Meet Leonardo Avelar de Aguiar: From Cartoons to Mandalas
Tattoogenda sat down with Brazilian tattoo artist Leonardo Avelar de Aguiar to talk about his journey from childhood doodles to becoming a renowned ornamental and geometric tattoo artist. Here’s what he had to share.
Let’s start at the beginning—who is Leonardo Avelar?
Leonardo: I’m 34 years old and originally from Belo Horizonte, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. My love for art started when I was very young. I grew up with a single mother, and while she worked, I spent most of my time watching cartoons. Those characters became my world. I would draw them, create little hideouts for them, and invent stories—it was how I made sense of the world.
Were there people around you who supported your creativity?
Leonardo: Definitely. I had an uncle who ran a print shop. He loved to chat with me about the cartoons I watched, and he introduced me to the idea that you could actually make a living as an artist. He’d tell me about famous Brazilian cartoonists, like Maurício de Sousa, the creator of Turma da Mônica. That really sparked something in me.
How did you first get involved with tattooing?
Leonardo: It started in 2009 when I got my first tattoo. I had already been involved in skateboarding and graffiti as a teenager, and I decided to draw my first tattoo design myself. I brought it to a studio my friend had recommended. The moment I walked in, I felt an energy that was hard to explain—almost like a calling. The tattoo artist liked my design and actually offered me an apprenticeship on the spot. I didn’t hesitate. Not long after, I went back and started learning.
You’ve experimented with many styles. What defines your work today?
Leonardo: These days, I specialize in ornamental and geometric tattoos, with a strong focus on mandalas. I love how these designs interact with the body. My process always starts with artistic research—flipping through books on geometric art and studying the placement on the body to make sure everything flows perfectly.
What’s the most rewarding part of your process?
Leonardo: For me, the creative process is everything. That first moment when I’m brainstorming an idea is magical. And then seeing it all come together on someone’s skin—that transformation is incredible. I truly believe that art is always evolving, and that mindset keeps me inspired to grow technically and artistically.
Do you collaborate with other artists or travel often?
Leonardo: Absolutely. I believe strongly in guest spots and sharing experiences with other artists. I travel for both national and international conventions. I think it’s important to stay connected to what’s happening in the tattoo world and keep learning from others.
Final thoughts?
Leonardo: Tattooing is more than just a job—it’s a lifelong journey of growth, creativity, and connection. I still feel the same fascination today as I did when I walked into that first studio.
