Victor Mané arrived in New York in 2020 with a singular vision: to expand his craft and make a mark on the global tattoo scene. Having earned accolades across Europe, including in Spain and the Netherlands, the Almería-born artist had achieved nearly everything in his home continent—except for one major goal: to open a studio in New York that would redefine tattoo realism.
That dream materialized in 2021 with the founding of Minimal NYC, a studio he co-established with two friends. From the start, the studio’s philosophy was clear—high-quality tattooing with the same reverence and attention to detail seen in fine art galleries. The design focused on gallery-style lighting, an atelier-like atmosphere, and a commitment to craftsmanship that treated every piece like a museum commission. The result? Long waitlists, a dedicated following, and widespread recognition from tattoo collectors across the United States.
Minimal NYC’s influence has grown far beyond New York City. This June, Mané will be a featured artist and guest judge at the Villain Arts Tattoo Arts Festivals in Houston and St. Louis, marking his presence at the largest tattoo convention circuit in the U.S.
Clients describe a session with Mané as “half masterclass, half pilgrimage.” At Minimal NYC, entering the studio feels like stepping into an experience, not just a tattoo appointment. In a city where time moves quickly, the studio has become a defining standard for what realism can achieve when meticulous technique and an uncompromising artistic vision converge.
Mané’s work blends classical influences with modern techniques, creating a bridge between old-world artistry and contemporary tattoo culture. From his early fascination with sketching to his role as co-owner of one of Brooklyn’s leading studios, his journey is a testament to the timeless influence of the Old Masters on modern tattooing.
Born in Almería, Spain, in 1983, Mané’s artistic foundations were rooted in his father’s oil paintings. He developed a deep respect for fine art’s precision and passion. It was a tattoo on his uncle’s arm that sparked his realization that skin could be a living canvas. Though he harbored the dream of becoming a tattoo artist at 18, Mané took over a decade to perfect his craft before professionally stepping into the industry at the age of 29.
Initially, he faced rejection from local studios, a challenge many aspiring tattoo artists encounter in a field often seen as insular. However, a serendipitous opportunity in the back rooms of a studio led to a successful career. Over time, Mané worked in leading studios across Spain and Europe, specializing in large-scale realism and accumulating numerous awards. His accolades include First Place in Realism Tattoos at major conventions in the Netherlands and Spain, as well as top honors at events like the Barcelona Tattoo Convention and the Empire State NY Tattoo Convention. In 2025, he was recognized by Ink On Sky as one of New York City’s premier tattoo artists.
When Mané co-founded Minimal NYC in 2021, he sought to transform the traditional tattoo experience by focusing on art, community, and personal expression.
“By 2020, I knew I wanted to create a space that reflected my own vision of tattooing—something with gallery lighting, atelier discipline, and a client-first approach,” Mané explains. “That space had to be in New York, the creative epicenter I had dreamed of for years.”
Unlike the mass-production, “burger-joint” style of many tattoo parlors, Minimal NYC focuses on creating highly personalized pieces, beginning with deep conversations with clients about their stories and desires. Each tattoo evolves into a unique narrative, custom-tailored to the client’s body and personal history.
The studio itself is designed to foster an atmosphere of artistic reflection, with carefully curated lighting and music that enhance the tattoo experience.
In a city filled with talented tattoo artists, Mané stands out due to his unwavering dedication to his artistic vision.
“New York’s tattoo scene can feel overwhelming,” Mané acknowledges. “But the best way to stand out is to remain true to your own vision.”
Drawing inspiration from European Old Masters like Caravaggio, Velázquez, Rubens, and Picasso, Mané’s black and grey realism tattoos stand apart for their depth, lighting, and narrative flow.
He also emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s artistic truth with every aspect of the business. From the studio’s design to the client experience, he believes patience, intentionality, and storytelling are key to building an authentic and lasting tattoo culture.
As he continues to expand his influence, Mané is set to judge and showcase his art at the Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals and the Whiskey Throttle Fair. His journey—spanning from Spain’s tattoo studios to the streets of Brooklyn—serves as a powerful example of artistic adaptability. Mané’s story underscores the importance of staying true to one’s vision while blending historical techniques with modern forms of expression. His work continues to bridge the gap between classical art and tattoo culture, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and on the living canvases he transforms.
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