Tattoo artist and model at the same time? This means an interesting conversation indeed! :D
1) Can you share with us a bit about your background? Are you really a Florida girl? :D
Yes, I really am a Florida girl :) I was born in Miami but I am hispanic. My mother is cuban and my father is Italian/Dominican... hard to believe, I know. lol
2) Did you begin as a model before being a tattoo artist or is it the other way around? Or was it body piercing first?
I started doing body piercings when I was 17,started modeling at 21, and I've been tattooing for about a year now.
3) So what got you interested in this business? Was there a particular artist or event that got you hooked in?
Honestly, I dont know why I got so into tattoos, I didn't grow up around them. My parents didnt have tattoos when i was growing up. I wasn't really exposed to tattoos. For my 14th birthday, all I wanted was a tattoo, so I begged my parents, and my dad ended up taking me. And it's been on and popping ever since :-p
4) What are the photo themes that appeals to you more when you work as a model?
I am always up for pretty much anything when it comes to shooting. My favorites though are things that show ME... funny, girly, cute, tough... all at the same time. If that makes any sense? lol
5) What was the most challenging tattoo you had done on yourself? And the most challenging one to date that you did for someone else?
The most challenging, pain wise, was probably my feet. I have both arms, legs, thighs, ribs, etc. and my feet were the worst!!! One of them is not finished, and I really dont think I'm going to finish it any time soon. :-X
As far as challenging for me to do on someone else, I can't really think of any. I've only been tattooing for a year or so (maybe less) So I really don't get myself into any tattoos I know I can't do.
6) Did the success of TV shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink really changed your business? For good or for worse?
Honestly, I think it went both ways with those shows. It was good because it showed everyday people getting tattooed for what it is, an art form. I think it opened a lot more peoples eyes to the world of tattooing. BUT now you have everyone thinking they can be a tattoo artist because they make it look so easy on TV. You have kids now wanting to buy a tattoo machine and bang up their friends in their backyards without proper apprenticeships, or any knowledge of what they're doing.
You also now see young girls getting all tattooed because Kat Von D makes it look so pretty. I'm not saying she's not, but i dont believe an 18 year old girl should be tattooed from head to toe, or to the point where it stops her from finding work in other fields... I mean, its a long area to cover, lol. I don't think there's enough space for me to express this. Bottom line, everyone wants to be tattooed, and nobody is thinking how it's going to affect their futures. They may think it's not, but it is.
7) Since you’re an attractive female tattoo artist, do you feel like some guys want you to ink them just because they’re trying to hit on you? How annoying this can be?
This is funny! I've learned to tell the difference between guys who are just trying to hit on me and guys who are actually going to get tattooed. When they are trying to hit on me they will email or message me with a tattoo question, and as soon as I price them they'll say something like "So can I have your personal number to call you? " and I'll let them know I do not give out my personal number, they'll stop replying... lol. Guys who are serious about getting tattooed, come at me in a more professional way. But of course I still get stuck with a few creeps here and there, lol.
8) How would you like to pose wearing fetish attire like latex, leather, rubber, etc.? Are you a big fan of that kind of clothing?
I think fetish modeling is awesome! I love latex, I think it looks great on girls. It just hugs you! and its hot... But I've never worn any of that, lol. I'm open to it though :)
9) What do you prefer to do when it’s time to relax (IF you have time to relax!)?
I BARELY have time to relax, I feel like im running around all day but when I do find time, I just like to lounge in some sweat pants and eat like a pig and watch tv. :-p
10) So if we go to Tampa next July for FetishCon, any chance of you coming to meet us and do an amazing shoot? :D
Of course!!! You better let me know!! lol.