Steve Azzara (RIP) President/Editor in Chief/MFIC
Pamela Haven Co owner/President/Writer
Matt Sellers Writer/Creative director/Editor
Contributors
Cypress Bates Video Journalist/Writer Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez
Cover- @bodymodsbyshawnohare Photographer- @dougjulian
Special Thanks to...
Daniel Kearney, Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez, Mark Lawrence, Shawn Alexander, Tommy’s Supplies, New England Tattoo Expo, Sellers Ink Tattoo, Sean Hightower, Walt Anderson, Carnival of Ink, The Most famous studio, Urbans edge tattoo after care. New England tatoo expo, DR. Rebecca perry
Pro Team
Lydia Bruno, Pammy Sellers, Pepe Carire, And Jimmy Dalessio, Ninetoes, Nikko Gould, Josh Paul, Mike Geyer, Tyce Johnson, Zach webb, Omri Amar, jlynn attaway, Ryan stratton
Let’s start off with where are you from and what was it like growing up?
I grew up with a strong creative influence around me—my family had ties to the film industry, which exposed me to amazing artists and musicians like Tim Burton and Danny Elfman from a young age. Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Everything in my world revolved around creativity, whether it was drawing, painting, or other mediums. I got heavily into tattoos myself by the time I was 15, and I paid close attention to the artists working on me. It felt like I was studying the craft even then. Growing up, I pursued music (engineering and performing), custom automotive and faux painting, wood/metal work, and more—always chasing that artistic high.
At what age did you start getting into art?
I’ve been an artist my whole life. I was drawing from a very young age, and by my teenage years, I was deep into canvas work and other mediums. As an adult, I turned that into a career with custom automotive painting, bikes, helmets, and faux finishes. Art wasn’t a hobby—it was just who I was.
How long have you been tattooing for, and how has your journey been?
I started tattooing in March 2010 after my friend Jeff Cooper (at Liquid Tattoo in Yucca Valley) mentored and apprenticed me. I did my first tattoo just a couple weeks after deciding to try it, and it hooked me immediately. It’s been a relatively short time in the grand scheme, but the journey has been incredible—a meteoric rise in many ways. I went from doing all kinds of walk-ins (script, tribal, military stuff near bases) to focusing on what I love. I’ve built a career around hyperrealism/color portraits, worked with top brands, had clients fly in from all over the world (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.), and found stability as a family man. Tattooing feels like the perfect canvas—permanent, personal, and challenging. I still get that stage-like high from it, similar to music, but it’s more sustainable.
What was it like working with Eternal Ink on making your own signature ink set?
It’s been an absolute honor. Eternal has been my go-to since the beginning—I bought their inks first and stuck with them because of the quality, wide palette, and reliability for portraits and realism. Collaborating on the Flesh to Death signature set (12 vivid skin tones from light like Fair Maiden and Cream & Sugar to deep, saturated hues for bold portraits and dramatic realism) was a dream. It’s built specifically for the kind of work I do—smooth blends, rich saturation, and longevity. Being sponsored by them and having my own set feels like full-circle validation for the path I’ve taken.
Just like every industry things change, how does the tattoo industry look to you these days?
The industry has exploded in popularity, which is mostly positive. When I was getting tattooed in the ‘80s, people looked at you sideways—now it’s mainstream, and you see tattoos everywhere, even at Disneyland with the kids. It’s more acceptable, accessible, and diverse. On the flip side, with so many artists entering the field (thanks to social media), the bar for quality and respect for tradition is crucial. I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s brought, but I always emphasize apprenticing properly, patience, and respecting those who paved the way. For me, it’s still about the art first—creating pieces that heal beautifully and last.
You specialize in color portraits and realism. What got you into that specific style?
Realism has always been my natural approach to art—I paint and draw what I see, relying on reference and observation rather than pure memory. Seeing pioneers like Mike DeVries, Durb Morrison, Franco Vescovi, Mario Barth, Nikko Hurtado, Rick Trip, and Mike Demasi do that level of work on skin blew me away. It translated perfectly from my other artistic backgrounds (painting, photography, etc.). I love the challenge of value, color theory, and making portraits pop with depth and life—whether it’s film characters, faces, or surreal elements grounded in reality. The permanence makes it even more rewarding and requires extra care. It’s my favorite medium by far.
Do you have any big plans coming up?
I’m always grinding and evolving. Currently, I’m based in Las Vegas at Trip Ink Tattoo, pushing hyperrealism and taking on exciting custom work. One of the biggest things I’m working on right now is a television show with Rick Trip about tattooing and shop life in Vegas— super excited about where that’s headed. Long-term, I want to keep growing as an artist, potentially explore more in the industry (maybe teaching or other ventures), and still be tattooing strong into my later years. I stay motivated by the amazing talent out there and my clients. Big conventions, more signature projects, and just continuing to create meaningful pieces that clients love are always on the horizon.
Let’s start off with where are you from and what was it like growing up?
My name is Federica Losito, and I am an Italian tattoo artist from Bari.
I grew up in a beautiful seaside city, rich in culture and beauty, but with limited opportunities in the neighborhood where I was raised. I come from a working-class background, and the area where I grew up wasn’t always the safest place. As a child, I didn’t spend much time playing outside with other kids because my parents preferred to keep me at home.
Can you originally remember At what age you got into art?
Looking back, I realize that this shaped who I am today. Spending so much time alone gave me the opportunity to discover drawing. One day, simply out of curiosity, I picked up a pencil, and I immediately became fascinated by the process. I could spend hours completely absorbed in the smallest details of my drawings, without knowing that I was already building the foundation of my future career.
