Felipe Parra • The Art of Becoming Through Tattooing

Felipe Parra is a Chilean tattoo artist based in Chicago, known for his dedication to growth and constant refinement of his craft. His journey began with a single tattoo that sparked a lifelong commitment to art, leading him to fully invest in tattooing early on. Today, he works at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo, where he focuses on delivering both strong artistic results and meaningful client experiences.

Driven by curiosity, Felipe embraces a wide range of styles while continuing to search for a distinct visual identity. He draws inspiration from everyday life, anime, and fellow tattoo artists, always pushing himself to improve both technically and creatively. His approach balances client ideas with artistic input, aiming to create work that feels personal yet thoughtfully executed.

Beyond tattooing, Felipe values community, learning, and humility as essential parts of the profession. He sees tattooing as a cultural exchange that connects people and stories across borders. With ambitions to refine his style and grow his presence in the US, he remains focused on evolving as both an artist and a collaborator.

Let’s step into his world.

• How would you like to introduce yourself?

Hey! I’m Felipe Parra, a tattoo artist from Chile focused on constantly improving my craft to give my clients the best possible experience.

• Where can your customers find you?

I work at Speakeasy Custom Tattoo, located at 1935 1/2 W North Ave, Wicker Park, right in the heart of Chicago.

• How would you describe the tattoo scene in your country these days?

The level of tattooing has become incredibly good in the last couple of years. Here in Chicago, especially in the last five years, it has changed considerably—you can’t allow yourself to be just a random tattooer anymore.

• How would you define yourself in one word?

Learner!

• Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?

I was always into drawing since I was a little kid, but I never got into tattooing because it felt a bit scary. When I got my first tattoo at 19, I was immediately hooked. I fell in love with the craft, the artistic side of it, and working directly with people.

• What does tattooing mean to you personally?

It’s all I ever needed. It allows me to meet incredible people and experience different cultures, while also letting me share my art and be part of everyone’s journey.

• At what point in your life did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist?

Right after I got my first tattoo. I had money saved for a bartender course to help me through college, but I spent it on tattoo equipment instead. From that moment, I was fully invested in getting good at it.

• How did your family react when you started a career in tattooing?

At the beginning, they didn’t really believe in it, since I had gone through a lot of trial and error with art before. But eventually I had friends coming over every weekend to get tattooed, and they became really supportive. My mom would even offer lunch and food to my friends after getting tattooed.

• Did you go through an apprenticeship? How was that experience?

I did! I went into a tattoo shop once to get some needles I had run out of while tattooing a friend. They invited me to come by anytime, and I ended up going there every day after college for about a year and a half. We became really good friends—it was a great experience.

• What did your first tattoo look like?

It was on my thigh—the classic. It turned out good enough that I could show it off to my friends and tempt them to get tattooed by me.

• Do you usually do guest spots? If yes, what’s your experience in doing them?

I do! I always have a lot of fun doing guest spots around the world. It’s one of my favorite parts of tattooing, and I’ve made some of my best friends and clients through it.

• As a Tattoo Artist, what does your daily working routine look like?

I work almost every day from 10am until around 5–7pm. I get to the shop early to prepare everything, have my coffee, and enjoy some quiet time before clients arrive. I don’t usually take food breaks—I just keep going until I’m done, then have a proper dinner at home and prepare for the next day.

• What is one surprising aspect of being a tattoo artist?

That you never stop working! Between preparing designs, social media, content, and actual tattooing, you never really stop. I think it’s part of growing consistently as a tattoo artist.

• How do you determine the price of a tattoo?

Recently, I started working per hour. That way, I don’t stress about charging too much or too little—if the tattoo takes more time, it simply costs more and is more elaborate.

• What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2026?

The overwhelming number of insanely good tattoo artists out there—and staying focused while continuing to improve.

• What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?

My clients, for sure. It’s the best feeling when they’re happy after seeing the final result.

• What tools and machines do you prefer to use?

Currently I’m working with Bishop machines—I have all three: 3.2, 4.2, and 5.0. They’re super versatile and great for everything.

• What’s your number one aftercare advice for clients?

Don’t over-moisturize! Long showers and too much lotion are the worst for tattoos.

• How would you define your current tattoo style, and how did you end up focusing on it?

I have a hard time describing my style because I don’t feel like I have a defined one yet. I’m still searching, so for now I focus on learning as many different styles as I can.

• Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.

First, I try to fully understand what they’re thinking and what their vision is. Then I gather the right references that connect with them, and from there I do my craft.

• How do you stay creatively inspired?

I try to read a lot, watch good anime and TV shows, and of course, I’m always looking at my favorite tattoo artists.

• How do you balance client requests with your artistic vision?

