Can you please start by introducing yourself and telling us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
My name is Felipe Luiz Petruy, I’m 29 years old, and I’m from Araucária, in the Curitiba metropolitan area of Paraná, Brazil. I started in the world of tattooing in 2019, beginning with a mentorship under the renowned hyperrealism specialist José Manoel Vieira, who gave me my foundation — health and safety, needles, inks, skin care, and design application. In 2020 I founded my own studio in my hometown, and as client demand grew, after three years I moved it to a larger space. It still operates today with the support of my collaborators. From the very beginning I’ve been driven by the ambition to keep evolving, refine my work, and always deliver the best possible experience to my clients.
You specialize in black and grey realism and portraiture. What drew you to this style, and why did you choose it?
Realism and portraiture are where I feel most at home. What fascinates me is capturing a face with all its light, shadow, and highlights, and turning it into something that feels alive on the skin. Early on, in 2020, I was already creating unique black and grey pieces, and the more I studied human facial anatomy, the more I fell in love with the precision and emotion this style demands — especially portraits made as a tribute to a loved one.
Realism and portraits demand both precision and emotion. What is your approach, and how have you developed your technique over the years?
My work is defined by meticulous attention to every detail. I’ve never stopped training under masters of the craft: a seminar with Chico Morbene, a leading name in black and grey; a realistic drawing course with Charles Lavesso; specialized training with Cristhofer Nieiro and Danylo Stefan in tonal transitions in color and soft shadows and textures in black and grey; and shading, contrast, and skin and hair texture with Raphael Fabrício. I’ve also done repeated realism and portraiture immersions with José Manoel, studying facial anatomy, light, shadow, and highlights. That constant pursuit of refinement is what allows me to deliver the level of perfection my clients expect.
You own your own tattoo studio. What led you to create your own space, and what core values does your studio represent?
I opened Studio Felipe Petruy in 2020 — a spacious, welcoming space for my clients — and moved it to a larger location as demand grew. My studio stands for high standards and unmatched care: transforming ideas into stunning works of art for people who seek excellence, not just the lowest price. My rates are the highest in the local market, yet the constant demand and waiting list reflect the trust my clients place in my art. The studio has also been recognized by the public as the best tattoo studio in the city.
You’ve won awards and also served as a judge at conventions. What do these experiences mean to you, and how have they influenced your growth as an artist?
They mean a great deal. In 2022 I was voted the best tattoo artist of the year by the people of Araucária — a recognition I earned a second time later on — and I took second place in the portrait category at the online Tattoo World convention. In 2024 I won Best Tattoo Artist in the portrait category at Tattoo Fest Araucária. I was then invited to judge the black and grey realism category at the 3rd PG Tattoo Fest in Ponta Grossa and at the 3rd Santos Tattoo Festival, which drew a national and international audience. Being trusted to evaluate the work of artists from all over Brazil is a huge honor and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with recognition.
Looking back at your career so far, which project are you most proud of, and what makes it especially meaningful to you?
One that stands out is tattooing MC Drika, a nationally known funk singer with millions of followers. After signing a partnership with Lacoste, she chose to immortalize it with a crocodile tattoo above her neck, and gave me the honor of being the artist — coming to Araucária for the piece, which had a great positive impact and was publicized by national channels. After that, other artists sought me out to immortalize important moments in their lives, including MC Salvador da Rima, MC Pedrinho, and MC Vitão do Savoy, all traveling to my city for my work.
You also mentor other artists. What led you to start teaching, and what do you enjoy most about helping others grow in this industry?
After completing my own specialized training, I began offering mentorships. My first student was Marlon Brito, whom I mentored in the theory and practice of black and grey realism with a focus on shading, followed by Matheus Henrique with an emphasis on textures, and later Gilmar Lima and an advanced realism course for Frank Gutiérrez. In my hometown I’ve become a reference for tattoo artists looking to hone their skills, and sharing what I’ve learned — helping other professionals raise the quality of their work — has become one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Do you have any special or exciting plans in the near future?
I remain steadfast on my journey, constantly striving for excellence and to solidify my place in the profession I love. My commitment is to continuous growth — always delivering the highest level of tattoo artistry and the best possible experience to my clients — and to keep elevating the world of tattooing through my work.
Author Lenka Banyarova, published on September 11th 2026