The Artist
Alex Bombay
Internationally experienced tattoo artist known for versatility, creativity, and the ability to work across all tattoo styles.
The Journey
Born in Portugal and raised in Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida, Alex Bombay brings decades of artistic experience, creativity, and tattoo culture from Europe, the United States, South America, and across the globe.
Having lived and worked in Ireland for over two decades, he has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality custom tattoos with exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, and artistic excellence — tattooing clients from all over the world who come through Tattoo Mania Studio in Athlone.
His versatility spans every tattoo style — from black and grey realism and Chicano art, to American traditional, fine line, full color, memorial work, cover-ups, and large-scale sleeve projects. Every piece is uniquely designed to tell the individual client's story.
Alex is known not only for his artistry, but for his friendly and professional approach — making every client feel comfortable, heard, and confident in their tattoo journey from the first consultation to the final session.
Timeline
A Life in Ink
Born in Portugal with a deep passion for art and creativity.
Raised in Los Angeles, California and Miami, Florida — immersed in American tattoo culture and Chicano art.
Traveled and worked extensively across Europe, South America, and beyond.
Settled in Ireland over two decades ago, building Tattoo Mania Studio in Athlone.
Designing and building custom tattoo machines and professional equipment for artists worldwide.
Internationally recognized artist, tattooing clients from all over the world at Tattoo Mania Studio.
Design Services
Custom Design & Artwork
Every tattoo at Tattoo Mania Studio begins with an original custom design — drawn specifically for you.
Custom Tattoo Design
Alex creates every tattoo design from scratch based on your idea, reference images, placement, and style preferences. No flash, no templates — every piece is uniquely yours.
Cover-Up Design
Specialist cover-up designs that transform existing tattoos into something new. Alex assesses the original piece and crafts a design that works with the skin and hides the old ink.
Sleeve Planning
Full and half sleeve tattoos require careful planning across multiple sessions. Alex maps out the entire composition to ensure it flows naturally and tells a cohesive story.
Memorial & Portrait Design
Sensitive, detailed portrait and memorial tattoos designed to honour loved ones. Alex works with your photos and ideas to create a lasting tribute.
Lettering & Script
Custom hand-drawn lettering and script tattoos — from elegant fine line to bold Chicano-style fonts. Every letter is crafted with precision and character.
Consultations
Free consultations available in person or via WhatsApp. Bring your ideas, references, and questions — Alex will guide you through the design process from start to finish.
Beyond the Needle
40 Years of Machine Building
Long before tattoo machines became widely available, Alex Bombay was already engineering his own. For over 40 years, he has designed, built, and refined custom tattoo machines and professional equipment — a parallel craft that runs as deep as his passion for tattooing itself.
What started as a necessity — building tools that could match his exacting standards — evolved into a lifelong discipline. Every machine Alex builds reflects decades of hands-on knowledge from the tattooing chair: the right weight, the right stroke, the right feel.
Products designed by a real working artist — for real working artists.
40+
Years of Experience
Designing and building tattoo machines since the early days of the craft — before modern equipment existed.
ONE SHOT
Signature Brand
Alex's own professional supply line — ONE SHOT — includes custom wireless pens, machines, cartridges, numbing cream, and tattoo butter.
Global
Artist Community
Equipment and supplies trusted by professional tattoo artists around the world, not just in Ireland.
100%
Artist-Designed
Every product is designed from the perspective of a working artist. No compromises on performance or quality.