A journey of passion, perseverance, and sustainability in tattoo artistry

In the heart of Brighton, where the sea breeze intertwines with creative energy, Alessia Lo Piccolo, an Italian-born tattoo artist, has carved out a unique niche.

Her journey from a curious teenager to a celebrated artist and studio owner is a testament to passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Alessia’s fascination with tattoos began at a young age.

“Since I was around 15 or 17, I’ve been totally fascinated by tattooing,” she recalls.

A chance online encounter with a mesmerising tattoo sparked a passion that would define her career.

“The intricate details, the perfection in each line—it captivated me. I knew it straight away; that’s all I wanted to do.”

Despite the allure of tattoo artistry, Alessia faced considerable challenges.

Without the support of her parents, particularly her mother who feared the instability of a tattoo career, Alessia had to rely on her determination and the encouragement of her brother.

“It has been hard to start. My mother was very worried, thinking that it wasn’t a real job. I can only imagine as a parent it is hard to be supportive and at the same time protective,” she explains.

“But my brother has always been one of my biggest fans, pushing me never to give up.”

Alessia Lo Piccolo’s fish tattoo appears to be gracefully swimming on the arm.

Her journey was not straightforward. Struggling to find an apprenticeship in her hometown of Palermo, Alessia was told her delicate and intricate pencil-drawn designs could never work as tattoos as they may not heal well.

“At the time (2013), fine line tattoos were still not that popular, especially in Sicily. The studios present in town were very old school, and I only received ‘no’ when asking for support. I decided then to move out of my hometown,” she admits.

Alessia was determined to prove them wrong.

This decision led her to the Bahamas, then Spain, where she worked in hospitality to save money, before moving to Rome to take a tattooing course and get licensed to work in Italy.

“During this time, I learned a lot about the skin and hygiene. It was truly fascinating and very useful, though there was no practice, just more theory,” she says.

After completing the course, Alessia returned to Spain, where she balanced hospitality work with tattoo practice, steadily improving her skills.

Eventually, her wanderlust and ambition brought her to London.

“Spain was a wonderful experience, but it wasn’t the right place for my dream as a tattoo artist,” Alessia recounts.

“I knew I needed to change and go somewhere else. So, I decided on London, where many tattoo artists and studios I admire are based”

London’s vibrant tattoo scene offered numerous opportunities, and it was here that Alessia’s talent began to flourish.

In 2022, Alessia realised a long-held dream by opening her own studio, Alma Studio, in central Brighton. Overlooking the serene sea, the studio is a haven of natural light and tranquillity.

“The space exudes a sense of calm and peace, creating the perfect environment for clients to relax and enjoy the tattooing experience,” she says.

Alma Studio is not just a place for art but a testament to Alessia’s commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability, reflecting her values in every aspect.

Guest artist Ellie Cryer captures her finished design at Alma Studio.

Her tattoo style, characterised by fine lines and intricate details, often includes botanical, fauna, celestial, and ornamental designs.

It is the perfect tattoo style if you’re looking for delicate designs that look elegant on the body.

Each piece is unique, crafted with meticulous care and involving the client throughout the process.

The tattoos are mindfully placed so the designs work with the movement of the skin.

“I also do some tiny small pieces that are repeatable designs, but I find more joy in creating unique tattoos for each client,” she explains.

The fairy balances Alessia Lo Piccolo’s quintessential fine lines and bold accents within a delicate design.

For those pursuing their dreams, Alessia’s advice is simple yet profound.

“Take your time finding what you really like. Think about something you would do even for free, and just stick with it.

“Each day, do a little bit, and you will see the results. Just don’t change your mind; listen to yourself only,” she advises.

For aspiring tattoo artists, she emphasises the importance of mastering not just tattooing but also brand-building and social media marketing skills.

Alessia’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a celebration of individuality, and a call to follow one’s passion with unwavering dedication.

Her journey from a determined teenager in Palermo to a renowned tattoo artist in Brighton is a source of inspiration, reminding us that with passion and perseverance, we can turn our dreams into reality.