Reviving the Soul of Tattooing in the Heart of Barcelona

Tucked into the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Bhorn Tattoo & Design is more than just a tattoo studio. It is a global meeting ground for artists, ideas, and old-school respect. Since opening in 2015 with just four artists, Bhorn Tattoo has grown into a collective of nearly 20 resident tattooers, plus a rotating lineup of international guest artists every week. But for this studio, growth was never just about numbers. The focus has always been staying true to the roots of tattooing while welcoming what is next.

The studio was founded on a vision to create a space where artists from different cultural backgrounds and stylistic traditions could come together, collaborate, and learn from one another. This approach has helped Bhorn Tattoo become one of the most respected studios in Spain and one of the best tattoo studios in Barcelona, attracting both first-time clients and seasoned collectors from around the world.

Respecting the Craft and the Client

At Bhorn Tattoo, the experience matters just as much as the artwork. The team emphasizes education and honest conversation, especially with first-time clients who may be inspired by fleeting trends or unrealistic online references. They take time to explain why certain ideas might not age well and guide clients toward something that will last. Their artists avoid rushing into neck or face tattoos for someone without prior ink and approach even the smallest walk-in tattoos with care and intention.

The studio’s global roster includes artists from Spain, Italy, Brazil, Ukraine, Colombia, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Together, they offer a vibrant range of styles including blackwork, realism, neotraditional, fineline, traditional, lettering, geometric, ornamental, blackout and surrealism. This cultural mix creates an environment of daily learning and shared growth. Even seasoned tattooers are encouraged to remain curious and open to new ideas.

Reclaiming Tattoo Culture Through Connection

Frustrated by the commercial feel of many tattoo conventions, the studio created something different: The Island Tattoo Connection. Held in Bali and Sri Lanka, these gatherings are not about sponsors or social media clout. They are about honoring the origins of tattooing. Artists from around the world come together to share knowledge, traditions, and experiences, with proceeds supporting environmental initiatives such as plastic waste recycling. Bhorn Tattoo describes it not as a convention, but as a reconnection with the culture and with each other.

That spirit of collaboration is at the core of this studio’s daily work. Artists are encouraged to learn from one another, experiment across styles, and remember that tattooing is a craft. In a world where everything moves fast, Bhorn Tattoo believes in slowing down to reflect on the deeper meaning of the art form.

Rooted in Tradition, Evolving with Purpose

While this studio embraces the value of technology and social media, they are careful not to let trends dictate their work. As one team member explains, “A tattoo is permanent. It deserves more than just a moment of attention online.” They worry about how easily some artists skip foundational steps in their rush to go viral. Their advice to young artists is straightforward: study consistently, draw every day, and focus on mastering the fundamentals. Start with paper before moving to digital tools. Learn from classic styles like Japanese and traditional tattooing before exploring newer aesthetics. For them, mastery should always come before popularity.

Follow the artists:

@oscarmoon | @lerawolkovinska | @timbeijsens | @gabrilahaine | @paulasgarbi | @juanfortes