Tina Bafaro has been tattooing since 1993. She specializes in large custom pieces that are very individual for each of her clients. The personal nature of tattooing is one of her favorite things about the art. Tattoos become a physical and mental part of the client's identity. Her pieces are varied in subject matter but her singular style shines through on each piece and she has become a widely known name in the industry as well as in the public eye. People get tattoos for many reasons, as an expression of self, a mark in time, charm or purely for the artistic aspect. Whatever the intention for the original design, her pieces flow with the body and compliment it's overall beauty.
When she designs a tattoo it is a process of consultation. A project is approached in much the same way as she would approach a painting or illustration also taking into account how a design will fit on the body and be executed to withstand the test of time. The client's concept about the tattoo is integrated with her own to bring about the final piece. One of a kind well thought out pieces are her goal.
Being from an artistic background with a mother who was a painter all through her childhood years she has always been interested in and encouraged to create art of all types including music and dance. She moved on to graphic design in her twenties adding to her knowledge in composition and design. Exploring different mediums for creativity and just viewing the world around all of which influence each other is a diversion that has always been in her life. Evolving and learning more fuels her belief that art is life.
Tina has been featured in Tattoo Magazine's special edition "tattooing by women", Skin Art, Skin and Ink, the book "Electric tattooing by women" and the MSNBC special 'Women in Tattoo".