Discover this artist who, after spending years in London, now works at ‘Black B Tattoo’ in Barcelona, blending illustrative and Japanese traditional influences.
Hi Andrea, can you tell me how your stage name “Moonink” came about? Is there a particular story behind it?
I chose this name at the beginning of my tattoo journey. I wanted something connected to my personal history. The moon has always been an important symbol for me: mysterious, powerful. Since I was a child, I often stopped to look at it when I needed to reflect or seek inspiration.
It’s also a symbol of connection: traveling a lot, it comforted me to think that, even if I was far from friends and family, we were still looking at the same moon. “Luna” (Moon in Italian language. Ed) was also the name I gave to my first dog, who arrived at a difficult time in my life and helped me overcome it. Behind this name there’s a deep emotional connection; the moon, like tattoos, can tell stories, preserve memories, and give voice to who we are, helping us express ourselves with complete freedom.
How did you end up working in Barcelona, and how would you describe the ‘Black B Tattoo Studio’ (IG: @blackb_tattoostudio) scene to a layperson?
In 2019, I moved to Barcelona for the first time and immediately fell in love with it. After a few months, for personal reasons, I returned to London, where I had lived for about eight years, but I always knew I’d return here sooner or later. Barcelona is a city full of art and inspiration, and I promised myself that, once I’d launched my tattoo career, it would become home again.
Have you always dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist since you were a teenager, or was there a specific moment that led you to pursue this artistic path?
I’ve always felt the need to create, ever since I was little. I drew everywhere – on paper, stone, wood. Yet I’d never considered tattooing as a possible path for me. I admired those who tattooed, but I didn’t feel up to it in the slightest. But then a series of little coincidences started happening, and you know when life throws so many signs at you that it would be foolish not to follow them…
Then during Covid period, with time finally on my side, I decided to really give it a try, after some friends and tattoo artists encouraged me to get my first tattoo machine and lent me some basic supplies. And from there, everything slowly took off. Today I’m grateful to have taken this path: for me, tattooing isn’t just a job, it’s a way of expressing myself. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Let’s talk about your work: would you consider yourself an eclectic and versatile artist, given how seamlessly you move between illustrative tattoos, your unique take on Japanese style, and both color and black-and-gray work?
I like the idea of moving between different styles and taking advantage of the best of both worlds. I started tattooing primarily in illustrative and Black and Grey styles, and at first, the idea of working with color made me a little anxious. But then I discovered Japanese culture and fell in love with it: the colors, so solid and vibrant, gave the illustrations incredible strength.
I believe that every artist, over time, evolves, experiments, and draws inspiration from new styles and techniques.
I’m always looking for something that stimulates me and allows me to fully express myself. That’s why I don’t want to limit myself to just one tattoo style, because I believe that’s what keeps an artist’s work alive.
What are your thoughts on traditional Japanese style? Would you ever tattoo in that timeless, classic way? Or do your subjects always have Japan as a starting point, but then evolve into something else, following your own touch?
The traditional Japanese style fascinates me deeply. It’s one of the oldest forms of tattooing, rich in history and structure.
Each Japanese subject has its own meaning, each symbol has its own weight, and each composition follows precise rules.
It’s a timeless style, and that’s precisely its charm. Right now, I’m having a lot of fun starting with Japanese subjects and giving them my own personal touch. I like that each tattoo bears a little of my own signature.
Tell me about your future plans…
Who knows, maybe in the future I’ll find myself working on larger, more Traditional projects, which I’d really love. In any case, I think it’s always interesting to leave your mark, even in such an ancient and codified art. Because ultimately, that’s also an artist’s job: making what we create on our skin recognizable and unique.
Do you already have something lined up for tattoo conventions and guest spots in the early months of 2026? Can you give us a preview?
I don’t have anything definite planned at the moment: I recently arrived in Barcelona, and my short-term goal is to focus on building a stable clientele here while I enjoy this new phase. I’ll definitely return to London for some guest appearances at my old studio, with the idea of going at least three or four times a year to maintain contact with my long-time clients. I’m also starting to look into collaborating with other studios in Spain. I’d like to start traveling for work within the Spanish country, and perhaps even attend some conventions in the future, both in Spain, Italy and England.
And your famous last words are…?
“As in art, in life too, the best things come when you enjoy the moment and follow your instincts, without asking too many questions.”
