We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ilena Gonzalez. Check out our conversation below.
Ilena, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I feel like the most misunderstood thing about being a tattooer is that it is easy. That is absolutely far from the truth. As a tattooer we constantly have deadlines, emails, scheduling, and many other task we have to achieve outside of our scheduled work time. This is not including trying to improve your art skills. There is no free time with this job. Although it is a tough job, I wouldnt want to do anything else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Ilena Gonzalez! I am a tattooer in North Olmsted,Ohio. I have been tattooing for about 7 years as my full time job. I would say that I am a versatile artist but I love to specialize in illustrative black and grey tattoos. My job is to give clients a bold clean tattoo that not only they would cherish forever but withstands the test of time!
Art has always been a passion of mine since I could remember. I knew as a child that I wanted to make art as a living, I just didn’t know how. But when I discovered what tattooing was, I was mesmerized. As a child I watched my father do tattoos, I’ve sat in tattoo shops bored out of my mind , but it wasn’t until I got older until it clicked and I realized that tattoos were more than just tattoos. It was an art form, a career, a pathway to be an artist for a living. I’ve attempted college and other careers but my heart always said, “try out tattooing”. Thats when at the age of 19 I set out searching for an apprenticeship and surprisingly I got it. Once I started putting art on skin, it finally made sense that this world of body art is my passion.
As always , I am constantly working on becoming a better artist everyday in this career. I will always find ways to improve my set up to make my clients comfortable and safe. My goal is always to provide a clean sterile environment for anyone who sits in my chair.
As for my art skills, it is always a goal for me to paint ,make flash, and study other tattoos. That is what the artist who paved the way before us did. I feel that it is important to honor them and keep their traditions alive, because without them, this career wouldn’t be possible. They figured everything out when it was frowned up. This career is something you have to consistently improve. You will never hit a peak when you become a tattooer. You will always have to do better than you did yesterday.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My fiance was always that one person in my life who always supported my decisions and gave me the confidence to push myself out of my comfort zone. No matter what he constantly provided solutions, comfort, and support when it came down to me attempting to tattoo. It was a scary moment to give up a sense of security for something that was unpredictable and unstable at times. Tattooing is a luxury, people don’t need tattoos. So to hop in a career where the service isn’t a necessity is terrifying. I quit a stable job for this career, and it was absolutely worth it. It is so important to support the ones closest to you in their journey. They are scared too, but having a support system means everything when you are chasing your dreams. Everyone needs at least one person to believe in them.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that when life gets hard, you gotta push through. No matter how difficult or out of reach something feels, if you keep trying you will get better and eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up on yourself, because only you can change your life
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I’m pretty ashamed to admit this , but when I started tattooing, I thought it was ok to trace for every single tattoo. Growing up , I always drew realism so all I’ve ever known was how to mimic an image. I quickly realized that action hindered me in so many ways. I wasn’t t able to draw a variety of subject matters because I never took the time to learn. It held me back from not only evolving my style, but being able to provide a wide variety of subject matter for my clients. It took away my confidence because I just couldn’t draw it, I had to search for reference, Photoshop it together and make a tattoo. Which is surprisingly much more difficult. Eventually I went back to my roots and drew everything by hand, not only did I get better at drawing , I became more efficient, I was able to stylize my designs. I was able to see little details in the way other people drew and take inspiration from them. My tattoos felt more like me , I was more excited to do them. I no longer felt like a “printer”. This task alone made me a better artist.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at piece doing what I love , which is art. Art has always been an escape for me, so doing it every day is truly a blessing for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ilenagonzaleztattoo.com
- Instagram: Ilenagonzaleztattoo
