I recently have been featured in the 20th edition of Cover Up Magazine. I had the privilege to design the cover and to answer few questions. I would like to thank their team for their great work and cooperation!
For those who don’t speak Spanish, here’s a transcript in English :
Who or what are your main artistic influences?
My main influences stem from Japanese pop culture. My passion for lines and the stark black-and-white contrast comes from my love of manga, particularly the clean work of mangaka like Otomo Katsuhiro (Akira) and Kishiro Yukito (Gunnm). I also admire the more deconstructed style of Q Hayashida in the manga Dorohedoro, with its intense use of black tones.
Living in Tokyo for a year deeply influenced me, especially the kawaii culture and their intricate use of patterns in everyday objects, from porcelain to fabrics. During my travels, I met some great artists such as Ichi Tattoo during my time in Tokyo, a master of Japanese traditional tattoo, or Dillon Forte during the Singapore Tattoo Show who makes incredible patterns and mandalas, and so many others. Every single one of them had an influence on my art and my career path.
In the tattoo world, I follow artists like Pitta and the fine line work of Ozzy. The Korean tattoo scene, with its creativity and boundary-pushing techniques, has also been a significant inspiration for me.
Why did you choose this style of tattoos?
I combined two worlds I love. Tattooing patterns is incredibly relaxing for me; it’s an abstract universe where I can explore without limitations. My passion for Japanese culture made it natural to blend these interests. I wanted to bring something unique to the table, something distinctly mine, and something only I could create.
I have always enjoyed tattooing lines, geometric forms, and dots, so it was natural to develop the “Mangala” style. The name blends “Mandala” and “Manga,” though I don’t stick strictly to manga. It’s more to mark the influence of Japanese pop art.
What has been the most challenging tattoo you’ve ever done?
The most challenging tattoo I’ve ever done would be a full-leg piece at the 2023 Empire State Tattoo Convention in NYC. It incorporated neotraditional, realistic, and patterned elements around the theme of Jorogumo, the woman-spider, a traditional yokai from Japanese folklore.
Designing this piece was initially challenging because I wanted to incorporate various styles, showcase my skills, and respect the client’s wishes while maintaining coherence. It was a grueling three full days of work during the convention, but we made it. Shoutout to my client—we even won 2nd place in the Asian Influence category. It was a complex piece but a truly rewarding experience!
Do you have a specific creative process when designing a tattoo?
Typically, I start with thorough research based on my client’s ideas and inspirations. I draft initial sketches, incorporating elements they want and adding my unique touch. I refine these sketches, ensuring they flow well with the client’s body and meet their expectations. Collaboration and feedback are crucial, ensuring the final design is something we both love.
How do you ensure a safe and hygienic environment in your studio?
I work in various studios and conventions, adhering to the same stringent protocols everywhere I go. With a background in nursing and extensive training in cross-contamination and hygiene for body-art workers, I prioritize using disposable equipment wherever possible.
Preventing cross-contamination involves following strict routines when preparing my workspace and understanding the processes to adapt as needed. I also limit the number of people present during sessions to minimize potential risks.
How do you continue learning and improving your craft?
I’m highly competitive and spend considerable time observing better artists to see how I can incorporate their techniques into my own skill set. I constantly reflect on my art and seek new inspirations outside the tattoo world. Consistency is key—working hard and often leads to progress. It’s also vital to take breaks to recharge and stay motivated. I try to have constructive break times, spending some time visiting museums, reading books, and hiking in nature. It’s during these times that I find a lot of my inspiration to create my patterns.
How long have you been dabbling in this art?
I started tattooing some friends 11 years ago, I quickly became hooked. Soon after, I started my own studio in Paris where I achieved some success. But it wasn’t enough, and I wanted to grow more as an artist and a person so I decided to take my machine and travel the world. My journey has been what it is because of the many persons I met in Asia, Europe and America, artists who shared with me their passions and techniques. I also worked in many tattoo events, small and big conventions from Melbourne, Nepal to Taiwan, New-York and Berlin, where you can feel the creativity of our craft and get inspired by it. Reaching where I am today required immense time, numerous experiences in different places, many interactions with other artists, and continuous self-reflection.
I’m proud of my journey. I tattooed in more than 15 countries on 4 continents. I won awards and prizes, and was featured in the media all over the world. But it’s still only the beginning, I want to be better, I want to learn more and I want to deliver masterpieces. I feel I still have some potential to unlock, and I can’t wait for it!