Lu Lanfredi Tattoo Fresta

Introducing Luciana, professionally known as “Lu”, born 30 years ago in the quaint town of Caçapava in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Originally aspiring to become a veterinarian in her childhood, her career trajectory took an unexpected turn when her passion for art led her to explore audiovisual production during her teenage years. However, it was during her studies in art that she encountered the possibility of becoming a tattoo artist. Despite interrupting her formal education, Luciana persisted in her passion for tattooing, seeking knowledge and inspiration, eventually finding herself in Portugal, where she revitalized her dream of becoming a tattoo artist. 

And when did you start in the arts and tattooing? 

It’s funny because when I was little I was 100% sure I wanted to be a Veterinarian. I was a very imaginative and creative child, always messing with art supplies and drawing. But it was not until my teenage years that I actually realized I wanted to follow the arts path. I ended up first studying Audiovisual Production – a more “rentable” area. I got lucky and got my first internship in a production company and kept working with a lot of important people in the field.

Tattooing appeared as a possibility in my life when I entered Arts School and got in contact with tattoo artists that were complementing their studies. I never finished this course, but I bought my first coil machine and learned everything I could about tattooing, absorbing all the knowledge from friends and by booking sessions with artists I admired. But, I had to stop for a while, though. Then, I got a really good position in one of the biggest production companies in Brazil and couldn’t do both – only to find myself getting back to the dream here in Portugal, three years after that. 

How do you define your style and technique? 

This is a hard one, because I don’t know how to frame with certainty the style of the tattoos I make. It’s not blackwork, but it’s also not fineline. I would say I developed a pointilism style of tattoing based on the stipple shading technique, creating a contrast with the boldness of the lines. The thing that I can define 100% is that my work is focused on the botanical theme. But of course, I end up doing other themes sometimes as well.

Can you tell us about your working process? 

Lu tattoo fresta

My working process is a whole journey, if I may say! It envolves lots of references, procrastination and trusting the process! Usually, I start with that: with analysing the client’s references (or references that I gathered to create something, if it is for a flash sheet, for instance) and the desired placement for the tattoo. Then, I start with a really bad sketching in order to define the shape and area of the drawing. After that I usually refine the sketch by layers – each one with a different color, so I can see the development of what I’m doing.

To finalize, I use black to make the linework and minor details, along with the shadowing. There are some artists that leave the shadows for the day of the session, but I like to visualize everything beforehand. It seems alright describing like this, but I usually take two to five hours in this process – if not longer – and it envolves lots of coffee breaks, me hating everything and sometimes erasing it all only to begin again and again and again – until I’m satisfied with what I’ll present. 

Usually, If I’m painting or creating just because, I enjoy more the process and I’m much more chill about it. But when it comes to creating for actual work, I try to give 100% of myself in order to make something I’m truly proud of.

Are you from Lisbon? Can you point out places you know and like in Lisbon (parks, neighborhoods, favorite cafés, restaurants)? 

I’m not originally from here, but I live in Lisbon for 5 years now – so I do have a few favorite spots! Alfama will always be the bestest neighborhood, with its colorful streets and hidden corners – I like to walk there with no maps – it always feels like walking there for the first time. 

Apart from that, I really appreciate going to Cais Gás, just to sit there and watch the sunset. It is my gem spot! 

Of all your creations, can you single out one work or project with which you most identify? 

Dita Cuja Lisboa tattoo

Recently I did a workshop on Botanical Observation Drawing and I’d like to single this project out. Working with tattoos is not just working with tattoos. You have to create content, speak to clients, have a certain mindset when drawing, doing administration work, worrying a lot about finance, etc. So to be able to focus on something else, and teach something not tattoo-related was just like taking a deep breath after holding it for so long.

I felt so happy to inspire the people that were there drawing for the first time. And I had this project inside of me for two years, and seeing it become real was a true satisfaction. So yeah, this is something that I decided to dedicate myself more from now on, and that I wanted to point out in here. 

Do you produce in an atelier, studio or at home? 

Usually, I’m either producing at Dita Cuja studio, that I own with another artist in Alcântara. Or at the comfort of my home with my cat, Duda, who is always by my side! 

Can you show us a “Fresta” (a piece from your studio)? 

Of course! This is my corner at the studio, and where I make the tattoos happen! It has all of my materials and tattoo bed, and I left this acryllic painting I did right next to it – not my best one, but a reminder that sometimes art is all about just enjoying the creation process and letting go of the control, you know? 

Lu Lanfredi Tattoo Fresta

What have you read, seen or heard (books, magazines, films, series, exhibitions and the latest releases by musicians, a new musical discovery or concerts? 

Oooohhhh! You have just unleashed the beast that I have inside of me!!!!!! 

Fresta Tattoo

I always say that the only piece of my previous life as a Production Assistant that’s left on me is my obsession with tv series and cinema. I used to binge watch all sorts of things because I needed to be updated with the Audiovisual world in order to work. To name only a few things that blew my mind lately, I’d say the tv series The Bear – which I’m obsessed with. And Severance – highly recommend this one! – and films – Ema, by Pablo Larraín, and Columbus, by Kogonada.

Book-wise, I highly recommend Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner, and Solito, by Javier Zamora. These were the last two I read. 

Music-wise I will say Rodrigo Alarcon. I went to his concert last week and the songs became (once again) my go-to playlist the past few days.

Where can I find your work and where can I book a tattoo?

Mainly on Instagram. I’m also sharing my thoughts on Threads, which has proven to be a nice space to share more about tattoos. Also other daily things. To book a tattoo you can send me a message through Instagram, an email to llnfr3d@gmail.com. Or fill out the form available in my Instagram bio.

Lu Lanfredi Tattoo Fresta

What tips would you give to those who want to start in the arts or tattooing?

Dita cuja in Lisbon  

Regarding starting in tattooing, I’d say three things that I find extremely important. Develop your drawing skills the most you can. This is how you’ll understand and develop your style. It will be much easier for you to learn techniques when working on skin. Focus on learning all about biossecurity measurements in order to avoid cross contamination and put you and your clients at risk. And Finally, book tattoos with artists you admire. Take your time to observe them, ask them questions and absorb whatever info they share with you. 

If you had to leave a message about yourself, life or art, what would it be? (tips, open message about your production, invitation to projects, messages in general)?

The tattoo world gave me so much here in Lisbon. And I’m deeply grateful for this, for having amazing clients that trust me with their skins and stories. Working with tattooing, for a long period, was a dormant dream inside of me. I’d like to say this: do not give up. Open yourself to opportunities. Trust your gut and even more yourself. 

THE FLASHES PRESENTED HERE CAN BE TATTOOED WITH LU LANFREDI ( PLEASE DO NOT COPY )

IMAGES : Lu Lanfredi Interview : Vital Lordelo a.k.a Paper Boy

Although. In conclusion. First. Furthermore. Firstly.

Lu Lanfredi Tattoo Fresta