Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Jimenez
Hi Barbara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for art—ever since I was a child, I was constantly drawing. I grew up in a very small town in Spain where tattoos practically didn’t exist, so my whole tattoo culture came from TV and music. I was always fascinated by the tattoos I’d see on artists from the ‘00s on MTV. There was something so cool about them, and I became really interested in tattoos, though at the time, I wasn’t sure I wanted to make them, just get them.
It wasn’t until I was in college that I started to surround myself with other artists and tattooers who really inspired me. They encouraged me to dive into tattooing as a career, and that’s when I decided to turn it into a life project. Over the years, I’ve traveled a lot, working and connecting with many talented artists, each of whom has taught me invaluable lessons along the way.
Today, I’m based in Los Angeles, and after 10 years in the industry, I’m opening my own studio (@cendra_studio) . Looking back, I can honestly say I made the right choice.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, especially at the beginning. Ten years ago, Instagram wasn’t what it is today, and reaching clients was all about word of mouth, which made the process much slower than it is now. There were no YouTube tutorials showing you how to set up a machine or break down the basics of tattooing, so learning felt almost like an impossible mission.
Also, back then, the tattoo world was very male-dominated, and as a woman, it was definitely a challenge to carve out a space for myself. It wasn’t easy, but I eventually found my way, and I learned incredibly fast along the way.
Even today, I’m still learning. In this profession, there’s always something new to discover or a new technique to master. I think that’s one of the things I love most about tattooing—there’s always room to grow and evolve
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My style is primarily illustrative Blackwork. I would describe it as a mix of dark elements combined with a very soft touch, especially in the shading, which I always aim to keep delicate and precise.
I’m really proud of the quality and cleanliness of my tattoos. I strive to be as perfectionistic as possible, and I think that’s one of the things that sets me apart from other artists. People often comment on the meticulousness of my work, and I’m always focused on making sure everything is as clean as possible, from the design to the execution.
Another thing that people mention often is how well I treat them during sessions. I think creating a comfortable, positive atmosphere is just as important as the tattoo itself, and I’m proud of the connections I build with my clients. For me, it’s not just about the art, but also about making people feel welcome and valued.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice would be to stay literally obsessed with drawing and constantly working to be a better artist, regardless of whether or not you have a mentor. At the end of the day, tattooing is about learning how to use a tool to translate your art into a different medium—human skin. But the most important thing is to find a style that stands out or something that makes you unique.
There are so many tattoo artists out there now, and entering this world today can feel like an odyssey. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely not impossible. Focus on honing your craft, developing your own identity as an artist, and finding your voice. If you’re consistent with that, the right connections and opportunities will come along, whether through a mentor or by building your own network. Just keep pushing yourself, and always be open to learning from others around you.
Pricing:
- full day session around $1500/1800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cendrastudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbara.tattooer/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cendra_studio/
