Matt Truiano (@matttruiano) is one of the most innovative and passionate neotraditional tattoo artists in the US. Based in New York City, Matt's style blends classic bold lines with a fresh approach informed by his formal education in art. In addition to being an in-demand artist, Matt fosters a strong sense of community among tattooers through his online content and The Honest Tattooer podcast. Tattoo Smart is delighted to collaborate with Matt on several neotraditional flash stamp sets. We know you will gain so much value from studying Matt's style and technique and incorporating his expertise into your tattoo designs. 

Who is Matt Truiano? 

Matt Truiano was born and raised in New York and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of Visual Arts in NYC. As an artist, he has studied a range of mediums from digital painting and woodworking to leather goods and, of course, tattooing. Matt's personal life is centered around his roles as a dedicated father and husband as he strives to maintain balance between his professional life and responsibilities at home. 

Matt Truiano, The Curious Artist

Matt has an unrelenting curiosity that has driven him to explore new mediums and skills. He never shies away from learning something new, diving headfirst into every passion project. Even if new artistic endeavors only last for a few months, Matt absorbs as much knowledge as possible before moving on. This exploration isn't just for fun. Matt believes that every new skill learned contributes to his growth as an artist and focuses on the joy of the process rather than the potential profit. 

"The money will come if you're willing to improve your ability to draw, focus, and be present."

This approach, where the outcome is secondary to the journey, is perhaps one of the reasons Matt has seen such organic success in his career. Matt openly acknowledges, however, that his various hobbies - like woodworking and leathercraft - sometimes take a backseat to his family commitments. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Matt embraces the nature of family as the ebb and flow of his personal and professional life. He knows he can return to these hobbies when the time is right. 

Matt Truiano, The Entrepreneur

Though Matt's passion projects are not always focused on making a profit, many of them have naturally evolved into bonafide side hustles. Over time, he has developed a knack for monetizing his creative pursuits without letting money be the primary driver. In his view, the entrepreneurial spirt comes not from a desire for wealth but from the joy of creating something others will enjoy. 

For example, Matt has an impressive print business! Dissatisfied with the quality of third-party printers, Matt invested in learning how to produce high-quality prints himself. Through trial and error, he mastered the intricacies of printing, from selecting the best paper to understanding ICC profiles. His determination to control the quality of his work has paid off, allowing him to build a successful side business selling prints of his art while also offering his printing services to other artists. 

The Future of Tattooing and the Importance of Diversification

Matt recognizes the importance of thinking beyond tattooing. As a profession, tattooing can be physically demanding, and Matt is acutely aware that the body's ability to perform at a high-level may diminish with age. This is precisely why he stresses the importance of diversification for tattoo artists. Whether it's through selling art prints, teaching, or pursuing other side hustles - having multiple streams of income offers a safety net and creates opportunities for artists to continue thriving even when full-time tattooing may no longer be feasible. 

His story also highlights a key issue many tattoo artists face today: the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. With the tattoo industry becoming increasingly saturated, it's essential to find ways to stand out and create sustainable businesses. Matt's journey of self-reliance and his entrepreneurial spirit demonstrate that tattoo artists can expand their reach and income by embracing change, constantly learning, and leveraging skills in multiple areas. 

Lessons for Artists Everywhere

Matt Truiano balances his time and energy among art, business, passion, and practicality. He has navigated the tricky waters of creativity, entrepreneurship, and family life - all while staying true to his artistic roots. His journey offers valuable lessons for artists and creatives of all kinds:

• Stay curious! Never stop learning. Every new skill you pick up adds value to your overall creative toolkit.
• Approach your work with love and purpose, but don't let the pressure of success define your creativity.
• Diversify your income. Do not rely on one stream of income, especially in a physically demanding career like tattooing. Explore new ways to monetize other passions.
• Be open to feedback and critique. This openness helps you grow, not just as an artist but also as a person.
•  Let go of judgement. Do not let the fear of others' opinions hold you back from putting yourself out there. Authenticity and passion will always resonate with the right audience. 

Matt Truiano and Tattoo Smart

Tattoo Smart's collaboration with Matt was a natural extension of his success in digital art and tattoo design. Matt's neotraditional stye is clean, bold, and provides visual clues that will help bring your art to the next level. Check out these Tattoo Smart flash stamps drawn by Matt Truiano!

Truiano Neo-Trad

This collection of 50 most-requested neotraditional designs includes beasts (deer, fox, gorilla, shark), birds (sparrow, owl, eagle), classics (lighthouse, lotus, hourglass, skull, coffin), and more! This assortment of digital flash stamps is a must-have for anyone looking for cleans of all the hits. 

Neo-Trad Florals

Flowers are foundational in neotraditional designs, and Matt has provided 50 beautifully drawn blooms in his set, Neo-Trad Florals. Enjoy cherry blossom, lily, poppy, rose, anemone, carnation, mum, daffodil, peony, sunflower, and so many more! 

Neo-Trad Birds

Introducing Matt's latest collaboration with Tattoo Smart, Neo-Trad Birds! This collection of 50 flash stamps includes some of the most requested birds from eagles and owls to peacocks and falcons, all drawn to perfection in Matt's signature neotraditional style.