INTERVIEW WITH tattoo artist Moni Marino
Hello Moni
Marino! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview.
Please start by telling us something about yourself, when did you
start doing tattoos? I've always been into drawing and painting. I was 14 when I
discovered that you can draw on skin permanently. This idea
fascinated me
so I decided to try and it became the biggest love of my life.
Q: Do you have any favorite artists?
A: I admire a lot of tattoo artists, my favorites are
Randy
Engelhard, Nikko Hurtado and Jose Lopez.
Q: Some people say that it is possible to be self though
artist. Your thoughts?
A: I believe that artists are born, you must have it in your blood, you can not
learn it at school or at a seminar.
Q: How your style changed
over the years?
A: I started tattooing 20 years ago. I was fascinated by the Chicano
tattoo style, especially done
in black gray. Over time I was experimenting new techniques
and new machines and now I do colorful realistic tattoos the most.
Q: Any strange requests, or there are no such?
A: There were a few strange requests but, nothing too strange, I've
seen all.
Q: What kind of tattoos people like the most?
A: I believe that most people like the old chicano style, the new
traditional style and tattoo realism.
Q: What are the most interesting experiences with the
customers?
A: The best experiences are those when my clients tell me about
their life struggles, loss of a loved one etc. Is not easy to tattoo a person who suffers the loss of a friend
or a
family member. This experience reinforces a very strong bond and trust.
Q: What people can expect from you?
A: I'm so happy because I know people can recognize my style, they say "That's a Moni Marino's Tattoo!" I love this!
I can
not explain. I try to become better and better, there
is no end.
Q: Art could be a great
influence on someone's personality. What is the best lesson that you learned from your journey?
A: I have learned that we must continue to strive to achieve our
dreams, is not easy, is a very long and difficult road but if you
have the strength to continue you will attain calmness and serenity.
Q: What are the most important things that
every single artist should know in order to become successful and
respected?
A: Tenacity, professionalism, respect and humility.