Charming Anime Characters in Annette Masís' Colorful Tattoos

Tattoo artist Annette Masís has been specializing for over 4 years in a style that is increasingly chosen by people inspired by games, anime, and geek culture. Annette Masís' expressive, vibrant, and detailed anime tattoos are recognized far beyond Costa Rica and attract the attention of audiences at international tattoo conventions.

Perfect technique, rich colors, and expressive characters are sure to captivate you, even if you're not an anime fan. Let's chat with Annette and find out how she brings her clients' dreams to life on their skin!

Pleasure to meet you! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself? Where are you from, and where do you currently work?

— Hello! My name is Annette Masís. I’m from Costa Rica, and I work at one of the best tattoo studios in the country, called Imperium Tattoo Gallery.

How and when did your career as a tattoo artist begin? Did you have a mentor?

— I started my career as a tattoo artist about four and a half years ago. I didn’t have a mentor or anyone to teach me. I learned by observing while working as a manager at a tattoo studio. There, I constantly watched how artists tattooed, prepared their stations, and designed their work. That’s how I gradually acquired my knowledge.

Why did you choose anime and geek themes for your tattoos? Tell us how your style evolved.

— I chose anime and geek themes for my tattoos because they are a deep passion of mine. I grew up surrounded by these influences, and it makes me incredibly happy to bring my clients’ favorite characters to life on their skin. Creating that kind of magic is truly special.

I’ve developed a very distinct and personal style, which has allowed me to travel the world and tattoo anime—something I absolutely love.

We’ve noticed that the characters in your tattoos are often cute girls or animals. Is this your clients’ preference, or do you enjoy creating these types of characters yourself?

— I think it’s a mix of both. My style is based on vibrant colors, high contrasts, and bright highlights. People choose me for these types of designs, and I love it because I truly enjoy working with vivid colors and characters full of shine and contrast.

I feel that my style is very recognizable, which helps people identify it easily. I work with different ink brands, but my favorite for colors is Electrum Ink, as it enhances the vibrant hues that define my work.

Who are your clients? Why do they choose you?

— My clients mean everything to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today or have achieved my current success. I am eternally grateful for their support and trust. Each client gives me creative freedom, which makes me so happy. They come to me because they appreciate my style and my work—I owe them everything.

Do you have a favorite project? Tell us about some of them!

— I have several projects that I love. I’ve completed full sleeve tattoos and worked on more complex pieces. I’d love to share some of my work to showcase what I can do.

Do you participate in tattoo conventions? Tell us about your experience.

— Yes, I participate in several conventions, and I really enjoy them. It’s an incredible experience to travel to another country and have people visit my booth to tell me they’ve seen my work. It still surprises me that my art is recognized outside my home country, whether in Europe, Chile, Peru, or Mexico—I always receive positive feedback. I am so grateful that people from different parts of the world appreciate my art.

I also love the friendly competition at these conventions; it’s such a great atmosphere. I’ve always been able to attend thanks to my sponsors, who make these trips possible. It’s so much fun to connect with other artists and enjoy the creative energy.

How do you approach the process of creating a tattoo?

— My creative process when designing a tattoo begins by asking the client about the placement on their body. I usually request a photo to better understand the anatomy of the area I’ll be working on.

I prefer designing at home or in the studio while watching anime related to the piece I’m creating. This helps me gather ideas and references while deepening my connection to the design. I usually work alongside my boyfriend, Reymond—we both love designing and watching anime together, which is a huge passion for us.

I approach tattoo creation with a mix of frustration and fun. I consider myself a perfectionist, especially when designing characters.

When a client requests a design, my goal is to make sure the character looks exactly like the original. I dedicate time to working on the details to ensure everything appears as it should. While I always incorporate my personal style, I strive to maintain the accuracy of the requested design.

What or who inspires you? Do you have a favorite anime or video game character?

— I’m inspired by many artists in the geek tattoo community. I’ve been lucky enough to meet them in person, and many have become my friends. I’m incredibly grateful—it’s like meeting your favorite artist and having them appreciate your work in return.

As for video games, I have several favorites. I grew up playing a lot, and my all-time favorite is The Legend of Zelda. I’m also a huge fan of The Last of Us, and I really enjoy Animal Crossing. My gaming tastes are pretty diverse.

How are your bookings going? What’s your waiting list like for next year?

— Next year’s schedule is already quite full. I have a packed agenda, as I’ll be traveling a lot to tattoo abroad. I’ll soon be heading to Europe and have already confirmed trips to Chile, Peru, and Germany. This year is very busy, and I love it!

I also have a schedule in Costa Rica, so I’ll be frequently traveling back and forth to continue tattooing at home. It’s an exciting experience.