Meet Ade Itameda, a talented tattoo artist from Bali whose journey into tattooing began out of curiosity and quickly turned into a passionate career. Ade fell in love with the drawing style, equipment, rituals and the entire process of tattooing, along with the deep connections formed with clients.

Initially Ade envisioned unique tattoo designs that no one else could deliver perfectly, so he began creating his own designs - a practice he continues to this day. Tattooing has been a transformative force in his life helping him gain self-confidence and avoid trouble.

Ade's fascination with tattooing started early; he did his first tattoo at the age of 12 or 13 using equipment he secretly borrowed from a local fried banana vendor. Although there were no proper mentors or training facilities available to him at the time, his passion never waned.

In 2000 Ade got his first tattoo with a professional machine at his first visit to a tattoo shop. There he learned the basics from soldering needles to drawing simple objects like apples. His dedication to the craft grew more serious when he moved to Europe around 2009-2010.

Ade draws inspiration from various sources including temples, traditional activities, historical places and any environment where he feels relaxed and comfortable. This eclectic mix of influences informs his unique tattoo style.

Over the years Ade has tattooed numerous people, but one of his most memorable experiences was traveling across countries to tattoo former footballer Nigel de Jong, working in various settings from shops to mansions.

For the best tattoo results Ade emphasizes the importance of input and background stories from his clients. Face-to-face consultations are crucial as the body shape and muscle structure significantly influence his designs.

Discover the artistry and passion of Ade Itameda, a tattoo artist who brings Bali's rich cultural heritage and his personal journey to life through every piece he creates.