Daniela Duque is a shining star in the world of color tattoos, whose talent and craftsmanship have earned recognition not only in Colombia but also on the international stage. Coming from a family with deep artistic roots—her father, Richard Duque, is a renowned tattoo artist, and her mother is an art teacher—Daniela grew up immersed in a creative environment. Watching her father at work, she witnessed how tattoo culture broke through stereotypes and taboos to become a part of the modern art scene.
Over the course of her career, she has won numerous awards at tattoo conventions, and her work is consistently celebrated for its technical precision and expressiveness. Through collaborations with leading industry brands, Daniela not only promotes her signature techniques but also influences the development of tattooing equipment and materials.
How did you start your journey in the world of tattooing, and what inspired you to specialize in color tattoos?
- I began my journey in the world of tattooing and art thanks to the influence of my parents. My father is a tattoo artist, and my mother is an art teacher.
I have memories from a very young age of watching my father tattoo, even when the tattoo industry wasn’t as big and wasn’t socially accepted. There were many taboos and stigmas around tattooing and being tattooed. I had the opportunity to witness how he and his fellow colleagues positioned tattoo art in Colombia.
For me, it’s a privilege to see how tattooing and the industry have evolved over time. I’ve seen this evolution firsthand: in the past, needles had to be built and soldered, pigments were very limited, and there weren’t many machines available. It was challenging to buy equipment in Colombia, and the only people who could access new machines and supplies were those who traveled abroad or had a friend who could bring them back.
This instilled in me a deep love and respect for the profession.
Thanks to this foundation, I started tattooing at the age of 16 with the help and mentorship of my father, Richard Duque, in 2014.
At the same time, I began studying arts in Colombia, where I developed strong skills in drawing, painting, and other art forms. Painting, in particular, was the subject that captivated me the most. I fell in love with oil painting, which sparked my fascination with color. Later, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of drawing and sculpture in Barcelona, where I also studied for a while.
This is why I decided early on to focus and specialize in color. I applied all the knowledge I was acquiring in my classes and brought it to tattooing.
Where do you work now?
- Currently, I have the pleasure of working in my private studio, Gotink Tattoo, located in Bogotá. Recently, we transitioned from the Gotink shop, which for over 17 years was a city landmark, to a more intimate and personalized space. Together with my father, we decided this was the way to offer a more premium service to our clients, with greater attention to detail for each tattoo.
In addition to my studio, I love traveling and participating in guest spots at different shops, both in Colombia and internationally. These experiences allow me to meet talented artists, learn new techniques, and expand my creative horizons.
What challenges did you face when establishing yourself in the tattoo industry in Bogotá?
- When I started my career in Bogotá's tattoo industry, I encountered a highly competitive and artistically demanding environment. Standing out among so many talented tattoo artists was a significant initial challenge. However, this pushed me to constantly improve myself.
The high expectations of clients here and the remarkable skill level of Colombian artists reflect the growth of this scene. Without a doubt, being part of this evolution and contributing to raising the quality standards of tattooing in Colombia has been a privilege.
What subjects do you enjoy working on the most and why?
- I find great fascination in elements of nature, such as animals, plants, and flowers, as well as the human figure. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to studying and understanding these elements.
I enjoy experimenting with challenging and new color palettes because I believe the world of color is so vast that there’s always something new to discover.
Recently, I’ve been drawn to exploring surrealism. I think this artistic movement offers immense freedom and creativity when designing and composing a piece.
How do you balance your artistic vision with your clients’ preferences?
- Tattooing is a very personal form of art, so I believe open and honest communication with each client is essential. I listen carefully to their ideas and wishes, but I also think the tattoo artist's role goes beyond simply executing a design. It’s important to advise and guide the client.
I strive to find a balance between their preferences and my artistic vision.
I’m fortunate that my clients are always willing to listen and trust the experience and knowledge I bring to the table.
What tools or techniques do you prefer to create vibrant and realistic color tattoos?
- To achieve vibrant and realistic tattoos, I focus on creating strong contrasts between colors. I use black as a base to enhance lighter and more vibrant tones. Additionally, I like to work with complementary color palettes to create a greater visual impact.
When it comes to tools, I believe quality is fundamental. I use high-quality machines, needles, and pigments to ensure long-lasting and highly defined results. The combination of precise technique and quality materials is key to achieving tattoos that stand the test of time.
Can you share a memorable tattoo project that stands out in your career? What made it special?
- One of my favorite pieces was a project where my client allowed me to guide her and gave me complete creative freedom. This piece won an award at a convention in my country, and I believe I was able to showcase my style through both the design and the color palette we used.
What sets you apart from other tattoo artists specializing in color tattoos?
- My exploration in tattooing has been heavily influenced by techniques and concepts from fine arts. While realism in color is a major influence and one of my favorite styles in tattooing, I always strive to create my own interpretation of reality.
