We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deborah Albuquerque. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deborah below.
Deborah, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I really wish I had started pursuing my career sooner. I began my apprenticeship at 25, which some may consider young, but the truth is, I’ve always had a deep love for art. Unfortunately, growing up in an environment where being an artist wasn’t seen as a viable career made me view it as just a hobby.
Looking back, I don’t regret the path I took to get where I am now. But I do sometimes think about the time I wasted doubting myself and not following my heart. I let countless opportunities slip by because I valued others’ opinions more than my own intuition.
Now, when someone asks me for advice, especially about their career, I always encourage them to pursue what they are truly passionate about. Even if it doesn’t seem practical at the moment, following your passion is always worth it. When you love what you do, every challenge feels like a minor bump in the road because you’re driven by your love for it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I became a tattoo artist thanks to some friends who knew how much I loved art and saw some great opportunities for me. With their help, I was able to make the connections I needed to start my career in Los Angeles. I specialize in high fine line and mini realistic designs, and I believe what sets me apart is my ability to truly understand my clients’ vision and enhance it with my own unique style.
One experience that really shaped my approach to tattooing was having a tattoo removed with a laser that I got when I was young. It made me feel ashamed and self-conscious for a long time, and I always tried to hide it. That’s why I make it a priority to ensure my clients feel comfortable and confident in choosing the perfect design. I never want anyone to feel the way I did for years because they didn’t speak up or choose the right professional.
I think this focus on understanding and exceeding my clients’ expectations has been key to my success. Most of my clients come back for more tattoos or recommend me to others, and I couldn’t be happier
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I truly believe that creativity is something we all possess. It’s a tool we use in every aspect of our lives, especially when faced with problems that need solving. I think it’s important for society to shift its perspective on creativity, to embrace it and explore how we can all tap into this gift. One way to do this is by encouraging each other and being open-minded. Let’s listen to each other with kindness and without judgment
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I love reading and studying, and I am always taking my favorite courses or books of the moment. Since last year I read some books that greatly influenced my perspective on being an artist and helped me expand my creative process. In order of importance, these are the books: “How to think like Leonardo Da Vinci” by Michael J. Gelb, “Steal like an artist” by Austin Kleon, and “The creative act” by Rick Rubin.
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