Rodrigo Gálvez Tattoo
Nearly half a million subscribers watch his videos online. And most importantly, they use them as a teaching or learning tool. Tattooing isn't a game; it's a methodical craft that culminates in art on the skin.
Any part of the body is a blank canvas for this storyteller. His versatility isn't limited to the ink gun in his hand, but extends to the variety of his clients: celebrated athletes and famous international singers, as well as humble ordinary citizens and people—both sick and recovered—who want to cover up memories and forget.
Well-trained, well-traveled, and award-winning, Rodrigo Gálvez, from Almería, who tattoos not only skin but souls, tells us more about his life and work:
Hi Rodrigo, why do you tattoo?
I've always painted. When I was young, I went to painting classes with my mother and aunts. They have an artistic streak in my mother's family, which has since been passed on to me. It was just a hobby until 2005, when, while studying to become a firefighter and with limited financial resources, I decided to take a tattoo course in Alicante, and that's where it all began.
Can you tell us about your journey to Almería?
Well, it's been extensive. Full of training, visiting people, taking courses, and living in different places. First in Loja, where there weren't any tattoo artists, and I started doing a few while working at the property registry. Since I needed to get out and see good artists, I went to Zamora, Alicante, Magaluf, spent three months in New York, returned to Mallorca, spent five years in Switzerland, three years in Madrid, and finally, after many conventions, tattoos, and learning experiences, I settled in my city, Almería, where I've been for about five years now.
Have inks, tools, and materials evolved much in the last two decades?
Yes, a lot. I started out having to assemble coils, sterilize steel grip tubes and even soldering our own needles at the beginning. When the pen machine, the direct drive , and the needle cartridges arrived, I was freed from all that cumbersome and time-consuming work. Now the technology is top-notch: the pigments are more durable, the batteries last longer, the power supplies are better, the stencil are more powerful, there are wireless foot pedals…
I don't know what else can evolve! Well, they're already researching needles that store the pigment, and tattoo printers have come out, which I'm somewhat less enthusiastic about, to be honest… although ultimately they'll have to be programmed by tattoo artists.
I'm always open to evolution; I love advancements and technology. You can't put up barriers.
Our previous protagonist, Alberdi Makila, left this question: What inspired you to start in your artisanal/artistic craft, and how has your creative process evolved since then?
I was inspired by the prospect of being able to make a living. In previous jobs, I always felt like I was wasting my time. I wasn't happy. The thought of getting paid for something I enjoyed was incredible for me.
Since I started, I've been observing other artists and filtering what I like to do. I'm constantly evolving. In a few months, I'll also reduce my workload and dedicate more time to defining my personal style, enjoying what I do, and seeing where I evolve, not only in tattooing but perhaps also in areas like painting or sculpture. Now, thank God, the lack of financial pressure is a great help in terms of artistic evolution.
Which celebrity have you laughed at the most while tattooing their body?
Without a doubt, Sergio Ramos. He's a riot. We're around the same age, and, although I do not like watching soccer, he is very charismatic and always has something funny to say. I've been tattooing him for over fifteen years, and we've developed a lot of trust.
InkBro TV is your well-known audiovisual channel that showcases the value of tattooing. How important is the dissemination and transmission of the techniques of the trade to you?
Well, extremely important to me. Since the channel was created, the intention has been to help those who want to train and grow. Not everyone can afford courses. That's why it works so well. It has almost half a million subscribers from Spain and Latin America, whose support I greatly appreciate. In fact, and this is exclusive information for glù, we're thinking of re-recording all the seasons to put them on YouTube for free and show the new material, eight years later!
Do you listen to music while you work? What kind?
Yes, all day long. I listen to a lot of hip-hop: SFDK, ToteKing… I also love Lia Kali. Sometimes I put on soul when I don't want so much noise. And my all-time favorite band is Héroes del Silencio. What I never play when I'm tattooing is trap or reggaeton. soul cuando no quiero tanto ajetreo. Y mi banda favorita de siempre es Héroes del Silencio. Lo que no pongo nunca cuando tatúo es trap o reguetón.
What kind of tattoo requests do you prefer? Do you have any favorites?
What I enjoy most are color tattoos, in an anime style, but leaning towards realism, with less flat tones and more volume. Dragon Ball had a big influence on my childhood drawings, and I like doing those tattoos.
But what I do most often, and what I also really enjoy, is black and white realism.
What's your favorite spot in the province of Almería?
My wife and I, whenever we can, park our campervan in a beautiful area of Cabo de Gata called La Fabriquilla, where we rest and relax right on the beach.
You've traveled halfway around the world. What meaning or value do the awards and recognitions you receive have for you?
It's always good to win awards. In fact, work doesn't seem to be valued the same without them. Especially for those starting in business, when they go to conventions to compete—with a certain amount of stress that doesn't help, to be honest—and try to win recognition, a sponsor, a personal brand… But when you already have a name and your career speaks for itself, awards aren't as necessary anymore. Although it's good to keep going to conventions to stay up to date, meet new people, and see friends.
Do you do charity tattoos or participate in fundraising campaigns fairly often?
Yes, almost always related to cancer awareness campaigns. Every month, for many years, I've performed free nipple and areola reconstruction for women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer. Of all the philanthropic work I do, not even 1% is publicly visible. I believe this should be done without publicity or profit, to help others anonymously and feel good about oneself.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I really enjoy sports: the gym, athletics, pole vaulting… Other hobbies include painting, sculpture, hat making, cooking… I don't know if I'll have enough time to pursue them all.
Can I ask you to leave a question for the next guest?
Sure, when you lack inspiration, what do you turn to for it?
