Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Valdivia.
Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
It all started around the time I was in 5th grade. Drawing for me at the time was a hobby that eventually became my passion, my reason to live. At that time, I dreamed of becoming an artist, but I didn’t know what kind of artist. All I knew is that creating is what I wanted to do. During the summer of my 5th-grade year, I came across a tattoo show; it was my first time ever knowing what a tattoo is. It was very fascinating seeing people get art on their skin permanently! To me, it felt like a whole different level of creating art! Something so sacred and special that you can carry with you forever! Since then, I knew I wanted to become a tattoo artist. Fast forward, I graduated high school and worked different kinds of jobs. Most stories start with “I quit my job and I began working towards my dream” not me, I was fired from my last job, and it was the best wake-up call to begin mine. Sometimes life just needs to give you a push. Since then, I never looked back! I love what I do, and I love the experiences I get to give people!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all and I’m grateful for those obstacles! Knowledge is power and at the time I learned a lot through apprenticing by sacrificing my time with family and friends. Also practicing on synthetic skin many times before I can take the next step and tattoo people. Having people to trust you to tattoo them was an obstacle at first but then with time and relationship building it became a smooth sail. Another obstacle was being afraid of failure, thinking what if it doesn’t work? I set my mind to think positive and truly believe that it was going work out. I also didn’t get the support of my parents at first because they weren’t pleased of their daughter becoming a tattoo artist, they didn’t believe that was a career but within time they became my biggest supporters. I’ve had many obstacles on this journey but never once I let it stop me from pursing my dream to tattoo!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Tattoo Artist located in Wynwood Miami. I specialize in Black and grey/Chicano style. I’m known for giving clean tattoos and giving a great memorable experience to my clients. I’m proud of all the tattoos I’ve done! It definitely has shown me my progress and how far along I’ve come! Seeing the growth in my work gives me a drive to keep going! What sets me apart from others I would say is how authentic my personality is definitely like no other!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.valdivia
