Meet Bella V. Pilli | Tattoo artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bella V. Pilli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bella, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from São Paulo, Brazil, and I truly believe my background has everything to do with who I am today.
I was lucky to grow up in a creative household—my mom was an artist, and so was my sister. My parents were always my biggest supporters, encouraging me to explore my interests from a young age.

The school I went to in my early years had a strong artistic approach to education. Every subject was taught in a creative way—through drawing, painting, music, mosaics, woodworking… you name it. They really believed in integrating art into learning and nurturing creativity in children.

Even as we got older and the academic content became more structured, creativity was still a priority. I remember how every morning started with time set aside just to draw and ease into the day. That always stayed with me.

I’m deeply grateful for my childhood. I know that growing up in such a nurturing and artistic environment isn’t a reality for many—especially in the place I come from—so I never take that for granted. Being immersed in that kind of atmosphere from an early age made a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize in etching-style, illustrative tattoos—but beyond technique, my focus is on connection. I don’t just want to leave a mark on your skin; I want to hold space for something meaningful, something personal.

People often say drawing is a talent. But to me, it’s not talent—it’s time. Countless hours alone with a pencil, filled with frustration and joy, trial and error. Every line carries emotion, every piece reflects the care, discipline, and growth I’ve poured into it. I love when people recognize that—not just the final image, but the long, sometimes difficult process behind it.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Honestly, my life has felt like a telenovela at times. As an immigrant, I’ve faced many challenges—living far from everything I once knew and loved. It’s a constant trade-off: missing important moments with the people you care about in exchange for the chance to chase your dreams. And in the hardest times, I didn’t always have family nearby for support. I had to figure a lot of things out on my own.

That struggle gave me depth. It made me softer and stronger. It taught me to listen—to be fully present with people. That presence is essential because tattooing isn’t just art—it’s an exchange of energy. I create pain on someone’s skin because they trust me to mark their story. This process is a form of healing, deeper than just the surface of the skin.

Clients come with joy, grief, transformation, or healing. Whatever their story, I meet them not only as an artist but as a human. Tattooing is about honoring moments, telling stories, and making them visible—together.

Sometimes, clients choose not to share—and that’s completely okay. But when someone feels safe enough to open up, that’s what makes this work so meaningful to me. It’s the human connection that makes each tattoo more than just ink—it becomes part of something deeper.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I personally really like the music scenario in LA, always have a good concert happening.

But I’d really try to make it happen to go in these party/ galleries that once in a while happens. It’s different and super interesting watch art and music clash in one.
Or expo events.

For restaurants, I have an extended list, but one of my favorites is: Tenno Sushi, Destroyer, and Mateora.

For hang out, I like to go to parks with my girlfriend and our dogs, but also I’m always down to explore new places.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All my family: my mom, my dad, my sister, my girlfriend and my uncles.

For always supporting me in every decision I made, to have given me the opportunities I had, and for all support giving me the constant strength to move forward.

And of course to Victor Montaghini and Brian Gomes — two of the best tattoo artists that I know and have the pleasure to call friends.
They are my biggest inspiration, menthors in how to approach this craft and also the reason for me to had specialized on my style.

Instagram: @Kayabi_art

Image Credits
Photographer – Oscar Lopez