Tips for Beginner Tattoo Artists from Emerson Pabon

To be recognized within the professional tattoo industry, it’s important to handle different techniques and have certain skills that will help you stand out.

That’s why Emerson Pabon, resident artist at Inknation Studio, shares with you the top 3 tips to follow to set your career on the path to success.

#1 Listen to the customer 

When making a tattoo, it’s essential that you listen to what your client wants and guide their vision towards a more artistic form so that you create a piece that is liked by both your client and yours.

#2 think about the tattoo you’re going to do

Knowing how you are going to place the tattoo on the skin and what its dimensions will be will help you create a piece that fits perfectly with the context and location of the tattoo. You know this will help you make the tattoo more prominent.

#3 Surround yourself with the right people. 

Tattoo artists are always in constant learning. One of the best ways to continue learning is to surround yourself with tattoo artists as it will allow you to observe and analyze new techniques that will be very useful in the future.

Follow these three wonderful tips from Emerson Pabon and lead your artistic career to success.

The challenges tattoo artists face when migrating and how to overcome them.

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Immigrating to another country is a great challenge. It’s not just about establishing yourself and starting over in a different country than the one you were born in, but about building an artistic reputation that allows you to get new clients and more job opportunities within the tattoo industry.

Even as apprentices and in their struggle to be great professional tattoo artists, Darwin Enríquez, Camilo Tuero and Armando Muñoz had to face various obstacles that paid off thanks to their artistic effort and work.

What were those adversities that these three great tattoo artists had to overcome when starting over in another country?

 

Undoubtedly, language was the main obstacle. Immigrating to a country where the official language is different from the one you speak was the most difficult thing these artists faced.

Nevertheless, one of the tips that they recommended and implemented at that time was to analyze the people who spoke to them in order to understand through their expressions what they were communicating. This is a great help when you’re still in the process of learning the language.

On the other hand, customer acceptance of the tattoo style performed by each artist was initially a drawback. 

Arriving in a country where its people are used to other styles of tattoos can be intimidating. However, analyzing the market and showing what you’re capable of mixing new styles with your personal stamp were the masterful techniques that helped Darwin Enríquez, Camilo Tuero and Armando Muñoz to establish their style within a new market.

Although these were the biggest challenges, these three tattoo artists also had to put a lot of effort into promoting their tattoo style in order to be recognized. 

Strategies such as participating in conventions, publishing content on social networks, and collaborations with other artists were what undoubtedly helped them in their beginnings. 

Immigrating can be a difficult challenge, but it will depend on your attitude to accept your new environment and build the reputation you want to achieve in your new home.

Inknation Studio

Techniques to tattoo more realistic textures

Professional tattoo conventions are an ideal space to express your style, approach, originality and above all your technique.

For this reason, Darwin Enríquez shares the best techniques he used during his participation at “The New York Tattoo Convention” to create a unique artistic piece with his personal stamp in just three days. 

Undoubtedly, knowing the time you have to finish your tattoo is essential. This will allow you to create an appropriate action plan where the objective is to manage the time to achieve the completion of the tattoo. Darwin Enriquez was very aware of this aspect, finishing in just three days his tattoo inspired by Melenia Blade of Miquella from the video game Eldenring. 

On the other hand, knowing what tattoo techniques you’re going to apply to it’s a key aspect. Knowing this aspect will allow you to dedicate a specific day to applying the textures, finishes and leftovers that allow you to raise the quality level of the piece. 

Finally, the strategy implemented by Darwin was the creation and mixtures of colors. Even if it’s a black and white tattoo, mixing these colors in different proportions will help you obtain a unique shade that will stand out more and give the piece another finish. 

The most important thing when participating in professional tattoo conventions is to show the talent you have, your style and the message you want to convey.

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.

Strategies to sell your tattoo style to your clients

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Trying to include your tattoo style to the idea that a client has in mind is undoubtedly a great challenge.

But, have you ever wondered how to attract new clients and tattoo them with the style that characterizes you?

At Inknation Studio Darwin Enriquez, Emersson Pabon and Armando Muñoz will share with you three of their great techniques used to make your clients trust you, feel safe and are willing to tattoo your style and incorporate new ideas into the design.

