The artist told Bored Panda that most of her clients find her through social networks like Instagram, Facebook, Google, and Pinterest—mainly via Instagram or personal referrals. She also explained that there are no scars she can't work with: “All scars have the possibility to create something; they all inspire me, and I need to develop the art through the ideas of the clients; the only restriction for the scar is if it is not yet a year old, because it is necessary to respect the healing process of the skin.”
When asked whether she creates the designs herself or if clients come to her with specific ideas in mind, Raquel responded: “The creative process is done with a lot of patience, and all based on what the client wants to express through the tattoo, regardless of the severity of the scar, I always find a way to transform and adapt the art to its place.
The creative process is done in person, and I ask for a day off for the client because I believe that the creative process is an essential part of the tattoo, and where I will work on the meaning and meaning of art. Through a theme I create together with the client.”
We were also curious about how long each session typically takes, and the tattoo artist told us that it varies for each individual: “The time varies according to the complexity of the scar and the size of the art; all this is previously explained, so that the client can schedule herself to come to the studio, many are from other states/countries and need a certain time. I do an assessment beforehand, which can be online or in person.”
The Brazilian tattoo artist shared that seeing someone's life change for the better is a powerful and deeply fulfilling experience for her. She elaborated: “The feeling is strong and of satisfaction, and as a duty fulfilled, promoting freedom through art was one of my dreams, nine my work teaches me a lot every day to every client that passes through here, after all, every human being It’s a universe in itself, I learned that when we are content to just look at the surface, we lose the invitation to dive into the depths of everything that the other is, and often, we don’t even imagine, but it can change our life.
This profession changed me forever. It made me close my eyes and open my heart more. Point the fingerless and extend the hand more. Educating my critical sense so that I am ready to judge appearances and understand that what is really beautiful is what is not stamped on the face but engraved on the chest. And that it is only when we learn to accept and embrace what is different that we learn to love properly.”
Lastly, she added: “What many people don’t know is that it’s not just me who changes them; each passage here changes a little bit about me too.”
Finally, Raquel told us that she has experienced many striking and exciting moments throughout her career as a tattoo artist: “There are many stories and remarkable moments to the point that I can’t choose one; the stories are strong, and the process from the first contact to the completion of the tattoo is lived intensely by me and the client.”
