Jessica C. Vittorelli is one of the brightest stars in the modern tattoo industry. Born in Austria, she has left her mark across the globe — from Australia to Thailand, and now she’s based in Zurich, Switzerland. Over her eight-year career in tattooing, Jessica has gained recognition for her incredible realism, the emotional depth of her work, and her unique approach to every client. Her style is a stunning blend of strict realism and vibrant cultural influences, such as Chicano art. Jessica shares her inspiration, talks about her journey into tattooing, and what creativity on skin means to her.
Let's start with a little introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself. How and when did you get into tattooing?
- Hi! I’m Jessica. Though I was born in Austria, my journey has taken me across the globe. I’ve lived in Australia and Thailand, and now I’m based in Zurich, Switzerland. I’ve been tattooing for about eight years, and I can’t imagine ever stopping. Interestingly, I initially pursued a degree in pharmacy but soon realized my true passion lies in the world of art. Tattooing allows me to express that creativity every day, and I’m so grateful to have found my calling.
Do you remember your first tattoo and how you felt after the session?
- Absolutely! I’ll never forget it. I did a line-art heart with two mirrored faces inside — right on the shinbone. It was a challenge, especially with the thickly wrapped machine, but it was so much fun. After that, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to do more.
Where do you work now?
- I'm based in Zurich, Switzerland, but you'll often find me traveling for guest spots — one of the best perks of tattooing!
Is tattooing art, work, or something else for you?
- I’d say it’s a bit of both. Some days, you have the freedom to fully express yourself and create your own art; other days, it feels more like work when clients limit your creative freedom. But this is my life, my passion, and exactly what I was meant to do.
When did you realize that realism was your style?
- It started quite early for me. Drawing with my dad, I realized how much I loved capturing the world in its most authentic form. I experimented with different styles but kept coming back to the challenge and precision that realism demands.
What makes realism special is your unique interpretation — how you see the world and project your inner vision onto it. That’s what makes it truly one of a kind. I’m a deep thinker, so I love telling a story through my art, even when it’s "just" realism.
From that moment on, the attention to detail, the play of light and shadow, and the ability to bring something to life on skin became my passion.
Do you have formal art education? Is it possible to pursue realistic tattooing without an academic background?
- I don't have any formal art education. I’ve been drawing with my dad since I was a kid, and he taught me everything he knew. While formal training can provide a solid foundation, many successful tattoo artists are self-taught, perfecting their skills through practice, dedication, and a deep passion for the craft.
The key is in observation, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. By practicing drawing and shading techniques and learning from other artists, you develop essential skills.
Ultimately, what matters most is your commitment to improving, your willingness to learn from every piece you create, and your ability to translate your vision onto skin.
In your works, there is a noticeable influence of the Chicano style. Tell us what attracts you to it.
- The Chicano style resonates with me deeply because of its rich cultural heritage and powerful storytelling. I’m drawn to its ability to convey complex emotions and personal stories through bold images and detailed shading. The use of black and gray, along with strong contrasts, creates a timeless and dramatic effect that I find captivating.
This style also connects strongly to identity, history, and resistance, often reflecting themes of family, faith, struggle, and pride. I’m inspired by how it honors and preserves these stories through art.
Your works are striking in volume, contrast, and scale! What are the unique features that you personally highlight in your tattoos?
- When it comes to my tattoos, I focus on a few key elements that make each piece stand out. First, I emphasize bold contrast. I love playing with the interplay of dark and light to create depth and drama, ensuring the tattoo remains visually striking even from a distance.
Next, I prioritize scale and flow. I design tattoos to complement the body’s natural lines, enhancing the wearer’s form while maintaining a cohesive visual narrative. Whether the piece is small or covers a large area, it should feel like a natural extension of the person’s body.
Lastly, I aim for a strong emotional connection. Each tattoo tells a story or captures a feeling, often tailored specifically to the individual. The combination of these elements—bold contrast, dynamic flow, and emotional resonance — is what I believe makes my tattoos truly unique.
Your portrait works are truly delightful! Could you share insights into how you achieve such depth and detail? Are there specific techniques or tricks you employ?
- I pay close attention to the interplay between light and dark areas, ensuring that the highlights pop against the shadows. This deep understanding of light and shadow is what brings the portrait to life and adds a sense of depth. Technically, I’d say I work more like a color artist. I also take my time to study the reference image.
Do you have favorite tattoos, clients, projects, or perhaps some unusual stories in your career?
- Yes, I do have some favorites! One of my standout projects was a back-and-leg tattoo for a great client who later became a friend. This piece explores themes of "shadow work" and "light is love," delving into more of a psychological narrative.
I also have a soft spot for my "gangster animals" designs. These tattoos are all about embracing the fun side of life and bringing a playful edge to the art.
Congratulations on your recent achievements! Can you tell us about your experience at the Bologna Tattoo Show 2022, where you received the 2nd Best of Show award at this prestigious event, which featured over 200 top Italian and international tattoo artists?
- Thank you! I was honored to receive the 2nd Best of Show award at this prestigious event. It was truly remarkable. The energy was electric, with more than 50 events and shows taking place throughout the convention. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work and connect with fellow artists and tattoo enthusiasts.
You've recently been involved in judging at some prestigious events. Can you tell us about your role at The Iron Gate Tattoo Convention in Sydney?
- Being invited to be a member of the jury at The Iron Gate Tattoo Convention in Sydney was a true honor. This event is Australia’s premier tattoo convention, held at the iconic Hordern Pavilion in Moore Park. What makes this convention special is its focus on quality — they hand-pick some of the world’s best and most respected tattoo artists. It was a privilege to be part of an event that has the backing of the entire Australian and New Zealand tattoo industry. As a judge, I had the opportunity to evaluate some of the highest-quality work in the field.
You're also sponsored by some major brands in the tattoo industry. Can you tell us about your relationship with Panthera Ink, which has been a leader in the industry since 2000 and has hand-picked 37 artists from around the world to represent them?
- As an artist, it’s crucial to work with products that prioritize safety and purity. Panthera Ink’s rigorous testing and compliance with European and international standards give me confidence in the products I use on my clients.
How do you assess your popularity? And in your opinion, how can it be measured?
- Assessing my popularity can be a bit tricky because it’s not something I focus on directly. I gauge it more by the connection I have with my clients and the demand for my work. When people resonate with what I create and seek me out specifically for my style, that’s when I feel a sense of recognition.
In my opinion, popularity is measured in various ways, but it’s not just about numbers or followers. It’s about the quality of engagement — how much people interact with my work, the depth of their appreciation, and the word-of-mouth recommendations. The relationships I build with clients and the trust they place in me to bring their visions to life are also strong indicators.
Ultimately, popularity is about making a lasting impact. If my work continues to inspire and leaves a mark on those who experience it, that’s the kind of popularity that matters most.
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