cover big parts of the body—or even the whole body—both in color and black & grey. Whenever possible, I enjoy incorporating faces and animals, because they transmit life and emotion.
What is your main source of inspiration?
Photography, museums, street art, sculptures—but also social media and my colleagues in the tattoo industry. Inspiration can truly come from anywhere.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist today?
Explaining to clients that sometimes the placement or the style they have chosen isn’t ideal for the idea they want to express. Finding the right balance between their vision and my experience is always a challenge.
And what is the most rewarding part?
Knowing that my art doesn’t stay on a wall or in a museum—it walks freely through the streets of the world. That’s a unique feeling.
What role have tattoo conventions played in your career so far?
Conventions have always been—and still are—a fundamental part of my journey. If you want to improve, the best way is to compare yourself with other artists. Conventions allow you to observe, learn, share, and grow.
Do you remember your first convention?
Yes, my first convention was the Turin Tattoo Convention, basically “at home” for me. It’s a beautiful memory.
What motivates you the most to attend conventions?
Reuniting with old friends, expressing my artistic vision at my best, and comparing myself in a healthy way with other professionals in the industry. Every event brings growth.
Do you have a favorite convention so far?
Honestly, all of them. Every convention has its own personality and nuances, regardless of size. Each one is always a different and enjoyable experience
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a tattoo artist?
Take small steps, work hard, and don’t look for shortcuts. Show a real willingness to learn, stay humble, and always be available to your clients. If you work with dedication, the results will come.
Who do you admire the most in the tattoo community?
I was born as a tattoo artist in a time still very connected to tradition, so I’ve drawn inspiration both from the legends of the past and from the new promises of the future. I’m fascinated by both directions.
What has been your greatest achievement as a tattoo artist?
Managing to establish myself on an international level. It’s something I’m extremely proud of.
Do you dedicate yourself to other forms of art besides tattooing?
Yes, absolutely. I draw with pencil and charcoal, and I paint whenever time allows. All these art forms influence each other.
What are your goals or dreams for the future?
From a business perspective, I would love to open more studios and expand my horizons. On a personal level, I want my style to be recognized as truly unique.
Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers to close this interview?
Never give up. Always keep fighting and believing in your own path.
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