Tattoo inspiration: Clean Black and Grey tattoos by Ruben Leopardi

 

A chat with Ruben Leopardi, @leopardi_tattoos on his journey towards finding his style in Clean Black and Grey works. Usually working in Cologne, Germany, Ruben Leopardi is guesting at The Good Fight Tattoo, London 6th - 9th April 2022. 

“Hey, I’m Ruben from Germany, I’m Italian but I grew up in Germany, now I’m 32 years old and I started tattooing when I was 27.

Even as a teenager, I was strongly connected to the tattoo scene in my city, before I started tattooing I had a skate and streetwear label so I had the opportunity to express my creativity but it was definitely not enough, I wanted to do more with my drawings, after many requests for tattooing my designs, I decided to introduce myself in tattoo shops with my drawings and illustrations and I got an apprenticeship. It was a very hard school but I’m so happy and thankful for getting the chance to learn this craft. I learned in a custom street shop and I love to make customers happy with good works.

 

 

I love the old school tattoo scene and its designs, so I started with traditionals but after a while I once again wanted to do more with my machines, so I started trying different needles, machines and techniques. I love to explore different settings and try different styles. I don’t know how to describe my style now but my main goal is to do clean black and grey works. Maybe also inspired from the traditional world but with more details and more realistic with fineline touches. 

Many artists influence me, like Adam Vu Noir from LA, Sara Rosa, Barcelona or Ed Taemets Form Australia.  

I love my job and love to have the opportunity to do this job where I can develop my techniques and art again and again.

I'm excited to see what time will bring.”

-Ruben Leopardi 2022