Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Acevedo.
Hi Andres, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Andres Acevedo, and I’m a professional tattoo artist originally from Colombia. I’m 29 years old and I been tattooing since 2012. From a young age, my mother encouraged my creative pursuits, and we attended various art classes together, including porcelain painting, glass painting, and drawing. At 15, I received my first tattoo at one of the few local studios, which marked the beginning of my journey into the world of tattooing. During that period, the tattoo artists in my city began exploring diverse styles, such as new traditional, newschool, bio-organic, and realism, which profoundly expanded my appreciation for art.
Shortly after, while finishing high school, a friend offered me a tattoo machine at a very affordable price. With my mother’s support, I purchased the machine on the condition that I would not ask for weekly money and would dedicate myself to learning the craft. Although my mother could not afford an apprenticeship course, I utilized the internet to research tattooing techniques extensively. I also received valuable advice from friends who had completed apprenticeships, who guided me in setting up my station and understanding how the tattoo machine should function. Consequently, I spent two years honing my skills at home.
I tattooed in Colombia for seven years, residing in Bogotá and Medellín. During this time, I worked at one of Medellín’s most renowned studios, Angry Mom Tattoo, and received over ten awards at tattoo conventions, including titles such as Best of the Event, Best of Saturday, and First Place in New Traditional.
In 2020, my wife and I relocated to Barcelona, Spain, so she could complete her master’s degree, and I could draw inspiration from this vibrant artistic city. After six months in Barcelona, we moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, where I had the opportunity to work at Iron and Ink, one of Denmark’s largest tattoo studios. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in a different lifestyle and culture. While in Denmark, I earned an award for Best of Saturday at the HC Andersen Tattoo Convention in Odense. We lived in Denmark for just over two years.
Following our time in Denmark, we sought to explore the world and gain inspiration from diverse global cultures. Since November 2022, we have traveled across Europe, South America, North America, Africa, and Asia. During our journey, we aimed to leave a piece of art in each place we visited, tattooing friends and collectors around the globe. To date, I have tattooed across four continents and more than fifteen countries.
Tattooing is more than just a profession for me; it is a way to connect globally. It is a privilege to meet people from diverse places such as Morocco, Taiwan, Iceland, and Ecuador, to engage in meaningful conversations for hours, learn about their cultures, and share my own. Each tattoo I create is a unique piece of art that my clients will cherish for a lifetime.
I specialize in botanical new traditional tattoos, with a focus on sharp, precise lines and vibrant colors. My expertise encompasses animal and botanical designs.
Currently based in Denver and New York, I remain committed to my nomadic spirit and look forward to continuing my travels, spreading my art, and growing both personally and professionally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can attest that it has been both challenging and rewarding. Reflecting on my past, I grew up in an environment where pursuing personal passions was rare, as most people focused on hard work with limited opportunities. My mother has been a steadfast supporter from the beginning; rather than criticizing my decision to get tattoos at a young age and pursue a career as a tattoo artist, she encouraged me to diligently chase my dreams.
Moving to different countries brought both fear and excitement, a common experience when seeking new directions in life.
I believe the journey is inevitably marked by both highs and lows. Achieving excellence requires significant sacrifices and hard work. However, it is essential to live in the present and avoid viewing life as a race against time. Ultimately, the value lies in the journey itself, not the finish line.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a tattoo artist specializing in botanical new traditional tattoos. From the outset of my career, I have dedicated myself to exploring various styles to develop a unique approach. My work blends realistic lighting techniques with graphic line illustrations to create distinctive pieces.
Growing up in the tropics, surrounded by vibrant colors, profoundly influenced my artistic direction. This colorful environment inspired me to focus on animal and floral motifs.
I take great pride in sharing my art globally, having visited tattoo studios and conventions across four continents. This experience has reinforced the sense of significance and appreciation for my craft.
What sets me apart is the combination of my artistic experience and the inspiration I draw from nature. I spend considerable time drawing and photographing birds, animals, and landscapes, which deepens my appreciation for both my work and the natural world. In designing custom tattoos, I prioritize dedicating ample time to each client, which is why I limit myself to working with one client per day.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a tattoo artist, I am committed to continuous improvement and view art as a career without boundaries. I aspire to integrate my passion for photography with my tattoo work, enriching both disciplines.
Engaging with people from around the globe has broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding of life, and contributed to my personal growth. I believe that fostering such global connections is one of the most valuable aspects of life.
My goal is to refine my skills to create unique tattoos while cultivating meaningful connections with each of my clients.
Pricing:
- 250 usd minimum rate
- full day 6-8 hours 1500-2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andresacevedotattoos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andres.atattoos/
Image Credits
andres.atattoos Andres Acevedo
