Loving this island and our work, we were the first to establish our presents on Mykonos as a team of experts in 1994.
 
Collectively our tattooing experiences found us working in all corners of the world but it was on this international island resort we were able to find the widest customer range of cultures and nationalities. From a delicate flower gracing a single toe to a huge Maori motif dressing the entire back their varied demands fashioned our vast latitude of design. With complete respect for what was once a “sacred act”, this art of permanent skin decoration we provide, comes with over 30 years of acquired skill and experience.
 
In learning a trade each school has its teachers, the best of which leave their mark for life. “Guru” Boccanera was ours, impressing on us with satirical humor the ground rules of tattoo, “From its earliest practice by the shamans the overall doctrine of tattoo’s origin must be understood”, he would say. “You get what you pay for”. If we lost our concentration or enthusiasm we would hear, “Get back to the hoe” or “Don’t quit your day job”.
 
His deep respect for ethic became ingrained in us all, often like a poet transporting us back through history. “Remember the time you were apprentices in Brindisi, tattooing in the streets while the crusaders waited to embark with Goffredo of Buglione en route to Jerusalem?” His message was clear, “The moment you clutch the inking needle you are a part of its history that must be treated with respect”.
 
Paralleling our guru’s philosophical teaching was his instruction of technique and acquired skill, a never ending bombardment of dos and don’ts. Shouts were always heard throughout the studio, “Throw out that used needle” or “Keep your equipment well sterilized”. His concern for the client was foremost. “Always be conscious of your needle depth to avoid any unnecessary suffering to the client”. His badgering was endless until it was learned and became a religion to us all.
 
But the process of tattooing is one thing, the way it looks when it is finished and especially after time, is another. Boccanera truly was a guru when he would preach on this subject. “No one wants their tattoo to turn into an ugly blotch,” he would say. “Educate your client and explain how black has a tendency to fade with time, much more than colors.” We were taught to learn the body and how it will change as it ages. “Help your client to choose a design and position it wisely so it will not loose its elegance over the years.”
 
Yes, the training we endured was intense and serious but it took place in our teacher’s developed environment of light-heartedness and humor.
 
Today, as the most popular and well respected studio on the island, Mykonos Tattoo owes much of it’s success to the “Guru” Boccanera and of course his loyal student and founder, Pino. This Italian master from those “Drifter” years tattooed his way through the wastelands of Afghanistan to the shores of India with the veins of Marco Polo. Carrying on a tradition of expertise delivered with satirical humor, he formed his team of specialists. Dafni, the glamorous piercer of French-Greek origin, with her deep dark eyes performs her art with the gentle but sweet sarcasm of a high family’s sadist. Nenad “The Short”, the two meter tall young artist with roots from the core of the Balkans derives his fame from his pure heart and hand. And last but not least is Gippy, famous on the circuit as the inventor of tattoo’s professionalism in Italy, the well traveled elegant gypsy of life.
 
For those with interest, our stories go on. We may relieve your curiosity if you go for the ‘contact us’ link.
 
Let your attitude show, think tattoo.