Brazilian-born Tony Vilella has spent nearly twenty years honing the art of tattooing, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated artists in his field. He is renowned for his hyper-realistic style in both vivid color and refined black & grey, a style he enriches with influences from classical fine art. Now based in New York City, Tony serves a discerning clientele seeking high-quality, one-of-a-kind tattoos that are designed to stand the test of time.

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Every tattoo Tony creates is a bespoke work of art. With a background in classical painting – he even moved across Brazil to train under a renowned fine art master – he approaches tattooing with the eye of a painter and the precision of a surgeon. He carefully plans each design around the client’s anatomy and skin tone, ensuring the artwork flows naturally on the body and remains vibrant over time. Tony draws inspiration from great painters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh, which shows in his masterful use of light, shadow, and color. Known for impeccable detail, he applies ink with such depth and contrast that each tattoo appears multi-dimensional – almost as if it is coming to life on the skin.​​​​​

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Tony’s dedication to excellence has earned him more than 100 awards at tattoo conventions around the world. Among these honors, he won the prestigious “Best of Show” at the Empire State Tattoo Expo in New York – one of the most important tattoo accolades in the world. He is the only Brazilian artist to have received this title, a milestone that solidified his international reputation as one of the leading names in the craft. Industry media have taken notice: Inked Magazine profiled Tony as “one of the most celebrated artists in his craft,” and he has been highlighted as one of New York’s most impressive tattoo artists for his ability to turn skin into a canvas of masterpieces. Respected by his peers, Tony has also served as a judge at major tattoo competitions – including Latin America’s biggest tattoo expo and the Villain Arts festival circuit – helping to recognize and reward the best emerging talent.​​​​

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As an innovator in his field, Tony continually gives back to the art that shaped him. He collaborated with Raw Pigments to create a signature “Portrait Essentials” ink set tailored for color realism artists, and he founded GOAT Tattoo Products – a premium stencil brand – to improve the tools available to fellow professionals. He also travels to lead advanced workshops and seminars, mentoring tattoo artists from around the world. Through these efforts, Tony shares the techniques, discipline, and creativity that have made his own work so distinctive, inspiring others to push their creative boundaries.

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Despite all the accolades, Tony’s philosophy is that every tattoo is deeply personal. He believes in truly listening to each client’s story and vision, then designing a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects their individuality. In his private, by-appointment studio, clients enjoy a comfortable, focused atmosphere where artistry and safety are paramount. Tony uses top-grade materials and follows rigorous hygiene standards in every session, ensuring results that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting and safe. He limits the number of projects he takes on so he can devote his full attention to each piece from start to finish. This empathy, care, and commitment to excellence define Tony’s approach, making every client feel valued and every tattoo a true collaboration.

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If you are considering a tattoo by Tony Vilella, you are not just booking an appointment – you are beginning a creative journey with an internationally acclaimed artist. From the first sketch to the final session, Tony will work with you to craft a piece you will cherish for a lifetime.