Brazilian artist Duda Lozano is a bona fide trendsetter in the tattoo industry with his incredibly realistic pop culture-inspired patch-style tattoos.

Inspired by comics, minimalism, and an in-depth knowledge of the way light and shadow play over skin, there’s no doubt that Duda has refined this unique style of tattoo.

We spoke to Duda about the first time he held a tattoo machine, his favourite tattoo of the last year, and which products are an essential part of his workstation!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always liked art itself; crafts, paintings, drawings, and anime, it’s always caught my attention. So I wanted to work in this area of creation.

How did your tattoo career begin?

My first entry into the world of tattooing was in 1993, when a friend gave me a tattoo machine - but at that time I did not imagine myself being a tattoo artist. I continued working with airbrushing, which was what I did at the time, and in the year 2000 I decided to buy some professional tattoo equipment and pursue this profession.

How did you come up with the patch tattoo style?

In the middle of 2010, I decided to look for my own style, where what I wanted was for people to look at one of my tattoos and know who had done it. It took 9 years of studies, and in 2019 I had the idea of making an embroidered Garfield character – from then on, I just didn't stop.

How do you think you’ve perfected the style over the last few years?

Using the appropriate materials, and with each tattoo done, I’ve realised ways in which I could improve my work, such as pigmentation, textures, and characteristics.

What other styles do you enjoy working into your designs?

Colourful realism, minimalism, and comics.

How often do you collaborate with other artists?

Often - I really enjoy doing these collabs!

Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with but haven’t had the chance?

The tattoo artists Mambo, Sandry Riffard, Mr Sticker (Luke Cormier), Kozo, Dave Paulo, among others, because there are so many!

Do you prefer working from pop culture references or drawing your own designs?

I prefer to work with pop culture but mixing a little with my vision, because it ends up bringing many memories to my clients from the 80s, 90s, and so on!

When did you open Patch Factory Tattoo, and who works there with you?

I opened Patch Factory Tattoo in October 2022. My daughter and wife work in the administration and marketing side, and we have two fixed tattoo artists, as well as working with a lot of guests.

Is there a theme you’d love to tattoo but haven’t yet?

It’s not a theme, but what I haven't done yet, and would really like to do, would be a complete body part tattoo, mixing various techniques.

What’s the weirdest tattoo you’ve been asked to do?

I don't think I've ever been asked anything strange (that I can remember!)

What’s your favourite tattoo done in the last year?

One I did in London, of Marie the kitten from Disney’s Aristocats.

What style of tattoos do you get on yourself?

Comics.

What are your hobbies outside of tattooing?

I enjoy painting canvases, sculpting statues, and practicing airbrushing.

Which tattoo artists working today are really pushing the industry forward?

There are many tattoo artists who take their art seriously, and that is what drives the tattoo industry.

Could you please talk us through your workstation?

I use products from my sponsors - my machines are from FK Irons, my inks are from Radiant, the aftercare I use is from Balm Tattoo, the cartridges are from KWADRON, and I buy my supplies from Killer Ink.

Which tattoo conventions will you be visiting next?

In September I will go to the Tattoo Convention Berlin, then in October I will go to Barcelona Tattoo Expo and International Tattoo Expo Roma. In 2024 I will be going to Milan Tattoo Convention and Gods of Ink in Frankfurt.

What does the future hold for Duda Lozano?

Trying to be more creative every day!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our chat with Duda Lozano – make sure to follow his work on Instagram and Facebook, or find him at Patch Factory Tattoo in Barcelona!