Meet Rhur: The Tattoo Artist Bringing Anime to Life

Anime tattoos are not just a tribute to geek culture, but a true art form capable of bringing beloved characters to life on the skin. One of the masters who excels in this style is Rhur from Costa Rica. His tattoos don’t just copy the original characters but adapt them to the body, considering anatomy, placement, and, of course, the preferences of his clients. Rhur's anime and geek tattoos are not just drawings, but dynamic scenes that flawlessly capture the essence of each character.

However, behind this art lies not only skill but also a unique creative approach. How does he create his stunning works? What’s the secret to their realism? Let's find out from the artist himself!

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Hey! Tell us about yourself—where are you from, and what do you do?

— Hey! I’m Reymond Ureña, but most people know me as Rhur. I’m from Costa Rica, living in the heart of the country. I’m 29 years old and currently work at Imperium Tattoo Gallery.

How and when did you start your tattoo journey? What drew you to this art form?

— I started tattooing in 2019. Back then, I was really into skateboarding and studying architecture at university. I actually made it to my last semester, but even though I had good grades, I wasn’t passionate about it — I really wanted to study graphic design. My dad was supporting me financially, and he believed architecture was the safest career choice for my future. I tried to juggle both fields, but I eventually realized I was chasing his dream, not mine.

After dropping out, I focused on skating and selling t-shirts that I designed under my small brand Create. That kept me afloat until I met a friend who was also into skateboarding and tattooing. I was amazed to see that he was making a living doing something he loved, thanks to tattooing. He specialized in traditional American tattoos, and that really caught my eye.

I kept asking him to teach me and started researching on my own. I spent hours watching YouTube tutorials on tattoo basics and practicing my drawing skills non-stop before even touching a tattoo machine. Eventually, my friend helped me put together my first machine, and my first client was my sister. From there, I looked for an actual tattoo studio where I could properly learn the craft because just watching videos wasn’t enough. Once I got in, my real journey as a tattoo artist began.

Why did you choose anime and geek tattoos as your main focus?

— I chose anime and geek culture tattoos because I love anime. I enjoy feeling connected to a character, and when I tattoo one, I want it to have meaning beyond just a cool design. The story and personal significance behind each character are super important to me.

I also followed a lot of artists who specialized in anime and geek tattoos, and I kept telling myself, ‘I want to be like them.’ Standing out in the tattoo industry is tough, but artists like Miquela Botín and Iván Pelegrín inspired me to commit to one style. Nowadays, I focus on anime, video game, and geek culture tattoos. I’m really grateful to my clients for trusting me with their ink — without them, none of this would be possible.

What are some standout features of your portfolio?

— I’d say a few things really define my work:

Bold colors and strong contrast: I push myself every day to be a better artist than I was yesterday. I’ve developed a good eye for applying bright, saturated colors, deep shadows, and lighting effects that make my tattoos pop on the skin.
Geek culture focus: Most of my tattoos feature anime, video game, and comic book characters. I stay true to their original designs while adding my personal artistic touch to each piece.
Anatomical design: Many of my tattoos are composed in a way that creates a sense of movement and action, making the characters feel alive on the client’s body.
Clean, precise linework: I focus on crisp, consistent outlines, with detailed facial expressions, hair, and intricate elements.
Visual effects: I love adding lighting, reflections, and textures to enhance depth and realism.

Thanks to these elements, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to national and international tattoo conventions, not just as a tattoo artist but also as a judge. I’ve even won awards in categories like ‘Best Anime Tattoo’ and ‘Best of the Day.’

How do you approach the process of creating a tattoo?

— I always start by understanding what the character means to my client. If I haven’t seen the anime, I research it. I make sure to be punctual and create something unique for every client — I don’t like repeating poses or abilities, even if I tattoo the same character multiple times. My goal is to make every piece one of a kind and put my best effort into every tattoo.

Why do you think your clients choose you?

— I think my clients choose me because of the quality of my work. My tattoos stand out for their vibrant colors, solid execution, and strong visual impact. The details are so sharp that it feels like the character is coming to life on the skin — almost like a high-definition print directly on the body.

Do you have a favorite tattoo that you’ve done?

— I don’t have a single favorite tattoo because I always believe my next one will be better than my last. I give my all to every piece and just want my clients to enjoy the process and love the final result.

How does anime and geek culture inspire you?

— Anime and geek culture are a huge source of inspiration for me. Watching movies and anime transports me to different worlds, and I often see myself in the characters. That connection is something I truly cherish, and it motivates me every day.

Are there any characters or universes you particularly love tattooing?

— I really enjoy doing 3D-style tattoos, like characters from the Mario Bros. universe or Disney. That style fascinates me. I also love working on anime tattoos where I can play with different textures and keep them from looking flat — I like exaggerating them a bit. In terms of anime, I appreciate all kinds of genres, from adventure and romance to comedy and even cooking shows. Sports and general comedy interest me too, but my favorites are the ones I can sculpt in 3D or bring to life with movement and texture.

Do you stay true to the original style of anime and game characters, or do you make changes?

— I think there are two sides to this. On one hand, I can modify a character’s style, adding textures and adapting them anatomically to the person’s body. On the other hand, I never change their facial structure. I might tweak shading, highlights, or expressions, but the face has to stay intact. To me, it’s like having a portrait of a loved one — it has to remain recognizable.

You’re part of multiple collectives. Tell us about them.

— I’m currently part of an amazing team at Imperium Tattoo Gallery, surrounded by incredibly talented and committed tattoo artists. They push me to improve every day, and we support each other since the tattoo world can be stressful at times.

I’m also part of Black Tiger, a collective that prioritizes tattoo aftercare and preservation, with professionals dedicated to ensuring tattoos heal and age well.

Lastly, I’m part of the Electrum Ink artist team, which is committed to using the best products to create high-quality tattoos.

You regularly attend tattoo conventions. What has that experience been like?

— I love going to conventions—they’re essential for tattoo artists and our community. They’re a place to connect, share knowledge, and gain recognition. Thanks to conventions, I’ve landed sponsorships with brands like Electrum Ink, Black Tiger, Emalla, and Ghost Line. These sponsorships have allowed me to compete and even win in various categories. Last year, I won at Paradise and received an award in Chile for ‘Best Pokémon Tattoo’ and ‘Best Overall Work’ of the convention. I’ve also been invited to judge at events, including Mayagna in Nicaragua and Expo Tattoo Costa Rica.

Do you collaborate with other artists?

— Yes! I’ve done collabs with artists like Adrimón from Spain at Konoha Tattoo Madrid, and Samuel Obando, a realism expert from Imperium Tattoo. One of my most successful collaborations was with Joybacks from Mexico. We designed a Pokémon tattoo of Jessie that went viral on social media—it was a great experience!

What are your creative plans for next year?

— I’ll be attending Pura Tinta Fest in Costa Rica, traveling to Europe for guest spots at Konoha Tattoo Madrid, and visiting Italy and France. I’ll also be a judge at Anime Challenge in Chile, Lima Tattoo Convention in Peru, and Grand Tattoo Convention in Guatemala. More exciting opportunities might come up, so stay tuned to my social media!