We are always eager to present you new talents and today we are very pleased to introduce to our readers, Maria, and her remarkable and original Black & Grey Tattoos. Maria only started tattooing in 2019 but in just a few years, thanks to her work and dedication, she gained a lot of recognition in the tattoo industry. In this exclusive interview, Maria shares her journey and personal thoughts in the world of tattooing.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
My name is Maria and I’m a 30-year-old tattoo artist from Sevilla, south of Spain.
Where does your interest for tattoos come from?
I used to watch a lot of tattoo TV shows when I was a teenager. My friends and I started getting tattoos at the age of 16-18, and I became really interested in tattoos.
How and when did you start tattooing?
In 2019, I quit my job as a makeup artist. I was burned out as an SFX artist and couldn’t make a living from it, so I had to work as a retail seller. My friend encouraged me to pursue tattooing because I was good at drawing and interested in tattoos. I started drawing more, contacted places for courses to get my tattoo license, and then COVID hit. Lockdown, tattoo machine, and my boyfriend who loves tattoos — the rest is history! I got my license that year and started tattooing at home.
Where are you based?
I’m currently based in Rota, a small town in Cadiz (south of Spain), in my own, very new studio that I share with my friends, Death Row Ink.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in Spain these days?
Spain is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the world. The industry is welcoming, as long as you enter respectfully. There’s a great environment where you can make many friends. However, Spanish clients can be quite loyal to their own taste, and it can be “complicated” to introduce new and bold styles. But the tattoo industry has progressed a lot, and now we can tattoo people of all ages and lifestyles, which was hard to do years ago.
How would you define your tattoo style?
I love Black and Grey realism. I’m inspired by Chicano style, which is my main influence. I also love to do dolls like Bratz or cartoons in 3D style, as I enjoy achieving softness in a doll face. Additionally, I enjoy dark, textured portraits, objects, and chrome effects.
What kind of tattoo projects do you like to do the most?
I love doing tattoos on legs, arms, and backs the most!
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
I find inspiration everywhere. If I see something that catches my eye, like an object on the street, I take a picture to save as a reference. Movies inspire me a lot too — from Scarface to Barbie to Toy Story. Music is another big inspiration for me.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
I’d say it’s the constant need to be active on social media. We have our online portfolio there, and sometimes it feels like you have to create content to stay relevant and get new clients. If you’re not active, it’s hard to achieve that.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
I’ve made so many new friends since I started tattooing. Some of my best friends now are clients and tattoo artists. Also, seeing my client’s or their family’s faces when they see the tattoo I’ve done is an indescribable feeling that only tattoo artists know.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Tattoo conventions are one of my favorite things about being a tattoo artist. The mix of emotions, stress the days before, the nerves being there, meeting friends from all over, and the sadness when it’s over. I always say I wish it could last at least a week!
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you ever attended?
I haven’t attended many, but my first one was the Jerez Tattoo Convention as a visitor. I had just started tattooing and wanted to see how it was. I loved experiencing it as a relaxed visitor. My first tattoo convention as an artist was in 2022, also in Jerez.
What’s your primary reason for attending a tattoo convention?
I love connecting with people from everywhere, whether they are visitors or other tattoo artists. It’s so much fun every time!
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
I’ve only attended two, and this is my third year at the Jerez one. Jerez is my mom and boyfriend’s hometown, and I have many friends from there. It just feels like home at the Jerez Tattoo Convention. From the organization to the security, clean workers, and waiters, everyone is amazing and works hard to make sure we can do our job in the best conditions!
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Respect the industry, draw a lot, work hard, and keep going. Beginnings are rough (I’ve been in it for 5 years, and I still consider myself a beginner). No one wants a tattoo artist who doesn’t want to draw or put effort into their work. If your work looks bad at first, keep practicing. If you put your heart into it, you’ll make it one day. Also, don’t compare yourself to others — everyone has their own process, and it can be faster or slower for some. Stay focused on yourself.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
I’ve admired Kindamo, JC Vitorelli, and Posco Losco from the beginning. I adore their technique and style. I also love lettering, especially Buster Duque and Keaps 25. In hyperrealism and dark-themed tattoos, I admire Black Sanchez. My friend Jorgeanart, for colorful surrealist tattoos, is also a huge inspiration. The list could go on forever because every day I discover new artists who make me go, “How is that even possible?” haha.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Opening my own studio and being able to make a living out of tattooing. I’m also proud to have made friends with amazing artists who inspire me every day. Additionally, I’m really proud of my two second-place finishes in Black and Grey at the Jerez Tattoo Convention and Festival de la Tinta in Sanlucar.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I love oil painting and drawing with pencil or pen. I don’t dedicate as much time to it as I’d like because tattooing, quitting tattoos, and designing take up a lot of my time.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
I just want to keep improving my technique, find new amazing clients, start doing guest spots at other studios, attend new conventions, and maybe begin incorporating some color into my tattoos.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Thank you for reading my answers and getting to know me a little better!
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