Botanical · Funchal, Madeira
Botanical, rooted.
Flowers, foliage and island plants — in delicate fine line or black and grey with depth. Every piece drawn from scratch, in central Funchal.
Two ways to do botanical
Botanical is the theme Hugo is asked for most, and it is done in two very different ways. In fine line, with a single needle: delicate outline, little fill, small to medium pieces that sit quietly on the skin. In black and grey, with shading and volume: lilies, roses and peonies with depth, usually on the forearm, spine or half sleeve.
Choosing between them is not only taste — it depends on size, placement and how you want the piece to age. A small flower with dense shading closes up over time; the same flower in fine line stays readable. Hugo will tell you which one serves your idea before he draws anything.
Madeira's own botany
The island has a vocabulary of its own: hibiscus, bird of paradise, monstera, banana leaf, laurel forest foliage. These work as standalone pieces and as part of a Madeira memory tattoo — an island flower inside a postage stamp, or set against a levada landscape.
Placements that work best
Forearm and upper arm, for vertical pieces that follow the line of the limb. Spine, for long symmetrical compositions. Hip and ribs, for more discreet work. Shoulder and shoulder blade, for larger flowers with room to breathe. Hands, neck and feet are possible, but Hugo will explain what to expect from healing and longevity in those areas first.
Common questions.
Fine line or black and grey for flowers?
It depends on size and placement. Fine line stays readable on small pieces and ages cleanly; black and grey gives volume and realism but needs more room so it does not close up over time. Hugo will tell you which one serves your idea before drawing.
How small can a flower be?
From around 5 to 7 cm in fine line, depending on detail. Below that the lines sit too close together and the piece loses definition over the years. If an idea is too small to last, Hugo will say so and adjust it with you.
Can you add flowers to a tattoo I already have?
Yes, as long as it makes sense in the composition. Send a well-lit photo of the existing piece and Hugo will assess how the two can work together before taking the work on.
Do you do flowers in colour?
Hugo's work is fine line and black and grey. If you are after colour flowers he will tell you in the first message rather than take on work outside his specialty.
Have a botanical idea?
Send it to Hugo and get a tailored estimate — reply within 12h, no commitment.
Reply in 12h · price agreed upfront · EN / PT / ES