Camilo Gonzalez • Santiago’s Bold Signature in Contemporary Anime Tattooing

Camilo Gonzalez, known as Whysogreen Tattoo, is a Chilean artist at the forefront of the global anime tattoo movement. Based in Santiago, he creates vibrant full-color anime and comic-inspired tattoos that blend technical precision with bold artistic identity.

Working from his studio Rokugan, Camilo has built a strong presence within the growing anime tattoo scene across Latin America. As anime has evolved from niche interest to mainstream force within modern tattooing, he represents a generation of artists who grew alongside that shift refining their technique, competing at conventions, and continuously expanding their creative language.

With multiple awards earned across Chile and Mexico, and a clear ambition to develop a recognizable signature within anime tattooing, Camilo’s journey reflects steady growth, discipline, and long-term vision. His work stands as both a celebration of animation culture and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of color-driven tattoo art.

Let’s step into his world.

• How would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Camilo Gonzalez, known in the tattoo world as Whysogreen Tattoo. I specialize in full-color tattoos with anime and comic book themes, featuring vibrant colors and eye-catching designs.

• Where can clients find you?

I work in Santiago, Chile, at my own studio, Rokugan.

• Where does your fascination with tattoos come from?

I’ve always loved drawing anime and cartoons, ever since I was little. When I discovered I could do it directly on skin, I became obsessed with it and wanted to improve as much as possible. I fell in love with this work.

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

At 23, I started looking for something to do. I was stuck in my career and wanted to do something more. That’s when I found several tattoo artists who worked with anime. It was 11 years ago, and there were very few anime tattoo artists, so I started searching and learning with what little was available back then.

• How did your family react when you started your career as a tattoo artist?

Luckily, I have a very open-minded family, so I received a lot of support. I even tattooed my mom to practice.

• What was your first tattoo like?

My first tattoo was a traditional rose, which I got it on my leg. I still have it. It took three sessions for a tiny tattoo. I don’t know why I did that.

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

At the moment, I mostly work in anime. I like to mix in some elements of neo-traditional to achieve bold, striking lines. However, I’m also working on a more illustrative style with landscapes and calmer scenes. I’m somewhere between these two formats and I’d always like to improve and change these styles.

• Is there any tattoo style you’d like to explore further?

I’d like to continue exploring neo-traditional and learn about realism to incorporate them into my current style.

• How do you stay creatively inspired?

It’s difficult to maintain constant inspiration, but I always try to look for references in illustration and anime itself.

• Do you practice other art forms besides tattooing?

Yes, I frequently paint, especially with watercolor and markers.

• As a tattoo artist, what is your daily routine like?

I always start my day with a coffee, then I prepare my workstation to make sure everything is clean and ready for the client. When the client arrives, I start working with them, check the area to be tattooed, review the design together, and make any adjustments if needed. If everything is okay, we start tattooing. I always try to maintain a positive attitude so my clients feel comfortable and have a pleasant experience throughout the tattooing process.

• As a tattoo artist, what kind of tattoo ethics are truly important to you?

It’s very important to have your own boundaries regarding the styles you can perform. I often see poorly done tattoos that happen when artists take on work beyond their skill level. You have to be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t do.

• What do you think distinguishes a good tattoo artist from an excellent one?

Besides having excellent technique, what truly sets them apart is their professionalism in treating their clients. The best advertising comes from your own clients—those who can speak highly of your work and of you as a person. I believe that beyond technique, the most important thing is creating a positive experience that turns clients into repeat customers.

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

Being able to connect with different people and bring their ideas to life on their skin is incredibly rewarding. There is nothing more gratifying than finishing a tattoo and seeing your client genuinely happy with the results.

• What surprises you about being a tattoo artist?

How the industry is changing, and that if we don’t adapt, we don’t grow as professionals.

• What is the biggest challenge of being a tattoo artist in 2026?

Working with social media these days is challenging. I think the biggest difficulty is getting your work seen. Things don’t work the way they did a few years ago, so it takes time to adapt and understand how to navigate the new algorithms.

• What do you think about the growing acceptance of tattoos in society?

I love it! I hope that one day no one has to hide their tattoos to get a job. Here in Chile, tattoos are already widely accepted, and I hope this mindset continues to grow.

• What’s the most common misconception clients have about tattoos?

That anything can be done on the skin. Often, clients come in with ideas for small tattoos that include too much detail, and it’s our job to help them understand what is and isn’t possible on the skin.

• What’s the biggest trend in the tattoo world you’ve noticed in the last 5 years?

Anime has grown a lot in recent years. Before, nobody was tattooing anime, and now there are thousands of us.

• Are you working on other projects within the tattoo industry?

Yes, I’m now starting a fine art printing business for my fellow tattoo artists.

• What tools and machines do you prefer to use?

I’m using a FK Irons machine that I love, and I always work with Radiant Colors Ink.

• Do you have sponsors? If so, what can you tell us about them?

Yes, I work with Radiant Colors Ink and their line of colors and cartridges. I’m very grateful that such a major brand supports my work. I’ve always used their inks. They offer an exceptionally wide color gamut, allowing me to create a rich spectrum of tones and subtle undertones. Now I’ve been trying their needles, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ll always recommend them!

• What has your experience been like at tattoo conventions so far?

I’ve been to many, but I personally find it a great opportunity to try new styles and see the work of my colleagues. I always come back motivated after attending a convention.

• How do you usually prepare for a tattoo convention?

I always try to bring as much merch as possible to showcase my work. I look for a client in advance so I can start working beforehand and have everything ready on the day of the convention.

• What is your main reason for attending a tattoo convention?

To improve my tattooing skills, connect with my studio colleagues, and also meet new clients and tattoo artists.

• What has been your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?

There are two! The Mexico Tattoo Convention, and in Chile there’s a new one called The Anime Challenge, which focuses specifically on anime and comics. I also hope to attend Anime Ink someday — it’s a dream of mine.

• Have you had the opportunity to participate in any tattoo competitions? Can you specify your awards?

Yes! I have several awards from various conventions.

• Summer Ink 2025: 2nd Place, Anime.
• Summer Ink 2024: 3rd Place, Anime.
• Oktober Ink Chile 2024: 3rd Place, Anime/Pokémon Category.
• Inkdacity Santiago 2024: 2nd Place, Anime/Color.
• Mexico Tattoo Convention 2022: 3rd Place, Freestyle.
• Comic Ink Chile 2019: 2nd Place, Full Color.
• Expo Piel 2017 Chile: 2nd Place, Full Color.

• Is there a tattoo you’ve created throughout your career that you’re particularly proud of?

Yes, you will see the photos of these tattoos as you scroll through my interview!

• What is your greatest achievement as a tattoo artist?

Being able to travel and get sponsorship from Radiant Colors Ink, and now having my own studio.

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

Focus on always improving, look at many tattoo artists as role models, and try to constantly evolve your style. That’s what I try to do to keep growing.

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

I hope to travel to tattoo in other places and attend conventions in Europe and throughout Latin America.

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

I hope to create my own style for anime tattoos. I still have a long way to go, and I hope to achieve this through dedication, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

• To close this interview, what is your final message for our readers?

Thank you so much for reading this far! I hope what I’ve shared has been helpful and have given you some insight into tattooing — and most of all, that you’ve enjoyed the read.