MEET Ariana

Ariana is a surrealism tattoo artist at IGLÀ Tattoo Studio in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. Her designs play with ideas that may look strange at first, then reveal something deeper when you spend time with them.

Born in Venezuela and trained in graphic design, Ariana is drawn to art that feels unexpected. Her work is influenced by René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Frida Kahlo, but the starting point is always the client’s own story.

Artist story

Art was the first thing I knew I was good at. I started drawing when I was six, but for years, I thought soccer would become my life. I trained seriously, played for my university, and dreamed about going professional. Then my plans changed. Again. I had moved from Venezuela to Florida at 16, so starting over wasn’t exactly new to me. During the pandemic, when everything felt paused, my mom suggested tattooing. Neither of us had tattoos. We had never even talked about them. Somehow, she saw the connection before I did. I began an apprenticeship in Florida in 2021. Two years later, my ambition, which is sometimes bigger than me, brought me to New Jersey on my own. Working in New York still feels strange in the best and worst ways. Some days, I feel impossibly small here. On others, I feel like I can take on the whole city. Tattooing gives all those different parts of me somewhere to go: the athlete, the immigrant, the designer, and the girl who never stopped drawing.

Specialization

Ariana specializes in surrealism, creating images that look believable even when they could never exist in real life. Her work is for clients who want something less literal: a design that catches the eye first and reveals its meaning slowly.

Her background in graphic design strengthened her drawing skills, while artists such as René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and Frida Kahlo shaped her interest in unexpected visual ideas. She uses those influences to create custom surrealist tattoos built around the client’s story rather than a familiar or ready-made image.

Latest work

How We Start

Ariana begins with the client’s story. It does not need to arrive as a finished tattoo idea. A memory, an emotion, or even an image that is difficult to explain can give her something to work with.

During the consultation, she explores what the client wants the piece to say, then develops that thought into a custom design that feels unusual without losing its personal meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book a tattoo with Ariana?

Clients can request Ariana through the IGLÀ Tattoo website, by phone, email, WhatsApp, or Instagram, or by visiting the studio in person. Her name should be included in the inquiry so the booking request reaches the right artist.

How much does a tattoo with Ariana cost?

IGLÀ Tattoo has a minimum price of $150. The final cost of a tattoo with Ariana depends on the design and its details, so each piece is priced individually. The studio accepts payment by cash or card.

Do I need a deposit, and can I reschedule?

Deposits start at $100 for small and medium tattoos. A $200 deposit applies to pieces quoted above $1,000, while group bookings require 200–300. One reschedule is allowed when the studio receives at least 72 hours’ notice.

What style of tattoo does Ariana create?

Ariana specializes in surrealism. She creates designs that combine realistic-looking elements in unexpected ways, often giving the image a meaning that becomes clearer on closer inspection. Each concept is developed around the individual client rather than copied from an existing design.