Interview with tattoo artist Louis Antonio

  Hello Louis Antonio! Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. How it all started? Was it hard to learn the basics? Did anyone help you? I started tattooing after my graduation in the art academy in Foggia. I started with a qualification course and then I did several seminars. When I started, I used to do any kind of tattoos, then slowly I managed to specialize in color realism and I'm very happy for that.

Q: What was the most difficult?
A: The most difficult part was definitely getting familiar with the tattoo machine, but it was fun working with colors because I had already studied it in the academy.

Q: I love the portrait tattoos a lot. Precision here is very important.
A: Thank you I appreciate it very much. It is true that every part of a portrait tattoo must be done with the same care and attention.

Q: Is color tattooing more difficult than black and white?
A: I don't know that, but surely while color tattooing you have to work with millions of color shades.

Q: Do you have any favourite tattoo?
A: My favorite is "The Inspiration of Saint Matthew" because it is a style that I like a lot and I love Caravaggio.

Q: Having a talent is essential in any creative job, of course tons of practice too, but you kinda have to "have it" I like your illustrations, some are also tattoo designs! What's the inspiration?
A: Thank you very much, I've always liked to make caricatures because you can be freer in drawing but always maintaining a realistic vibe and attention to detail.

Q: How long does it takes to complete one?
A: It takes about 15/20 hours to finish one.

Q: Speaking of creative freedom, I really like when one artist evolves in many directions. How much tattooing gives the artist freedom to experiment?
A: Fortunately tattooing offers many ways. It is true that you always have limits that the customer imposes on you but it is also true that there are many customers who allow you to express yourself freely.

Q: Alex de Pase is a genius in color tattoo realism. Are you working in his studio? How is to work with him?
A: Yes I work for him in Cervignano and Rapperswil, besides being a great artist he is also a great person, I respect him very much.