Hello Frank La Natra! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Please start by telling us something about yourself and your background. How it all started? I always drew as a kid, I use to copy Disney cartoons and comic books. That's how I taught myself to draw. At an early age though I got into music and began focusing and studying that instead and I kind of left the drawing behind. So I guess all in all I was an artistic kid one way or the other.

Q: How long have you been tattooing?
A: To be honest I started my apprenticeship in '97 I learned the old school style and kind of struggled to teach myself new things. I never really took it serious and kind of used it as a way to make quick cash. It wasn't anything serious utill I moved out to Florida, I went back to school and met my current business partner. Now I'm serious. About 4 years ago it all changed.

Q: Some people say that it is possible to be a self though artist. Your thoughts?
A: I think it is possible, I taught myself a lot about art and tattooing, but at the same time I never came as far as I have now without the formal training and education I received. I did in the last few years what I couldn't do in ten, all because I went back to school for art and started to really push myself to learn.

Q: Who are your influences?
A: There are a ton of influences that inspire me. A bunch of amazing tattoo artists and illustrators, family, friends and teachers have all helped me to become the artist I am today and hope to become in the future. There are few that have definitely had a greater impact on my career and choices.

Q: To be a creative person means to be open minder, curious, fun... What is creativity for you?
A: I think I can agree with all of that. I don't think I have ever really thought about it. I just always do what feels right I guess. For me I think that is what has always helped me be creative.

                    

Q: Tell me about your style.
A: For me the most important part is the narrative. I like when I can tell a story with my artwork.

Q: Your color tattoos look really good. What ink brands do you prefer? What's the secret?
A: Thank you :) I use pretty much all Eternals. I don't know if there a secret. I think I am still trying to figure it out. I just do what feels right and I love to experiment.

Q: Tell me about the creative process.
A: I think I allow my clients to have about 10% input, if it works with my ideas great lol. I try to take on jobs I'm going to enjoy because I feel that if my heart is not 100% into it than I am not being fair to my client or myself. I want them to walk around proud for wearing my artwork.

Q: Are there any "weird" requests that you simply won't tattoo?
A: Not really that I can think of, I simply dislike to tattoo anything that I feel can make me look bad as an artist or that the client will regret it in years to come.

Q: Art has no limits?
A: I guess you can say that. I feel the more you learn the more you can put out. Sometimes the only limits are the ones you put on yourself.

Q: So the tattoo is done, what reaction from a client makes you happy?
A: Excitement! I'm a very vibrant person to begin with and when I see someone match my enthusiasm when they look at their tattoo I feel like I have done my job.

Q: Have you ever thought to change your style?
A: I have never thought to change my style overall. I like to try new things and add new styles or techniques to my arsenal but that is just to make my style better, never to change what I do. I think my style is a part of who I'm and though I may grow, I will never completely change.

 

Q: Any artists you would like to work with?
A: I am currently doing an immense neck to knees piece with Jesse Smith, but other than that not much at the moment due to my limited time with school and everything. There are definitely a few people that I have plans to collaborate with in the future and I am extremely excited about that.

Q: Art could be a great influence on someone's personality. What is the best lesson that you learned from your journey?
A: I think the greatest lesson I learned is how far I can go if I put the time and effort.

Q: Do you have any advice for the new artists?
A: Push yourself and learn as much as you can. Be humble, because if you are not you can never grow and if you can't grow then you will eventually fade away.