Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ivo Angelov trained in fine art and industrial design in Sofia, Bulgaria, bringing a European academic eye for classical drawing, contrast, and composition to every piece. Arriving in the United States in 2015 with a suitcase and $2,000, he served in the US Army, built a life, and founded Cherno Ink Tattoo Studio on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, Alabama, where he is currently based.

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He does not rush, he does not cut corners, and he does not take on work he cannot execute at the highest possible level. His practice covers black and grey realism across three distinct approaches — classic, pastel, and opaque — as well as full red gamma tattooing, selective color, large-scale arm and leg sleeves, back pieces, micro realism, and portrait work.

Every session uses premium professional-grade inks only. Pain management in the form of numbing creams and solutions is available at every session for clients concerned about comfort or session length. Every client leaves with a complete healing kit — antibacterial soap, healing ointment, and a full written aftercare guide — and Ivo follows up personally at four weeks to confirm healing is on track.