What was it like entering the Tattoo industry for the first time can you remember?
One of my favorite childhood memories is winning a drawing competition. The assignment was to illustrate our dream job. I drew a makeup studio, carefully rendering every eyeshadow palette and every tiny detail. It’s funny to think that I won that competition dreaming of becoming a makeup artist, when life was already leading me toward a completely different artistic path.
My father also had a profound influence on me. He shared a passion for drawing, and I believe that my love for art and craftsmanship comes, in many ways, from him.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has your journey been so far?
My journey as a tattoo artist began about fifteen years ago. Like drawing, it started almost by accident. But I’ve always been the kind of person who gives everything to what I believe in. What started as curiosity soon became a calling.
Over time, I realized that tattooing was much more than creating beautiful images. It became my way of helping people express their stories, their emotions, and important moments in their lives through permanent art.
The beginning wasn’t easy. I was very young, and my parents strongly disagreed with my decision. At that time, tattooing was still largely considered a male profession and was often associated with criminal culture. The idea of their daughter spending her days with strangers, needles, and blood was difficult for them to accept.
For the first time, I had to stand up for myself and trust my own vision.
That decision opened many doors. I started working in my first tattoo studio as both a shop manager and an artist. Those years were defined by long days, sleepless nights, and constant dedication. I would tattoo until late at night and be back at the studio early the next morning. Throughout the years, I collaborated with many studios, met inspiring people, experienced incredible moments, and faced difficult situations that helped me grow both professionally and personally.
For a long time, tattooing became such an important part of my identity that there was almost no separation between who I was as a person and “Federica the tattoo artist.”
Two and a half years ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life and moved to Milan. More than changing cities, I chose to leave behind old habits and challenge myself creatively. I felt that my work had become too comfortable, and I knew I needed to evolve.
My partner, Conio, who is also a tattoo artist and someone I deeply admire, played a fundamental role in that process. Together, we analyzed my artistic language and identified the techniques and visual elements that truly reflected my personality.
What style would you say you specialize in?
That journey led me to develop my current style: a fusion of illustrative and ornamental tattooing. I combine delicate lines and soft shading with bold outlines and solid black compositions, creating a balance between elegance and strength. Nature has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration, and it naturally became an essential part of my artistic identity.
Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year?
Today, my goal is to continue expanding my career internationally. I am currently working toward obtaining an O-1 visa, with the dream of bringing my work and artistic vision to the United States.
Throughout my career, I have won awards at tattoo conventions and achieved many professional milestones. However, when I think about success, I don’t think about trophies or recognition.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
My greatest achievement has been personal. It has been finding the strength to keep moving forward through uncertainty, believing in myself when the path wasn’t easy, and transforming a passion that began with a pencil in a small home in Bari into a career built on resilience, dedication, and purpose. Tattooing has given me much more than a profession—it has given me a way to connect with people and leave a meaningful mark on their lives.
The momentum behind the Divine Intervention Tattoo Convention continues to surge as the 3rd Annual event solidifies its place as one of the most prestigious tattoo conventions in the Midwest. Hosted inside the breathtaking historic Grand Hall of Union Station in Kansas City, this year’s convention elevated the experience once again—bringing together world-class artistry, elite entertainment, and a level of professionalism and class that continues to separate Divine Intervention from the rest.
With eyes firmly set on becoming an internationally recognized destination event, Divine Intervention Tattoo Convention has quickly become known for its commitment to quality over quantity, creating an atmosphere where artists are celebrated as professionals and attendees experience tattoo culture at its highest level. This year’s convention welcomed an incredible lineup of special guests and industry powerhouses. Legendary artist Dave Paulo made waves throughout the weekend, boldly declaring Divine Intervention “the best tattoo convention in the United States,” a statement that echoed the growing reputation surrounding the event. Internationally recognized artist Melek Tastekin also joined this year’s lineup, bringing her unmistakable style and global influence to the convention floor.
The judging panels featured some of the industry’s most respected names, including special guest judge Gustavo BulldogTattoo alongside renowned artist and judge Irena Veckirka, helping raise the competitive standard to new heights across the entire weekend. Entertainment also reached another level in 2026 with the addition of The Valourian Theatre, whose mesmerizing performances captivated audiences throughout the convention and added theatrical energy unlike anything seen in previous years. Combined with returning fan favorites and the electric atmosphere of the venue itself, the entertainment experience became a defining highlight of the weekend.
Of course, the heart of the convention remains artistry. This year’s Best in Show winners represented the absolute highest caliber of tattooing on display: • Best of Show Color — Laedan ‘DINKC’ Galicia • Best of Show Black & Grey — Navi Mendoza • Best of Show Collaboration — Luna Lorente & Frank Gonzalez Their work stood as a testament to the level of talent the Divine Intervention Tattoo Convention continues to attract year after year. A special thank you also goes out to the convention’s valued sponsors whose support helped make this year’s event possible: Industry Inks, Urban Edge, Kansas City Aerial Arts, and Dynamic. As the curtain closes on another unforgettable year, one thing is undeniable: the Divine Intervention Tattoo Convention is no longer just growing — it’s evolving into a powerhouse destination event with momentum that cannot be ignored.
Audrey “Mrs Boss” Quinn
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To our beloved friend Steve Azzara your legacy and hard work will be rememberd and continued through your magazine and memories. We all think about you everday until we meet again ol friend.
Rip
Steve Azzara Owner/ Founder / Mfic