Nikko Hurtado - Set Your Soul On Fire, Finding Your Unique Mark Making Fireside Tattoo Network

Set Your Soul On Fire, Finding Your Unique Mark Making

[33:49] “One thing I’ve learned is if you're talented, you know what you’re looking at, and you have some fundamentals, it’s really important to continue that road and not ask too many questions of too many people.”

— Nikko Hurtado

In the video, Nikko emphasizes the importance of taking risks, which, in my opinion, is absolutely vital for an artist. Let's delve deeper into this topic in the final section. Having the courage to forge your own path is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment. Your unique style of creating art is what will attract people to your work. It's important to invest time in recognizing and refining your artistic identity, which should be a significant goal as you progress as a tattoo artist and artist in general. However, keep in mind that your style may evolve over time, so continuous development is necessary.

That being said, no artist exists in isolation. Drawing inspiration from others and learning from established artists is an integral part of the creative process. However, there comes a point where an artist should strive to develop their own artistic language. For instance, you might be heavily influenced by Kenneth Rocafort, a comic illustrator, and find yourself creating jagged or graphic shapes. Alternatively, you might be captivated by the biomechanical art of Gifford Kasen, a tattoo artist, with its intricate organic curves. While it's perfectly fine to imitate these artists or borrow certain elements from their work, directly copying their style and techniques will hinder your own growth. Instead, try to understand the reasons behind their mark-making choices and consider what you aim to achieve with your own individual style.

Watch the full episode:

Pioneering Color Realism | Nikko Hurtado | EP 259