Art has always been at the heart of Kaorukel’s life. What started as a childhood love for drawing grew into a tattoo career in 2017, and since then, she’s been telling stories through bold colors and Japanese-inspired designs. From co-founding her own studio in Madrid to traveling across Europe as a guest artist, she continues to explore new ways to connect with people through her art. In this interview, Kaorukel shares her journey, her challenges, and the passion that drives her every day as a tattoo artist.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Kel, known artistically as Kaorukel. I’m a tattoo artist and illustrator. Art has always been a fundamental part of how I see the world. I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid, which led me to study art, but I never imagined it would one day become such a deep way to connect with people until I decided to start my tattooing career in 2017.
I specialize in color tattoos, influenced by Japanese art, anime, and anything with strong visual impact and personality. I co-founded Bulldog Tattoo Studio in Madrid, Spain, in 2018, and over the years I’ve developed a personal style where every piece is crafted with intention, emotion, and storytelling. Until 2023, I took a leap and began traveling, working in studios across Europe and attending conventions.
I’m constantly looking for inspiration in travel, especially my trips to Japan, which solidified my love for Japanese art, as well as in visual culture, conversations, and most of all, in the people who come to the studio looking for something unique to wear on their skin. I’m passionate about color, endlessly curious, and kind of a nerd when it comes to details.
I have a lot of hobbies. I love playing video games, going to concerts, doing crafts, among other things, but with all the traveling these past few years, I haven’t had much time for any of them.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I’ve thought about it many times. Even though I clearly remember when I decided to take the leap, I believe it actually started much earlier. I have memories from when I was a little girl. In the summer, my dad used to draw on my arms with a pen, like pretend tattoos. I think that planted a seed in my subconscious, and it eventually led me to start getting tattoos myself at 16.
Later on, both a friend and my current partner, even before we were together, encouraged me to give tattooing a try. They saw potential in me, and thanks to their support, I started to realize that I could turn this into something more than a hobby. It was a way to bring together my background in art and something I truly enjoyed. That’s when it stopped feeling like just a job and started becoming a true calling.
How and when did you start tattooing?
I started tattooing in 2017, just out of curiosity, as a way to try a new artistic technique. I was really lucky to meet someone who made it all feel very accessible and less intimidating. I practiced a bit on synthetic skin, but soon after, I was already tattooing a couple of friends.
Unlike many people who start tattooing at home, that wasn’t my path. In 2018, I co-founded a tattoo studio, and I started building my client base pretty early on. Everything happened fast, but it felt right, like I was exactly where I needed to be.
Where are you based?
Although I’m currently based in Madrid, Spain, I’m very much an artist on the road. I work as a guest artist in various studios across Europe, mainly in Germany, although I’m planning to expand to the United States soon as well.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in the countries you work in?
We all know these are challenging times in general, but traveling gives you perspective. You get to compare, observe how things evolve, and see how differently each country manages the industry. Tattoo studios are run differently, and the social mindset varies a lot too.
In Spain, for example, I feel like there’s been a loss of respect for the profession in recent years, both from some artists and clients. There are many emerging tattooers who just want to try it out, often working from home (even though it’s not allowed), and they lower prices to ridiculous levels. At the same time, clients are often just looking for the cheapest option. It’s become common for people to try and haggle over prices, which unfortunately says a lot about how the craft is perceived.
In Germany, where I’ve worked the most, things used to be much better until a couple of years ago. But lately, with fewer clients or just too much competition, many tattoo studios have also started lowering their prices. The difference I see is that a lot of studios there are heavily focused on making money, often pushing aside the artistic side of tattooing, the love and sensitivity I believe this work really needs. So you see constant promotions and offers. It’s not all of them, of course, but it’s become the norm in many places.
The upside is that clients in Germany do tend to respect the art of tattooing and the professionalism of tattoo artists more than what I often see in Spain. Obviously, I’m generalizing a lot, but these are things you pick up on when you’re moving around and paying attention.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I don’t usually define myself by a specific tattoo style, because honestly, I do a bit of everything. I’m not, at least for now, one of those artists with a single, well-defined style that they stick to exclusively. I’ve learned and continue to learn so much by working across different styles and techniques. That said, I naturally lean more toward Japanese or neo-Japanese influences. It’s part of my deep fascination with Japanese culture. Still, I don’t follow the traditional rules or strict parameters of the style. I take inspiration from it, but I like to interpret it in my own way.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I really enjoy working on full arm sleeves or full back pieces. The last back tattoo I did, a tiger and a dragon, was one of my favorites, and it definitely made me want to take on more projects like that.
At the same time, I also love one-day pieces that I can complete in a single session. I’m the kind of artist who likes to see the final result once I start. With large multi-session projects, it takes a while to see the full picture, and I’m a bit impatient that way. I just love the feeling of seeing something finished.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
It depends on whether I’m designing a custom piece for a client or creating something to offer as a pre-made design. When it’s for a client, it also depends on whether there’s a deeper meaning behind the tattoo or if it’s more of an aesthetic choice.
If there’s a personal story involved, then my inspiration comes mostly from the information the client shares with me. That’s why I ask a lot of questions. Once I understand their story, I try to create something that truly reflects it, while also making sure it looks good and feels unique.
If it’s just a concept, I try to dig into the client’s tastes. I’ll research and read about whatever theme they’re into. I mean, if someone is into dark, esoteric stuff, I wouldn’t go and design something super kawaii… or if I did, I’d adjust it to give it a kind of dark-kawaii twist.
Whenever possible, I draw inspiration from stories, reading, and illustration references. I’ve also started experimenting a bit with AI as a tool, but honestly, I’m still figuring out how to make it work for me.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
The question would be: what don’t I do?! I love creating, in any form. In fact, my passion for tattooing started precisely from the desire to try a different way of making art. I studied art, so I experimented with painting, drawing, clay, short films, photography… I’ve always been surrounded by different artistic disciplines.
Today, the only problem I have is time, and also space, because my projects require both. I wish I could dedicate more time to all the things I have in mind. For example, I love painting on canvas, clothing, sneakers, or boxes. I also really enjoy making crafts, like traditional Japanese amulets, and I have ideas for projects like earrings, keychains, or even more things that constantly come to mind.
What I love the most is learning, trying new things, and when something catches my attention, I go for it. If I don’t know how to do it, I learn and dive right in.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
One of my closest goals is to move to the United States. I’m working on everything within my reach to make that a reality and start tattooing there. I’ve been planning this step for a while, and I’m really excited about the idea of working in a new environment with more opportunities and a tattoo culture that’s so rich.
In the short term, I want to keep perfecting my own style, focus more on what I’m truly passionate about within tattooing, and continue developing techniques that will allow me to do it even better. I also have projects I’d like to pursue as I settle in, such as expanding my creativity into creating clothing, paintings, and handmade items that I’d love to sell. Although it’s not something immediate, it’s a goal I have in mind, and I hope to work on it when the right moment comes.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this interview. For me, it’s an incredible opportunity to share a little bit of my world with you. Art and tattooing are a form of connection, and it’s always nice to be able to connect with people who appreciate and understand what we do. And finally, if you ever see me at a convention or in the studio, feel free to come up and chat. I promise I’m not that serious all the time. And if it’s to talk tattoos, I love having conversations about that and about a little bit of everything!
Leave A Comment