It’s tough. Some projects allow more artistic freedom than others, so I try not to be too hard on myself. But when I can bring more of my vision into it, those projects definitely have an extra charm.

• Are there any tattoo styles you’d like to explore more?

Right now, I’m focusing on learning color theory and how to apply it to skin. I keep seeing incredible color tattoos, and I want to reach that level.

• What’s the most underrated tattoo style?

Abstract. It sometimes has a bad reputation, but I follow colleagues who create amazing work with it.

• What’s the most overrated tattoo style?

Micro realism, since in the long run it has too many limitations to age well in the skin.

• Are there any tattoos you prefer not to do?

I don’t enjoy doing tribals—I get bored after a couple of hours.

• Do you have sponsors? If yes, what could you tell us about your sponsors?

I’m sponsored by Vitium Tattoo, an incredible balm for both tattooing and aftercare. In Chile, I was sponsored by Skeletons Supplies, which is one of the best brands there. I might also be joining the Emalla team soon—their needles are amazing.

• As a Tattoo Artist, what kind of tattoo ethics is really important to you?

Humility. Without the trust of clients, we wouldn’t have a job.

• Being a successful tattoo artist requires many different skills. What’s your favorite way to keep learning?

Engaging with colleagues and sharing time together—it’s impossible not to end up talking about tattooing.

• Do you like to teach or mentor upcoming artists?

Yeah, it’s always an honor. I even started a YouTube channel years ago, but I couldn’t keep up with it.

• What’s the best piece of advice you ever received to improve your tattooing technique?

Nothing specific comes to mind, but taking your time and understanding the technical aspects of what you’re doing is key.

• How do you stay at the top of your game?

By drawing and painting as much as I can, and studying videos where other tattooers explain their methods—I watch those very carefully.

• What do you think separates a good tattoo artist from a great one?

Drawing and painting skills—they’re the real game-changer.

• How do you feel about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?

It’s amazing. People now see tattoos more as art than anything else.

• What’s the biggest misconception that customers may have about tattoos?

That cheaper is better, even though it’s something that lasts a lifetime.

• What’s the biggest trend in tattooing you have noticed in the last 5 years?

Anime tattoos are becoming more popular. As an anime fan myself, it’s amazing to work on pieces from my favorite shows.

• What’s your view on the rise of AI in tattooing?

It’s a tool we can’t avoid, like Photoshop years ago. It can be used well or poorly, but it will further separate truly skilled artists from others.

• What would you change about the tattoo industry?

The dependency on social media, but I can’t deny the benefits it brings too.

• Do you work on other projects within the tattoo industry?

Mainly focusing on improving my craft—drawing, painting, and attending conventions and events.

• Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?

Yes—oil painting and charcoal are my favorites.

• Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?

All my friends—@Jimmyimier, @e.tedebring, @lapeaudure, @michel.tattoos, @matiasvpoblete. I could spend hours naming talented people .

• What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?

I love them! I do have some issues with certain organizations, but I understand it’s not easy to run them.

• How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?

I have a system with boxes containing everything I need. I coordinate with clients in advance or take bookings for the event.

• What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?

Meeting people, connecting with other tattooers, competing, and pushing myself to grow as a tattoo artist.

• What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?

The ones in Chile. The level of organization and talent was incredible.

• Have you ever had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo contests? Have you received any awards?

Yes! I won 1st place a while ago in Santa Cruz, Bolivia for a color tattoo.

• Do you collect tattoos from artists you meet at conventions?

I do! I once got tattooed by one of my favorite artists, @david.jorquera, by pure luck at a convention.

• How do you think there are ways tattoo conventions could improve for both artists and the public?

They’re already quite good. There are many types—invitation-only, large-scale, smaller ones—people just need to research the artists attending.

• Was there any event in particular that really boosted your career?

Not yet, but I’m sure 2026 will bring some great opportunities.

• Is there any tattoo that you have created in your career that you are particularly proud of?

A portrait of Walter White. It marked a before and after in my career and made me realize how much I had improved.

• What is your greatest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?

Becoming a resident artist in the US with an O-1 visa—it’s a dream come true.

• What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?

It’s not easy. You just have to keep improving and never stop drawing.

• What are your goals or dreams for the near future?

To find a clearer direction for my style and build a stronger name for myself nationally in the US.

• What legacy do you want to leave as a tattoo artist?

Knowing people carry my tattoos is already enough for me as far as legacy goes.

• To close this awesome interview, what’s your last message to our readers?

I want to thank the organizers for this opportunity—it helps us learn more about each other and allows clients to know the artists behind their tattoos. I love seeing the tattoo culture grow, with artists improving and clients doing more research to find the right fit.