Artist!
Jlynn, Tara, Randson, Hornet, Omri, and Kandy Models! Ellery,Brandy,Kenzie, CYD Conventions, expos, and more
Steve Azzara (RIP) President/Editor in Chief/MFIC
Pamela Haven Co owner/President/Writer
Matt Sellers Writer/Creative director/Editor
Contributors
Cypress Bates Video Journalist/Writer
Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez
Cover- @nysa_rose Photographer- @dellamoredante
Special Thanks to...
Daniel Kearney, Santelmo (Saint) Vazquez, Mark Lawrence, Shawn Alexander, Tommy’s Supplies, New England Tattoo Expo, Sellers Ink Tattoo, Sean Hightower, Walt Anderson, Carnival of Ink, The Most famous studio, Urbans edge tattoo after care. New England tatoo expo, DR. Rebecca perry Pro Team
Lydia Bruno, Pammy Sellers, Pepe Carire, And Jimmy Dalessio, Ninetoes, Nikko Gould, Josh Paul, Mike Geyer, Tyce Johnson
Tell us a little bit about where you’re from and what was it like growing up?
I’m originally from a small town, Texarkana, Texas where I spent most of my life. I grew up having big dreams, but also not having family support. So most of those dreams were out the window at a young age. I decided I had to take life into my own hands and forge a path by myself. That’s how tattooing came about. I’ve now been in Shreveport, Louisiana for the past 8 years and I’m thriving!
Were there any artists (tattoo or otherwise) who influenced your style early on?
Early on in my tattoo career I had artists from my hometown that I looked up to like, Joel Wright and Jason Elliot. They inspired my older style of tattooing that I don’t do anymore but nonetheless they helped build my passion for the art and helped form me as an artist. So shoutout to the homies.
How long have you been tattooing for and has your style evolved over time? If so, how?
I’ve been tattooing for 12-13 years. My style has definitely evolved over the years. For the first 9 years of my career I strictly did color which ranged from neotrad, illustrative, and color realism. I had always been terrified of black and grey realism. Due to a few failed attempts early on. Now that’s really all I’ve done for the past 4 years, and I absolutely love it! It was the last thing I thought I’d ever be doing.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about tattoo artists?
I mean I think the most common one is that we’re all a bunch of heathens, criminals, and drug addicts. Which honestly you can find that in any career. From my experience I’ve met some of the nicest, most down to earth and excepting people in the tattoo industry. Things have changed a lot even since I started tattooing.
What does tattooing mean to you personally?
Honestly, everything. It’s really all I’ve got. These days most of my clients just give me a topic and let me do what I want. What more could I ask for? It’s the greatest feeling being able to create without limitations.
Have you ever turned down a tattoo request? Why?
Why? Early on, never! Now days, I often to do. Not because I’m some prima donna or anything but because I want to be fully engulfed in the the subject matter that I’m tattooing. That’s how I feel like I’m gonna do the best I can and give the client absolutely all of me.
What are some of your biggest achievements in your career?
Just getting to the level I’m at currently, still being able to grow and being able to persevere through the storms. Also I’ve won some awards and been in some magazines which is super dope.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in tattooing?
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the show “Parks and Rec” but there’s a character on the show named Ron Swanson played by Nick Offerman. He once said “you can’t half ass two things, you have to whole ass one thing.” And honestly that quote is part of the reason I’m still a tattoo artist. So all in all, to really be the best you can be, you’ve got to be all in or nothing.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up?
I was born and raised in NW Arkansas and NE Oklahoma all my life. Not a lot to do around here growing up so I had lots of time to do art. I have always been into different kinds of art but ever since i started tattooing it has been my main focus. I love everything about tattooing.
What inspired you to pursue tattooing as a career?
My husband. He was a tattoo artist when i met him then i later I decided that i wanted to tattoo. I never thought about becoming a tattoo artist growing up because my parents were so agaisnt tattoos. But once i started and they saw the art you could create they came around eventually. But ive always been artistic. Always had a passion for drawing, painting and all other forms of art.
How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been treating you?
April 4, i will have been licensed in the state of arkansas for 20 years. Its been a great journey so far. Some ups and downs. I dont get to do many conventions. But the one that i did attend i did win a 1st place award for best neo traditional. Ive been to a few others but only ever tattooed at one.
Have you worked in multiple shops or cities? How has that influenced you?
Ive worked in a few different shops. Now i own the shop that i work in. I had to create an enviroment where the people that work there get along. But i have worked with some good artist that i have learned some techniques from. I pick little tips and tricks from people all the time. I am always trying to learn something new if it will improve my tattoo skills.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a tattoo artist?
My biggest challenge is working in smallish city. Around here there arent a whole lot of people willing to let you design the piece or give full creative freedom. Have you ever turned down a tattoo request? Why?
Yes. I do not tattoo anything gang related or racist. I also wont tattoo on a minors face or hands. I think you should be old enough to make your own decisions bef
Let’s start off with where you are from and what was it like growing up?
