This week, we had the great pleasure of having an interesting chat with a special guest, Lau Mestre. A Mallorca-born tattoo artist specializing in micro-realism of marine life. Her work and teachings reflect her deep connection to the sea and commitment to eco-friendly living.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
I am Laura Mestre, better known on social media as delamartattoo for tattooing sea animals. I am from Mallorca, but I tattoo all around Europe. I like to surf, practice yoga, and I am very interested in leading an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
I started getting tattooed when I was 18, but I always liked tattoos. I have liked art since childhood, already as a kid, I used to do some ceramics and painting. I remember my mom telling me and my siblings that we could choose an activity after school, and I always chose painting. As a teen, I went to university to study fine arts, however, I was looking for more hands-on studies, so I went to Stick Art Studio, the best artistic make-up school in Spain, to learn body painting. I can say that I have always been into art and tattoos.
How and when did you start tattooing?
It wasn’t until after finishing the make-up course I did, that I decided to try it. I visited Ivan Cubas, one of the best tattoo artists in Mallorca. He taught how to tattoo at his studio for 3 months.
Where are you based?
I wouldn’t say that I am based anywhere yet, but Mallorca, the island where I was born and raised, is the place where I always come back to stay and work.
You seem to have an extremely well-curated Instagram page with lots of sea creatures, could you tell us a bit more, why sea creatures?
Since I was born and raised on a little island, I was always in touch with the sea, I believe that is where my inspiration comes from!
How would you define your tattoo style?
As a micro realism and a bit of sketch as well, specialized in marine life.
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
The sea and it’s life!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
To see people’s reactions when they see their tattoos finished and know they will wear them for life.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
I have been in a few, it’s a great place to meet other tattoo artists, network and reach out. However, I haven’t been participating in one for a while.
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Sure, my first tattoo convention was in Ibiza “my neighbor island” and I enjoyed it a lot! It was well organized, and I met a lot of nice artists.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
My primary reasons for attending a tattoo convention are to travel and network.
How do you think tattoo conventions could get even better for artists and the public?
Sometimes organizing them better and having more resources. It is common in conventions to arrive and not have a place to plug your stuff close enough, or not have the stuff you would expect… Also, it would be good if the list of prices were updated to the new emerging tattoo styles like microrealism, which are still difficult to see in many tattoo conventions…
Can you tell us about your experience with guest spotting?
In the last few years, I have visited more than 10 countries in Europe, guest spotting and attending conventions. Tattooing all around Europe taught me many things. Every studio, every owner and every tattoo artist that I have been working with made me improve myself not only in tattooing but also in organisation, how to run a studio, how to treat clients, what materials are better to use, etc. So I am very thankful for the people I’ve met and the things I learned.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
Ivan Cubas, who taught me how to tattoo, I think his path in the tattoo industry is admirable, among many others…
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
To travel around the world and always get clients in the places I visit. Being able to combine the 2 things I like the most in my life tattooing and traveling—makes me feel very lucky. Also, now I am fully booked for the masterclass I am teaching this month, which also makes me feel very special.
You’ve mentioned that you were fully booked for your masterclass, can you tell us a little bit more?
I am very excited to announce about my first Masterclass on the 23rd of June, where I’ll be sharing with you my techniques for creating sea animal tattoos.
All the participants are already tattoo artists who are looking to improve their techniques, so what I am going to teach is not about tattooing from scratches, but how to improve their technique to do more realistic tattoos. I will also share some tips from my personal experience in the tattooing industry, talking about things like materials, organisation, marketing, etc.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I want to ensure that the masterclass is successful and maybe teach some more, In the future, I’d like to create my own studio.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Thanks to Billy and the rest of the World Tattoo Events team for allowing me to do this interview. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope you enjoyed it!
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