Stéfano Alcántara was born and raised in Lima, Peru. As a child he was influenced by comic books, which fueled his fascination with art. His love for drawing translated over to other various media, including airbrushing, color pencils, charcoal, acrylics and oil. He earned a degree in Graphic Design at the Peruvian Institute of Advertising. His introduction to the world of tattooing occurred at the age of 18, when he came across the first tattoo magazine he ever saw at a flea market in Peru. His combined passion for art and tattooing turned into a career; he opened his own shop, Stefano’s Tattoo Studio, in 1999 and it is still in business today.
Self-taught in the art of tattooing, Stefano has dedicated countless hours traveling the US for conventions, which ultimately helped him realize his unique realistic style. Stefano’s greatest artistic influence is his Great Grandfather, Jose Alcantara La Torre, whose style is inherently similar to his own. Stefano does not see art as a business. In terms of tattooing, the human skin is a unique canvas that allows him to create a permanent mark in someone’s life. ¨That, for me, is what tattoos are all about.
In March 2009, he was offered a guest spot at Paul Booth’s studio, and shortly thereafter, he became part of the family at Last Rites Tattoo Theater in NYC. In June of 2012, Stefano began his ¨Se habla Español¨ US Tour, traveling to conventions and guest spots at the most important tattoo shops across the country. He is currently planing a World Tour.
When he’s not tattooing, Stefano works on developing his hand as a fine artist as well. He is currently exploring and challenging his artistic abilities by drawing and painting, pushing personal boundaries, and creating timeless art that speaks for itself.
