We were lucky to catch up with Eleonora Balducchi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eleonora, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Every project I work on carries deep meaning, and I always share in the sentimental value my clients bring to their tattoos. This is why I love creating custom designs—because even the smallest detail can hold immense significance. Some projects, however, come with a heavier emotional weight and a deeper message.

In the past couple of years, I’ve been honored to tattoo the image of a watermelon slice for clients who see it as a symbol of their Palestinian roots or, more broadly, as a statement of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. I deeply respect the bravery of those who choose to mark their bodies with such powerful symbols, and I feel privileged to stand with them in support of these fundamental values.

Tattoo sessions often become moments of profound learning. Through my clients’ personal experiences, I gain insight into realities that might otherwise feel distant. While listening to someone’s story is not the same as living it, these conversations reinforce how interconnected we all are—how, at our core, we all share the same longing for dignity, freedom, and justice. It’s also a humbling reminder to never take anything for granted.

I don’t see this as a political statement, but rather as a reflection of my unwavering belief in human rights, justice, and freedom for all. These are the values at the heart of symbols like the watermelon, the rainbow, or tattoos that honor ancestral heritage. I cherish every design that gives voice to these ideals and celebrates individuality in all its forms.

Eleonora, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not have heard my story before, my name is Eleonora Balducchi, and I am an Italian tattoo artist based in Los Angeles; I specialize in fine-line and single-needle work. My journey into tattooing wasn’t a conventional one—I originally trained and worked as an architect for many years. However, art has always been a constant in my life, and eventually, I felt the need to move away from architecture and into something more personal and expressive. I started tattooing at 39, proving to myself that it’s never too late to reinvent your path and follow your passion.

I create custom tattoos that are deeply personal, often delicate yet powerful in their meaning. My clients come to me not just for the aesthetics of my work but for the experience of translating their emotions, memories, and stories into permanent art. Floral compositions are among my most requested subjects, but I love working on a variety of things. Whether it’s a tattoo honoring a loved one, a cultural symbol, or a simple yet meaningful detail, my focus is always on ensuring my clients feel seen, heard, and connected to their design.

What sets me apart is my approach to the tattooing process—it’s not just about applying ink to skin; it’s about creating an experience that feels safe, thoughtful, and most of all collaborative. Our studio, The Venice Canvas, is a space where creativity and personal expression come together.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how tattooing has allowed me to connect with so many incredible people. Some of the most meaningful moments in my work have been when clients open up about their lives, their joys, their griefs—sometimes the tattoo session itself becomes a moment of healing or transformation.

What I want people to know about my work is that this creative process is about honoring experiences, emotions, and individuality.

For anyone considering a tattoo with me, I encourage you to bring your ideas, your stories, and your openness—I’ll be here to listen, collaborate, and bring your vision to life in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

My decision to leave a stable and rewarding career in architecture to pursue tattooing certainly raised some eyebrows, especially among those who may not fully understand the visceral need of a creative mind to express itself artistically. For many, art—regardless of its form—is often perceived as a hobby, a pastime rather than a fundamental necessity of self-expression. But for creatives, it’s not a choice; it’s an inherent drive, something we can’t silence or suppress.

One of the biggest struggles artists face is having their work taken seriously, both emotionally and economically. There’s a common tendency—sometimes even among close friends and family—to assume that creative work should be done “for free” or as a favor. Phrases like, “When you have time, can you do this for me?” are all too familiar. But you wouldn’t ask an accountant, “Hey, when you have a minute, can you do my tax return?” without expecting to pay. The difference is that many people see art only in terms of its market value, as an investment, often more connected to the status of the artist than the actual piece of art, without truly understanding its deeper purpose.

Choosing a creative path means constantly stepping outside of a comfort zone. Unlike more traditional careers, there’s no set trajectory, no guarantees, no fixed sense of security. It requires resilience, adaptability, and an ability to embrace uncertainty. Yet, for those who are meant to create, the personal reward far outweighs the risks. This is something non-creatives often struggle to understand—just as someone without children might never fully grasp parenthood until they experience it firsthand. The creative drive is a force of its own, one that can’t always be rationalized.

That said, I believe creativity exists in everyone; it just manifests in different ways. Some of the most “non-creative” people I know actually know possess some remarkable practical creativity—whether in problem-solving, innovation, or even structuring their daily lives in unique ways. Creativity isn’t just about art, it’s about perspective, about seeing the world through a lens that allows for possibility and transformation.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To truly support artists and creatives, i think we should to start by encouraging art development in children from an early age. Creativity is an innate part of who we are as humans, and nurturing that in children can lead to more than just artistic skills—it can shape their ability to think critically, problem-solve, and connect with the world around them. When we celebrate and support their passion for art, we’re not just helping them hone a skill; we’re giving them the confidence to express themselves and navigate the world in a unique way.

Unfortunately, even though much progress has been made since I was a kid, art is still often treated as secondary to other subjects like math or science. We tend to place less value on creative endeavors, especially when it comes to considering them as legitimate career paths. But art is just as important as any other discipline. It’s what allows us to communicate complex emotions, tackle important social issues, and shape culture.

By providing the right education, resources, and mentorship, we can shift society’s view of art and create a future where creative careers are valued on the same level as any other. Supporting young artists today means empowering future generations to thrive in their creative careers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @balducchitattoo and @balducchiarte