At just 23, Sara Cardoso is already leaving her mark on Portugal’s tattoo scene. The owner of Alien Tattoo Studio in Santo Tirso, Sara swapped paintbrushes for tattoo machines when she realized her true canvas wasn’t paper or canvas—it was skin.
Fuelled by a love for vibrant realism and surrealism, she’s building a reputation for bold, colorful work that carries both energy and emotion. From her first steps at Porto and Lisbon conventions to her dreams of hitting the international stage, Sara is proving that talent, determination, and passion can turn ink into legacy.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Sara Cardoso, I am 23 years old, and I own the Alien Tattoo studio in Santo Tirso, Portugal.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Portugal these days?
I believe that the tattoo world is undergoing constant evolution, with an increasing number of talented artists emerging in the market. However, in my country, I also notice a concerning phenomenon: the appearance of tattoo artists who do not invest in solid foundations or proper training, entering this field as a way to make “easy money.” This situation ends up harming and limiting the healthy growth of the business, making it difficult for the work of dedicated professionals to be recognized and valued.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
My fascination with tattoos began when I was a child. I always accompanied my father when he went to get a tattoo, and that process deeply fascinated me, as I saw important things being permanently etched on his skin. Over time, this admiration grew and became something very special to me.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started my journey as a tattoo artist at the age of 20. At the time, I was attending the Fine Arts Faculty at the University of Porto, studying painting, but I started to feel demotivated. Despite having a great passion for the arts, I wasn’t finding full satisfaction in what I was doing. After going through a difficult phase of insecurity and doubts about my future, I decided to give a chance to the world that had always fascinated me: the world of tattoos. That’s how I discovered that my true vocation was, in fact, in the arts, but not on canvases—on skin. Today, I feel fulfilled and happy with the direction I’m taking in my life.
How would you define your tattoo style?
At the moment, I am still exploring and defining my style, without having chosen a specific one so far. However, what gives me the most pleasure to create are works of Realism and Surrealism in Color, specifically using vibrant colors that bring life and energy to my works.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
For me, the biggest challenge as a tattoo artist today is maintaining determination and not giving up. There are so many incredible artists who inevitably make us question if we are enough. This feeling is even more amplified by the virtual pressure we live in today, where it seems that for an artist to be considered good, they need to have likes and views. When we don’t achieve those numbers, we end up feeling inferior. Social media feeds these thoughts and intensifies doubts—not only in our profession but in many aspects of our lives.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
The biggest reward as a tattoo artist is knowing that my art will remain permanently etched on someone’s skin. It is a great privilege when someone accepts, trusts me, and chooses to carry my art with them for the rest of their lives.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
So far, I have had the opportunity to participate in three conventions: two editions of Oporto Tattoo and one of Lisbon Tattoo Rock Fest, both held in Portugal. Although conventions can be a stressful experience, I have found them to be positive overall. In all of them, I challenged my limits, did things I had never done before, exceeded my expectations, and proved to myself that I am capable of carrying out tasks that I usually don’t find the courage to face.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you ever went to?
My first experience at a convention was in April of last year, at Oporto Tattoo. It was an even more special moment because it coincided with my birthday, becoming an unforgettable celebration both personally and professionally.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
My main priority when participating in a convention is to make my name and art known. Additionally, I highly value the camaraderie and the opportunity to observe incredible artists from all over the world in action, learning and being inspired by their work. Currently, my goal is to start attending international conventions to benefit even more from those moments of learning and inspiration while taking the opportunity to travel and explore the world.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favorite convention was the Oporto Tattoo this year, as I had the opportunity to tattoo my late grandfather on my father’s skin. It was a deeply significant moment for me, not only because I spent three days surrounded by my family (my mother and father, who live in Switzerland, while I am in Portugal), but also because the project I realized had immense emotional value. The tattoo symbolized the union of three generations of my family, through art, in an eternal way.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
For those considering starting a career as a tattoo artist, the most important thing is to never give up. Development and improvement take time and dedication, but never lose your essence or your style just because someone says you’re not capable or suggests that another path would be better. Don’t let yourself become just another face in the crowd—stand out, because each of us is unique and has something special and different to offer the world. Believe in yourself and keep your curiosity alive; always seek to learn more, and never assume you already know everything or that there’s nothing others can teach you. Evolution is a continuous process, and if we stay open to it, we will keep learning and growing until the very last day of our lives.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I admire several artists, including rockin.rabbit, tampatattoo, marcocanelas_tattoo, nelsonsacramento, luigimansi_, cathy_tattoo, zakharovtattoo, davepaulo_tattoo, butenko_serik, pablo_frias.tattoo, diogonunestattoo, sandradaukshtatattoo, audeladureeltattoobysandry, gni666, and sampaguitajay_tattoo, among many others.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
For me, the biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist is being able to support myself, live, and explore the world while doing what I love. All of this becomes even more special because I can share this journey of dreams and achievements with the person I love by my side.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to explore various areas of the arts, such as painting, sculpture, screen printing, photography, jewelry, music, among others. However, at this moment, I am fully focused on evolving in the art of tattooing and in the digital aspects related to the creation of projects that this practice requires.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My biggest goal is to constantly evolve as an artist and expand the recognition of my name and art. Since the first day I started tattooing, I have been on this path alone, which motivated me to dream of one day establishing a studio in my city with a true family of tattoo artists, where we can grow together, exchange ideas daily, discuss projects, and improve skills through collective knowledge. I also want to start doing guest spots at studios in other countries.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
To conclude, I want to tell you, dear reader, that regardless of your area, pursue your dreams with dedication every day and seize every opportunity that arises. Stay true to yourself and, above all, seek happiness. Make happiness your priority and live in harmony with who you really are.
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