Meet Ralph

Ralph Viano, born and raised in Dix Hills, NY, has spent his life immersed in the art of tattooing, mastering styles ranging from vintage old-school traditional Americana to cutting-edge micro-realism. His commitment to perfecting all forms of tattoo art stems from a lifelong passion for creativity.

Ralph began drawing at the tender age of 4, encouraged by his father, who recognized his budding talent. As a child, Ralph honed his skills by sketching everything from comic books to cartoons, building the foundation for a future career in visual artistry. This passion eventually led him to pursue formal training, and in the early 2000s, he apprenticed under Jeff Gresham in Ohio, where he learned the fundamentals of professional tattooing.

In 2002, Ralph’s career took a significant leap forward when he began working in New York’s Greenwich Village for the iconic celebrity tattoo artist Jonathan Shaw. During this pivotal time, Ralph gained exposure to a dynamic and creative clientele, solidifying his reputation in the tattooing world.

As tattoos became more accepted in mainstream culture, Ralph played a pivotal role in introducing the art form to a wider audience. In 2005, he made his television debut on TLC, appearing in groundbreaking features that helped pave the way for the wave of tattoo reality shows that followed. Ralph’s influence during this era not only elevated the visibility of tattooing but also showcased its cultural and artistic value to millions of viewers worldwide.

Today, Ralph continues to push the boundaries of tattoo artistry, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless, meaningful designs.