Name: Maria Roca
Age: 32
Location: Madrid, Spain
How did
you get into the industry? Was it hard to find an apprenticeship?
I got my first tattoo when I was 14 (don´t do that kids!) and I've been fascinated by the tattoo world ever since. I used to work in punk rock pubs and as an illustrator, but I knew this was my thing. I started my apprenticeship in Madrid and continued it in Italy for another year. It took me a while to really begin!
How long
have you been tattooing?
Professionally, since 2008. Seems like it was yesterday though...
What
inspires you?
I take a lot of inspiration from my own life. Since I was a teenager I've been involved in the skinhead/punk scene, which means that music and politics are really important to me and I use that for my drawings. I enjoy tattooing tough girls & punk rock related stuff.
Who are
your favourite tattoo artists?
Just no name a very few: Sam Clark, Jean Leroux, Alex Sorsa, Justin Hartman....
How
would you describe your tattoo style?
50% Street punk 20% Fun 20% Feminist 10% Back pain.. Other people might say I do a sort of neotraditional, but I prefer my explanation.
If you
weren't tattooing what would you be doing?
I guess it would be somehow related to music and nightlife, or traveling. I'm quite good at organizing parties haha. Yeah, I definitely could make a living of that, even if my liver wouldn´t like it.
What
advice do you have to people considering careers in tattooing?
Well, I could say a lot but let's make it simple - Respect, know you roots, don´t be a selfish asshole and remember there is life beyond the damned social media!
What are
some of the best things you have experienced as a result of your career?
First of all; be able to travel around the world while working. Second; knowing that your art is somehow ¨alive¨ and a part of every customer's day. That's a pretty cool feeling.
Where do
you currently tattoo?
I'm currently based in my hometown, Madrid (Spain) tattooing at Veneno Tattoo. But I do travel a lot doing guestspots (UK, Italy, Scotland, USA, Germany, France...) I can´t stay in a place for too long!!
