Featured in the July issue of Ink Legends Magazine, Paulo Cardoso opens up about his 20-year tattoo journey, his passion for black and gray realism, and the experiences that shaped his career.
Can you please start by introducing yourself and telling us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
My name is Paulo Cardoso, and I’ve been tattooing for over 20 years. What started as a passion for drawing eventually became my profession and my way of life. Throughout my career, l’ve had the opportunity to own my own studio, travel and tattoo in different countries, and meet incredible people through this art form. Today, I continue to evolve as an artist, always searching for new inspirations while staying true to the values and work ethic that have guided me since the beginning.
You specialize mainly in black and gray realism — what drew you to this style, and why did you choose it?
I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional impact and timeless quality of black and gray realism. I love the challenge of creating depth, texture, and lifelike details using only shades of black and gray. It allows me to tell stories and capture meaningful moments in a very powerful way.
Although I appreciate many tattoo styles, realism is where I feel most connected creatively.
What inspires your designs, and how do you approach the design process to meet your clients expectations with your artistic vision?
My inspiration comes from many places.
I admire traditional tattooing, New School art, airbrush artists, painters, and tattoo artists who have pushed the boundaries of creativity. When working with clients, I listen carefully to their ideas and understand the meaning behind the tattoo. From there, I combine their vision with my artistic experience to create something unique, balanced, and personal.
Was there any recent project that was especially challenging for you, but that you are particularly satisfied with in the end?
A recent challenge has been finding ways to evolve technically while staying true to the style I love. I enjoy exploring the transition between realism and influences from traditional tattooing, taking what each style has to offer and making it part of my own artistic language. Meeting and tattooing people from different places has also played a huge role in that evolution.
What do you enjoy most about being a tattoo artist, and what still challenges you the most today?
What I enjoy most about being a tattoo artist is the freedom that comes with it. The freedom to create, to develop my own artistic voice, and to connect with people from different cultures through my work. Tattooing has allowed me to travel, collaborate with incredible artists, and build a client base in different places around the world.
What still challenges me the most is continuing to evolve without losing my identity as an artist. I always want to keep learning, improving, and pushing myself creatively.
What helps you grow the most and improve as an artist?
What has helped me grow the most as an artist is being inspired by different forms of art throughout my career. I’ve always been influenced by New School, graffiti, airbrush techniques, and artists from different backgrounds. Studying drawing over the years and seeing incredible work from other artists constantly reminds me that there’s always another level to reach. That mindset keeps me curious, motivated, and always striving to improve.
Do you have any special or exciting plans in the near future?
I still have many exciting plans for the future. I’m currently finishing a book dedicated to traditional tattooing, a project that has been very inspiring and has reignited my passion for the style. Looking ahead, I want to expand my portfolio by bringing in more Old School and New School work alongside my Black & Grey pieces. I enjoy exploring different artistic languages, and my goal is to continue evolving while creating a portfolio that reflects all of the influences that have shaped me as an artist.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of tattooing?
Outside of tattooing, one of my biggest passions is Jiu-Jitsu. It’s something I truly enjoy and a great way to challenge myself both physically and mentally. Skateboarding has also been part of my life since childhood and throughout my teenage years, and I still enjoy getting on a board whenever I can. Most importantly, I love spending time with my son—whether it’s riding bikes, practicing sports, or simply enjoying those moments together.