Social networks are your ally 

Today, social networks have become the professional portfolio of each person. As a professional tattoo artist, it’s important that you use it to your advantage and post photos or content related to the tattoo style that you like to tattoo or that characterizes you.

In this way, your followers will be able to see what style you tattoo and they will look for you because they want the design that you do for them.

Be honest and persuasive when tattooing

Many clients have great ideas, wishes and suggestions for their tattoos. Don’t close yourself to their suggestions, always listen to what your client wants but also offer them an artistic overview of what would look good in their design.

Being honest is important so that your client trusts you, your artistic vision and the process you are going to carry out.

Managing different techniques will give you better knowledge. 

Even if you stand out for a specific style, it’s important that you know and handle different techniques, shapes and styles of tattooing.

This will help you build more trust with your clients, as they can be sure that you have the skills to create any design geared towards your style. 

With these three wonderful tips you can attract new customers so that your style and originality is what your customers want to buy.

Inknation Studio

Techniques to tattoo without compromising quality

Creating a professional and realistic tattoo takes time, effort and imagination. But is it possible to make a very realistic and detailed tattoo in just 3 days?

The tattoo artist Robert Carlos achieved it and captured all eyes with his design. Inspired by the signs of the universe and the vibrations that our ears perceive towards our path of life.

That’s why he will share the three keys that led him to complete this great challenge.

#1 The machines to use 

To create a tattoo with amazing nuances and textures, it’s important to use the right machines, such as the Cheyenne 4.0 or 7.0, which will allow you to apply shading, highlights and color more effectively.

#2 choose the right technique 

Before getting tattooed, it’s important that you think about the action plan that you’re going to use to finish the tattoo on time and without damaging the skin. Roberto Carlos suggests starting tattooing from the bottom up. In this way the skin will not suffer and you’ll prevent the colors from mixing when tattooing so that they always look bright.

#3 select your action plan

Working quickly isn’t appropriate. It’s important that you think about the skin and how to do it so that it’s not mistreated during the process. To do this, the tattoo artist recommends starting in the form of a pendulum or circle and thus preventing the skin from suffering.

Follow these incredible techniques that Roberto Carlos recommends and participate with confidence in any professional tattoo convention.

How to prepare for professional tattoo conventions by J Luis.

The professional tattoo artist and resident of Inknation Studio, J Luis participated in the 2022 edition of “The New York Tattoo Convention” taking the great triumph thanks to the techniques used.

A delicate piece that combines natural elements inspired by neotraditionalism became the aspiration of tattoo artist J Luis, who in just three days will complete the necessary techniques to create an incomparable piece.

The first technique used was the segmentation of the tattoo. This allowed him to work each element of the tattoo in parts and thus be able to complete the project on time. 

On the other hand, J Luis focused on tattooing in steps to avoid damaging  the skin, in addition to using specialized machines such as the Cheyenne 4.0 and 3.5 to trace delicate and precise lines, and create reliefs and textures. 

Along with the implementation of high-end equipment, the tattoo artist also expressed the need to use appropriate colors or pigments.  Although he admitted that he doesn’t get the shades he likes, mixing and blending colors allows him to get just the right color to create the effects and nuances he wants.

In this way, with the techniques used by the professional tattoo artist J Luis, you will be able to prepare to participate in a tattoo convention, using them in your favor to not only finish your artistic piece, but also offer a tattoo with a professional design.

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.

From artist to professional tattoo artist. How do you stay up to date in the professional tattoo industry?

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In an industry as large and competitive as professional tattooing, standing out and keeping up is a challenge. After so many years, this industry has evolved, offering new tools and products so that they can perform tattoos with higher quality. But, How do you get involved in an industry if you are just learning how to tattoo?

Darwin Enríquez, Roberto Carlos and Miguel Muriño asked themselves the same question at the beginning of their professional careers. That’s why today they will give you three tips that will help you on your way. 

Don’t take shortcuts and never rush the process. 

The best way to learn is by living learning without taking shortcuts to get there faster or speed up the path to where you are going. This will allow you to acquire and value the necessary knowledge so that you feel confident when putting it into practice.

