Precision and Passion: Nando's Journey in Micro-Realistic Tattooing

Explore Nando's artistic journey: A seasoned tattoo artist who started in 2010 and has since transformed over 10,000 clients with his unique micro-realistic tattoos, inspired by his time studying in Madrid.

Join us as we delve into Nando's remarkable journey from an art student in Madrid to a master of micro-realistic tattooing with over 10,000 clients. Born in 1987 and a graduate from an art high school in Korea, Nando was drawn to the intimate and enduring nature of tattoos during his studies abroad. Now at 36, he reflects on his evolution as an artist, the inspirations that shaped his path, and the profound connections he's forged through each piece. Discover how Nando’s tattoos transcend mere art, becoming lifelong companions to those who wear them.

When did you start tattooing, and how many clients have you had in this period?

After graduating from art high school in Korea, I started tattooing for the first time in 2010. It's a total of 14 years A lot of people loved my work during this period The total number of customers has been more than 10,000.

Can you share the story of how you first became interested in tattooing and what drew you specifically to micro-realistic tattooing?

When I was 20 years old, I joined the university in 2006 and after that, I went to Spain to study. I first came across tattoos while studying in Madrid, Spain. I thought tattoos were different from ordinary paintings in that they were art that was closest to people, and I was fascinated by being with people for life. That's why I started tattooing.

What inspired you to open Nando Studios, and how does it reflect your artistic vision?

Starting tattooing, I wanted to create a tattoo scene where paintings that don't belong to the general genre, such as Old School or Japanese tattoos, can all be expressed as tattoo art!

I've been working on it for 14 years since I started tattooing and many people came to learn fine line tattoo from me In the course of this process, I felt a lot of reward while training my students And my students, who are developing their own style with me, are now colleagues and have opened the studio Nando Studio has become a studio where we create our own unique tattoo art.

Opening and managing a tattoo studio presents its own set of challenges. Could you describe some of the obstacles you faced when establishing Nando Studios?

I'm a lucky person. Fortunately, I met a lot of good people while running Nando Studio. We shared good energy with each other and grew up together. The same goes for me!

How do you manage the business side of running a tattoo studio?

Business-wise, we sell tattoo work, goods and materials made by studio artists, and we also conduct education business. We were inspired by each other. We're getting ideas and growing together.

Can you walk us through your process for creating a new tattoo design, from initial concept to final execution?

I'm making artificial designs. A lot of people ask me to get a tattoo after seeing this. Also, I listen to the customer's story and design the work that the customer wants to make tattoo work.

How do you collaborate with clients to ensure their vision is perfectly captured in your tattoos?

First of all, I listen to customers' stories and think about how beautiful it will be when expressed in tattoos. And I try to constantly communicate with customers and reflect them in the picture.

What challenges come with specializing in micro-realistic tattoos, and how do you overcome them?

At first, delicate work requires a lot of energy, but now I'm used to it because I've been doing this delicate work for 14 years. But tattoos don't allow mistakes, so I do my best in everything.

What has been the most challenging tattoo you've ever done, and what made it so difficult?

My guest's finger was cut off. I tattooed her nails. Finger tattoos are hard to keep because they disappear easily, but fortunately, they remained well I was so happy to see her happy.

You work in both color and black-and-grey. Do you have a preference, and how do you decide which medium to use for a project?

I work on two things: black and gray and color work. I'm fascinated by both! I'm using black ink properly together to leave it in a good form when it heals over time. These are determined by the needs of customers. However, sometimes I don't recommend color based on your skin tone or skin condition.

Where do you draw inspiration for your tattoos, and how do you keep your designs fresh and innovative?

Artistic inspiration, as well as my tattoos, comes from the overall experience of my life. I spend time with people in art because I get the most inspiration from the people I meet! And I get a lot of inspiration from the energy I have with the people in Nando Studio.

What future projects or ambitions do you have for yourself and Nando Studio in the coming years?

In the future, we will spend the day faithfully not only in the distant future, but also today, tomorrow, and a few years later, so that we can continue to grow artistically and humanly. And I want to open a studio in other countries to exchange and share good influences with many people.

What new techniques or styles are you looking forward to exploring in your future projects?

Yes, it is always interesting to explore new things! So I try every day.

How do you hope to influence the next generation of tattoo artists through your work at Nando Studios?

I hope my 14 years of non-stop tattoos will set a precedent and lead a life where the next generation of tattoo artists will challenge themselves.