Mateus de Assis: Master of Fineline Floral Tattoos

Today we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mateus de Assis, a remarkable tattoo artist based in Porto, Portugal, whose work has captured the hearts of tattoo enthusiasts worldwide.

With a flourishing Instagram community of over 30,000 followers, Mateus has garnered international acclaim for his exquisite fineline tattoos that intricately depict the beauty of nature.

Specializing in floral and natural elements, Mateus’s work showcases remarkable precision and attention to detail. His tattoos mostly feature delicate representations of flowers and plants, sometimes including animals and other organic elements,, capturing the essence of the natural world with elegance and subtlety.

Mateus’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his studio in Porto. This year, he has embarked on tours across various European cities, sharing his art with a broader audience. He is also scheduled to visit São Paulo, Brazil, further expanding his international presence.

In addition to his tattooing practice, Mateus is committed to education within the tattoo community. He offers both in-person (and will soon offer online workshops!) focused on floral and fineline tattoo techniques. These workshops are an exciting project expected to help nurture the next generation of artists and foster a deeper appreciation for floral tattoo work.

Join us as we delve into Mateus de Assis’s creative journey, exploring the inspirations behind his stunning designs, his experiences touring internationally, and his vision for the future of fineline tattoo artistry. Discover what makes Mateus a standout figure in the global tattoo scene!

So Mateus, can you tell us about your journey into tattooing and becoming specialized in fineline tattoos?

I started tattooing five years ago, and my very first tattoo was actually a fineline. I remember it like it was yesterday, it was a small lettering piece. From the very beginning, I’ve always had more aptitude and ease working with finer needles rather than thicker ones. I always say that fineline chose me, not the other way around…

What is it about nature—flowers, animals, and plants—that captivates you as an artist?

I love how these elements flow with the client’s body. Especially now that I can create around 80% of my projects in freehand, I believe the way they fit the client’s anatomy is simply unique. On top of that, it’s a timeless theme for those who appreciate and love these motives.

Fineline tattoos require incredible precision. How do you ensure your designs remain flawless under such high detail?

Scale is important. I believe the type of work I do, with so much texture and detail, doesn’t work well in smaller dimensions. When a client gives me larger areas to tattoo, I can ensure the clarity and sharpness of the details.

What’s the most challenging design you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome those challenges?

I think it was the sleeve I did on my fiancée that stands out the most. It’s a mix of florals with a large octopus, where the tentacles intertwine around the entire arm. I had to do countless preliminary studies on paper, focusing on the octopus’s anatomy and the best way to compose it with the flowers. The result became one of my favorite projects to this day.

Many people love fineline tattoo but are worried about their longevity. What do you tell your clients regarding that aspect? 

As I mentioned before, I believe scale and contrast are essential for fineline tattoos. I use the fineline technique by working with the thinnest needles possible, but I always incorporate contrast. In my opinion, tattoos need this factor to withstand the test of time. I enjoy working with very dark leaves, balancing them with the flower’s center, creating a kind of black/white/black effect. I love seeing how this heals and maintains as much contrast as, for example, a realism piece—but done entirely with a 3RL needle.

You’ve toured across multiple cities in Europe this year. How does traveling influence your creative process?

Absolutely! I’d say there’s a “before” and “after” version of Mateus when it comes to starting guest spot travels. It’s incredibly enriching to connect with so many artists of such a high caliber and exchange knowledge—not just about technique, but also about ways to live life, manage the business, and grow in this field in a healthy and sustainable way.

Tell us about your workshops. What inspired you to start teaching, and what do you enjoy most about guiding other artists?

To be honest, I’ve always loved teaching, but I never thought I had anything to teach. When I attended my first convention, I was genuinely surprised by the number of people who came to see me, ask questions, and seek advice. That’s when I had the insight to start offering workshops. What keeps me motivated to continue is seeing people’s gratitude for the knowledge I’ve shared and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative flow before starting a new design?

I wouldn’t call it a ritual, but I do need the basics: music and a clean, organized environment. Once that’s in place, everything else flows naturally.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

For sure, it was a few weeks ago when I asked Nicoly (my fiancée and shop manager) about how our schedule went last month, and she told me that 80% of the clients we served had traveled from other countries specifically to get tattooed by me. That was one of the wildest feelings I’ve had. It’s something I never thought possible just a year ago, and now, here we are.

Do you have any dream collaborations, whether with another tattoo artist or an artist from a different discipline?

Yes, I’d love to take my designs into other areas. It’s actually a plan I still have, but it’s still in its early stages. I’d love to collaborate with furniture makers and design a home furniture collection—things like chairs, coffee tables, TV stands, and stuff like that. I absolutely love drawing furniture! Haha.

Where do you see yourself and your art in 10 years? Do you have any long-term goals or ambitions that you’re excited about?

I’d love to have a studio where I can welcome my clients in a different way—a place with lots of natural light, preferably surrounded by a view full of nature. I also want to have traveled and tattooed on all continents, collaborating with artists from each of those places. Thinking about these things really makes me excited for the future, but in a positive way!

Mateus de Assis’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and precision. From his beginnings in fineline tattoos to his global tours and inspiring workshops, Mateus has not only mastered his craft but also shared it generously with the tattooing community.

His work, rooted in nature’s elegance, continues to push creative boundaries and touch the lives of clients worldwide. To continue up to date with Mateus’s incredible artistry and exciting journey, be sure to follow him on Instagram @mateus.ink.