From the walls of her childhood home to the skin of her clients, Anita has channelled her lifelong passion for art into tattooing. With a background in painting and over two decades of experience, she has developed a distinctive style that intersects the aesthetics of fine lines, sketching, and abstraction. In this interview, Anita takes us on her journey, offers insights into her creative process, and celebrates the meaningful connections she cultivates through her work at Namaste Tattoo Studio in Turin.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Anita. I’ve been a tattoo artist for about twenty years, but I started drawing on the walls of my house when I was a child. Growing up, I found an interest in the history of art, and eventually I graduated in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. I’ve been living in Turin since 2012, where I opened my Namaste Tattoo Studio.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I have always been attracted to tattoos. As a teenager, people with tattoos seemed special, unique. Then curiosity turned into artistic interest, and I couldn’t wait to get a tattoo. It was enough to get my first tattoo to realize that I wanted to be a tattoo artist.
At what point in your life did you become a professional tattoo artist?
Some 20 years ago, I started hanging out at a tattoo studio and, with all the courage I could find, I eventually made my first tattoo on the owner himself. As I did it, the emotion I felt was hard to describe, but then and there, I understood that tattooing was the missing piece in my life. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped doing it. By the way, that first tattoo came out really badly!
How do you balance creativity with the client’s personal vision?
I need to share the process with the client. The tattoo must be born from a meeting. Normally, the client tells me the idea, or even just the concept, to be developed; we talk about it together, exploring the language to be used, the elements and details to focus on, to make the customized design. Sometimes the client only gives me the main specific element, or an iconographic story, giving me freedom to create it. My favorite subjects are animals, plants, elements of art history, and human anatomy. I don’t rule out other types of elements; we can always find an alternative.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Italy these days?
It is constantly evolving, and in this historical period, it is very busy. I believe this is a necessary transition, as in every industry. It is a pleasure to see and meet many new, talented artists.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you end up focusing on it?
I only use thin needles. A fusion of fine lines, sketching, and freehand abstraction allows me to personalize the client’s idea. I try to transfer the way I paint and draw on paper to the skin; for me, it is very important to acknowledge this approach.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
During the initial consultation, I aim to gather information about the idea. If either I or the client needs to add something later, communication remains open. I need some time to process the concept before drawing, but when I’m ready, I have to do it right away. I prefer to show the design a few days in advance because I think it’s important to have a first look at the design before getting the tattoo. It’s a long process, but this way I can ensure the customer feels comfortable and happy when the time comes to get the tattoo.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Interesting question. I believe in the importance of ethics. Being ethical also means being respectful. Working lovingly on a person’s skin is complex; it’s not just physical: it’s psychological and intimate work.
What’s a tattoo project that challenged your skills the most?
There isn’t one in particular, but reconciling my creative process with the client’s idea gives me the same feeling as doing my first tattoo.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have had the honor and pleasure of participating in many important conventions in Italy and Europe – always very exciting. I meet many colleagues, and each time, the public and experience are different. However, it is very tiring for me. Over the past three years, thanks to my artist visa, I have been able to work in many American cities, but I have had to skip tattoo conventions. In October of this year, I will be at the Bangkok Tattoo Convention, and I would like to start participating more frequently again.
Did you ever participate in any tattoo contest?
Oh no, it would never be too stressful for me. I have been a judge at conventions in Turin and Milan several times, and I must admit that it is very challenging but enjoyable.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Conventions are a place to meet and learn. Being able to meet new tattoo artists, new styles, and new ideas is very inspiring. It is one of the best places to make new connections with other artists and set the stage for interesting professional and artistic collaborations.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
I would like to reserve time for a professional exchange with colleagues and suppliers to explore and discuss new products. It would be great to have locations more accessible to the public and slightly larger stands.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
I really like the Milan Tattoo Convention. It is meticulously organized, the locations are convenient areas of the city, and it is one of the best publicized events. I met many interesting artists.
What advice would you give to first-time artists attending or working at a convention?
Every tattoo artist follows their own journey. Drawing and studying are fundamental, I will never stop believing that!
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I don’t feel comfortable naming names, but my professional admiration goes to those who work carefully with people while maintaining a humble and consistent personal profile.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
There have been some important moments: I have been a judge at some tattoo conventions, and being a guest in prestigious studios in Italy and Europe has made me very happy. Being able to work in the United States with an artist visa is a very important achievement. When I received the proposal to apply for a visa from Brucius, I was over the moon! But, honestly, I am very proud of my Namaste Tattoo Studio. I enjoy spending time with colleagues who visit me; it’s a continuous exchange that goes beyond the pleasure of sharing passions, work, and personal moments. Creating a place where customers can feel safe and are happy to come back for a new project, have a coffee, or tell me what’s happening in their lives is gratifying for me.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Actually, I never stop studying; I’m a nerd. To clear my mind and think about new things, I need to travel and immerse myself in nature or spend time in peace with my cats, Franco and Sergio.
What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve ever received from a client?
When they feel good about their tattoo and their emotions show: Very often it’s a smile, sometimes a tear. In either case, no other words are needed.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I would like to take some time to start painting again and organize new artistic projects.
Do you have a sponsor? If so, what could you tell us about your sponsors?
I have always been very selective about the materials and products I use for aftercare. For several years now, I have had the pleasure of being sponsored by Water Law Tattoo, an Italian company that offers a line of high-quality tattoo aftercare products, and I was recently invited to join the Emalla Family.
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