Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarai Puerta
Hi Sarai, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’m a Venezuelan tattoo artist. I started tattooing when I was 19, but I’ve been doing art since I was very young; at 7 years old, I was already drawing. At age 20, I decided to move to Colombia due to my country’s situation, and that’s where my journey started. Colombia was my school; the quality of the art in Colombia is really high; it pushes you to work harder and to be part of the business. People from Colombia gave me my first opportunity and gave me their hand to guide me and help me with almost everything that I know now. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy; xenophobia is a thing, but as you make your path, everything starts to flow. I lived six years in Colombia, meeting amazing people and attending tattoo conventions that gave me other perspectives of the tattoo world and made me want to travel even more. So, in 2022, I started coming here to Orlando. Finally, in 2023, I came here and started from zero again; it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to all I achieved in Colombia and my customers, who became my friends. However, America opened its arms to me, and my art has been well-received here. People give real value to art, and as foreigners, we have so many opportunities here that even our countries don’t. Being here has allowed me to improve my art; I started painting. Also, I began to work with a high-quality team that has become my friend. America is open to art, and tattoos are widely accepted almost everywhere. It is already a cultural thing, so that’s why, as a tattoo artist, my art has evolved even more here in Orlando.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; tattoos in Latin America are seen as a men’s business, Women artists and women with tattoos are not taken seriously, art is not taken seriously, and it is hard that other artists don’t give you the respect that you deserve as a woman. Artists have this ego that makes them not want to help others but instead make fun of them. But those things build your character and make you stronger. You must have thick skin to be part of this business, but also, as an artist, you must be sensitive enough to create beautiful art.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a tattoo artist specializing in realism and cartoon tattoos, and I’m known for my mixed techniques and solid colors. I’m also an apprentice painter, and I specialize in realism paintings. I’m most proud of making my inner child’s dream come true: to be an artist.
What matters most to you?
My wife and family have been my number one supporters since the beginning of my career. We’re always together through ups and downs, and it doesn’t matter how crazy my ideas sound; they’re always there to support me.
Pricing:
- Tattoos $150 per hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saratattoo1?igsh=YWRjOG1ldDB3bDM3&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saratattoo1
Image Credits
Gabriel Feliciano, Ariam López
