With a canvas of skin and an arsenal of ink, Neil Chetcuti has spent over half a decade perfecting the art of the indelible. This self-taught artist is a maestro of the tattoo world, offering hyper-realistic black and gray tattoos that are nothing short of works of art. 

Formerly a passionate footballer, Neil's transition to the world of tattooing was a twist of fate. A knee injury sidelined his football career and thrust him toward his childhood passion, art. "Growing up, I sketched something every day, taking inspiration from my family's artistic lineage," Neil recounts. "Post my injury, I had more time to focus on my art. The outpour of positive feedback on my online portfolio stirred me toward tattooing." 

It wasn't long before Neil immersed himself in the tattoo industry, inspired by TV shows like Miami Ink, and the masterful work of acclaimed tattoo artist, Denis Sivak. His artistic journey flourished, and his first professional foray into the tattoo world began in 2017. 

Neil’s creative forte lies in realism, his stunning work often boasting intricate skull designs. However, he never shies away from exploring new realms. "I appreciate clients who are open to new ideas and give me the freedom to create unique, one-of-a-kind projects," he says. 

In 2019, Neil introduced a transformative element to his work. He began blending calligraphy and graffiti elements with his realistic references, adding a unique dynamism to his portfolio. "One of my creations was a forearm tattoo of a woman portrait with tattooed graffiti. I derived some inspiration from a well-known artist but added my own take. This has now become a signature style," Neil shares. "It adds balance and enhances the flow of my work." 

His dedication to the art is unquestionable. Countless hours in the studio, late nights, and relentless focus on his craft have paved the way for his distinct style. Even during his leisure time, Neil can often be found brainstorming designs or working on “wanna-do’s”. "This profession is not “work” to me," he confides. "It's my passion, and I am obsessed with constantly pushing boundaries to create unique pieces." 

This dedication has not gone unnoticed. From winning second place in an outside convention to guest spotting in renowned studios across Europe, Neil's talent is gaining recognition. "The appreciation from other talented artists in the industry drives me to continually improve with each new project," he adds. 

Despite his success, Neil's humility shines through. He regards his experiences, such as participating in the Milano tattoo convention, as opportunities to learn and grow. While he has created many tattoos for his client, Neil got his first tattoo in 2014 — a statue of the archangel St. Michael on his arm — that still holds a special place in his heart. 

Besides creating unique pieces of art as a tattoo artist, Neil also loves to travel and stay physically active. “I've had the privilege of traveling to some amazing places for my work as a tattoo artist.” When not working, Neil can be spotted walking his dog or sweating it out in the gym. 

With his sights set on New York, Neil aims to establish a loyal clientele and a state-of-the-art studio. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the dedication, adaptability, and the power of art — a story inked not just on the canvas of skin, but in the annals of the tattoo industry.