Elio

“I've never been one to shy away from a challenge. That's what all the ink is about, really.”

Elio grew up in a small Albanian village but moved to Dar es Salaam for work as a paramedic. Despite the heat, his long sleeve uniform reveals a myriad of inked designs that tell a deeper story of his past. He chose the art as a way to honor family history, memories, and personal growth. His love for helping others is what drives him - he's seen too many injuries in his family to sit idly by.

How did you get into tattooing?

I actually started as a kid, using ballpoint pens to draw designs on my arms. It grew from there.

What keeps you motivated during long shifts?

It's all for my family. They've been my biggest supporters from the beginning.