Meet Alex Bombay: 40 Years of Tattooing

Alex Bombay is not just a tattoo artist — he's a craftsman, a machine builder, and a storyteller who has spent over four decades perfecting his craft.

The Journey

Born in Portugal

Alex was born in Portugal, where his passion for art and creativity first took root.

Raised in Los Angeles

Growing up in Los Angeles, California and Miami, Florida, Alex was immersed in American tattoo culture from an early age. The Chicano style that he would later become known for was part of the cultural fabric of his youth.

A Global Perspective

Alex travelled and worked extensively across Europe, South America, and beyond, absorbing tattoo traditions from different cultures and developing his signature versatility.

Settled in Ireland

Over two decades ago, Alex settled in Ireland and built Tattoo Mania Studio in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Since then, he has tattooed clients from all over the world.

A Master of All Styles

Alex's versatility is his greatest strength. He works across every tattoo style:

• Black & Grey Realism — Photorealistic portraits and wildlife
• Chicano Style — Fine line work rooted in LA tradition
• American Traditional — Bold lines and classic imagery
• Fine Line — Delicate, minimalist designs
• Full Colour — Vivid, saturated colour work
• Memorial Tattoos — Meaningful tribute pieces
• Cover-Ups — Transforming old ink into new art
• Sleeves — Full and half sleeve compositions

Beyond the Needle: Machine Building

Long before modern tattoo machines were widely available, Alex was engineering his own. For over 40 years, he has designed, built, and refined custom tattoo machines under his ONE SHOT brand.

What started as a necessity — building tools that could match his exacting standards — evolved into a lifelong discipline. Every machine reflects decades of hands-on knowledge from the tattooing chair.

The Philosophy

Alex believes every tattoo should tell a story. No flash, no templates — every piece is custom-drawn to suit the individual client, their body, and the narrative they want to carry.

His friendly, professional approach makes every client feel comfortable, heard, and confident — from the first consultation to the final session.

Visit Tattoo Mania Studio

Located at 21 Northgate Street, Athlone, Tattoo Mania Studio is open Tuesday to Saturday, 2pm–6pm. Book your consultation today and start your own tattoo story.