Interview with Vicente Cremades | Valencia, Spain | 25/05/2020
Hello Vicente Cremades! Thanks for taking the
time to answer some questions for our readers. Please start by
telling us something about yourself and your starts in this
business. How long have you been tattooing?
Since I was a kid I used to draw a lot, but I never tought that I'll
dedicate myself to tattooing, since my family and my close friends
encouraged me. It's been four years of tattooing.
Q: What type of art outside tattooing inspire you the most?
Any favorite artists?
A: I like everything related to art: graffiti, oil, sculpture,
drawing, graphic design... The truth is that many of my favorite
artists are not from the current era, since for me what an artist
did 500 years ago has much more merit than today.
Q: In your portfolio I can a lot of beautiful portraits of
people, animals... a very detailed, precise work! In your black and
white style... Is there any particular reason why you chose this
style as your speciality?
A: When I drew on paper I did it mostly in black and white, when it
comes to tattooing I try to transfer all the knowledge I have from
paper to the skin. That's why I like tattooing in black and white
the most.
Q: Tattooing is a very serious job not just because of the
very strict regulations but the artist is on constant pressure to
provide a good, quality work, since only the best is
wanted/expected. How long took you to gain confidence in your work?
A: It's been four years since I started, three that I dedicated
myself to realism. So I had a minimum base of lines and shadows and
I had a margin to practice the technique in which I'm most
comfortable. I think a year and a half ago I found my favorite
tattooing technique.
Q: Tattoo realism is probably one of the most difficult
styles to master at. While we have "undo" & "edit" button on our
devices, in tattooing, especially realism there's no room even for
small mistakes. What are some of the most time consuming parts while
doing a portrait tattoo?
A: For me the most difficult part is not in any part of the face
such as the eyes or the nose. What takes the longest, is getting the
expression and characterization of the person I am portraying. Not
only does it look alike, but it also transmits his gaze... that when
you see the tattoo you also see the person you want to carry forever
on the skin.
- The longest session?
10 hours or so.
Q: What type of reaction from your clients is your favorite when you
finish their tattoo?
A: I like the reaction more when they come with the healed tattoo
and they tell me that healed looks much better and they love it.
Q: I like how you combine portraits and theme designs. Do
you draw some sketches before the session or the idea for the design
can come up spontaneously with the client before the tattooing?
A: I try to arrange the designs a few months or weeks before the
appointment. Today I organize myself much better than before. But
many of my favorite tattoos have come up with the client on the day
of the appointment. But as I said before, I try to prepare it before
so that when I see the design days before the session, I will have
it done or otherwise change some details.
- How do you handle situations when you don't like some of
the ideas your clients like? Do you suggest something else?
Currently it does not happen much to me because they want things
that they see in my portfolio and it is where I am most comfortable.
But there is always some design that the client does not like and I
change it. But if I see that the client's idea will not look good or
I will not be able to give my 100%, I prefer to not work on that.
Q: Having a talent must be like a privilege in a way, it
gives people a tool to explore their creative abilities plus if you
add dedication to it... you get success. Since you have your talent,
have you ever thought to explore a bit more in your work, like
trying a different style or maybe try color realism? I think
whatever you try, success is guaranteed.
A: I have tried color realism and the truth is that at certain
moments of the session I really enjoyed it, but when I didn't know
much about that style, I ended up a bit saturated. I think color
realism allows you to further explore your creativity.
Q: Do you travel around for work like doing guest spots and
visiting tattoo conventions? How much the international experience
helped you to learn and grow as an artist?
A: I visit more studios than conventions... By being surrounded by
artists you always learn things that you did't know, a tattoo
technique, how people design, what solution they use, needles or how
they take pictures of tattoos.
Q: As an established artist, looking back when you were
starting, what would you tell to your younger self? I bet my younger
audience who is willing to try getting into the scene will take
something from this :))
A: To organize myself better. The work that is on skin, is much more
than the photo that we all see on instagram. Behind there are many
hours of searching for images... studying the images and the area,
designing something in which you are comfortable, preparing the
design and the fit well and then taking care of the photo.
Please write down your contact info and studio location.
www.instagram.com/vicentecremades
https://www.vicentecremades.com
Mr.Vicente Cremades Thank you so much for the interview,
Take care and keep up the great work.