MEET Alex
Alex is a tattoo artist at IGLÀ Tattoo Studio in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. His route into tattooing included the Academy of Fine Arts, around 15 years of professional sculpture work, a job at a zoo, and a master’s degree in urban design.
It may sound like several unrelated careers, but they come together in his tattoos. Alex studies anatomy, scale, negative space, and placement, creating work that feels connected to the body rather than simply added to it.
Artist story
My route into tattooing was not direct. It included art school, the Academy of Fine Arts, around 15 years of working with clay and sculpture, a job at a zoo, and a master’s degree in urban design. Strangely, it all makes more sense in reverse.
I had wanted to tattoo since my school years, but I grew up in a conservative environment where it was not considered a serious career. I chose other creative paths instead. While finishing my master’s in the UK, I finally admitted that I was building a life I didn’t actually want.
After graduating with honors, I stayed in London and began working as a tattoo artist. Later, I moved to New York specifically to continue growing in the industry.
My interests outside tattooing are fairly specific. I build bioactive terrariums and spend a lot of time observing reptiles, amphibians, and plants. I also collect unusual musical instruments, most of which I can play.
Tattooing is where all these interests finally meet. Sculpture taught me volume. Urban design taught me space. Nature gave me my favorite subjects. Now I can bring all of them into one composition.
Specialization
Alex is especially drawn to animals, botanical forms, ornamental elements, and symbolism. His years around animals strengthened his understanding of anatomy and movement, while his experience with clay taught him to think in volume rather than flat outlines.
He treats a tattoo as a complete composition. Scale, line weight, negative space, and placement are considered together so the design feels connected to the body. His work often takes inspiration from reptiles, amphibians, plants, and other organic forms with a strong visual character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a tattoo with Alex?
Clients can request Alex through the IGLÀ Tattoo website, by phone, email, WhatsApp, or Instagram, or by visiting the studio. They should include his name in the inquiry so the booking request reaches the correct artist.
How much does a tattoo with Alex cost?
The minimum tattoo price at IGLÀ Tattoo is $150. The final price of a piece with Alex depends on the design and its details, so each tattoo is quoted individually. The studio accepts cash and card payments.
Do I need a deposit, and can I reschedule?
Deposits start at $100 for small and medium pieces. Tattoos quoted above $1,000 require a $200 deposit, while group appointments require 200–300. Clients may reschedule once with at least 72 hours’ notice.
What subjects does Alex enjoy tattooing?
Alex is especially interested in animals, reptiles, amphibians, botanical forms, ornament, and symbolism. His knowledge of anatomy and three-dimensional form influences how he draws these subjects and adapts them to the body.
How We Start
Alex begins by looking beyond the reference image. He considers the subject’s structure, the scale of the piece, and the area of the body where it will be placed.
During the consultation, he works through how the design should move and how much negative space it needs. The goal is a composition that feels intentional in its specific placement.
