Today we’d like to introduce you to Nefertari Barraza.
Hi Nefertari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How I started .. I’ve always been an artist since I can remember. I would draw as a kid and was a big art student throughout highschool. I remember taking any and as many art classes that were offered to me. I even ended up taking a couple classes in college. I didn’t think you could make a career out of being an artists so i continued to study to become a Registered Vet Tech . My art became a side hobby because college took most of my time. I eventually worked in the veterinary field for a few years. About 4 years ago I started working for a non profit organization that does free surgical procedures on dogs and cats for low income families . Working 4 days at the vet.. I had 3 days extra to take my hobby back up. I got this crazy idea that I should learn how to tattoo and on my free time I ended up taking an apprenticeship at a tattoo studio, while still working as a vet technician. I started to tattoo friends and family and my passion for tattoos grew bigger. As time kept moving I kept pushing myself to continue to grow as a tattoo artist. I was able to turn my side hobby into a full time job. I’ve had many of positive influences in my life including family and friends that constantly continue to support me and my art. It definitely keeps me going. I’ve been tattooing for 5 years now and I’m currently working in a tattoo studio that I am able to co-operate and own with one of my good friends and mentors. I still have a long way to go but I continued to creat art as a tattoo artist and I still help out at the non profit when I’m able too.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road . There is always obstacles we have to overcome. I wanted to be a tattoo artist since I was 16 yrs old . Unfortunately the tattoo industry wasn’t as open as it is now so i gave up on it. Now we see more women in the industry which lead me to pursue it again. A challenge I also faced was trying to put myself out there as a new artist and trying to build a strong clientele. When you work 6-7 days a week you also miss out on family and friend time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I tattoo mostly black and grey realism. That includes portraits of people and pets. I also do vivid color pieces. Currently my work is getting more and more recognizable for the portraits I’ve been creating. I am most proud of the progress I have made in the past 5 years . The growth I have seen in myself makes me proud. I am a dedicated hard working individual. I’m always giving it my all.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Some advice I always tell others or myself is that you get what you put into it. So that all depends on yourself and how much you want to achieve your goals. working hard will always have good outcomes you may not see them now but couple years down the line it will all make sense to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amontattoolounge.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nefertaritattoos/
Image Credits
lucy @iso.lucy
Nefertari Barraza
