We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yeins Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yeins , thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

If I could go back, I wouldn’t change the timing of when I began my career, and here’s why.

I started my journey as a tattoo artist around 2020, after years spent building a strong foundation in other fields. For six years, I worked in the construction trade, doing painting, remodeling, and restoration, while creating metal sculptures, drawing and designing in my spare time. That phase taught me invaluable skills—like time management, communication, financial planning, and, most importantly, how to work effectively with clients and collaborate with coworkers. These skills became essential assets when I transitioned into the tattoo industry.

Had I started earlier, I doubt I would have had the same practical grounding or life experience needed to navigate the unique demands of a creative path. And while starting later might have brought additional perspective, it also could have made me more hesitant or risk-averse. Ultimately, the timing was just right—it gave me the experience to appreciate the journey and the freedom to fully immerse myself in it.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Starting when I did allowed me to bring all those previous lessons into my tattoo career, making the journey both more meaningful and more rewarding.

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.

My name is Yeins Gomez, and I’m a tattoo artist and metal sculptor, passionate about transforming personal stories into unique, lasting artwork.

As a tattoo artist, I create custom designs that emphasize personal expression, aesthetics, and technical quality. My goal is to craft pieces that are not only visually striking but deeply meaningful to each client. What sets me apart is my commitment to collaboration—I listen carefully to clients’ ideas, work together with them, and blend their vision with my artistic perspective, making each tattoo truly one-of-a-kind.

I’m proud of the strong connections I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to bring their ideas to life. My approach isn’t just about creating a design; it’s about providing a memorable experience from consultation to completion. For anyone considering my work, I want them to know that I’m dedicated to quality, creativity, and respect for each client’s story. My aim is for every client to leave with a piece they’re proud of, knowing it was made with passion and care.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring someone’s personal story or vision to life in a way that feels meaningful to them. There’s something powerful about creating a piece that goes beyond aesthetics—it becomes a reflection of the client’s journey, values, or dreams. When I see a client’s reaction to their finished piece and realize how much it resonates with them, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Another rewarding part is the creative freedom I get to explore through each project. Every piece is unique, allowing me to challenge myself and grow as an artist.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve had the privilege of being involved in the art world since high school, where I studied sculpture at a professional art school, and later at the University of the Arts in Cuba, focusing on art and monument restoration. During my university years, I also taught sculpture for nine years, which deepened my understanding and connection to my craft.

In 2015, shortly after graduating, I was forced to leave Cuba for political reasons, as my beliefs were in strong opposition to the dictatorship that still governs my country. Arriving in Miami, I took on construction work and other jobs to make ends meet. Over time, with the support of friends who became like family, I found a way back into art. Balancing construction work with my passion, I was able to participate in exhibitions, collaborate with other artists, and take on commissions—reclaiming my identity as an artist even in difficult circumstances.

Four years ago, I began my journey as a tattoo artist, a path that allowed me to continue creating while also providing financial stability for my family. It wasn’t an easy transition. At times, I questioned whether leaving a stable job to pursue tattooing was the right choice. But instead of giving up, I committed to improving, spending countless hours refining techniques, practicing on synthetic skins, and seeking guidance from experienced artists. It was humbling, but it taught me how much resilience, dedication, and patience it takes to master a new skill.

That experience showed me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about embracing challenges as part of the journey. Today, whenever I face a tough project, I remind myself of how far I’ve come, and it motivates me to keep growing and refining my craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoo_by_yeins/profilecard/?igsh=MTVmd2IzeDM3Yjd5eA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeins.go?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Amanda Abreu