Washington Gomes is a tattoo artist who specialises in black and grey realism. His life story is one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles and a deep passion for art. He was born in 1987 in Suzano, São Paulo. His childhood and teenage years shaped his character, his worldview and his love for artistic expression. Today, he is an award-winning artist, but the road there 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
His family didn’t fully support his wish to become a tattoo artist. Still, his brothers always encouraged him, especially Gerson, his middle brother. “He always believed in me and my ideas, which was crucial for me to keep going,” Washington highlights. That support was essential. Even though his family didn’t fully understand his passion, 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 had 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. It taught him the value of discipline and perseverance.
Nursing Connection
After military service, Washington took on various jobs. One of them had a big 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 dived into the study of black and grey realism. Today, he has award-winning work in both Brazil and 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 awards at tattoo conventions in Brazil and Australia, building his name in the international tattoo scene.
A Difficult Yet Rewarding Journey
Washington’s journey is a testament to how art can transform lives. His story runs from a humble childhood and school struggles to military service and a constant search for knowledge. It is full of challenges and wins.
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.
Read more about the moments that shaped Washington, like his first tattoo convention, or see his black and grey realism work in the portfolio.
