Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Maldonado.
Elena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Ever since I was little, I was always mesmerized by art. The day I could hold a pencil I began to draw & never looked back. I even colored a mural on the back-door panel of my mom’s minivan when I was about 5 years old!
I grew up drawing a lot of faces, flowers, skulls, animals, and knew that one day I would make it my career. In the beginning, becoming a teacher seemed most ideal. It seemed to be the perfect fit since I have a passion for helping people & not to mention “more socially acceptable.”
I remember always admiring people with tattoos growing up. I would draw on myself & get in trouble at school for it! So funny. Then, I turned 18 and got my first tattoo. That day I knew I found my calling.
Connected with a few artists & started an apprenticeship to learn how to tattoo!
This journey has not been easy but it’s been damn worth it! Being able to connect with people on such a different level & bringing others ideas to life thru my art brings me so much joy.
I have been tattooing now for a solid 5 years. Recently, I opened my own studio called Esperanza Ink Tattoos! The vibe is more relaxed with blue-green & soft grey-blue walls. Of coursed filled with custom paintings by myself & fellow artists.
I love to paint with acrylic & have occasional classes to teach basic techniques that I’ve learned over the years. My style of tattooing is mostly neo-traditional or new school. I love a lot of color! I also love super soft black & grey realism.
I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given & look forward to the future of what Esperanza Ink Tattoos has in store!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some of the biggest challenges have been mostly personal. Being someone who grew up predominantly introverted, I was forced out of my shell. I had to “sell” myself. By sell myself, I mean sell my confidence, my art, and all the reasons why I deserve to be in this industry.
Being that tattooing used to be extremely male dominate was also very intimidating. I had to quickly learn how to stand tall, being only 5’1… and a female.
Now I look back at it all and sort of laugh because we are all just people trying to do the things in life that we love.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I believe what sets myself apart from others is that I do a lot of custom design work. I love to design my tattoos based off of my client’s ideas but throw my own personal spin on them. I also love to paint with acrylics! I like to teach classes & spend time with my clients. I appreciate them so much.
I’m proud to be a new business owner & have a private studio where my clients could feel more comfortable.
Pricing:
- Tattoo Studio Minimum $100
- Deposit to book Appointment $80
- Hourly Rate (Large Scale Pieces – Multiple Sessions) $150
- Paint Night Classes $25 per person (includes supplies)
Contact Info:
- Address: Esperanza Ink Tattoos
948 N. Mountain Ave., Ontario, Ca 91762 - Website: EsperanzaInk.com
- Phone: 916-524-5336
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esperanzaink/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EsperanzaInkGallery
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