Meet Luis Bold, the Portuguese bear tattoo artist based in Rhode Island!

We spoke with Luis Bold, the multi-talented Portuguese bear tattoo artist now based in Rhode Island!

Tattoos have long been a form of permanent self expression that spans back hundreds of years. The art form has also evolved dozens of times since its inception, and over the last few years alone, we have seen many queer artists take the helm!

But what about specifically in the bear community? I know of a handful of artists myself, but today we are putting the focus on Luis Bold, the handsome and multi-talented tattoo artist from Portugal.

His work truly speaks for itself. One scroll through his Instagram and you’ll find yourself wishing you were in Rhode Island to get some ink from him! From vibrant and colorful custom pieces to detailed black and white pieces, he can truly provide almost anything you’re looking for.

We loved his work so much that we decided to interview him to learn more about this handsome and talented bear, check it out below!

Bryce Quartz: Hey there, Luis! Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. Can you tell us a little bit about where you’re from and what your background is?

Luis Bold: I’m originally from Nadadouro, a small village by the water near Caldas da Rainha in Portugal. Growing up that close to the ocean had a big influence on me — ships, ropes, sunsets — that kind of imagery was always around me and ended up showing in my work for many years.

Because it’s such a small place, I was always drawn to anything outside of that reality. It was in Caldas da Rainha that I found graffiti, tattoos, and a more expressive art scene. Anything that felt different from my normal environment really caught my attention.

At the time, I was in art school, around 11th grade, and I honestly didn’t connect with it. Getting my first tattoo changed everything. I fell in love with it and started hanging around the shop as much as I could until they eventually gave me a chance as an apprentice.

The beginning was tough — the first year is a lot of frustration, trying, failing, and learning at the same time. My friends helped me a lot in that phase, pushing me forward when I needed it.

I started at Glorybound Tattoo Parlor in Caldas da Rainha, and even today it still feels like home. I’ve been tattooing for 15 years, working alongside the same people through two different shop locations. Building the second shop was an incredible experience with Sailor Marc, Paulo Almeida, and Bernardo Freitas.

Over the years, I’ve done guest spots across Portugal and Europe and worked many tattoo conventions. More recently, I moved to the U.S. and joined Unicorn Ink. It’s the biggest shop I’ve worked in so far, and this past year has been a new chapter full of adventures — conventions, awards, and a lot of creative projects. It really feels like the right move.

Bryce: Your work is quite beautiful, and your attention to detail is masterful! How long have you been a tattoo artist and what got you into it?

Luis: I’ve been tattooing for about 15 years now.

What really hooked me at the beginning was the creative freedom — just drawing all the time, drawing for my friends, making them feel special. That part felt very natural to me.

I also like that I can bring a bit of humor into something that’s permanent. Tattooing doesn’t always have to be super serious — there’s space for personality in it, and I enjoy that a lot.

Of course, there’s also a deeper side — identity, meaning, and responsibility — and I do feel that. Helping people take an idea and turn it into something real on their skin is something I still really love.

Bryce: I know there are many different artistic styles of tattoos, and I can see that you do a few different ones. What would you say is your specialty?

Luis: I wouldn’t say I lock myself into one style, but my base is definitely neo-traditional. From there, I mix in fine line and a bit of realism depending on the piece.

What matters most to me is how the tattoo flows with the body — bold, clean, and built to last, while still adapting to each person and each idea.

Bryce: Can you tell our readers what a typical studio session with you involves and what the process is usually like?

Luis: I try to keep the whole experience as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

It usually starts with a conversation about the idea, and from there I create something custom. I like to keep it collaborative — even on the day, we can adjust things to make sure everything feels right.

During the session, the vibe is pretty chill. We talk, we laugh, sometimes it’s quiet — it really depends on the person. Music is also a big part of my tattoo room. We talk a lot about it, and it really sets the mood for the session.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the tattoo, it’s about the experience too.

Bryce: Just because I am curious, do you have any pieces you’ve done that are particularly special to you as an artist?

Luis: Yes, for sure.

Tattooing my parents was a big one for me. They were always super against tattoos, and only recently both got one. That means a lot to me because of everything behind it.

Tattooing one of my mentors was also a really special moment.

Aside from that, the bigger projects always stay with me. When you’re working on large pieces over multiple sessions, you build a real connection with the client. You sit there for hours, it’s painful, you go through a lot together — at some point you might even get a little tired of each other, but that’s part of it.

I’ve also been doing a lot of tattoos within the bear community, which is amazing. Seeing people connect with my work and wear it proudly — bold, a bit outside the box, sometimes a little sassy — feels really good.

Another thing that stands out is tattooing different generations of the same family — grandfather, son, grandson. That’s something really special to witness.

And then there are the emotional pieces — people going through or overcoming illness, memorial tattoos, or celebrating something like a newborn. There’s a full range of emotions in this job.

Bryce: To follow up with that last question, have you ever had any special moments after finishing a tattoo for a client that you could tell was cathartic for them?

Luis: Yeah, definitely.

I’ve seen a lot of confidence shifts — people come in super shy, and after the tattoo, they look in the mirror and it’s like a switch flips. Different posture, different energy, like a new version of themselves.

There are also healing moments tied to more personal things, and you can feel when a tattoo means more than just the design.

Those moments stay with me. It reminds me this is more than just drawing — it actually impacts people.

Bryce: For our readers who don’t have any tattoos but have always wanted one or are curious about getting one, can you demystify any misconceptions that could put those readers at ease?

Luis: I think the biggest misconception is that you need to come in with a super specific idea.

Honestly, that can work against you. It’s better to come in with a concept — one or two elements — and let the artist build from there. Let them cook a bit.

That’s how you get the best results. It becomes a collaboration, and there’s trust on both sides. That’s when the strongest tattoos happen.

Bryce: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything you’d like to leave our readers with today?

Luis: I think the biggest thing I’d leave people with is to believe in yourself, even when you don’t fully see it yet.

There were times I didn’t trust myself at all, but I kept going, step by step, and things got better.

You don’t need to have everything figured out — you just need to keep moving forward.

Be sure to give Luis a follow on social media and consider booking him at Unicorn Ink & Piercings in Lincoln, Rhode Island to get your own special piece from him!

Click here for Luis Bold’s Instagram