Explore the world of Matteo Nangeroni, an Italian tattoo artist renowned for his bold, surreal designs and consistent dedication to true artistic expression. Let’s dive into his story!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Matteo Nangeroni, I was born in 90s in Padova, Italy.
I studied economy and international economies till 2012-2013, and then I decided to follow my passion.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My passion for tattoo come from me looking at people with tattoos, on TV, on the beach, everywhere. I was so fascinating by tattoos looking. After I get my first tattoo (14 years old), I could not stop, still can’t stop getting tattoo on my skin.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I never drew or did anything artistic before the day I decided to give myself a year to learn to draw, and at the same time tattooing.
Furthermore, I could say there are things that I’m not able to do on paper but only on skin, is not a typical approach to it, but it gave me motivation to continue and continue beside difficulties.
To be able to not go back to life of accountant I tattooed my hand, in Italy it is still impossible to do this kind of job if you have a tattoo on visible areas.
It wasn’t an easy way, but I can say, that I tattooed so so many people during the first year, there was space for everything (Polynesian, ornaments, traditional, dot work, lettering, black work, color micro real) etc.
I started my tattoo career in 2013 October, my very first tattoo did with shitty machine and who know what needle and ink. As a classic tattoo artist, I tattooed as first my legs, and only after I started tattooing on people.
My first 2 years I had the satisfaction to be invited at my fav artist studio (Red Berry Tattoo by Timur Lysenko) while tattooing still at home, it was a huge honor and my first ever guest spot, such a nice time.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?
In Italy, tattoo culture is growing and becoming more popular. Many people are getting tattoos, but I feel that some other countries are more open to creativity and experimentation. Despite this, I’ve had many wonderful experiences with Italian clients. Generally, a lot of people want tattoos based on what they see online, like those of rock stars, football players, or images from Pinterest, which is something I always try to avoid
How would you define your tattoo style?
My tattoo style is basically a mix of all I did during the years, black work, whip shading/real/ornaments and textures, solid lines and very thin lines. Usually people call it surrealism. I still think is my thought expressed on skin.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I always try to suggest designs from my sketchbook. My sketchbook is where I express my feelings when I’m at home. I love to draw and think at night when my mind is freer and calmer. I always create my works based on body shape first. Often, I take a picture of a person’s body and start placing designs on it in unconventional ways. I aim to use non-classic placements and sizes, breaking away from traditional tattoo norms. I believe my most distinctive feature is the use of empty skin, which helps each subject or sleeve stand out better without covering the entire surface. This contrast makes the tattoos pop.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you conceptualize and execute a new tattoo design?
I draw my thoughts at night, accompanied by atmospheric and relaxing classical music that allows my creativity to flow without limits on sizes or placement. I consciously avoid using references and instead rely solely on my imagination and creativity, which, of course, is highly subjective. It’s essential that there are people who deeply appreciate my work as well as those who may not connect with it, as I create exclusively for those who resonate deeply with my artistic vision.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
Well, the market is over saturated, so the challenge is to continue to be you, and at the same time be able to create things that people love. Once you have a level, be able to keep it, and improve it. Expectations of people is always a big mind challenge because does not allow you to make mistakes, cause once people travel to you, of course they want a beautiful perfect result, even if you have the baddest day.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I love to travel and be able to work everywhere, relate with more and more cultures and find a community which really loves what they do. It is a work that let you be yourself in every aspect of life.
What challenges do you face when creating such detailed and surreal tattoos?
I love doing it, difficulties come only when it goes to placement, or difficult skin type or most of all open mind of client. Sometimes is the hardest part. I am deeply grateful to my clients for trusting me with creative freedom over their tattoos and placements. And I will always be thankful for it, respect for my clients and their skin, is the first thing to respect, always. In general, I always try to make only things, that I also would like to have.
How do you handle creative blocks or periods when you feel less inspired?
Since this art is rooted in my thoughts, moments of creative block or periods of sadness or depression become opportunities for healing and cultivating a deeper creative mindset. I believe it’s through these feelings that I continually generate new and meaningful creations.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Conventions were an amazing way to get known in the past before social media, as now they are a beautiful way to keep relation with other friends/artist which you not see every day. At the same time, have fun and working hard during this time. In general, I am not a fanatic of conventions, but I still do 1-2 per year.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Of course, it was 2015, and it was the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention. At that time, I couldn’t speak English, so I brought a friend along to assist me. I was scared that my stuff would not work but to my surprise, I completed over 25 sketches in just 3 days (I know, quite a lot). Not only that, but I took that time as challenging, starting earlier than opening and be the last one to close the stand. It was exhausting but so nice. I still remember that we were not able to book things online, and so we were guested by clients every night, such a wild time.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
For me, attending a convention now means seeing friends, visiting different countries or towns, enjoying the classic post-convention dinners, and immersing myself in the atmosphere of the event
How do you think tattoo conventions could get even better for the artists and the public?
I believe contests should be judged by all participating artists, given the enthusiasm people have for them. The best approach would involve allocating a 30-minute period during which every tattoo artist at the convention votes for the winner, ensuring the fairest and most comprehensive judgment. This method would also allow artists to view each other’s work closely, which I think is ideal. I once planned to introduce this concept at a convention I organized some years ago, but it required more time and effort than I could manage at the time.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
In general, I had such a beautiful feeling at Istanbul Tattoo Convention, for the organizer, kindness, work spaces finally comfortable and location was insanely beautiful and suggestive. It was so far my favorite.
You’ve had the opportunity to work with various high-profile clients. How do these experiences influence your work and visibility as an artist? Can you share what it was like tattooing Cara Delevingne and how that particular experience impacted your career?
Cara was of course a great honor and pleasure to tattoo. I felt in general overwhelmed by the reaction of people, even more because I did my style on a full sleeve. It gives me always a big feeling when I see a picture around the world and recognize my black dots worldwide. It was a great opportunity and Cara was an amazing client and person.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Always stay who you are, of course inspire but never force yourself to do only what people like the most, if not, they will never recognize you as you, but just as a random tattooer with skills.
Be recognized worldwide for your things, and that your things are really coming from your inner self and not from what people like to see and get.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I do charcoal and poetry books. I do handmade creations with wood or metal, but mostly I write and draw my thoughts on some a6 rough paper (I will do soon an expo of them in Venice, Italy)
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
Be able to travel each country as an artist, create one more studio abroad and always and most important create only things I love: “Do and create for people”
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Just be always faithful to your creativity and your mind, in this way, you will never mistake.
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