Born in Galicia, Spain, Miguel had a passion for drawing since his childhood years. He attended oil painting classes since he was a kid and studied Fine Arts and Graphic Design.

He started tattooing in 2016 and got his first job in a tattoo parlour in the UK the following year. After that, he moved back to Spain where he was tattooing in different studios before moving to Ireland in 2022.

His tattoos evolved from illustrative blackwork style to something more intricate and delicate. He is also very interested in the old engraving techniques and is currently trying to draw and tattoo more pieces in this style.

Apart from tattooing, he loves music, skateboarding and to spend time with his family and friends.

Miguel is a resident tattoo artist at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio in Cork, Ireland.

View his latest work on Instagram: @mv_tattooer

Ready for your custom tattoo? Book your appointment at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio and request Miguel as your artist.

Portfolio

Miguel - Designs 

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Designed by Miguel

Illustrative Blackwork Tattoo Style in Cork

What Is the Illustrative Blackwork Tattoo Style?

An illustrative blackwork tattoo style combines bold black linework with detailed shading techniques to create highly expressive and artistic designs. This style allows tattoo artists to produce portraits, full illustrative scenes, and symbolic compositions using only black ink. By carefully balancing contrast, texture, and line variation, the result is a visually powerful tattoo with depth, clarity, and strong artistic identity. An illustrative blackwork tattoo is fully customisable, making it ideal for clients looking for a unique, personal design.

What Are the Most Popular Traditional Blackwork Tattoo Designs?

Blackwork tattoo designs have evolved from ancient engraving and traditional ink techniques, and remain highly popular today. Some of the most requested styles include:
  • Ornamental blackwork patterns
  • Mythological and symbolic imagery
  • Animal-based blackwork tattoos (snakes, wolves, ravens)
  • Geometric blackwork designs
  • Old Irish and Celtic-inspired blackwork motifs
  • Blackwork tattoo flash designs
At SmileyDogg Tattoo Studio in Cork, these styles are regularly reinterpreted into modern illustrative blackwork tattoos, combining tradition with contemporary design.

Does a Blackwork Tattoo Require Special Aftercare?

A blackwork tattoo does not require different basic aftercare compared to other tattoo styles, but it does benefit from consistent maintenance due to its heavy pigment saturation. Recommended aftercare includes:
  • Keeping the tattoo clean during healing
  • Applying a professional aftercare cream
  • Avoiding direct sun exposure
  • Not picking or scratching scabs
  • Allowing the skin to heal naturally
Because blackwork tattoos rely on strong contrast, sun protection is especially important to preserve depth and prevent fading over time.

How Much Does a Blackwork Tattoo Cost in Ireland?

The cost of a blackwork tattoo in Ireland varies depending on several factors, including:
  • Size and placement of the tattoo
  • Level of detail and complexity
  • Style (illustrative, geometric, ornamental, etc.)
  • Artist experience and time required
For an accurate price, it is best to book a consultation at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio in Cork. This allows the artist to review your idea and provide a personalised quote based on your design.

Where Can I Get a Blackwork Tattoo in Cork?

If you are looking for a blackwork tattoo artist in Cork, Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio offers experienced professionals specialising in detailed, custom blackwork designs. The studio is known for high-quality work in:
  • Illustrative blackwork tattoos
  • Geometric blackwork designs
  • Animal and snake blackwork tattoos
  • Old Irish and Celtic-inspired blackwork
  • Custom tattoo flash designs

Who Is the Best Blackwork Tattoo Artist in Cork?

At Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio, Miguel is a specialist in blackwork tattoo style and is recognised for his strong technical ability and artistic versatility. His work includes:
  • Geometric blackwork tattoos
  • Hand and placement-focused blackwork designs
  • Snake and animal-themed tattoos
  • Custom blackwork flash pieces
  • Old Irish-inspired blackwork compositions
Miguel’s portfolio demonstrates a strong command of contrast, composition, and detail. You can explore his work on Instagram to see examples of his latest tattoos.

Why Choose an Illustrative Blackwork Tattoo?

An illustrative blackwork tattoo is ideal for clients who want a bold, long-lasting, and highly artistic design. Its combination of strong linework and detailed shading ensures a timeless aesthetic that remains visually impactful for years.