An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.-Charles Horton Cooley
We pass through life doing two things primarily; (1) trying to understand it and (2) realize what our purpose is. Most of the time, regardless of if we're aware of this or not, we self define our experiences and arrive at a realization of some sort. At best, the things that we are most interested in speed up this process as do the people in our lives. So truth be told, we are the expression of our experience.
One young lady expressing herself and experiencing life to the fullest is Tiffany Perez. She through her efforts as Tattoo Artist realizes what makes her happy, keeps her excited and impresses customers time and time again.
With a break in between her art, Tiffany was able to spend some time with WBM and give us a peek inside the life and mind of her. The insight coupled with experience she able to provide is enlightening and literally adds more color to life.
Allow her to color yours.
[As Told To Why Blue Matters]
Who is Tiffany Perez?
Tiffany Perez is a 23 year old ambitious college graduate and Professional Tattoo Artist.
Where are you from?
TP: I am of Puerto Rican descent and I was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey
Interest(s)?
TP: Tattooing, drawing, airbrushing, dancing and stepping
What does art and being able to express yourself mean to you?
TP: I don’t express myself through art - I let the art express me. When I am about to draw and create an image on paper, I don’t necessarily feel anything or have an emotion beforehand. Sometimes, I don’t even know what I want to draw. All I know is that I need to create something that is going to make me feel good and proud at some point. I just start sketching and drawing until an image manifests itself and reveals an emotion within me. Once I say to myself “Wow, this is nice!” and get excited from it, then I know that what I have created is a success. So, to me Art is having the ability to portray images, but more less it is a way of making me feel this captivating emotion after it has been created.
How long have you been involved?
TP: I have been recognized as having a talent in art since the age of 2 and have always been involved ever since. So, I’d say about 21 years. However, I have only been tattooing for 2 years.
When did you know that tattoo art was something you wanted to pursue?
TP: I didn’t think I’d get into tattooing this far until I actually started apprenticing at a Tattoo Parlor. When I felt how great it was to tattoo someone and their reactions toward the finished tattoo, I knew that this was something I could definitely pursue for years to come.
What inspires and motivates you?
TP: My family is #1. They are the ones who provide me the strongest inspiration. Also, seeing young individuals striving and doing what they love; definitely motivates me. I like to surround myself with people such as this, because there is something about the way they think and strive that motivates me even more.
What's your idea of success?
TP: Success is not just about money and becoming wealthy, it is about turning your dreams into reality. It can also be a huge accomplishment that has made you into a better person, or it can be a positive inspiration and influence onto others.
Biggest Accomplishment?
TP: Being featured in Urban Ink magazine with a 5 page spread
Who are some of your influences?
TP: Juan Salgado and Jose Lopez (Tattoo Artists)
What type of impact would you like to make with your art?
TP: I just want to make people feel truly connected to what is being put on their bodies. I want to break the judgmental conceptions and stereotypes of Tattooists. But most importantly, I want to be someone else’s inspiration, especially for other females who want to pursue a career in a predominately male industry.
What's one thing that many don't know about you?
TP: I was in a hip hop dance group for years and dancing was my passion before I got introduced to tattooing.
Who have you worked with so far?
TP: All types of individuals: college students, music producers, photographers, designers, other tattoo artists, etc. You just never know who will come into a tattoo shop next.
Anyone you will like to work with in the future?
TP: I’d like to work with celebrities preferably in the music industry. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to bump into hip hop artists such as Wiz Khalifa and/or Tyga. I’d say they have a big appreciation for tattoos J
What's next for Tiffany P.?
TP: In a few months I will be going back to school to become a Dermatology Practitioner. So, that I can be able to work with skin and perform tattoo removal and other skin enhancement procedures. Hopefully, in the future I will have the opportunity to open my own tattoo shop as well.
Any advice for those looking to pursue their goals and dreams?
TP: Live your dreams no matter what anyone says. To make it, you have to truly believe you will make it, you must have faith and be persistent. For all hardships that come in the way, take that as a sign to make changes for improvement to get to where you want to be.
For More On Tiffany P.:
www.facebook.com/TattoosByTiffany
www.twitter.com/tatzbytiff
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