Tiago Carrero — Portrait & Realism Tattoo Artist in Tampa
Tiago Carrero is a Colombian tattoo artist with more than twelve years of experience in portrait and realism work. He prefers black and grey, and his core subjects are portraits, memorial portraits, pet portraits and photo-realism.
You'll confirm your preferred artist inside the request form.
Selected work by Tiago
Portrait work built on likeness
He also tattoos color realism and works across animals and wildlife, statues, religious imagery, Greek and Roman subjects and cinematic scenes. Sleeves, back pieces and multi-session projects are a regular part of his work.
Portraits
Human portraits made from your reference photos, with attention to likeness, skin texture and lighting.
Memorial portraits
Portraits made in remembrance of someone. Clear, well-lit reference photos make the biggest difference.
Pet portraits
Dogs, cats and other companions, with fur direction and expression handled carefully.
Photo-realism
Tattoos built to read like a photograph, with smooth gradients, controlled contrast and fine detail.
Black & grey realism
His preferred palette. Depth comes from tone rather than outline.
Color realism
Available when the subject calls for it, including animals, wildlife and cinematic scenes.
What Tiago tattoos
Sleeves, back pieces and multi-session work
Sleeves, back pieces and other multi-session projects are a regular part of Tiago's work. Large realism is planned around the whole body area so the composition reads as one piece.
Tiago also reviews cover-ups when the existing tattoo and the new design allow it. They are not his main focus.
Tiago Carrero at Tuff Tattoos
- Role
- Tattoo artist, Tuff Tattoos
- Experience
- 12+ years
- From
- Colombia
- Specialties
- Portraits, memorial portraits, pet portraits, photo-realism, black and grey realism
- Also
- Color realism, animals and wildlife, statues, religious imagery, Greek and Roman subjects, cinematic scenes
- Palette
- Prefers black and grey; color realism available
- Scale
- Sleeves, back pieces and multi-session projects
- Cover-ups
- Taken on when appropriate
- Awards
- Multiple tattoo awards
- Languages
- Spanish (primary), some English
- Also credited as
- Santiago Carrero
Consultations in Spanish or English
Consultations are available in Spanish or English, and the studio can provide translation support when helpful so every detail of the request is understood. Bring your reference photos and the placement you have in mind.
Questions about working with Tiago
Can Tiago do a memorial portrait?
Yes. Memorial portraits are one of his core subjects. Bring the clearest, best-lit photos you have, and tell him what the portrait should capture so the likeness and mood are right.
Does Tiago tattoo in color?
Yes. He tattoos color realism, but black and grey is his preference and where much of his portfolio sits. If you want color, say so in your request.
Does Tiago do pet portraits?
Yes. Pet portraits are among his primary subjects, alongside human portraits. Send several clear photos that show the animal's face and expression.
Can Tiago do large pieces like sleeves and back pieces?
Yes. Large-scale realism, sleeves and back pieces are a regular part of his work, planned as one composition and completed over multiple sessions.
Is Tiago also credited as Santiago Carrero?
Yes. Some press and interviews credit him as Santiago Carrero or Santiago Carrero Camargo. Same artist, same studio.
How should I prepare reference photos for Tiago?
Send clear, well-lit photos at the highest resolution you have, showing the face or subject straight on. If you are combining images, or want a particular mood or expression, say so in your request.
How do I request an appointment with Tiago?
Use the request form, choose Tiago as your preferred artist, and include placement, size and references. The studio reviews every request and follows up with next steps.
Styles Tiago works in
Portraits
Human portraits built from your references, with true likeness.
Pet Portraits
Your pet's face and expression, rendered with care.
Realism
Photographic depth and detail.
Black & Grey
His preferred palette: smooth gradients and controlled contrast.
Color Tattoos
Color realism when the subject calls for it.
Large-Scale & Sleeves
Sleeves and back pieces planned as one composition.
Cover-Ups
Reviewed case by case when the design allows.
Custom Tattoos
Every piece designed from scratch for your body.
Ready to work with Tiago?
Request an appointment with Tiago. The studio reviews every request and follows up with next steps.