Known for his bold and expansive backpieces, we sat down to hear 29-year-old Francesco Ferrara’s story. Italian Francesco currently lives in California in the USA and is a resident artist at Gold Rush Tattoo (@Goldrushtattoo) in Costa Mesa.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of Things & Ink and express my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity.
My journey into the world of tattooing began at a very young age. Before embarking on my career as a tattoo artist, I was first a client. At the age of 15, I received my first tattoo — a Japanese sleeve on my left arm. At the time, I had little knowledge about tattoos, but I was instantly captivated by the art form.
By the age of 16, I attempted my first tattoo on a friend in my garage using a machine that another friend had purchased. In those early years, I did not view tattooing with the same perspective I have today. However, I am deeply grateful to my younger self for taking that first step, as tattooing ultimately gave my life purpose and direction.
I also remain deeply grateful to the individuals who supported me at the start of my career— those who entrusted me with their skin when I was just 16. Many of them are still close friends, while others have naturally drifted from my life over time.
When I first entered the tattoo industry, I was young and unfamiliar with both the craft and the inner workings of a tattoo studio. My apprenticeship lasted over a year, during which my primary focus was observing, absorbing and understanding the daily operations of a professional studio. Throughout this time, I refrained from tattooing, aside from a few experimental pieces on close friends, for which I never accepted payment.
I firmly believe that a strong apprenticeship is the foundation of a skilled tattoo artist. With over a decade of experience, I can quickly discern whether an artist has undergone a proper apprenticeship or is self-taught – the difference is substantial and unmistakable.
One of the most memorable moments of my career was my first guest spot in London at Black Garden Tattoo. At just 21 years old, I didn’t speak a word of English, but I was eager to tattoo as many people as possible. That experience profoundly reinforced my passion for tattooing and the incredible opportunities it has provided for my personal and professional growth.
Over the years, I’ve refined my style through exposure to diverse artistic influences and collaborations with some of the most esteemed tattoo artists in the industry. Working in various locations has allowed me to learn, adapt and integrate different techniques into my craft. I like to believe that I’ve taken inspiration from each artist I have encountered and made it my own.
My tattooing style is a fusion of traditional European and American influences. I have always specialised in traditional tattooing, though my approach has evolved significantly over the years. While in Europe, I favoured thinner lines and a more muted, autumnal colour palette.
Upon moving to the US, I was heavily influenced by the American traditional scene, adopting bold lines, vibrant colours and solid shading techniques.
Personally, I have exclusively Traditional and Japanese tattoos on my body. The majority of my clientele seek large-scale projects such as backpieces, front pieces, and sleeves. Each large-scale design is custom-created in collaboration with the client, incorporating their input to ensure a meaningful and personalised outcome.
Additionally, I frequently work with flash pieces from my collection, as many clients are drawn to my artistic style rather than a specific design. However, I am always happy to create bespoke pieces upon request.
Creating a backpiece is an extensive and deeply personal journey for both the client and myself. The process typically spans approximately five sessions, each dedicated to a different stage: outlining, shading, and colouring.
When clients approach me to begin their backpiece, I always seek their input on the design. Understanding their vision and aspirations allows me to incorporate their ideas while infusing my own artistic perspective, ultimately crafting a piece that surpasses their expectations.
Many of my clients gravitate toward bold, vibrant designs, drawn to my signature style that features strong black contrasts and striking colour palettes. However, I also enjoy working in black and grey, adapting to each client’s preferences. To ensure optimal healing, I generally recommend spacing sessions three to four weeks apart.
For clients travelling from overseas, I accommodate their schedules by arranging consecutive sessions, reducing both travel expenses and logistical challenges. Each session typically lasts four to five hours, with short breaks to ensure the client’s comfort. Preparation is crucial, so I advise clients to get adequate rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a nutritious diet before their appointments.
The tattoo industry has changed significantly since I first started, but I am encouraged by the number of dedicated artists and passionate enthusiasts who continue to uphold the integrity of the craft. Many of my clients are between the ages of 18 and 25, and their appreciation for traditional and Japanese tattooing gives me hope for the future of the industry.
The tattoo scene in the US is remarkable, with an incredible community of talented artists. I deeply appreciate my clients here, as well as those in Europe, and I value the healthy competition that pushes us all to excel in our craft.
Unfortunately, there is also a great deal of misinformation surrounding tattooing, and some individuals portray a misleading or inauthentic version of the art form. I firmly believe that true artists who genuinely respect and preserve the craft will leave a lasting legacy, while those who exploit it without passion or dedication will ultimately fade away.
I consider myself fortunate to have clients who trust me and grant me creative freedom in my work. Looking ahead, one of my aspirations is to complete a full body suit on a client with either no tattoos or minimal existing work.
To the readers of Things & Ink, thank you for taking the time to read this article. I would like to offer a piece of advice to aspiring tattoo artists: Love tattooing wholeheartedly, as it will always give back to you — both the good and the bad. Work hard, as there are no shortcuts in this industry. If you lack genuine passion, then tattooing may not be the right path, as the world does not need more tattoo artists — it needs dedicated and skilled ones.
Francesco’s books are currently closed, reopening at the end of March for appointments between May and July 2026. Message him via DM on Instagram. He’s currently working on several projects that are still under wraps. His first book, Bruh Book, is out now. Make sure to follow Francesco Ferrara (@francesco__ferrara _) for more incredibly bold tattoos.
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