Sebastian

Anime is filled with movement and flashing colors—the kind of imagery that inspires tattoo artists but is also incredibly difficult to replicate in the form of a static piece of body art. For nearly two decades, Sebastian has worked long and hard to master the process. We spoke with him about his love for anime, his signature style and more.

When did you first develop an interest in art?

I started drawing around 5 years old, and with both my parents being artists, art has always been a part of my life.

What path did you take to become a tattoo artist?

I started taking interest in the world of tattooing when I was about 15 and got my first tattoo at a flea market. It wasn’t until I was about 20 when I borrowed a tattoo machine a friend bought online to tattoo myself and fell in love with it. Between work and school, I didn’t have enough time to put in the time for an apprenticeship, so the first few years I learned on my own at home.

How would you describe your signature style? Have you always worked in it or did it take you a while to develop?

I think I’m constantly evolving, as I’m always trying to improve myself. My style is a mixture of fine line, pepper shading and high-contrast colors.

When did you become interested in anime?

I’ve loved anime since I was a little kid. I grew up watching so many different anime, like “Captain Tsubasa,” “Sailor Moon,” “Dragon Ball Z” and many others.

What are some of your favorite anime/cartoon subjects to tattoo?

I really enjoy tattooing characters from “Naruto,” especially Itachi. Pretty much anyone from “Demon Slayer.” I love doing Pokémon and Sailor Moon. And, of course, any Studio Ghibli character.

Are there any characters you really want to do that you haven’t had a chance to tattoo yet?

I would love to do some from “Ranma 1/2,” “Captain Tsubasa,” “Space Adventure Cobra” and “Case Closed.” Pretty much ’80s and ’90s anime.

What is your process for creating a tattoo?

It all starts with the collaboration between myself and the client to make their ideas and vision come to life. I gather images for references to draw a unique piece, always taking into consideration the color, placement and size. Placing the stencil is a major factor, it’s got to be perfectly placed as well as perfectly readable, especially when doing small pieces. Then we get to the best part, creating the tattoo.

How do you know if a piece should be done in color or black ink? Do you prefer one way over the other?

I enjoy doing both black-and-grey and color, but personally, I love doing black-and-grey with hints of color. I feel like it makes the tattoo stand out.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a tattoo artist?

I actually went to school to be an automotive technician, so maybe I’d work as a mechanic. I also love carpentry. I did a few years in high school and love working with wood.

Where do you see your art going in the future?

I could see my art progressing in the anime world where the possibilities are endless.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest influences would be artists such as Dalí, Van Gogh, Picasso, Akira Toriyama, Shigeru Miyamoto. For tattoo artists, Sailor Jerry, Nikko Hurtado, Chris Nuñez, Michela Bottin and Tatu Panda.

After tattooing for so long, do you still find elements of your job to be surprising?

Yes, after 18 years of tattooing I still get surprised with the evolution of tattooing and tattooing equipment. There are so many different styles nowadays and the newest equipment makes it much easier for us to execute the most precise pieces of art.