Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Gonzalez.
Hi Lina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in an immigrant household where hard work was a given. My dad worked long hours to support our family, but during his downtime, he’d sit at the table painting and airbrushing graphics for his college courses. This was back in the day before personal computers, when design was done entirely by hand. Watching him turn empty surfaces into art made a huge impression on me, and I knew from a very young age that I was meant to be an artist. Throughout my childhood, every notebook, printer paper edge, and homework corner was covered in doodles.
When the late ’90s rolled around and we got our first computer complete with dial-up internet, my dad loaded a copy of Photoshop onto it. It unlocked a whole new world for me. I pursued that passion, attending a vocational high school to learn design as a trade before heading to a prestigious art school in Brooklyn to immerse myself in art and design.
That path led to a 16-year career as a graphic designer, working with major names like Atlantic Records and ASICS. After leaving NYC and moving to Denver, I took time to look inward and evaluate which aspirations were genuinely mine versus ones I’d inherited over time. I felt I needed to step into a new chapter that truly reflected my identity, values, and purpose. I took the leap into a 10-month tattoo apprenticeship, and I just celebrated completing my first full year of tattooing at Nest Art Collective (as of May 2026).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been a straight or simple line. Nothing was handed to me along the way; every step required deep soul-searching, relentless perseverance, and the courage to say “yes” to myself even when others said “no.”
Throughout my life, I’ve often felt like a bit of an outsider, even in a field like tattooing that was built by them. Between my immigrant upbringing, neurodivergence, my lifelong love for goth subculture, and moving from traditional art styles—it’s been quite a journey to find my true “North”. Over time, that journey led me to my real purpose: creating a space where others can feel at ease. Tattooing is so much more than a job; it’s a way to connect intentionally. It’s about showing up fully for people, honoring their trust, and transforming their stories into meaningful art. To me, that’s the real point of life—holding space for others, being of service, and helping them feel seen.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in detailed illustrative blackwork and engraving-style tattoos, with a focus on historic, gothic, and esoteric imagery. My style relies heavily on dot stippling, contrasting line work, and black & grey tones — drawing visual inspiration from medieval ossuaries, haunting architecture, and baroque art, with the occasional pop of deep red ink to give a piece extra depth. What I’m most proud of is my commitment to growth: always testing new techniques, pushing my limits, and striving to be a better artist every day.
What sets me apart is how my diverse life experiences add to my work. I think my previous long career in design has made collaboration second nature, allowing us to take shared ideas and translate them into lasting art on skin. But beyond that my practice is rooted in genuine connection, trust, and respect. Having often felt like an outsider myself, I’ve built an environment that feels calm, intentional, and welcoming. I’m most proud of being able to relate to my clients on a human level—showing up with full presence to honor their trust and turn their personal stories into art.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you want to start out in tattooing, begin with genuine connection. Seek out artists you admire, support their work, get tattooed by them, and get to know them as people. Seek an apprenticeship built on shared values and integrity, but show up prepared to put in the work. Because good apprenticeships are hard to find, focus on making your art and work ethic undeniable—share your progress, learn from the journey, and tune out unhelpful noise.
Through it all, stay deeply connected to your “why”—the reason you feel called to this work will be your fuel to keep going when times get tough. And remember to stay humble once you get there. Don’t pull up the ladder behind you. Real community is about lifting others up, paying it forward, and recognizing that we all rise together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theneonblackink.as.me/consult
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonblack.ink
