I started tattooing on my own, and soon, I began thinking about conventions. That’s when I opened my first tattoo studio. Let me take you through the story of how it all started.
I opened my first studio in an apartment. I rented a place on the top floor, and I renovated it to turn it into a tattoo studio. After setting everything up, I spent a lot of time studying and drawing, practicing every day. I started doing flash tattoos, the simpler designs you see in many studios, to make some money and pay the bills. I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the rent, but I kept pushing myself—drawing and practicing, both in color realism (which I do now) and in the more commercial tattoo style.
As I spent more time drawing and painting, I felt a need to grow and push myself. I realized that while I was making money, I wasn’t improving. I wanted more. I started researching tattoo events online and discovered tattoo conventions, where tattoo artists from all over come together to show their work. Seeing the excitement and energy of those events made me want to be part of that world. I thought, “I want to experience that. I want to be part of that community.”
At the time, I had a business partner—a friend who had been my supervisor when I worked a regular job. After I set up my studio, I invited him to join me as a partner and help my business grow. We both agreed that I needed to take my tattoo work to the next level.
I reached out to him and shared my thoughts. I was feeling a bit alone and unsure if I could grow any further on my own. I told him, “I found a tattoo event in Mongaguá, a city where my aunts live, and I think this is the opportunity I need.” He agreed, and we decided to go together.
I was excited, but there was a setback. Just before the event, my partner told me he couldn’t make it after all. I was disappointed but decided to go on my own. I told him, “I’ll go, and I’ll bring back a prize for us.”
So, I packed everything up—banners, equipment, and everything I needed for my first convention—and drove from Araucária (in Paraná) to Mongaguá. It was a long 7-hour drive, but I was determined. When I arrived, I stayed at my aunts’ house, and they gave me so much support. They always believed in me, even when others might have doubted. That support meant the world to me.
On the day of the event, I woke up early, had a good breakfast, and got ready. I went to the venue and set up my tattoo station with everything I needed: a portable tattoo bed, a banner, and all the tools I’d need. My friend, the person I was going to tattoo for the competition, helped me set everything up, and I was proud of how it looked. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves.
After setting up, I walked around the convention to see the other artists. I was amazed by the talent and skill of the other tattooers. One group, in particular, caught my attention. They were a team of tattoo artists working together on massive pieces. They communicated so well, joked around, but were incredibly focused on their work. Watching them made me realize this is what I wanted to be part of—a community of tattoo artists working together, pushing each other to do better. It wasn’t about competition; it was about sharing the passion for tattooing. That moment inspired me deeply.
I returned to my station and started working on my piece for the competition, feeling more motivated than ever. I finished my tattoo on Saturday night and delivered it to the judges on Sunday. The experience was unforgettable.
The judging started later on Sunday evening. I felt proud to have been part of it, and I was amazed by the other incredible work around me. I didn’t win, but that event changed everything for me. It solidified my desire to be a tattoo artist. It taught me the importance of teamwork, friendship, and dedication to the craft.
That was my first tattoo convention, and it set the stage for everything I’ve done since. It was the beginning of my journey as Washington Tattoo.
