Today we’d like to introduce you to Enkayia Parra
Hi Enkayia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In a nutshell, I’m a Tattoo Artist, Fine Artist and a Photographer. I live and breath art daily.
I’ve been tattooing for 18 years now. I got into tattooing because nothing else made sense to me, typical jobs just never worked out for me, something was always missing. I realized tattooing was my calling and focused all my energy into the artform.
Ive been painting for about 10 years now. Tattooing opened the doors for me to learn painting from others. (I have always drawn since I was a kid tho.) Painting and Chracoal drawing just made sense! Oil painting is my favorite but Im am faster with Charcoal Portrait art. Hyper realism is my favorite style.
Photography is something I never considered until post covid. My girlfriend at the time, bought a camera to pass the time. Then eventually we brought it out to clubs and took pictures for free. Soon after I bought my own camera and the rest is history. I’ve been doing photography for Bewitched for about a year now ( Bewitched is a local goth/ alternative/ dark music event group) But you can also catch me from time to time at Paper Tiger taking pictures of bands. Or at my newest favorite local store Noirceur. I do photography for them as well! We use local talent and models to showcase their latest clothing selection.
I wish there was 48 hours to the day so I can do more. I don’t think Im done exploring my creativity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A story or a movie is boring without adversity.
Of course I’ve had my fair share of struggles. The key takeaway is that I am still here, moving forward and smiling despite the cards that were dealt to me.
The most recent hurdle would have to be the death of my mother back in 2016. I was still married at the time. I took my brother and sister in to live with me. I had no time to mourn her death for about a year because I had to handle my mom’s funeral and other legal affairs.
My mom’s death became a catalyst of sorts that eventually led to my divorce.
After everything was settled, everything that I had bottled up for a year hit me like a ton of bricks. I still miss her and think of her from time to time.
Today my brother and sister live separately and their lifestyle has changed completely. They are doing so well for themselves! Im proud of them both!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Im a Tattoo Artist, Fine Artist, and Photographer.
I am most known for tattooing and event/concert photography.
I am proud in everything I do because i feel that I truly live and breath art on a daily basis. If I dont create, I don’t eat.
I think what sets me apart is my sense of wonder(ambition/drive), social/people skills and wanting to explore my creativity even further. I feel that this is the driving force behind my skill level. If I’m any good in the eyes of others, its because I love what I do!
I don’t think I know many other artists that can switch between artforms seamlessly and still do a good job.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
A roof over your head.
People that love you or a sense of communtiy.
Good health.
Food in your belly.
and
A positive perspective on life.
Success is to truly live in the moment.
Pricing:
- Tattoos: $150 an hour ( final price varies depending on the project)
- Tattoos large projects(full backs, sleeves, etc): $500 for 3 hours of work until project is finished.
- Photography: $150 to $300 depending on the event or project
- Photography + onsite MUA package: starting at $400
- Painting: prices vary
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.inceptiontattoos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enkayia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tattoosbyenkayia
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@enkayia
Image Credits
Personal photo of Enkayia painting by Crystal Martinez
