Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Huurman.
Hi Charles, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Charles Huurman, an international tattoo artist specializing in hyper-realism and surrealism. Art has been in my blood since I was a child — my father is an oil painter, and I grew up surrounded by brushes, canvases, and creativity. Painting was my first language, and it has shaped everything I do today.
I was raised between Valencia, Spain, and Ireland, and initially followed a path as a young entrepreneur. But after the 2008 financial crisis, I took it as a sign to return to what truly fulfilled me: art. It was around that time that friends started turning my drawings into tattoos, and I realized I could make my art not just permanent, but personal — worn proudly on someone’s skin.
Since I began tattooing professionally in 2008, I’ve been fortunate to win over 53 awards at major international conventions in New York, Madrid, Milan, Hong Kong, and beyond. My work blends photorealism with abstract and symbolic storytelling, tailored to each individual client.
I’ve tattooed a wide range of people — from athletes and musicians to everyday people who want their story captured in ink. I previously owned studios in Ireland, Spain, and New York, but ultimately decided to sell them and settle down in Austin, Texas, where I now focus fully on my work and run Utopian Tattoo Tribe. I also founded Art Hackers, a platform that supports tattoo artists with tools to grow creatively and professionally.
My goal with every piece is to create something meaningful, visually powerful, and deeply personal.
You can view my work and reach out at charleshuurmantx.com.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Even after I made the decision to become a tattoo artist, the road was far from easy. In the beginning, I didn’t have a mentor, so I had to figure things out on my own — what we call “scratching” in the industry. I spent the first 2–3 years struggling, making mistakes, and learning the hard way. It was frustrating knowing I was passionate and willing to work, but not having access to the proper guidance or community.
Eventually, I managed to earn a proper apprenticeship, and from that point on, I made a promise to myself to learn from the best — no matter what it took. I spent years traveling around the world, visiting studios, attending conventions, and learning directly from top artists in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. I wasn’t just tattooing — I was absorbing techniques, philosophies, and artistic approaches from every corner of the industry. Each trip brought new lessons and made me fall deeper in love with the craft.
Another challenge was learning how to balance my own creative identity with client expectations. I knew I didn’t want to just do tattoos — I wanted to create art that was meaningful, dynamic, and truly my own. That took time, trial and error, and constant evolution. But eventually, people started coming to me because of my style — that blend of realism and abstract movement I now call Abstract Realism.
It’s been a long road of sacrifice, travel, growth, and constant self-improvement. And honestly, I wouldn’t change any of it. It shaped who I am, and it gave me the voice I now have through my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist who specializes in Abstract Realism — a fusion of hyper-realistic imagery and abstract movement. I take elements from classical oil painting techniques like sfumato, chiaroscuro, and photorealism, and combine them with free-flowing, almost chaotic abstract forms like splashes, stains, or textures that create energy and flow. I want my work to be not just technically strong, but also full of life, contrast, and movement — something that feels alive on the body.
I’m probably best known for blending structure and freedom — for creating pieces that feel like fine art but are adapted perfectly to the body. My background in painting (influenced heavily by my father, who is an oil painter) and years of studying artists from Velázquez to Dali definitely shaped my approach. I tattoo like I paint, with the same mindset, layering, and emotional intention.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see tattooing as just copying a reference or making something that looks “cool.” I see it as creating a personal and permanent artwork that’s deeply connected to the client — physically, emotionally, even spiritually. I take time to listen and translate their story into something visually powerful.
I’ve worked hard to build a style that’s recognizable and original, and I’m proud that clients now come to me specifically for that. I’ve also had the honor of receiving over 50 international awards and tattooing people from all walks of life — from athletes and musicians to everyday people with powerful stories. But what I’m most proud of is seeing someone look in the mirror after a long session, sometimes with tears in their eyes, and knowing I helped them express something real.
At the end of the day, I’m not just creating tattoos — I’m creating art that lives and moves with the person wearing it. That’s what keeps me passionate, and that’s what I think makes my work different.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is creating something that feels meaningful — both to me and to the person receiving it. Whether it’s a tattoo, a painting, or even a sketch, there’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from turning an idea into something visual, permanent, and emotionally powerful.
Tattooing, in particular, brings a unique kind of joy because it’s collaborative. I get to connect with someone on a personal level, take their story, and transform it into something they’ll carry with them for life. That kind of trust and intimacy is rare — and being part of someone’s healing, celebration, or transformation is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, I find happiness in simple things: spending time with my family, traveling to new places, and getting lost in a painting or drawing. I’m also happy when I’m learning — whether it’s a new technique, a new cultural perspective, or simply getting inspired by another artist’s work. Growth, both personal and creative, is a big driver for me.
In short, what makes me happy is creating, connecting, and constantly evolving — staying true to what I love while pushing myself to become better every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.charleshuurmantx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleshuurman/
- Twitter: https://x.com/charleshuurman
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/iXfGXPX
Image Credits
Charles Huurman
