Today we’d like to introduce you to Damian Rios.
Hi Damian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Since I was little I was always able to draw, what I can see. Start by coloring and sticking whatever I was drawing and sticking it on my parent’s wall.
Then as I got older, kids would ask me to draw for them or get picked to draw for certain projects. Then in high school, took somewhat of a hiatus and started doing graffiti skipping class, and even art class.
Was headed towards a crazy time in my life. It wasn’t till my mid-20s, that I went to my first tattoo convention. I saw other artists’ works of art and thought, they had similarities to the things I was drawing.
For the first time in a long time, I felt normal in my life and knew that tattooing is what I wanted to do. Eleven years later been doing it ever since and love every minute I tattoo. I am very passionate about what I do from the design to the process it takes to put it on skin.
Now my skill set level surpasses every year, we’ll try our best to grow as an artist. Mentally, spiritually, and visually.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not, I made the destitution to move out when I was 17 from my parent’s house at the time I worked as a veterinarian assistant so was making decent money for my age.
Then lost a very close friend of mine who was shot in front of me. Held him and the last word I heard from him, was Damian help me, he shot me. Still to this day, I have some anxiety issues.
I turned to alcohol and drugs, as to feel numbness. I was lost for what seemed like forever, till I got back into drawing and went to my first tattoo convention. Then a friend introduced me to a friend of his, where I would get an apprenticeship.
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 of eleven years. I specialize in color work and black and gray. I think I am known most for my color work and how it pops as well as my wired designs.
What am I most proud of, pretty difficult there are so many tattoos I am proud of big and small, from the simplest up to the most intricate designs. I can say I am proud of my versatility in my capabilities as a tattoo artist.
To be honest, I can’t say, but I do my best to remain consistent in my techniques and custom designs. I always want my tattoos to be seen across the room and give them that wow factor.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The luck that I am alive and getting lucky in getting a foot in the door at a tattoo shop.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tattoos.by.dame
- Facebook: Damian Rios
