Silvia, aka Cloto Tattoos, is a pop-culture inspired colour tattoo artist based in London’s Santa Cuervo studio.

With a regular guest spot Human Inkstinct in Germany, and plenty of regular studio visits and conventions in between, Cloto’s work is easily recognisable for its combination of soft shading and intense saturation.

Read on for our catch-up with Cloto, where we find out about her biggest cheerleaders, the tools she uses for every stage of the tattoo, and her plan for 2025!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to become an artist, even if I didn’t really understand the concept of it (not that I necessarily do now!) I’ve just loved drawing since I was a very young age.

How long have you been tattooing, and how did you get started?

I did my very first tattoo when I was around 19, but my actual tattoo career started in April 2018. I had so many people asking me to draw their tattoo concepts that they’d then take to their tattoo artists. That’s how I started to think about investing my passion and drawing skills into this career!

Who helped you the most at the beginning of your career?

I’d say my friends were my biggest emotional support. They always believed in my artistic skills, even more than I did!

Although I did a tattoo apprenticeship, I kind of consider myself a self-taught tattoo artist. To be fair we kind of all are! I have tried to absorb as much knowledge as I could from the amazing tattoo artists I’ve been lucky to meet. I also purchased quite a few seminars from knowledgeable artists, both online and in person.

How long have you been working at Santo Cuervo and who else is there with you?

I joined Santo Cuervo around the end of 2021 or beginning of 2022, and there are a bunch of talented tattoo artists! I work with Alex Santo (also the owner), Alo Loco, Aviseq, Adrian Suez, Nat Jiménez, Aygul Bayanova, J. Tintanegra, Helena Velázquez, Onikid, Laura Knox, Ann d'Cor, Elfy, Kike Krebs, Victor Martin and Frankie Brown.

How often are you over at Human Inkstinct in Germany, and what’s it like there?

I guest at Humaninkstinct around 6 times a year! Each time I stay for  6-10 days. Everytime I am there I have the chance to learn something new from the other artists. They are all very skilled and passionate, and have all mastered their own style. I feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing team!

How would you describe your tattoo style?

Fun! Flowy! Colourful! Solid!

What elements do you like to incorporate into your work?

Stylised portraits, game and comic characters, animals, and pin-ups.

Are there any other styles you’d like to experiment more with?

I would love to experiment more with colour realism and semi-realism, Japanese and abstract.

What are your current geeky obsessions?

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and everything true crime!

What’s your secret to getting all five star reviews on Google?!

No secrets! I try to give all my best to my clients, no matter if the project is big or small. And I offer them loads of good coffee!

Do you have any tips or tricks for tattoo artists struggling with their social media presence?

I am not the best person to give advice on this subject; I also struggle with my presence on social media. I’d say don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and share your artwork, even if you think it’s rubbish. Your audience will probably love it!

What is number one on your “want to do” list?

In general? Visit Japan

In terms of tattoos? Female stylised portraits! They are so much fun to do

What would your perfect day of work look like?

Just give me coffee and something colourful to tattoo and I’ll be the happiest person on the planet!

Which tattoo artists are doing amazing work right now?

Ad Pancho and Sandra Daukshta.

How many tattoos do you have, and which is your favourite?

I have a few, not too many. Most of them are half lasered, covered and to be covered! My favourite one is definitely my peony sleeve by Rodrigo Souto.

Can you talk us through your workstation please?

I use an Inkjecta Flite X-1 with a 4mm cam for colour packing and grey wash, and a 4.2mm Bishop Power Wand for lining.

KWADRON cartridges. I am experimenting with brands and configurations all the time but so far they are the most reliable.

Fusion and Eternal inks. They heal solid and stay vivid for many years. I occasionally use Dermaglo for more melanated skin tones.

Panthera XXX Tribal for solid black packing.

Dynamic Ink for lining, whip shading, fireworks and grey wash.

Butterluxe tattoo butter during the process (and for aftercare), foam and soap.

UNISTAR® second skin and Tattoo Armour pads for my client’s aftercare.

Can you tell us a bit about how the Tattoodo system works, and if it’s been successful for you?

Tattoodo is a platform that connects clients with tattoo artists. The app helps the users to find the best artist based on their tattoo briefs. I have been working with them since 2019 and it’s been quite helpful!

What do you like to do outside of work and to unwind?

I occasionally attend life drawing classes in the city; otherwise, I draw and paint at home. I love visiting museums (especially - spoiler alert - art exhibitions!), watching TV shows and docuseries (I love a true crime story!), and having long walks in the city. Recently I started playing video games again after a long time!

Do you have any conventions or guest spots lined up for 2025? (May onwards please!)

I’ll be attending Stockholm Ink Bash in August, Big London tattoo show in September and Brussels Tattoo Convention in November. Apart from my usual guest spots in Germany, I’ll guest in Prague in October and Geneva in December. Fingers crossed everything will go as planned!

What does the future hold for Silvia and Cloto Tattoos?

My fiance and I got engaged last year and we are now planning our wedding! I think that’s more than enough of a plan for now!

For Cloto.. lots of conventions and guests. Hopefully this will give me the chance to explore new places and meet new and inspiring people!

Massive thanks to Cloto for talking to us about her experience and offering some advice! You can see more of her work on Instagram or Facebook, or book a tattoo with Cloto through Tattoodo!