Silvia Silverio is the cover artist of the January issue of Ink Legends Magazine. Originally from Italy and now based in the United States, Silvia is the owner of a private studio and is best known for her striking, highly detailed realism tattoos that truly come to life on the skin. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, artistic mindset, and what it takes to consistently deliver top-level realism work.
Can you please start by introducing yourself and telling us about your journey as a tattoo artist?
My name is Ciri, and I am originally from Italy. I live and work in the United States, where I am based in New Rochelle, New York, and I am the owner of a private studio called Ciritattoing Gallery.
Tattooing entered my life during a period of profound change—at a time when embracing it felt the right and only thing to do. I have always loved art, drawing, and painting, but growing up in a traditional Italian family, I never imagined that I could build a career from my creative skills. Over the years, tattooing has become my anchor—a safe place that has carried me through moments of uncertainty from the very beginning.
As unusual as it may sound, I didn’t choose to become a tattoo artist; life led me down this path, and it has been the most meaningful journey I could have imagined. My story began in 2021. I did not follow the traditional route of a tattoo apprenticeship—somehow, I went straight into working on real people. Only recently did I learn how to practice on fake skin, and I have to admit, it’s been incredibly fun!
You specialize in realism — what originally drew you to this style, and why did you choose it?
I chose realism because, ever since I was a little girl, I have been drawn to replicating real-life objects and subjects. What has always set my work apart, however, is the instinct to reinterpret reality through my own lens. Color, in particular, plays a central role in my process—I often alter details intuitively, guided by what my gut tells me in the moment.
Do you prefer working in color realism or black and gray, and what influences that choice?
I naturally gravitate toward color, even though black and grey feel instinctive and provide the essential foundation for working successfully with color. What excites me most, however, is blending the two within the same design—creating a balance where contrast becomes harmony, and opposites are drawn to one another.
This duality mirrors my own personality: at times moody, at times cheerful, always shaped by contrast and emotion.
How do you approach your design process to balance your clients’ ideas with your own artistic vision?
I approach every design and tattoo as if it were for myself or someone I deeply care about. During the design process, I focus on fully understanding my clients’ vision by asking thoughtful questions and encouraging them to share details, inspiration images, sketches, and color preferences. Just as important is knowing what they don’t want—those boundaries often bring clarity to the creative direction.
I always prepare multiple design options: one that reflects the client’s vision, one that reflects my own, and one where the two intersect. I strongly believe that a tattoo should only move forward when both artist and client feel completely confident and aligned with the final design.
You’ve also opened your own tattoo shop. Whatinspired this decision, and what philosophy or values does your studio follow?
I opened my private studio, Ciritattoing Gallery, in December 2024. The decision was driven by a deep desire to build something that fully aligns with my values—both as an artist and as a person.
Years ago, I was given an opportunity that changed my life forever. When I opened my studio, I did so with the long-term vision of one day being able to return that gift: to offer someone else the kind of life-changing opportunity that was once given to me.
Above all, I value an artist’s genuine love for art. One day, I hope to build a team rooted in passion and purpose—artists who tattoo not for trends, aesthetics, or lifestyle, but for the same reason I do: a true dedication to art and meaning.
You’ve attended several conventions recently. How have these experiences influenced your career, and what do they bring you as an artist?
Tattoo conventions have always been an invaluable way to explore the breadth of the industry—from discovering extraordinary talent to witnessing the many different artistic approaches that define contemporary tattooing. Attending these events has played a key role in my journey, allowing me to build meaningful connections and meet some of the most talented artists in the field.
In addition to tattooing, you create beautiful paintings. How does painting fit into your artistic journey, and what subjects do you enjoy painting the most?
Painting has always been my first passion and something I have consistently returned to over the years. In fact, it was my drawings that led someone to give me the opportunity to begin tattooing. The approach I developed through painting proved essential once I transitioned into tattooing—especially in my understanding of values, color, and form. I truly believe that painting was a fundamental step in shaping my artistic journey.
I am deeply drawn to surrealism. Surrealistic art has always inspired me, and I naturally build my paintings around surreal visions. My favorite subjects include skulls, flowers, inanimate objects, and food—motifs that recur throughout my work. There is no fixed method behind choosing what to paint; more often than not, it depends entirely on my mood. Sometimes I spend days imagining a piece, refining it in my mind long before it ever reaches the canvas.
Every artist faces challenges. What were some of the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome in your tattoo career?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is knowing when to say “no”—whether to a client or to a design that simply doesn’t align with my style or vision. In the beginning, I was afraid of turning anyone away. I believed my role was to provide a service at all costs, regardless of personal comfort or creative alignment.
With time, I came to understand that feeling at ease with both the work and the client is just as essential as technical execution. Not every collaboration is meant to happen, and accepting that has allowed me to protect my artistry, my energy, and the quality of my work—and that is more than okay.
Do you have any exciting plans or upcoming projects you’d like to share?
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a very busy year. I am currently working on several paintings that I plan to share on social media in the coming months.
In March 2026, three of my paintings will be featured at the Holy Art Exhibition in Manhattan, New York—an opportunity I am incredibly excited about. In addition, I plan to participate in both the Empire State Tattoo Convention in spring 2026 and the New York Tattoo Convention in fall 2026.
I am also considering future guest spots. In June 2025, I was honored to be invited to Sashatattooing Gallery in Los Angeles for a guest spot, which turned out to be an amazing and inspiring experience. Now, I’m excited to see what new opportunities 2026 will bring.
And finally — how do you like to spend your free time outside of art and tattooing?
Outside of painting and tattooing, I live a fairly simple life. As funny as it sounds, when I’m not tattooing or painting, I’m still painting—that’s what I love, and I don’t see that ever changing.
I also enjoy reading and spending time with my Pixie Bob cat, Safira, who truly feels more like a sister than a pet. Staying connected with my family in Italy is very important to me, and I often speak with them. And, like any true Italian at heart, I absolutely love discovering new foods and trying different restaurants.
I also have a soft spot for watching old movies from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s—they always take me back to my childhood and bring a sense of nostalgia that I truly cherish.
