Drawing For Tattoo Design: A Loose Approach to Tattoo Design Edgar Marquez EP 287

A Loose Approach to Tattoo Design | Edgar Marquez | EP 287

In this episode, Edgar Marquez breaks down his unique freehand tattooing style, explaining how ditching stencils has allowed him to create more fluid, dynamic designs with intense focal points. He shares insights on balancing texture and value, harmonizing new tattoos with existing work, and the importance of observing tattoo masters to evolve as an artist. Edgar also opens up about managing client comfort, avoiding burnout, and finding fresh inspiration through personal art projects.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned vet, Edgar’s perspective on blending creativity, craftsmanship, and client care is packed with actionable takeaways. Tune in for a deep dive into what it really means to push boundaries while staying grounded in the fundamentals of tattooing.

This episode was made possible thanks to:

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes - Come Skinny Dip with Jake

Interview by By Jake Meeks —

Writing By Daniel Pushcarich —

Topics: Freehand tattooing style, Tattoo artist techniques, Black and gray tattoos, Client comfort in tattooing, Tattoo conventions and events, Tattoo design process, Focal points in tattoos, Texture and value in tattoo art, Observing tattoo masters, Managing pain during tattoos, Tattoo artist workflow, Personal artistry in tattooing, Tattooing without stencils, Organic tattoo designs, Artistic growth for tattoo artists

“It's less about the amount of detail or texture and more about the value.”

— Edgar Marquez

Edgar Marquez (@ediablo) Studied Art at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art has been tattooing for 20+ years, is based in Pomona, CA, and owns/tattoos at 3 Eye Circle Gallery.

Please enjoy!

INTERVIEW LINKS, MENTIONS, AND SHOW NOTES BELOW…

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Edgar Marquez:

3 Eye Circle Gallery | @ediablo | Facebook

SHOW NOTES

[00:00] Intro
[06:02] Process Oriented Tattooing Discussion
[08:23] The Importance of Observing Tattoo Masters
[10:26] Balancing Detail with Aesthetic Value
[15:49] Client Comfort and Skin Management
[18:54] Managing Pain and Client Expectations
[23:22] Tattooing Techniques and Tools
[25:01] Evolution of Tattoo Techniques and Styles
[28:04] Personal Artistic Growth through Drawing and Painting
[30:25] The Shift in Clientele and Artistic Direction
[33:27] The Artistic Struggle in Tattooing
[40:20] The Importance of Community and Events

The Rise of Freehand Tattooing

You know, we've been watching what's happening in tattooing lately, and there's this really interesting shift going on with freehand work. More and more tattooers are just putting down their stencils and going completely freehand, which is interesting to me. What's really cool is that collectors are actually asking for this - they're coming in and telling their artists to just go for it, which shows this amazing level of trust that's developing in our industry.

Design Philosophy and Traditional Influences

More and more, tattooers are using these heavy blacks and bold lines to create these intense focal points, but they're keeping those edges soft so other tattooers can add on later. Modern tattooers are taking these lessons from Japanese tattoo masters and making them their own. They're paying particular attention to the whole body as one big canvas, making sure everything flows together just right.

Evolution of Technical Approaches

A lot of black & gray realism tattooers, like Rember Orellana, are mixing color highlights into their black and gray work. It's this super sophisticated approach that builds on what the old-timers were doing, but pushes it in new directions. The way these artists are balancing texture, value, and strategic color placement really shows how our industry keeps evolving while staying true to its roots - and that's exactly what makes tattooing so special.

Edgar Marquez Leg Tattoo skulls, sketch Drawing, Beksinski

MORE Edgar QUOTES FROM THIS INTERVIEW

Color Usage In Black And Grey Tattoos

[13:07] “It’s important to really observe all the art; that's where placement becomes crucial.”

— Edgar Marquez

The Importance of Observing Tattoo Masters

[08:23] “That's why it's good to observe what all those legit masters are doing; they are the real masters of tattooing.”

— Edgar Marquez

PEOPLE MENTIONED

This episode was made possible thanks to:

Mentoring & Art Excursion On Jake's Boat - Sign Up Now!

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The Fireside Tattoo Network is home to the Fireside podcast, Fireside Technique video series and our Fireside Weekly blog.

The Fireside Tattoo podcast is hosted by veteran tattooer Jake Meeks, check out our episodes where we discuss, argue and wax philosophical, from tips for all levels of artists to trends in the tattoo world. Many guest artists have sat down for interviews and in-depth conversations and many more are planned…check back often!

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Drawing for Tattoo Design

Your tattoo designs starting to feel stagnant? Feel like you’re not progressing? Drawing is the single most important piece of the tattoo process. No level of technical tattoo skill can overcome bad composition and draftsmanship.

Fireside Tattoo Network simplifies the tattoo design process with the Fireside Method. By focusing on the principles of Shape, Value, Edge and Color, we help you identify and solve your biggest challenges early in the design process.

The Fireside Method: