Francesco Ferrara: redefining American traditional tattoos with European elegance

Francesco Ferrara is a tattoo artist whose work effortlessly blends American traditional tattoos with subtle European influences. Known for his vibrant colors and bold lines, Francesco has quickly made a name for himself in the tattoo world. His bold use of color, passion for large-scale pieces, and dedication to his craft make him a standout artist in the tattoo community. 

In this interview, he shares his journey, creative process, and what drives him to continue evolving as an artist.

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Francesco, welcome to iNKPPL! Could you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

- Thank you, iNKPPL! I’m thrilled to connect with your audience. My name is Francesco Ferrara. I’m 29 years old, originally from Italy, and now living my dream as a tattoo artist in sunny Southern California, USA. I’ve been immersed in the art of tattooing for more than a decade, specializing in American traditional tattoos infused with my European influences.

Where are you currently working?

- I’m a proud resident artist at Gold Rush Tattoo in Newport Beach, California. The shop has an incredible reputation, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by talented tattooers and an inspiring environment.

Beyond Gold Rush, I’m passionate about traveling and collaborating with different artists. I’ve had the privilege of working as a guest at iconic shops like Memorial Brooklyn Tattoo in New York and Black Heart Tattoo in San Francisco. These experiences allow me to absorb new ideas, refine my craft, and forge lasting connections in the tattooing world.

What inspired you to move to the United States?

- For several years, I built my career in Rome, Italy, working from 2016 to 2023 and traveling extensively across Europe. While I collaborated with some of the most exceptional tattoo artists, I always felt a calling to expand my horizons.

Italy is undeniably one of the most beautiful countries, with an unparalleled lifestyle, but I wanted to push past the limits I felt within its borders. The United States, as the birthplace of traditional tattooing, offered a challenge I couldn’t resist. It’s also home to many of the tattooers who shaped my artistic journey from the very beginning. Moving here was my way of honoring that inspiration and growing on a global scale.

You’ve mentioned incorporating European influences into your traditional tattoos. Can you explain what you mean by that?

- Being a European-based artist, I have absorbed the traditional European style, evolving over the years to suit my personal taste. By traditional European, I mean muted, autumnal colors, such as dark reds, ochres, browns, and dark greens.  

Do you have a particular specialty in tattooing? What draws you to backpieces?

- Absolutely. Large-scale tattoos, especially backpieces, are my true passion. They’re significant for a few reasons.

First, the bond you develop with clients over multiple sessions is unlike anything else. It’s a relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration, and many of my backpiece clients have become lifelong friends.

From an artistic standpoint, the back is a perfect canvas—it’s flat, expansive, and allows for detailed designs and vivid colors. What fascinates me most is the trust clients place in me since they can never see their tattoo directly, only through photos. That level of confidence is humbling and deeply rewarding.

Can you tell us about one of your favorite projects completed in the United States?

- Among my favorite projects, I would definitely highlight some of my large-scale projects. Probably the "Godzilla" backpiece is among my favorites. Starting from the input that my customer gave me to conceive the design to the realization and the use of bright colors that make it so solid and readable. I love to vary the subject matter of my works and go outside the lines and my comfort zone of classic traditional tattooing.

How do you approach the process of creating a backpiece?

-A backpiece is a journey for both the client and me. It typically requires around five sessions to complete, broken down into outlining, shading, and coloring.

Most of my clients choose vibrant, colorful designs because of my reputation for bold blacks and bright hues, though I also enjoy working in black and grey. I usually recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart for optimal healing. However, for clients traveling from abroad, I often schedule back-to-back sessions to accommodate their schedules and minimize costs.

Each session lasts four to five hours, with short breaks to keep the client comfortable. Preparation is key, so I always advise clients to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat well before their appointments.

What’s the waitlist like in California?

- In Southern California, my waitlist typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 years.

I prioritize larger projects like backpieces, frontpieces, and full sleeves. While the wait time might seem long, many clients appreciate having ample time to plan their travels and finances. The excitement and anticipation often make the final result even more rewarding.

Do you have any advice for readers - whether they’re tattoo enthusiasts or aspiring tattoo artists?

- First, I want to thank iNKPPL for this opportunity and everyone who’s taking the time to read this interview.

For those considering their next tattoo, my advice is simple: take your time to find the right tattoo artist. Look for someone whose style aligns with your vision, and trust their expertise. Remember, they’re doing this out of a genuine passion for the craft, and their guidance will lead to the best outcome.

For aspiring tattoo artists, I have this to say: tattoo for yourself and, above all, for your clients. Seek to create meaningful work rather than chasing respect from other tattooers. There are no shortcuts - hard work, dedication, and an unshakable passion for the art are the keys to success.