Andrea Manica September 1, 2026

Conversations with Andrea Manica

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Manica.

Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a tattoo artist and mural painter based in Toronto Ontario. I got my start tattooing by being interested in the DIY scene and began tattooing out of a studio in 2016. My mural work began in 2013 when I assisted a friend in painting. since then my practice grew with other people seeing my work and requesting their own murals. I also frequently apply to open calls for public art throughout the city and beyond.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My struggles have come with being an entrepreneur who needs a strong customer base and connections. I am very lucky that opportunities have come my way. Recessions have affected my career in that less people are desiring tattoos and there is less money to go towards art.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My tattoo work is machine free – I have always created tattoos by hand-poking them. This sets me apart style and technique-wise. My personal art style is simple yet classic and inspired by decorative designs and vintage illustrations. My mural work is colourful and nature based with bright colours and whimsical imagery. I complete my murals using acrylics and brushes/rollers rather than spray paint. I occasionally design digital murals to be printed on vinyl and that required drawing in Procreate and vectorizing my images.

I am extremely proud that I have been able to sustain a comfortable lifestyle by doing art, and I have done it consistently for the past ten years.

What’s next?
I plan to continue creating art well into the future and I am excited for opportunities to expand my knowledge by working with new mediums ie using a tattoo machine or getting more proficient in using spray paint.

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.andreamanica.com
Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/andysmall

Tattoo of a crown with dots around it on person's ankle, with a sock partially covering the leg.

Hand with tattoos, wearing rings, resting on black pants, with a cream-colored sweater sleeve visible, against a plain background.

Tattoo of a zebra with a red heart on the side of a person's torso, partially covered by clothing.

Person standing next to pink and red flowering bushes outside a house, wearing a beige dress and black shoes.

Colorful mural with animals, plants, books, and abstract designs on a wall, with clothing hanging in front.

Tattoo of a person with a pink face, blue shirt, and red hair, sitting on a bench, on a person's leg.

Building with colorful mural featuring flowers, animals, and abstract designs, under a partly cloudy sky, with a tree in foreground.

Sign with a stylized black and white animal head, red eye, and yellow chain, on a blue background.

Image Credits
All photos taken by me, photo of myself taken by Stephen Forbes (personal friend)

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