Discovering a tattoo artist who has faced significant struggles in life, works in a private studio in Munich, and is raising the bar with her “Mixed Media Realism” style.
Bianca, you’re thirty years old, you’ve been tattooing since 2020, and you certainly did other things in life before dedicating yourself to tattoo art. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
Growing up, there was never really a clear path set out for me. I’m a first-generation immigrant, raised by a single adoptive parent, and my life has always been rather unusual and full of challenging circumstances that were difficult to navigate, but also very exciting and formative. I’m quite obsessive about self improvement and if I set my mind to something, it will happen.
I basically had to raise myself and support my mother in any way I could from a young age, so I always knew that whatever it was I wanted in life, I would have to go out and get it myself, because no one else was going to do it for me. When I got into tattooing six years ago, however, I had no idea that it would become a huge part of my personal development – and ultimately so much more than just a profession.
Before becoming a tattoo artist, you were tattooed yourself. Did spending time in other artists’ studios inspire you to turn professional?
No! (laughs) If being tattooed by other artists had been the criterion, I probably would have scared myself away from it – I’m definitely not the easiest client. I actually just fell into tattooing.
My first real exposure to the tattoo industry came through a long-term relationship.
My boyfriend at the time was a tattooist and I supported him with everything around it during and after graduation – social media, marketing, bookkeeping and eventually managing our own studio. About a month before we separated after seven years together, I picked up the machine myself and learned the very basics.
What did you do at that point in your life?
When I left, I didn’t have many options or resources, so I started working in hospitality while continuing to teach myself tattooing. I quickly realized that this was the one thing I had in my hands that could actually create options for me, scale over time and eventually allow me to become independent. So I approached it very deliberately. I knew I didn’t have a mentor anymore and that I was responsible for every mistake I made. I started small, focused heavily on technique and gradually built up my skill over time.
Tattooing started as a means to an end for me, but unexpectedly gave me a sense of belonging, consistency and direction, ultimately putting me on one of the biggest growth journeys of my life. I’ve come to love the craft enough to consciously step back into hospitality after years of full-time self employment, so I can take some of the pressure off tattooing and give myself the time and space to create slower, more personal work instead of having to make a living from it no matter what. It’s not easy to do both but I fully believe it’ll help me take my work to the next level.
What does that black geometric shape on your left arm represent to you?
As a kid, I always felt like too much of a freak to ever become pretty and girly in a conventional way. In my twenties, however, I realized I could actually choose to reinvent and rebuild myself. So I put a lot of work into becoming disciplined, stoic, fit and better-looking, but neglected my shadow work by suppressing deep insecurities I didn’t know how to deal with and essentially overshadowing them with more tangible achievement.
The last two years forced me to turn towards the parts of myself I had been ignoring and try to actively listen. That has given me a completely different understanding of myself and allowed me to see my character as a whole, rather than constantly trying to edit certain parts out. That’s what eventually led me to the blackout. I was craving something bold but personal that represents the contrast in my life, my work and myself. Loud and proud.
Your style combines Black-and-Grey Realism (sometimes surreal, sometimes blended with other elements) with the delicacy of Fine-Line work. What do you think?
I personally prefer the term “Mixed Media Realism” because what I’m pursuing has grown beyond commercial tattooing and into something much more personal. Fine-Line is one of the tools in my vocabulary, not the identity of my work anymore. Which is why I’m consciously moving away from presenting myself as a commercial Fine-Line artist and instead want to push my own personal work and working process. I use Fine-Line techniques for precision, delicacy and smooth structure, combined with Black and Grey, Deep Blackwork, as well as other mediums I’ve explored over the years.
How has your work been evolving recently?
My work is continuously growing larger in scale. I realized at some point that skin is less limiting than other mediums, allowing me to combine skill and intuition and bring all of my interests together to create personal mixed media collages. That’s ultimately much more exciting to me than simply drawing on paper. My Instagram @biancaoctavia.tt currently only shows a small selection of pieces that represent who I am as an artist and where I want my artistic journey to go. While I continue to do commercial projects as well, my ambition is for my personal “vessels”, as I call them, to become the majority of my work.
It might take a while for that work to gain momentum, but I want to give it the space to do so.
I’ve read that you are passionate about classical art, philosophy, and human history. Do these interests help you broaden the scope of your work?
Absolutely. I’ve always had a kink for classic art and literature but also the darker sides of human nature and self development all of which naturally shapes what I’m drawn to visually. I believe there’s nothing more rewarding than the integrity that comes from mastering yourself and your craft, and those values are reflected in how I work.
I’m almost obsessive about composition and visual harmony. I want my work to feel like a dialogue between emotion and structure. People are the main medium I work on, so naturally a part of them becomes part of the piece as well, but I also want a part of myself to remain visible in everything I create. I think that’s something I’ve always admired in great classical works: every detail is intentional and makes you feel at ease even while the subject itself feels intense or unsettling. They can move you deeply without having to scream for your attention.
Where do you primarily work in Munich?
I currently work privately in central Munich, by appointment only (IG: @biancaoctavia.booking). I’ve worked as resident and guest artist in all of Munich’s most established studios and while I do enjoy working with other artists and being part of a studio environment, it is very important for me to remain independent and follow my own workflow like I always have. Tattooing is a luxury service and a very personal one too. Hospitality and connection are very important to me and the work that I do which I can both ensure best when I’m in control of the environment.
What is your relationship with tattoo conventions?
The ‘Paris Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @mondialdutatouage) in 2025 was the first major convention I ever attended. I originally went for personal reasons, but within minutes, I had completely forgotten about them. I was blown away by the atmosphere, the work and, most of all, the humility of some of the legends I had admired from afar for years. I didn’t feel intimidated or out of place for a second. Quite the opposite – it was the most exclusive yet inclusive experience I’ve ever had. I left with new connections, new friendships and, most importantly, a completely new ambition.
It was a real turning point and, in many ways, the first step towards the work and direction I’m pursuing today. I applied for the ‘Amsterdam Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @amsterdamtattooconvention) soon after and used that participation to reinvent myself and show the world what I’m capable of when given the space. I brought my own client from Munich and created the largest, most ambitious and most personal piece I had done at that point, which I’m now continuing at ‘Ankonventional Tattoo Expo’ (IG: @ancona_tattoo_expo) in Ancona, Italy, November 6th–8th.
And your last famous words are… ?
The sky is not the limit, you are!