Know how it all works 

Before starting to tattoo, it’s essential to know how everything works, the special machines, and the necessary processes to offer both a professional tattoo and a pleasant and comfortable experience to your future clients.

Start tattooing 

The best way to learn to tattoo is by tattooing. This will help you put all your knowledge and techniques into practice to translate your designs and learn during the process. Whether it’s on synthetic or fruit skin, the important thing is that you start tattooing.

With these three wonderful tips, Darwin Enríquez, Roberto Carlos and Miguel Muriño began to create unique designs that led them to become renowned tattoo artists today who leave their mark and capture emotions through ink.

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.

Techniques for tattooing at professional tattoo conventions

Participating in professional tattoo conventions is quite a challenge. It isn’t only about creating a design in a short time, but creating a piece that stands out for its creativity, composition and applied techniques.

For this reason, the professional tattoo artist Zhimpa Moreno will share 3 useful techniques that will help you create a unique and original design to take home the prize equal to the triumph he achieved at The New York Tattoo Convention 2022 edition. 

Think about the design 

The first thing you should do is think about what you want to capture and what are the elements you will use to bring it to life. But never forget to adjust your piece to the area to be tattooed and make sure it works and adapts well to the skin.

colors are essential 

Whether it’s a black and white, colored or black and gray tattoo, it’s important that your design stands out. 

Segment the work 

Tattooing in 3 days isn’t easy and it was an arduous challenge as it was Zhimpa Moreno’s first experience, but success is based on knowing how to segment the work.

Distribute your days intelligently to complete the tattoo and not hurt the skin. 

Now that you know these incredible techniques for tattooing at professional conventions, are you ready to participate?

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.

Adapt or evolve? The experiences of a professional tattoo artist.

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Growing up in the professional tattoo industry comes with great sacrifices, but creating and maintaining your artistic style will help you stand out. 

For this reason, Zhimpa Moreno together with two great tattoo artists, J Luis and Douglas Bermúdez, will share the keys to stand out and evolve as a professional tattoo artist. 

If you want to grow in your design style it’s important that you lengthen your day. Do like J Luis, get up a few hours earlier so you have time to learn new techniques and perfect your style. 

The professional tattoo industry has evolved, as has the way designs are perceived. As a tattoo artist, it’s important that you’re always constantly learning so that your style never stagnates.

Finally, keep in mind that there’s always something new to learn, which is why one of the characteristics of a professional tattoo artist is to follow your essence to move forward and offer you new experiences.

It’s time for you to start expanding your vision and manage to evolve on a personal and professional level within the world of professional tattooing.

Inknation Studio

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.

Inknation Studio Podcast Episode 1: Creative process to a professional tattoo

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Inknation Studio es un estudio de tatuajes localizado en la ciudad de New York que se ha ganado reconocimientos y ha alcanzado el éxito por crear diversos estilos de tatuajes hiperrealistas. 

Es por ello, que en este nuevo proyecto de Inknation Studio Podcast estamos con el tatuador residente Pablo Frías en donde te compartirá su proceso creativo y los mejores consejos para crear tatuajes profesionales. 

Una de las grandes dificultades al momento de crear un tatuaje y dejar tu huella artística es el conseguir una línea o estilo de tatuaje que te defina.

Mira y analiza los tatuajes de otros tatuadores, experimenta nuevas técnicas, e investiga nuevos conceptos. Esto te ayudará a inspirarte y encontrar ese estilo que haga resaltar todos tus diseños. 

La inspiración y motivación son uno de los problemas más grandes que todo tatuador profesional experimenta. Para continuar evolucionando y crecer tanto a nivel personal como artístico, es importante que estés en constante movimiento, busques elementos o espacios que te inspiren y así lograr motivarte para crear piezas únicas. 

Ahora que sabes cuáles son las dos dificultades que experimenta todo tatuador, es hora de que salgas y trabajes para alcanzar y perfeccionar tu estilo de tatuaje.

Darwin Enriquez entered the world of body art at 20 years of age in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, where he began work creating designs for a tattoo shop. During his stint at the tattoo shop, he developed his artistic talents and felt an instant attraction to the art-form of tattooing.