Q & A with Paloma

What inspired you to become a tattooer?

Throughout my childhood, I loved to draw. I would draw anything from objects to animals and even people. My teachers saw potential in me and they kindly gifted me a variety of different art supplies. Thanks to their generosity, I was able to try out different mediums from a young age. Although I didn’t know it at the time, art was a huge outlet for my emotions.

Tattoos were tabu in my world yet I was always intrigued by them. Believing the old school, mainstream idea that artists dont make enough money to survive, I decided to take the college route instead. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, instead of getting into my professional career, I followed my gut and decided to try out a tattoo apprenticeship. My goal was to go back to school and do small tattoos on the side to pay the bills. Luckily, I found my calling! As I kept working, I realized that I love tattooing! I never imagined having a career in tattooing could be so challenging yet very rewarding.

Do you remember the first tattoo you ever did on someone?

I could never forget. It was one of the most exciting yet nerve-wrecking things I’ve ever felt. I was so nervous that I couldn’t see where the needle was going! Everyone starts somewhere and with dedication, anyone can master their craft.

What was the first tattoo you got? How did you feel?

I was living in Gainesville and attending college at the time. Friends and I were coming out of chem lab when we got the urge to check out a nearby tattoo shop. Being the impulsive freshman I was, I ended up with a small walk-in tattoo. I didn’t know who did it nor did I plan it. At the time I loved it and I felt so independent. Now I kind of wish I hadn’t gotten it done and I had planned better. Nevertheless, my first tattoo taught me that it’s not a good idea to get a tattoo spur of the moment. Tattoos last a lifetime and it’s best to be sure of what you want and who you want it done by before you walk into a tattoo shop. For this reason, I do not offer walk-ins.