interview with tattoo artist Chris Alcala

 Hello Chris Alcala! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Tattooing may seem like an easy job but in fact it is not that easy, it takes time and patience to learn even the basics. What s your opinion? Was it hard for you? You're right, it's not an easy job! I think progress is more about how you react to the situations you're not comfortable with, but I've always loved too learn, I guess that helped me a lot. I liked art when I was young but I don't have an artistic background as such, I even failed my art GCSE. I didn't really like the theory part.

Q: How important is to have an experienced artist to guide you?
A: I think an apprenticeship is important... A good artist should teach you the correct way to deal with hygiene, designs, customer care, shop duties, etc. Just from watching a top level artist work you can learn a lot.

Q: What type of art do you like the most?  
A: I love black and grey realism, that's always been something I'm drawn too. I like all other arts and I'm definitely inspired by other tattoo artists even some painters and photographers.

Q: I only see black and gray tattoos, would you try color tattooing?
A: I've done color before and found that it's not really my thing. But I'm willing to try more. My clients want more black and grey tattoos so I guess I won't be doing color tattoos as much.

Q: What details are most time consuming while doing a realistic portrait?
A: Faces and features are some of my favorite things to tattoo... I really enjoy doing every part, from soggy old beards to fleek eyebrows. Hair is probably one of the most time consuming features.

Q: Do you cheer up your clients when they can't handle the pain? 
A: For sure, but most times I'd like to think I'm gentle. I normally take breaks every hour or so just to give the client a breather, there's nothing worse than getting consistently stabbed all day long.

Q: I like how you mix a few photos in one design tattoo. Have you ever refused to do a certain design?
A: I normally speak with my clients and get a feel for what kind of design would suit them before I do the design. I don't really refuse, I'll try to point the client in the right direction before the session.

Q: How important is to experiment?
A: Experimenting is very important for progress. You find you're capable of much more if you step out of the comfort zone. Maybe it's time for me to buy a set of colors haha ;)

Q: I think in the last decade the tattoo industry chaged so much. We have many interesting, new tattoo styles, new artists, tv shows, magazines, seminars, conventions... Even the tattoo equipment is better than before. Do you think there's something else we should do in order to get even better?
A: It's great to be part of this new era... So much amazing work around us. I wouldn't change much. I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I love using the new equipment that comes out. But I'd love to see a robot take my job.

Q: Your advice for those who want to start tattooing?
A: I feel flattered that you ask me that... For me the best approach has been to soak up knowledge like a sponge, strive to learn more and create your own style. Also it pays to keep up to date with what the best artists are doing :)