Building Tattooing's First Global Standard | Alex De Pase | EP 308
Introduction
Welcome to Fireside Tattoo, where my special guest today is Alex De Pase, a name synonymous with innovation in the tattoo industry. Alex, along with Gabe Ripley and others, has been involved in transformative ventures like the Venetian Tattoo Gathering and recently the International Tattoo Federation (ITF). The ITF —a real federation, not just another association or collective. aims to set global standards in tattooing, a much-needed initiative in a world where the lines between excellence and mediocrity are often blurred.
They are focused on the creation of actual standards in an industry drowning in confusion, where Instagram algorithms have convinced people that viral gimmicks equal mastery. This conversation covers everything from certification criteria and the Crystal Needle Award to Alex's new tattoo campus concept that's rewriting how we think about education in this craft.
This episode was made possible thanks to:
Interview by By Jake Meeks —
Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —
Topics: International Tattoo Federation, ITF, Alex De Pase, Gabe Ripley, tattoo certification, tattoo excellence, tattoo standards, tattoo artistry, Crystal Needle Award, Icons and Prodigies, Venetian Tattoo Gathering, tattoo education, tattoo campus, tattoo industry, social media influence, viral tattoos, tattoo healing, ethical tattooing, tattoo community, tattoo conventions, Fireside Tattoo Network
Featured Quote
"The public now, I think, is very confused about understanding what's the real excellence."
— Alex De Pase
Guest Bio
Alex De Pase (@Alexdepase) is an Italian tattoo artist born in Grado in 1975, specializing in realistic tattoos and portraiture with a career spanning over 30 years. Recognized as one of the world's leading realistic tattoo artists, he currently owns nine tattoo studios managing a staff of approximately fifty artists and has been featured on covers of the most prestigious tattoo magazines globally.
Beyond his studio work, Alex teaches at the GB Tiepolo Academy of Fine Arts in Udine, where he directs MITA—the only three-year tattoo course within an Academy of Fine Arts. He is also the creator of DERMALIZE, a world-leading tattoo care brand, and designs a line of luxury sneakers that merges high-end footwear with tattoo artistry.
Alex is based in Isle of Grado, Venice, Italy and owns/tattoos at Ink Empire Grado.
Gabe Ripley (@gaberipley) is a prominent figure in the tattoo industry, known for his work in digital marketing, business development, and education for tattoo artists. As the driving force behind TattooNOW, he has helped artists and studios expand their online presence while also playing a key role in Reinventing the Tattoo, a premier educational platform founded by Guy Aitchison.
Gabe collaborates with industry leaders through Needlejig Tattoo Supply, Tattoo Career Builders, and The Fireside Tattoo Network, providing resources and guidance to help tattooers refine their skills and build successful careers. His passion for innovation and community-building continues to shape the future of the tattoo industry.
Gabe is based in Northampton, MA, and owns TattooNOW.
INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Alex De Pase:
www.alexdepasetattoo.com | @alexdepase
Connect with Gabe Ripley:
Gaberipley.com | TattooNOW.com | @Gaberipley | Tattoos.Social
PEOPLE MENTIONED
Main Content
The Formation of the International Tattoo Federation
The tattoo industry has long operated without standardized measures of excellence, and Alex De Pase is addressing this gap through the International Tattoo Federation. The ITF represents a legitimate organizational effort built by established industry professionals who have demonstrated their expertise over decades. The federation is identifying and certifying between 20 and 30 artists who represent the highest standards in skill, ethics, and artistry, providing them with meaningful recognition that differentiates master practitioners from novice tattooers.
This initiative addresses a critical need in a market where educational barriers to entry have diminished, making it increasingly difficult for clients to distinguish between qualified artists and those with minimal training. "The federation showcases what is the real excellence in tattoos," Alex explains.
Bridging the Gap Between Art and Commerce
The discussion revealed significant concerns about the current state of industry perception and how technological platforms have distorted public understanding of quality tattooing. Accomplished artists with refined technical abilities often struggle to maintain consistent bookings while less experienced practitioners leverage social media algorithms to build substantial followings despite producing inferior work. Alex elaborates on how self-promotion, largely driven by social media, has muddled public perception, noting there's a significant difference between commercial tattooing and true artistic excellence.
