After the 2024 lunar new year, I’ve come across Rodrigo Rodríguez – an artist who specializes in Realistic Black and Grey Designs. He has consistently put a lot of effort into his tattoos and has participated in several competitions in the United States. Next, he will proceed to relate his stories. Let’s find out more from him right now!
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello. My name is Rodrigo Rodríguez, and I am from Uruguay! I am 40 years old! I started tattooing when I was 15 years old; it was a very different time from today! I am self-taught; it took me a lot of time, work, effort, testing, trial, and error since I had no information about tattoos. Please remember that there was no Internet or cell phones 25 years ago!
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
To me, it started as a new type of drawing art to discover and try different canvases, and gradually it started to happen to become my hobby, with the desire that each time has to be better than the last! It turned into passion.
How and when did you start tattooing?
As I said before, when I was 15, I started going to municipal libraries to look for information about tattoos, but there was practically no information!
Where are you based?
I am located in Uruguay, in the Maldonado Department, in the east of the country!
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your home country these days?
Nowadays, the local scene is very conservative towards tattoos, and I think that in much of the rest of the world, people are much more open to body art!
How would you define your tattoo style?
I could define my style as a wide range of various styles! But my favorites are: color realism and black and gray; Japanese oriental style, which I really like; and comic style, among others!
You seem to have an extremely well curated Instagram page. How much does this impact your business?
If our official page is @fenix_tatuajes, it has been built practically on its own; people recommend us and support us a lot in our community! We also consider ourselves very professional, and we take this very seriously since we are working on the appearance of our clients for life!
The tattoo culture has changed a lot in the last decade, becoming widely more accepted almost anywhere in the world. What do you think about this monumental cultural shift?
I have witnessed this great positive cultural change towards the art of tattooing. I also saw the shame, mockery, and harsh remarks from those who had previously judged individuals who dared to get tattoos negatively impacting those who were just starting out in this wonderful world of ink!
What’s the main source of inspiration for your tattoos?
My inspiration is undoubtedly tattoo artists with great skills and experience, such as Dmitry Samoin, Bob Tyrrell, and Nikko Hurtado! And … Carlos Torres, Victor Portugal, among others!
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2024?
I think you always have to be updating yourself, using new machines, new pigments, techniques, etc.! but above all, having to keep updating on social networks, which is something that costs me a little! I am more introverted and prefer that my art speak for me!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
One of the most gratifying things is that after 25 years of tattooing, my art travels through corners of the world that were unthinkable for me, and my client friends inspire me, and that fills me with pride that anywhere they say what a nice tattoo you have! That is priceless and transcends languages and borders!
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
In my country, I have participated in several conventions, winning awards, and I have also had the opportunity to join a judge panel! I’ve also been to the New York Empire State Tattoo Convention as well as the Virginia Beach Tattoo Expo!
Do you remember the first tattoo convention you have ever been to?
Yes, of course, impossible to forget; a great experience seeing fellow tattoo artists and chatting about the electromechanical machines, two technical inks, how we diluted the ink, making shadows, applying color – an unforgettable experience!
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
Nowadays, I haven’t attended conventions for a long time due to a health problem; surgery on my spine left me out of the field for quite a while, and I can’t do marathon sessions as usually happens at conventions! But I love attending, seeing, and chatting with fellow artists and sharing beautiful moments, and that fills you with inspiration!
How do you think tattoo conventions could get even better for artists and the public?
Today, there is a very good organization at international conventions, and the people who attend also learn and see new styles. For me, well-organized conventions are pure inspiration!
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
Without a doubt, the NY Empire State Tattoo Convention! Top-level artists come together there, you see the new materials, and you learn a lot!
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Based on my experience, my advice would be to draw a lot, attend conventions, look, observe, practice today on synthetic skin, be humble, keep practicing, and not say I’m a tattooer just because I have a machine! It takes time, work, effort, perseverance, study, and patience, and I believe that with those tools, you will arrive without a doubt!
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
To name a few, my compatriot, Víctor Portugal! Nikko Hurtado! Jess Yen! Dmitry Samoin.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
I think my greatest achievements as a tattoo artist are several: I was able to learn from mistakes and improve myself; I had a successful studio for 18 years; I was able to follow the tradition; and I taught everything I could to 3 apprentices, who today are 3 great artists of whom I am very proud; and finally, the clients always return and recommend my studio, which is something very rewarding to me.
What are your favorite brands to achieve the best possible results for your tattoos?
Eternal Ink, Intenze Ink and Dynamic Ink! In machines today, there is a great variety, but I really like using the exo!
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
I do love painting sunsets with acrylic, as well as pastels and chalk! I also like to make pet portraits with acrylic and pastels, I have painted with oil and watercolor. I like abstract things with high visual impact! I also draw with graphite!
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
My goal is to carry on forever, to continue learning and perfecting my technique, to be able to attend more international conventions, and to make my art better known both on the skin and on canvas!
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Yes, I would like to tell you that I am grateful for being able to enjoy and live what I love, which is tattooing. Infinite doors have opened for me, and I am truly very grateful for them! Being an honest, humble person, always willing to learn and give my best, has served me a lot, and I hope to continue down this path! Thank you very much for this interview, which I enjoyed very much!
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