Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vitor Matera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vitor , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I believe network and discipline is everything. If I had to start over, I would go after the best mentor I could and work my best for at least eight hours a day for a unlimited time. I would do as many free tattoos as I could in the first six months, so this way I would have practice a lot and built a nice portfolio. In the Tattoo industry you don’t really need money to start but a lot of guts. It would be easy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My father is an artist, so my entire life I was surrounded buy canvas, pencils, brushes and lots of explanation about the biggest renascence painters and sculptors. As far as I remember, I was always drawing. I was the kid sitting in the back of class drawing all day.
Later I was introduced to graffiti by a friend and I really felt connected to the underground, street art scene.
During the time I was in college for Graphic Design and basically graffitiing in my free time between work and college.
The same friend who introduced me to graffiti was my Tattoo mentor. I have always loved tattoos but no one never told me it could be a career.
Once I discovered that I could make money doing that, it was love at first sight.
I was obsessed by the idea I could do tattoos and literally put all my energy in it.
During this time I was in process of moving to California. Once I moved I had to work in different jobs because I had no money and no English.
It took me a few months to feel comfortable enough to go to a tattoo shop and ask for a job. After some time I decided to focus on black n grey and geometric tattoos styles.
Seven years later and thousands of happy customers, now I have worked for 4 different shops and running my own tattoo clothing brand, Ocean ink. I’m exited to see what’s next

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Transparency and quality. In my field we have to find a way to make the client trust in the process and the work. Explaining all the steps and making the client feel as comfortable as possible in a way we both connect.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Social media is for sure where I get most of the new clients. I post every day stories and reels. There’s also most of the time a Ad running on Instagram. I have people all over California traveling to Los Angeles to get work done by me.
But as a local artist in Los Angeles, at least half of my new clients are recommended but old ones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://oceanink.shop/
• Instagram: vitor.ink89
• Youtube: Vitor Matera