Tattoo artist Carolina Montoya hails from Pereira, Colombia. Montoya, who has a level in educating visible arts, works in a plethora of various mediums, proving she is equally expert with a pencil, paintbrush or tattoo machine. Nowadays, Montoya has turned her focus principally in the direction of drawing and portray. We caught up with Montoya to find out about her influences, model and extra.
When did you first uncover a love of artwork?
My love for artwork has all the time been there. I do not keep in mind studying find out how to breathe, and it is the identical for artwork. I’ve tried as many strategies as I’ve encountered however principally I have been drawing and portray my whole life.
How did you start your tattoo profession? Did you could have an apprenticeship or be taught by yourself?
I used to be an apprentice at a tattoo store for one yr after I was 18 and I did the standard coaching of establishing stations, cleansing and studying to sterilize. I used to be very fortunate and I am grateful as a result of I understand how restricted these alternatives are, however I additionally put my greatest to it and took the most effective out of it.
You have labored in a few completely different kinds, alternating between shade and black ink. Currently you appear to focus totally on black-and-grey realism, what appeals to you concerning the model? What do you discover most difficult about it?
I like making an attempt new kinds and exploring what tattoos may be however what I like about black-and-grey is its similarity to pencil drawing which is my favourite medium to work moreover tattooing. So having these two mixed within the course of makes it simply much more enjoyable.
Do you ever end up working in shade?
Sure, shade was an enormous a part of my course of and nonetheless is current however not as a lot as black and gray, I get pleasure from shade realism over different shade manifestations like watercolor.
What are a few of your favourite material to tattoo?
Undoubtedly portraits are my favourite tasks and small realism generally however birds have a particular place in my coronary heart and I like them in all completely different kinds.
How would you describe your signature model?
My signature model has modified over time as a result of I like tattooing nevertheless it’s world would not outline me, and it is the method I like probably the most, the duty I take extra severely however on the finish of the day it is one other results of what I’m and what I do and that adjustments loads. Each piece I’ve finished has my whole effort for the time being it was finished and all of my tattoos have been finished with persistence and love. I am very element oriented.
Who’re a few of the artists (tattoo or in any other case) you are impressed by?
I get impressed by tattoo artists from completely different kinds like Emily Rose Murray, Karolry Bakowski, Victor Portugal, Jeff Gogue, and Shawn Barber.
And outdoors the tattoo world it is such an excellent big selection to select from, I really feel artwork generally is having a tremendous outbreak as a result of social media permits artists to point out themselves and get impressed by actions all world wide so I am positive I am leaving names out which are inspirational to me however the listing can be pages and pages lengthy. Undoubtedly Alphonse Mucha, Mark Ryden, Alexander Reisfar, Cam Rackam, Roberto Ferri and Natalia Fabia.
What are a few of the most precious life classes you have discovered from tattooing?
To not decide a e-book by its cowl, and to understand the duty and belief that’s being given to me each time I am tattooing somebody.
To be grateful for figuring out what I needed in life, and for having the ability to get recognition over doing what I like, that is priceless.
What different mediums of artwork have you ever labored in?
I principally draw with pencil and shade pencils and paint with oil, nonetheless I do sometimes do some watercolor and acrylic too.
Are you able to stroll us by way of your design course of?
Since I get pleasure from each massive and small tasks I begin with a session so I can perceive the expectations of the shopper and having an thought I proceed by wanting up for references of the identical theme from completely different interpretations so I can have a place to begin on components I want to embody. To begin sketching I begin with the world I am going to cowl and the route it will have in response to the position. A small design can take me 30mins, however when it is a medium or giant mission I wish to alternate with different drawings so I can relaxation from it and are available again with contemporary eyes. I give this course of normally per week.
What’s a tattoo you have been dying to try this you have not had an opportunity to work on but?
A full sleeve of colourful flowers over a black work strong background. I like the distinction of the black work and shade realism.
