She describes herself as shy and reserved, yet her work on skin is helping to elevate the stature of a studio like ‘Meatshop Tattoo’ in Barcelona – the city where Ariadna blossomed into an artist.
Ariadna, what made you want to become a tattoo artist, what has your artistic journey been like, and how long have you been in the profession?
Well, I studied Arts and Design here in Barcelona. On my way to university, I would always walk past ‘LTW Tattoo’ (IG: @ltwtattoo, now closed. Ed), and I remember being amazed and intimidated at the same time by the shop and the people I saw there. I became obsessed with the tattoos they were doing at ‘LTW Tattoo’ in Barcelona, and that eventually led me to get my first tattoo. From there, I started discovering a whole new language and craft that took me years to truly understand.
Your style is undoubtedly Traditional/Japanese. Did you adopt it right from the start, or did you arrive at it gradually while experimenting with other styles?
It was definitely a gradual process. I’ve always loved all kinds of tattoo styles, and in the beginning that felt very confusing and overwhelming. I started out doing a sort of illustrative Blackwork style, but the tattoos I chose for myself were always either American Traditional or Japanese.
So I guess my evolution has been a reflection of my own taste in tattoos as a client.
Your tattoos work really well as small or medium-sized pieces, but I’ve noticed that every now and then you work on full sleeves or leg pieces. Which do you prefer? Large expanses of skin or the timeless quality of a small tattoo?
I really enjoy doing large projects, but I’m very used to working on medium-sized pieces, so from a time-management perspective they can feel a bit overwhelming. I approach big projects with a lot of respect because it’s not until you actually do them that you realize how much work goes into designing, tattooing, and completing them. That said, there’s something very special about both. A small tattoo can have the same impact and longevity as a large-scale piece when it’s done right.
Did you need a mentor, a friend, or a loved one to excel in this line of work, or do you think you’ve managed on your own so far?
I definitely haven’t done it on my own. I have a very reserved personality and I’m mostly quite shy, but I’ve been lucky enough to work in two great tattoo shops where I’ve been able to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I’ve also been surrounded by very talented colleagues and partners throughout the years who have taught me a lot and helped me grow, both professionally and personally.
Tell me all about ‘Meatshop Tattoo’ in Barcelona (IG: @meatshoptattoo) where you are currently working. It’s practically an institution in the city, isn’t it? It can be considered a historic tattoo shop in the Catalan capital by now…
Yes, this shop has a long history. It was formerly ‘Aloha Tattoo’, owned by Monga (IG: @elmongasasturaintattooing), one of the most influential figures in Spanish tattooing. In 2020, Benny (IG: @benny.tattooer) and Pepo (IG: @pepoerrando_tattoo) took over the shop and transformed it into ‘Meatshop Tattoo’ (IG: @meatshoptattoo). It’s a great place to work. Benny and Pepo have created an environment where we can balance walk-ins with our own projects and appointments, which keeps the workflow dynamic and enjoyable.
I’m also very lucky to work alongside such talented tattooers and artists.
What’s your take on tattoo conventions and guest spots so far?
To be honest, I haven’t attended any conventions yet. I did go to the Barcelona convention (IG: @barcelonatattooexpo) many years ago, but that’s about it. I’d love to start attending some next year, though.
Which one are your favorites?
Events like ‘True Blue’ in Eindhoven (IG: @trueblue_tattooconvention), ‘Order Tattoo Jam’ (IG: @order_tattoojam) in Amsterdam, ‘Truly Yours’ in Mannheim (IG:@trulyyourstattoo), the Bristol one (IG: @bristoltattooconvention), and ‘Old Navy’ in A Coruña (IG: @oldnavytattooexpo) are all on my radar. There are so many great conventions out there. I don’t have anything major planned yet, but 2027 is definitely shaping up to be a busy one.
And your last famous words are… ?
Tattooing is one of those crafts where the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is still to discover. So, as we say in Catalan, “De mica en mica, s’omple la pica”, which means that little by little, things come together and progress is made over time.
