Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Gonzalez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started tattooing at the age of 21. I had little to no experience in art, and had just finished college after studying psychology. I’d grown up doodling and sketching, but never for anyone other than myself. I got really lucky in being offered an apprenticeship after creating the website for the studio that my mentor owned. Although it was a short apprenticeship, only about 2 months, I learned a lot from both my mentor and the other two apprentices at the time. While my mentor gave me the space and the tools to learn how to tattoo, the two other apprentices actually took the time to sit with me and teach me the different techniques. In all honesty, I owe them a lot of gratitude for all of the help they gave me. After I left my apprenticeship, I found a small studio space and worked alongside some really talented people. There, I just continued learning and trying new things. My career really took a turn for the best when I moved on from there, into the studio I work in now. From the amazing coworkers I have, to having the best owners and people surrounding me, I’ve been given the time, the space, and the confidence to find my personal art style. I’m so incredibly thankful for the people I work with now and the clients I have who all trust me and push me everyday to be my absolute best.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. My path has been lined with lots of luck, and for that I’m extremely grateful, but it hasn’t always been easiest. Not many places wanted to take on someone who had such a short apprenticeship, and even though I’m grateful for the studio that did take me on, every place has their own issues. Working there taught me a lot though, about how to run my own business as someone who is self-employed, how to advertise myself, and it also introduced me to some of my regular clients that have become some of my closest friends.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a tattoo artist that specializes in fine line black and grey artwork. I think I’m most known for being able to do micro tattoos, which are fine line tattoos that are extremely small, as well as some microrealism, dainty script, and large-scale abstract collages. I’m most proud of how far my microrealism has come, since I don’t have much of a background in art, and taught myself the style. What I believe sets me apart from others would be my large-scale collages, that are a mixture of everything I enjoy doing, from stipple work, to realism, to script, and even a bit of geometrics.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is my client’s comfortability. Involving them throughout the entire process so they are always informed and ready for the next step. Getting a tattoo can feel like a very intimate process, and I want my clients to know they’re in a safe space to express how they feel about putting something permanent on their body.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ragebaby.squarespace.com
- Instagram: @RageBabyTattoo
