Washington Gomes, a renowned tattoo artist specializing in black and grey realism, has a life story that is truly one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and, of course, a deep passion for art. Born in 1987 in Suzano, São Paulo, Washington’s childhood and adolescence were filled with experiences that not only shaped his character but also his worldview and love for artistic expression. Today, he is a leading figure in the world of tattooing, but the road to success was long and full of challenges.
Childhood and Early Exposure to Art
From a young age, Washington had a deep passion for art. Growing up in Caieiras and Mongaguá, in the São Paulo coastal region, he stood out for his creativity. “I’ve always been fascinated by anything that involved artistic expression,” he recalls. This passion wasn’t limited to just drawing. Washington also explored various musical instruments, including the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drums, guitar, and bass.
However, it was drawing that truly captured his heart. “My older brother, Heberson, was a huge inspiration. He loved creating comic books about our neighborhood, and I was amazed. I tried to imitate his drawings, creating characters from shows like Cavaleiros do Zodíaco, Tintim, Chaves, and Dragon Ball Z,” he fondly remembers.
The Support of His Brothers and First Drawings
Though his family didn’t fully support his desire to become a tattoo artist, Washington always received encouragement from his brothers, especially Gerson, his middle brother. “He always believed in me and my ideas, which was crucial for me to keep going,” Washington highlights. This support was essential because, even though his family didn’t fully understand his passion for tattooing, they never stopped him from following his dreams.
In school, Washington struggled with some traditional subjects. “I didn’t do well in Portuguese, History, and Science. I preferred drawing because those subjects didn’t interest me,” he admits. However, his love for the Arts was unwavering. It was in this subject that he felt free to express himself, creating without boundaries.
The First Tattoo: A Teenage Rebellion
At the age of 14, Washington got his first tattoo, but of course, it was done in secret. “I remember hearing my dad say, ‘If you ever get a tattoo, I’ll remove it with a knife.’ So, when I got my first tattoo at a friend’s house with an improvised machine, I asked him to make a big one on my rib so I could hide it from my dad,” he laughs, recalling his rebellious teenage spirit.
Military Service: A Growth Experience
At 18, Washington was required to do mandatory military service. “It wasn’t easy waking up early, participating in missions, and living under constant discipline. But looking back, I see how essential that experience was for my growth. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it,” he reflects. Washington sees his time in the military as a period that helped him mature and understand the importance of discipline and perseverance.
Nursing Connection
After military service, Washington took on various jobs, but one in particular had a significant impact on him: working as a security guard at a hospital. “This experience made me want to understand more about people, how they function. It was a perfect connection with what would come later,” he explains.
His interest in the human body led him to pursue a nursing course, which he completed with dedication. “Studying nursing helped me understand anatomy and the importance of caring for the body—something that’s crucial for a tattoo artist,” says Washington, who always sought to combine his passion for art with a deep respect for people.
A Career as a Tattoo Artist
Although Washington didn’t have explicit support from his family to become a tattoo artist, they never stopped him. “I never had explicit support, but I was never prohibited from following my dreams, and that was the most important thing,” he says.
Over time, his passion for tattooing grew. He delved into the study of black and grey realism, and today, he is recognized as one of the top specialists in this technique, both in Brazil and in Australia. His dedication, talent, and drive for continuous improvement have driven him to go beyond what others expected.
Now living in Sydney, Australia, Washington owns his own private studio in the heart of the city. He has won important awards at tattoo conventions in both Brazil and Australia, solidifying his name in the international tattoo scene.
A Difficult Yet Rewarding Journey
Washington’s journey is a testament to how art can transform lives. From his humble childhood and school struggles to mandatory military service and his search for knowledge, his story is filled with challenges and triumphs.
It’s hard to tell all of Washington’s story in one article, but the important thing is that his journey is just beginning. “I have so much more to share. There are many stories and lessons still to come, and I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, just as I did,” he concludes.
Stay with us because there is much more to discover about this great artist’s life.
