Hi! I’m Rita (she/they), a Portuguese queer artist born in an old fishing town by the sea in 1988.

Art has always been the backbone of my life—drawing has brought me joy and companionship ever since I was able to hold a crayon in my chubby fist.

I began tattooing in 2013, during a difficult chapter in my life. At the time, tattooing felt like a lifeline, pulling me out of the depths when I needed it most. The challenge of learning such a demanding craft gave me purpose and a way to reconnect with myself.

Interestingly, I hadn’t explored this style of drawing before. It evolved naturally as I practiced lines during my early days as a tattoo artist. That necessity for precision birthed what became my minimalistic, detail-rich style—a style I’ve since refined and embraced.

My approach focuses on creating a bold, easily recognizable centerpiece that reveals intricate details upon closer inspection. I primarily work with linework, using variations in thickness, sparseness, and direction to convey volume, texture and light. While I mostly use black ink, I occasionally incorporate pops of color like red or blue, which can bring a new layer of meaning to the piece or help distinguish overlapping elements.

Organic forms, especially animals and people, are my favorite subjects. They hold a natural energy that I love translating into my work.

Tattooing has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. It has taken me around the world, connecting me with incredible people and places. I’m forever grateful that tattooing found its way into my life—and that others resonate with my work.

The ability to do what I love for a living, while bringing happiness to others, is a privilege I don’t take for granted. It’s rare, it’s special, and I’m endlessly inspired by it.