Personally, I tend not to use desaturated tones as seen in real life; I prefer more vibrant and saturated colors. I love how these tones look on the skin, how they heal, and how they endure over time.
How do you balance creativity with the technical precision required in tattooing?
- I’m always working on innovating and refining my techniques. I experiment a lot with designs, applying new knowledge I acquire.
Whenever I try new techniques, I make sure I feel confident in what I’m doing. For this reason, if I’m experimenting, I closely monitor the piece, its healing process, and other details.
I believe it’s essential to do this—there’s always room to keep learning and growing in tattooing.
Can you tell us about your experience at conventions or events you’ve participated in?
- Tattoo conventions have been a turning point in my career. I’ve been fortunate to participate in several and meet incredible artists who have inspired me greatly. Each event is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with people who share a passion for tattooing.
I’ve won several awards and recognitions for my work at these events. I’ve also had the chance to travel and explore new places. As a child, I always dreamed of traveling the world, and tattooing has made that dream come true.
Whenever I attend an event, I prepare well in advance, working on the design beforehand and coordinating everything with my client. Conventions require a lot of preparation, and this can be stressful. So I always aim to be well-organized to stay focused and enjoy the event to the fullest.
You’re supported by several renowned brands in the tattoo industry. What does this mean to you as a tattoo artist? Are you able to influence the industry through these collaborations?
- As a tattoo artist, having the support of renowned brands is a great honor. It means my work is valued, and in a way, I’m being influential in the industry. These collaborations provide a broader platform to showcase my art and reach a larger audience.
Additionally, these partnerships allow us to contribute to the development of new products and techniques. By sharing our experiences and needs as artists, and those of our clients, brands can continue to innovate and create better products and technologies.
What are the most significant trends in the tattoo world today, and how do you think they’ll evolve?
- I believe the tattoo world is constantly evolving, with trends changing rapidly. The experimentation and diversity of styles are increasingly evident. Unlike before, when styles were more defined and rigid, tattoo artists now have the freedom to blend different techniques and create truly unique pieces.
I love seeing the new ideas emerging—it’s incredibly inspiring and motivates me to explore even further with my tattoos.
How do you use social media platforms like TikTok to connect with your audience and showcase your work?
- Social media has become a phenomenon, and I think tattoo artists should take full advantage of it. It’s amazing how many connections and opportunities it can bring to your work.
This wave of content creation allows us as artists to share more about our creative processes and show behind-the-scenes aspects of each piece. It helps our audience connect more deeply with our work.
In the past, social media was just a catalog of finished pieces, but platforms like TikTok now let us showcase all facets of our artistry.
Many successful tattoo artists share their experiences with young tattooers. Do you conduct workshops? If so, what level of artists are they for?
- Absolutely! As a tattoo artist specializing in color, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with others. I also believe you learn a lot through teaching.
I think knowledge should be shared—it’s the legacy we leave behind in the world.
I offer workshops and seminars focused on color tattooing. These are designed for tattoo artists of all levels, from those just starting with color to experienced artists looking to refine their techniques.
Can you tell us about a project or collaboration that excites you?
- Absolutely! I’m thrilled about everything coming up in 2025. It will be a year full of opportunities and exciting new projects.
I’m working on a new online course that delves into advanced techniques for color and realism.
I’ll also be participating in several conventions in 2025, where I’ll have the chance to meet other artists. I’ve even been invited to serve as a judge, which will be a completely new experience for me.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a tattoo artist so far?
- The most rewarding aspect of my career as a tattoo artist has undoubtedly been the connection I’ve made with my clients. It’s incredible how art can bring people together. Awards at conventions are valuable recognition, but nothing compares to the excitement of seeing my clients book months in advance or even travel from different parts of the world to get tattooed by me in Bogotá. Feeling that they appreciate and value my work so much is truly an honor.
Additionally, sharing my knowledge and experiences with new tattoo artists is something I’m passionate about. I love seeing how they grow and evolve in their own journeys. Being able to leave my mark in shaping new generations of tattoo artists is deeply fulfilling.
How do you envision your artistic career progressing in the coming years, and what are your goals for the future?
- I see my career as a journey of continuous evolution. I aspire to keep learning and perfecting my techniques, exploring new styles, and challenging my limits. I’d like to study at various art academies around the world to broaden my perspective and meet other talented artists.
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists who want to develop their skills in realism?
- For those aiming to master realism in tattooing, my main advice is to have patience and practice consistently. Realism is a style that demands a lot of dedication and attention to detail. Start with basic shading and value exercises, and gradually move on to more complex pieces.
Seeking guidance or mentorship can significantly accelerate your learning. An experienced tattoo artist can teach you specific techniques, provide constructive feedback, and help you avoid common mistakes. While being self-taught is admirable, having a mentor can offer you a structured and clearer approach.
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