Artist in view: javier antunez
How did you get involved with tattooing and how did you find your personal style of tattooing?
I got my eyes open to the tattoo industry when I was 18 (2006/7) after seeing one of my drawings get tattooed. For the first time I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, it was like flicking on “on switch” in my brain, haha! I knew for sure realism was gonna be my thing, I call my “style” and although I didn’t get a chance to really dive into realism in my first couple of years, I knew that all other styles would help me get to where I wanted to be.
What is the thing you enjoy most in the tattoo industry?
I’d say the community is my favourite thing about the industry, being able to pay back and teach all I have learned wether it be in tattooing or in designing has been extremely fulfilling!
Do you have a ritual or specific thing you do every time before you start tattooing?
I have a tendency, I just stare at the stencil on skin for 15-30 mins before we start, its my way of trying to create a game plan for my first move.
What’s something you haven’t done yet but would love to tackle? (Tattoo related)
Seminars! I’d love to really put my best foot forward as a teacher, I feel like we all have so much to learn from everyone and I definitely don’t believe in “tattoo secrets” haha!
What’s missing in the tattoo industry? What would you like to see change?
More dialogue! I feel like in this day and age everyone is too scared to speak up about anything they’d want to learn, and I feel like creating a space where constructive debate can happen is very important for the industries growth.
Who are your biggest inspirations, or artists you admire and why?
There’s so many; Evan Olin, Sam Barber, Nick Baxter & Ben Ochoa - the list goes on and on, I’d break the internet trying to name them all lol!
If you could be any tattoo artist in the world for a day, who would you be and why, what would you do?
I’d like to be myself 10 years from now, to see where I’d gone and how. Then come back and do it better if possible! As the saying goes “I wish I knew what I know now when I was younger” lol.
What is most important for avoiding bad tattoo healing?
Doing too much! From my experience when a client over cleans it, over applies ointment or just generally overdoes it, it’s a recipe for disaster!
What’s your favourite tattoo convention(s) and why?
I’d say so far any expo in New York has been my favorite, and honestly it’s only because my few good friends live out there and it’s always awesome being able to hang out when I go!
What’s the one topic or theme of tattoo you get asked the most?
Lately it’s been evil shit! Which I am not complaining! Lol love that shit!!
Is there a specific body part you enjoy tattooing and one you really don’t enjoy tattooing, and why?
My favorite is the outer calf! The skin thete is so tight and perfect for tattooing! Least favorite has to be the ribs, the little part where the ribs end and the hip begins is the toughest to get in a good stretch!