We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Letícia Bomtempo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Letícia below.
Hi Letícia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
For a piece of art to be meaningful, it must be unique and well-executed so that it achieves relevance in the art world. An artist is tasked with conveying an idea and transforming it into something tangible and aesthetically pleasing.
As a tattoo artist, my greatest challenge lies in persuading clients to opt for interesting and unique artwork that goes beyond mainstream ideas. Getting tattooed can be a means of cultural expression and enhancing one’s appearance rather than imitating other people who are getting cliche tattoos.
In my lifelong career, my best work flourished only in unrestricted creative freedom. I am transparent with people, and I wish to be free to perform at my best, which requires trust from the client. Most clients lack a fundamental understanding of art yet still decide they want to micro-manage details of designs, which results in uninspired choices, unmatched colors, and shapes that don’t flow with their bodies.
I have a burning desire to produce art, and I don’t tattoo for mere financial gain. I always work to compose the best results, but I have to mold the work to satisfy client tastes. It is disheartening to break designs apart, knowing that clients are missing out on something exceptional. When appreciating a song or buying a painting, you accept it as it is; I think that is how getting a tattoo should be, too. The best results happen when the canvas is open and accepting of the artwork; I understand that many will struggle with a lifetime body modification, but this is why it is essential for the client to make their own decision, commit to a project, surrender, and make it through.
Letícia, 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 hail from a quaint Brazilian town called Coronel Fabriciano, where I embraced art since childhood—drawing, making music, sculpting, and selling my creations since age eight. By thirteen, I was performing professionally as a violinist across Brazil. My commitment to excellence in art remains unwavering, whether playing music or tattooing.
Nowadays, my specialty is in realism and surrealism, but I am comfortable executing any style of tattoo. My style is identified by big pieces that tend to cover entire limbs, using color for a more striking look, moving with the body and making it into a living art canvas.
As a fine artist, I sell oil paintings, graphic products, and art objects. I have over eight years of experience as a successful business owner and am also an inventor.
I am based in Jacksonville/FL, but I travel for work worldwide.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Typical people often struggle to grasp the essence of creativity itself. When they consult with an artist, they sometimes inadvertently hinder the artist’s true creative process. Creativity, while it can be innate, requires cultivation to yield results; hence, it’s likened to a muscle. Artists produce from their instincts and a unique creative process honed through years of experimentation and learning. While it’s wonderful that clients can envision themselves getting tattooed, the only way to obtain good results is by trusting the entire process to the professional artist.
I endeavor to establish clear boundaries early on with clients, emphasizing my desire to make art with creative liberty. However, many struggle to comprehend this concept, insisting on changes that invariably detract from the final piece.
It’s discouraging to witness the proliferation of repetitive tattoo requests in our mass-consumer society. Tattoos, once an earned symbol of individuality, have become a souvenir, with clients frequently seeking designs lifted from social media platforms.
True artistry lies in allowing the artist to craft something original and free from preconceived notions. Ask your artist, “Do you have any designs completed that you’ve been wanting to do?” And this is how you get your best tattoos.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Some might not believe it, but I was a youth minister for a short time. I also graduated from Law School, but my passion for art persisted. Upon my mom’s suggestion, I apprenticed as a tattoo artist. I transitioned into it full-time, eventually opening my successful shop in Brazil before relocating to the US after graduation. Since settling here in 2016, I’ve rebuilt my life, reopened my business, and found happiness in marriage and our cozy home filled with lively pets.
In recent months, I’ve gradually downsized my tattoo shop, and now we operate by appointment only. Our business has also streamlined its services, focusing on the work we truly enjoy. Surprisingly, this shift hasn’t been detrimental; business has thrived. With a smaller yet more efficient team, I am less burdened by shop concerns. I made these changes because I realized that quality surpasses quantity. I’m not afraid of failure and am not too proud to adapt.
My life has been a series of transformations: loss, family changes, career shifts, business ventures, and new beginnings. Change is inevitable and always painful; knowing what you want and when to move can be advantageous. Yet, resisting change can lead to stagnation and confinement by life’s circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://queentattooco.com
- Instagram: @cheezinks
Image Credits
Seth Langner Letícia Bomtempo