I am from Campina Grande Brazil, PB, but I moved with my parents to São Paulo when I was 2 years old. Growing up here was fundamental for my development; it is a city full of opportunities and challenges that shaped me greatly.
How did you get into tattooing, and how long have you been tattooing for?
I have loved drawing since I was a child and have always had a natural talent for it. I discovered tattooing through my brother-in-law Leo, a great artist to this day, who planted the idea in my mind that I could become a tattoo artist one day. I took drawing courses, honed my skills, and received my first tattoo machine as a gift from my wife, an encouragement I still carry today. I have now been tattooing professionally for 7 years. Which artists (tattoo or otherwise) inspire your work?
The artists who currently inspire me the most include my brother-inlaw Leo (@leofavarink), my sister Ranna (@fromthesoul.jpg), Chris (@ primm_), Michael (@michaeljtattoos), Jeff (@jeffnortontattoo), Bruno (@btrad_), Raffa (@raffasantosart), Cristian (@kasasink), Justin (@ justinhartmanart), and also (@kennipoke).
How would you describe your tattooing style, and what got you into that certain style?
I am still developing my tattoo style, but I work extensively in realism. I would define my style as a mix of neo-traditional and black work because I enjoy combining contrast, details, and forms that convey emotion.
How do you stay inspired or avoid creative burnout?
I try to draw every day and have a strong passion for photography, especially landscapes, and I often visit museums for inspiration. When creating, I make several sketches of ideas in my mind and let them “rest”; when inspiration strikes, I select some to transform into final tattoo pieces.
What are some of your biggest accomplishments during your career?
One of the greatest achievements in my career was meeting Chris (@ primm_) and visiting his studio, @ the.grand.reaper, in San Diego, CA, USA. It was incredible to meet the outstanding artists working there and to witness one of them — my brother-in-law — tattooing my wife. Another significant achievement was having one of my paintings featured in the Alchemy exhibition, organized by @gurutattoo together with @zeroskateboards, which showcased prominent names in the tattoo industry.
What’s your biggest goal as a tattoo artist?
My main goal is to gain recognition among the top names in tattooing and to take my art around the world, turning people’s skin into true works of expressive art.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up?
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Alicante, Spain. I grew up in a city by the sea, surrounded by Mediterranean culture but also influenced by urban life. From an early age, I was drawn to art and creativity, and I was always fascinated by the graffiti I saw on the streets. I began drawing at the age of seven with my grandfather, started painting graffiti at twelve, and, almost by chance, began tattooing when I was twenty-one.
2. How long have you been tattooing for and how has the journey been for you?
I have been tattooing professionally for ten years. It has been an intense journey, full of learning and personal growth. I started out with a lot of passion, and over time that passion evolved into a way of life. Tattooing has taught me discipline, patience, and how to connect with people through art that stays with them forever.
How would you describe your tattooing style, and what led you to that particular style of tattoo work?
I specialize mainly in Japanese and new school styles, though I work in almost any style. Japanese tattooing attracts me because of its visual strength, symbolism, and ability to tell stories. New school, on the other hand, connects me with something more colorful, cartoon-like, and imaginative, where I can unleash my creativity. Ultimately, what led me to these styles was my passion for Japanese culture combined with my graffiti background.
Do you think tattooing is respected enough as an art form?
More and more so. Tattooing has gone from being something marginal to being recognized as a legitimate artistic discipline. That said, I still think there is room to grow. In many contexts, it is not valued on the same level as painting or sculpture, even though it requires equal, if not greater, commitment, because it is expressed on the human body in an irreversible way.
Have you participated in any tattoo conventions or competitions?
I’ve taken part in several conventions, both to showcase my work and to learn from other artists. The atmosphere is inspiring, filled with passion and respect for the craft. Competing is not my main motivation, but I do enjoy sharing, exchanging ideas, and seeing how tattooing evolves internationally. I have also served as a judge at the Brussels convention, which was a very enriching experience because it allowed me to be on the other side of the competition. It wasn’t an easy task, though, as there were so many talented artists that making a choice was far from simple.
Can you walk me through your process from consultation to the final tattoo?
Of course. The process begins with a consultation, where we schedule a meeting for the client to share their ideas. I guide them and suggest different ways to elevate that idea. Once the concept is clear, I move into the research stage, gathering as much information as possible from books, photography, and reading. Then I move on to the design phase, creating the most personal version of that idea. Before tattooing, I review the details with the client and make any necessary adjustments, since I value respecting their preferences. During the session, I pay close attention to every line and shadow, focusing not only on technique but also on the client’s comfort. The process ends with aftercare instructions, because a good tattoo depends as much on healing as on the artist’s work. Often, it doesn’t end there, I stay in touch with clients because after spending so many hours together, a meaningful bond is formed.
What do you like to do outside of work—any hobbies?
Outside of tattooing, I love spending time with my family, which is a top priority for me. As for hobbies, I practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which helps me stay fit, release tension, and keep a calm mind. I also continue painting graffiti from time to time and, of course, traveling and discovering new cultures—something that always ends up inspiring my tattoo designs
