Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Flare
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a kid I always knew that I wanted to pursue art. Prior to tattooing I had worked as a caricature artist, animator, and storyboard artist. I had studied Animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned my Bachelors of Fine Arts.
Tattooing was never something I planned on, I didn’t get my first tattoo until I was 23. While I’d been offered opportunities to tattoo in the past, I remained focused on my previous career until burnout eventually led me to step away from art for a while.
When COVID hit, I rediscovered my love for drawing, and began creating art again. It wasn’t long before a local tattoo shop found my work on Instagram and offered me an apprenticeship. The timing finally seemed right so I jumped right in. At first it was challenging with hard lessons and obstacles but only after six months of hard work I was ready to tattoo as a full-time artist. I continued my growth by attending conventions, seeking feedback from established artists, and learning from the community around me.
In 2022, I made the move to Austin, where I expanded my experience in both street shops and private studios. I began traveling for guest spots and conventions, connecting with incredible artists around the country.
Today I’m a resident artist at Easy Cowboy Tattoo. I’m incredibly grateful for the challenges and people who believed in me along the way, especially my clients, who made all of this possible and believed in me. By March 2025, I’ll be entering my third year of tattooing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey was challenging, as I had to learn a completely new medium and its history while constantly proving myself and earning my place in the industry. Although I had support, there were many doubters who felt I didn’t belong or hadn’t paid my dues. I faced criticism from industry veterans who didn’t know me, and as an educated Latina woman, I also encountered discrimination.
Some people attributed my progress to superficial factors like “pretty privilege” or dismissed my experience because I had attended art school, despite having been a professional artist for over a decade and lifelong drawer before that. I was often underestimated and told I wouldn’t succeed, but over time, as I grew in my craft, the critics grew silent
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in color realism and illustrative work, though I’m also skilled in styles like Japanese, Traditional, and Black & Grey. I’m particularly known for my floral designs and my ability to illustrate animals, especially wolves. My passion lies in tattooing wildlife and nature.
My approach is centered on creating unique pieces that reflect each client’s personal story. Much like my previous work in animation, where I focused on bringing characters to life, I aim to infuse emotion and narrative into my tattoos. While it’s easy to trace designs off pinterest or google, I find it most rewarding to craft something original that feels personal and meaningful.
I believe everyone has a story to tell, and my goal is to create a piece of art that represents that journey for each of my clients. I put a lot of time into research to ensure I fully understand the subject and capture every important detail.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid19 showed me the importance of being able to adapt, and staying resilient in a time of crisis.
It also showed me that security is never guaranteed. At the time I was working a remedial job at a bank for stability and financial security while I figured things out for myself through my burnout. When Covid hit, I saw first hand how these large companies did not care or value their employees. There were many lay offs and people were afraid of losing their jobs. I thought if security could be lost at anytime, even at a job that appears stable, then there’s no point in playing safe at a career that I didnt prefer. So I left my bank job and pursued art again, which eventually lead me to tattooing. Essentially, you can fail at anything and nothing is guaranteed. So do what you love and feel passionate about.
Pricing:
- Hourly Rate $185 (under 6 hours)
- Day Rate $1100 (6+ hours)
- Deposit $100
- For smaller pieces and predrawn flash I will give a flat rate
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flarewolves
Image Credits
All professional photography of me tattooing is shot by the skilled Zachary Lee Barnhill
His Instagram is @exactly_zachlee
Thank you!
