Color Theory

You’ll find Carolina Caos Avalle right at the intersection of pop-art collage and skin. Avalle crafts stunning designs combining elements of realism, abstract textures and allusions to children’s cartoons, giving each client a truly unique work of art. We caught up with Avalle to learn about her approach to design, how she incorporates texture into a tattoo and what advice she’d give to her younger self.

When did you fall in love with art? 

I’ve loved drawing and painting since I was a child. It became a physical need for me, like sleeping or eating. During school, I would sometimes lock myself in my room for days and all I did was draw. In drawing and painting, I convey my often tormented state of mind, because I’m never satisfied with what I’m doing.

What were the first years of your tattooing career like? 

Eight years ago, I met my work and life partner Stefano Galati. For the first few years I tried to learn more, try different styles, draw and study various tattoo artists. From Japanese to cartoon, realistic to old school, color to black-and-grey, I tried to learn as much as possible from different tattooers.

How would you describe your current style and how has it evolved over time? 

Today I call my style Realism Avant-Garde and it’s the result of my studies plus my approach to different techniques. I combine illustration, realism, graphics and painting harmoniously. I developed this style over the years, but I’m constantly changing. I live in a state of perennial anxiety where I’m never fully satisfied and am constantly looking to improve my technique and style. I have a lot to learn and there’s always something to improve. Being very self-critical, I always hope to do better in the next tattoo.

How do you decide which elements to combine into one tattoo?

In my projects, I build the parts of realism, painting, abstract and graphics so that the colors are in contrast with each other and make the main subject stand out. I love to approach the complexity of realism with the simplicity and sweetness of illustration. The main subjects on which I build the whole composition are almost always feminine. The woman is a predilection that I’ve always had, even before I started to tattoo. Behind a female face, there’s a different beauty and delicacy that I would dare to say is profound.

What role does texture play in your work?

Texture is fundamental in my work. The graphic, abstract and design elements are what give life to the composition, which unite the tattoo by making the realism stand out even more.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Everything can always change, for the better or for the worse. Usually in life things don’t happen by chance, but with commitment and perseverance I think many results can be achieved. Above all, you must feel satisfied knowing that you have done your best to achieve your goals.