At The Heart of Ink

By Mye Mulingtapang  | Photos by Inkmaster by Augil Quiambao

Tattoo Ink Master isn’t just another tattoo shop in Milan. It’s a living testament to raw talent and artistic vision. At its core is Augil Quiambao, a Filipino tattoo artist whose technical mastery and creative depth have redefined what high-end tattooing can look like in one of the world’s most fashion-conscious cities.

In an industry historically dominated by European aesthetics, Augil’s work stands out, not through spectacle, but through precision, authenticity, and heart. His journey is a vivid example of how immigrant artists, by leaning into their heritage rather than abandoning it, can break barriers and set new standards. His designs don’t just decorate skin, they tell stories. They are celebrations of identity and powerful symbols of freedom and transformation.

As the first Filipino-owned tattoo studio, Tattoo Ink Master represents more than personal success. It's a milestone for representation. In a city where cultural capital is measured in style and self-expression, Augil’s presence challenges outdated notions about who belongs in elite creative spaces. His rise is a bold declaration: that artistic excellence knows no borders, and that Filipino talent can not only compete but also lead.

Opening his studio was no easy feat. Setting up a business in Italy requires navigating complex immigration laws, health and safety regulations, and licensing procedures.

For a non-native like Augil, these bureaucratic obstacles were steep, especially without institutional support or guidance. Running Tattoo Ink Master during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic only raised the stakes. While many businesses were forced to close, Augil pressed forward. His wife, Leovelyn, made personal sacrifices, putting her own dreams on hold to help bring his vision to life.

“We started this with almost nothing,” Augil recalls. “We just had this shared belief that if I kept showing up with everything I had, the right people would notice” -Augil

Despite these challenges, Augil’s perseverance and unwavering belief in his craft carried him through. His ability to adapt, learning the language, understanding cultural nuances, and communicating his vision clearly to clients was as crucial as his artistry. But what truly propelled him was his talent: the ability to translate emotion into ink, pain into purpose, and memory into masterpiece.

At Tattoo Ink Master, clients don more than tattoos they wear narratives. Each piece, whether commemorating loss, marking transformation, or honoring cultural roots, is approached with intention and care. In this way, the studio has become a sanctuary for self-expression, a space where people come not only to be seen, but to be understood.

“People don’t just come here for a tattoo,” Augil says. “They come to mark something real. That’s a huge responsibility and an honor.” 

Augil’s story resonates with a wider audience because it speaks to something universal. The desire to be true to oneself in a world that often asks us to conform. His art repositions tattoos in Milan’s cultural landscape. From something once viewed as taboo or rebellious to a respected form of storytelling and personal truth.

Today, Augil stands as a symbol of Filipino resilience, innovation, and excellence abroad. His studio is more than a business. It’s a bridge between cultures, a platform for underrepresented voices, and a celebration of what happens when talent and authenticity align.

In every bold stroke, Augil isn’t just making art—he’s claiming space, breaking molds, and proving that Filipino talent doesn’t follow trends—it sets them.

“I always tell young Filipino artists: you don’t have to erase who you are to succeed. You just have to be so good they can’t ignore you.” -Augil

Augil’s skill in creating depth through layered shading, fine contouring, and textured highlights shows his versatility across tattoo genres, from symbolic full-body pieces to finely detailed portraiture. His style is marked by crisp linework, smooth grayscale shading, and vibrant color saturation, blending precision with emotional depth. He seamlessly adapts to each client’s vision, whether it's a bold cultural statement or an intimate tribute, making every tattoo a personalized work of art.

Augil treats tattoos as personal narratives, often honoring family, resilience, and cultural pride. He blends technical mastery with deep cultural and personal meaning. Each design is a collaboration built on trust, where stories are etched into skin with intention, emotion, and lasting impact.

A tattoo isn’t just for aesthetics—it should say something about who you are,” is a principle that guides Augil’s every design.A tattoo isn’t just for aesthetics—it should say something about who you are,” is a principle that guides Augil’s every design.