We recently connected with Enrique Martinez and have shared our conversation below.
Enrique , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
This was about 10 years ago. At that time, my path was leading me in a direction that didn’t involve creativity, and I felt like something was missing. I had already been familiar with the world of tattooing and art, but I hadn’t seriously considered it as a potential career. Then one day, through people I knew, I became more immersed in that world, and I realized that I could turn something creative and deeply inspiring into a professional career.
Once I discovered that, I made the decision to change the trajectory of my studies and career entirely. I began studying art at university and started tattooing. From that moment on, I’ve been fully committed to this path, and it has shaped everything I do today.
Enrique , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a tattoo artist from Spain specializing in black and grey, blending black and grey realism with illustrative elements. My style is particularly known for its dotwork shading technique.
I began tattooing 9 years ago while studying Fine Arts in Valencia, Spain. Over the years, I worked in various studios across Spain and Germany, gaining valuable experience and refining my craft. Currently, I reside in Los Angeles, California.
Five years ago, I decided to specialize in the style I am currently focused on, but I am always looking to innovate and take it to the next level by adding new elements and exploring fresh ideas. I primarily focus on large-scale projects, though I also take on smaller pieces as well.
My priority is to bring my artistic vision and expertise to each project, ensuring the best possible outcome for my clients. I strive to make each tattoo a meaningful and personal experience by understanding their ideas, the meaning behind their decision, and bringing their vision to life in the most impactful way.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was developing my organizational skills—learning how to effectively manage and prioritize my time. As an entrepreneur, you’re responsible for handling every aspect of your work, from client communication via email and social media to advertising, social media management, tattoo design, portfolio photography and editing, post-sale follow-ups, and more—all while staying committed to continuous training and refining your style.
A book that was instrumental in helping me overcome this was Getting Things Done by David Allen. It helped me identify the key areas of my work, focus on developing them, and structure my ideas. Most importantly, it taught me how to set clear goals and create actionable plans to achieve them, making my workflow far more efficient and balanced.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my work is the freedom it gives me to shape my career on my own terms, choosing how and where to grow. There’s immense fulfillment in transforming my personal artistic vision into a profession and creating work that is entirely my own.
What makes this even more special is the connection I build with people from diverse backgrounds. Clients entrust me with something deeply meaningful to them, and in turn, their stories and projects inspire and enhance my artistic growth. This exchange makes my work not only creative but deeply personal and impactful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: henry_tatts