The ITF is developing a comprehensive framework where genuine excellence receives proper recognition and promotion, establishing parallels to prestigious rating systems like Michelin stars and James Beard Awards—programs that celebrate mastery rather than popularity metrics. "It's like the difference between Michelin-starred restaurants and fast food," he analogizes, underscoring the need for clear distinctions between different levels of craftsmanship.
Certification and Recognition
What distinguishes this initiative from previous attempts to establish industry legitimacy is its commitment to operating without financial barriers for participating artists. The organization charges no application fees or membership dues, focusing exclusively on recognizing deserving practitioners and supporting those pursuing excellence through personalized feedback and more affordable educational resources. Gabe Ripley discusses the ITF's methodology for certifying artists, "It's about celebrating the art without being judgmental," he notes, emphasizing the organization's mission to uplift rather than exclude talented professionals who embody the highest standards.
The Tattoo Academy
In his pursuit of artistic education, Alex is establishing a campus where students can immerse themselves in both art and nature, and learn in a non-commercial, community-oriented environment.
The campus will offer various course durations, from comprehensive nine-month programs to specialized shorter courses, all designed to provide students with an experiential approach to mastering their craft. Students will have opportunities to work alongside master artists, preparing for conventions and refining their individual artistic voices in a setting that prioritizes quality over profit. "We offer a different kind of preparation in a true artistic community," Alex says.
Global and Ethical Considerations
The ITF plans to diversify globally, involving artists from various continents and styles. This ensures the federation does not become region- or style-specific. This inclusive approach maintains rigorous standards while appreciating the unique skills and artistic traditions present across different cultures and geographic regions. The organization conducts detailed assessment processes to ensure high standards are uniformly applied while valuing the diversity of tattoo excellence worldwide. "No matter the style, no matter the position in the world, it doesn't matter," is the approach.
Exclusive Awards and Recognition
The ITF is working on icons and prodigies’ events and the prestigious Crystal Needle Award:
Icons and Prodigies: A gathering by invitation only featuring top artists.
Modern Tattoo Hall of Fame: created to honor those who have shaped the recent history of tattooing
Crystal Needle: Selection by a vast jury of industry icon.
Show Notes
[00:00] Introduction to the Episode and Guests
[01:41] The International Tattoo Federation (ITF)
[06:19] Promoting Tattoo Excellence and Certification
[08:03] Addressing Industry Challenges and Public Perception
[10:25] Viral Tattoo Techniques and Their Impact
[11:04] Establishing Certification Criteria for Tattoo Artists
[15:40] Challenges in Tattoo Recognition and Social Media Influence
[17:51] Ensuring Global Representation in Tattoo Certification
[19:49] Invitation to the International Tattoo Federation
[20:15] Establishing Standards in Tattooing
[21:21] The Crystal Needle Award
[23:04] The Role of Icons and Prodigies in Tattooing
[27:02] The Community Experience at Events
[29:33] Volunteer-Based Operations of the ITF
[30:50] Customized Support for Tattoo Artists
[33:50] Public Awareness and Outreach Strategies
[37:10] Commitment to Ethical Education
[39:18] Leaving the Academy for a New Project
[40:37] The Concept of a Tattoo Campus
[42:58] Course Structure and Student Capacity
[45:07] Learning from Master Artists
[49:11] Importance of Skill and Improvement in Tattoo Education
[49:31] Selectivity in Tattoo Schools and Career Readiness
[53:00] Finding Individual Strengths in Tattoo Styles
Additional Quotes
On Public Perception
[08:03] "The problem is that the big confusion is that the real art of tattooing is not really appreciated."
[29:33] "At the moment, it is only volunteer. We are doing everything ourselves."
[37:10] "To follow my ethics, I cannot do something like that. I really don't want to say, 'Come on into this industry, pay me, and then I don't care about you.'"
— Alex De Pase
On ITF Goals
[15:40] "We don't only focus on fresh tattoos; we seek images that represent the healing process to ensure quality."
[17:51] "Our focus is on quality tattoos, regardless of geography or style."
— Alex De Pase
On Artist Certification
[06:19] "We are selecting tattooers who embody the right morals and ethics and giving them certificates to recognize their excellence."
[11:04] "There are criteria we agreed upon regarding ethics, moral standards, artistry, and technical ability."
— Alex De Pase
This episode was made possible thanks to:
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