Today we’d like to introduce you to Yeins Gomez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Yeins Gomez, and I am a visual artist and a passionate tattoo artist.
My journey into the world of tattooing began when I got my first tattoo at the age of 15 in Cuba, hiding it from my parents. However, it wasn’t until almost 20 years later, inspired by Ernesto Garcia and Dariel Negrin (both friends and incredibly talented tattoo artists), that I decided to start tattooing for the first time. Dariel told me, “Come by my studio and pick up a machine today.” That’s when my journey with fake skins began, studying on my own online through Patreon and YouTube and whenever I had doubts, I would call my friends, and they were always there to help me. We still talk about technical stuff and new machines, etc.
Once I was ready to tattoo on real skin, I had the opportunity to work for two years at Inkollector Tattoo Studio in Miami with my friend Carlos Licor and other talented tattoo artists in the area.
I have had the opportunity to train since high school, studying sculpture at the professional art school and later at the University of the Arts of Cuba, where I studied art and monument restoration. While studying at the university, I also worked as a sculpture teacher for nine years, a period I remember with great pleasure. I think it’s important to highlight this last part because those years of study helped me quickly understand light and shadow, anatomy, design, contrast, and many other things that have been very useful to me in the world of tattooing.
In tattooing, I specialize in realism graywash, although I also enjoy other styles. I love designing based on my own experiences and references while always pleasing my clients.
Now I work at The Gallery Tattoo Greenville, one of the best tattoo studios in Greenville, SC, with amazing artists, led by Dewayne Gallagher, who has skillfully created an incredible team where each artist excels in their style every day, which motivates me to keep improving.
I firmly believe in the philosophy that art is not the creation of beautiful things but the beautiful creation of things. Moreover, tattoos are the only valuable thing we take with us after we die, so I strive to provide a personalized and safe experience for every person who enters my booth. I am always willing to listen and transform my clients’ ideas into unique and meaningful tattoos.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“The path to becoming a tattoo artist has not always been easy.
I want to go back to 2015 when, for political reasons, I had to leave Cuba, where there is still a dictatorship that doesn’t allow anyone to think differently from them. This meant leaving behind my family, friends, and career. Thankfully, I was able to come with my wife, who is now the mother of our child.
Building a new life as an immigrant from Cuba is not easy, in a country where there is freedom but where you don’t speak the language, where everything works but you have to understand how it works. Along the way, we’ve made friends who have become like parents and siblings, and thanks to that, the process was less difficult.
However, like all immigrants, I initially worked in construction as an employee and later started a remodeling, decoration, and restoration company with six employees and other subcontracted companies. At the same time, I never stopped making sculptures in my few spare moments.
When I decided to venture into the world of tattooing, I would practice all night and then paint the exterior of a house under the Miami sun.
I am grateful for all of this because it made me stronger and more capable.
Building a reputation in the tattoo community also came with its challenges. Gaining the trust of clients and demonstrating my skills was a gradual process, especially in such a competitive industry.
On the business side, learning to manage bookings, promote myself, and handle finances were new and challenging experiences. Even though I understand the basics of all businesses are the same, I had to adapt many things to tattoo clients.
After building a clientele in the tattoo world in Miami, we decided to move to Greenville, SC, to give our son a better future. That meant starting over again.
Despite these difficulties, each challenge has been a learning opportunity that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. The difficulties have made the achievements even more rewarding.
Now, when I finish a long day after an eight-hour tattoo session, I remind myself of painting a house under the intense Miami sun, and the fatigue quickly fades.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In tattooing, I specialize in realism, graywash, although I also enjoy other styles. I love designing based on my own experiences and references while always pleasing my clients. I love portraits, animals, landscape and nature.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Patreon, You tube and good friends
Pricing:
- My sessions are from 6-8 hours, $750 each one
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tattoo_by_yeins?igsh=MTVmd2IzeDM3Yjd5eA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeins.go?mibextid=LQQJ4d
