Our interview for the master of the blackest surrealism, Matteo Nangeroni.
1. Hi Matteo, would you like to tell us when you decided to start tattooing and what motivated you to pursue it?
Hello!! Back then, while I was still working and studying economics, I wanted to completely change my life, not because it was bad, but because I wanted to feel aware and in tune with my world. I decided to give myself a year to try this job. Before that decision, I had never drawn, studied art, or anything related. So, at first, I started with YouTube tutorials to “learn how to draw,” literally from the basics. It turned out to be anything but easy, but I gave it my all. I didn’t have a “PLAN B”, I truly saw it as my only path, my sole dedication, my choice. It required time and patience.
2. You have a distinctive style. Did you develop it over time, or did you know from the start that it would be your signature?
Absolutely not, especially in my early phase (the first two years), I tattooed everything. In fact, I considered it a fortune and an honor (and still do today) that someone would trust me with something so important, personal, and permanent as a tattoo. I tattooed every possible style and subject before deciding to focus on what I liked most at the time, which was still relatively uncommon back then: neo-tribal, ornamental, geometric, and various patterns. This initial “style” shaped and taught me everything. I believe it’s technically the ideal genre for getting comfortable with the anatomical forms of the body. By starting to draw freehand directly on the body on a large scale, I learned to see the body as one single canvas rather than focusing on individual sketches. Later, I experimented with mixes of what I had mastered, incorporating dotwork and creating something I called “black and bones,” which consisted of a silhouette with fine-line bone structures in the middle. Eventually, I moved toward bold traditional, with thick lines and solid colors, before shifting to what is now the graphic version of what I do today, around 2016/17. I believe and hope that tattooing is about freedom, experimentation, and constant exploration. Finding your “style” a month after your first tattoo would be far too limiting for creativity.
3. How does the idea for one of your projects come to life, and what inspires you?
There was a moment when I felt I was observing too much, becoming unconsciously inspired by social media. So, I unfollowed everyone for about a year. This decision came from a desire to create something entirely my own, without paying attention to others, client requests, or any artistic conventions. I wanted to give my vision to every concept I worked on, free from influences, so I could take risks and experiment. I knew this would always result in either great satisfaction or total failure, because when you’re the first to try something, those are the only two possibilities. But if no one ever dares to try, no one will ever create, they’ll just take inspiration from others.
4. Among the prominent personalities you’ve had the chance to tattoo is Cara Delevingne. How would you describe that experience?
I’ve tattooed various “VIPs,” but obviously, she gave me an opportunity that doesn’t come around every day. Being able to connect with such a high-level personality and vision was incredibly inspiring. We had a great conversation about very personal and profound topics, which opened my eyes to many things. It was a wonderful experience, but I believe that every client’s skin holds the same level of importance.
5. Your studio, which opened in Padua in 2018 and will expand to Milan in 2024, hosts renowned international guests and several resident artists. What is the meaning behind its name, The White Whale Society?
I have to say I’m extremely happy with my studio, especially with the mood we’ve created over the years. Running a studio like this requires only one or two things: passion and dedication. In the early years, there were no schedules or holidays, but I never even thought of it as a “job.” It’s the place where I feel my best, and it doesn’t feel like work when I’m happy. The idea of the studio was to create a family-like environment, free from politics, religion, tension, or imbalance. Every person is valued equally, every style is an artistic current and is appreciated, just as every person is. Our team is made up of friends, not colleagues or “subordinates.” We’re friends who share the same goal: to be happy with what we do, have fun, and be ourselves. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting incredible artists, creating beautiful memories, and when I look back, despite the sacrifices, I feel good. It brings a smile to my face and makes me proud of what we’ve built.
6. Those who know you are aware that the real star of the studio is B, your wonderful pug. How has B’s presence positively influenced your life and work?
B, what can I say? Since he came into my life, he has changed me for the better, giving me a deep sense of responsibility toward him. I see him as a son, and he sees me as his dad. We have a relationship built on absolute trust. I take him with me everywhere, and he always gives me a reason to come home after a long guest spot, knowing he’ll be there waiting for me. What more could I ask for?
7. What would your backup plan have been if you hadn’t become a tattoo artist?
When I chose to dedicate myself to this work, I never had the option of a Plan B. My family couldn’t have supported me, and after spending every penny I had on what I believed in, I knew there was no other path. But it also became my salvation in many ways. Tattooing, for me, isn’t a job, it’s who I am, what makes me happy, and what gives my life purpose. One day, I’d like to contribute to the growth of this beautiful art form that has made my life better and more complete.
8. What are your passions outside of work?
I have an uncontrollable passion for certain vintage objects, everything from cars to watches, old cameras to decorative items. It gives me so much emotion to know that an object was created in such a different era, and yet I now own it in a completely different context. It’s like stepping into a time machine. Beyond that, I enjoy charcoal drawing, writing short poems (often the basis for my concepts), traveling, exploring, losing myself, and finding myself again.
9. What’s your favorite part of this job, and what’s the part you like the least?
This is a wonderful job, and as I’ve said, it doesn’t even feel like work because of how beautiful it is. Of course, everything has its positives and negatives. For me, the positives are immense, making me feel good, giving me immense satisfaction when I see a client’s eyes after a session, or when someone flies across the world just for me. The honor of marking someone’s skin for eternity, knowing that even after I’m gone, I’ll live on through the tattoos I’ve done over the years, that’s incredible. The negative aspects of this job come from people who pursue it for the wrong reasons, which unfortunately degrades and undermines the nobility of tattooing as an art form. Those who slander or discriminate against others, or those who are arrogant and act like gods, that’s what ruins this job, nothing else.
10. In your opinion, how important is it to be yourself in a world where we’re constantly pushed to do anything for visibility?
To this question, I can only say: FUNDAMENTAL. If you try to be someone else or mimic social media trends, you’re simply dishonoring your passion, and above all, lying to yourself and everyone else.
11. Nowadays, standing out in the tattoo world is increasingly challenging. What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue this profession?
As I said in point 2, I believe everyone must take responsibility and be true to themselves, not what a client wants, nor what Instagram dictates. Personality is essential for creating your real identity, both as an artist and as a person. Develop your own concepts, whether they’re good or bad. Do what you love, what makes you happy when you look at it. Be yourself, be your passion.
12. How do you envision your future in the tattoo industry? Do you have any specific projects in mind?
I hope to keep creating, traveling, and experimenting more and more each year. My dream is to contribute something to the world that makes the tattoo community proud, to leave a legacy for future generations, and to inspire people (in a positive way) who approach this amazing profession. I’d love to collaborate with many other fields through my work. I’ll be revealing some of these collaborations that I’ve been working on for months very soon.
13. Thank you for giving us the pleasure of interviewing you and sharing your time with us. We wish you continued success in inspiring new generations and sharing your wonderful art.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🖤🖤🖤