Cristian Perilla Bogotá / Colombia @cristianperillaink

With over nine years of self-taught experience and a masterful command of color realism, this renowned tattoo artist has traveled across twelve countries, shattering boundaries in skin art. Now permanently based in Cartagena, Colombia, they share their philosophy on discipline, the technical secrets behind color theory, and their mission to educate the next generation—elevating tattooing into a respected discipline of rigorous craft and continuous learning.

How did you get started in the world of tattooing? What were your early days like?

I started my tattooing career more than nine years ago, driven by my passion for art and drawing. My early years were filled with constant learning, long hours of practice, and many challenges. I literally began in a corner of my living room, where I developed the technical foundations that would later allow me to grow as an artist. Unlike many colleagues, I skipped the traditional apprenticeship stage in an established tattoo studio. I had to build my reputation from the ground up, earning every client’s trust through discipline, dedication, and a constant commitment to improvement. Much of my training was self-taught, supported by the experience of other artists through online resources, seminars, and educational content that helped accelerate my learning process.

Why did you choose your style?

Color has always been what attracted me the most. When I started tattooing, color realism was booming, and I felt naturally connected to that style, even as a beginner. At the same time, I’ve always admired neo-traditional tattooing because I consider it one of the most artistic, complete, and unique styles in the industry, even though it wasn’t my strongest area. The truth is that I am still evolving and searching for my own artistic identity. Recently, I’ve also been exploring black & grey tattooing more deeply, expanding my artistic language and discovering new creative possibilities.

How do you apply your color theory knowledge to make large-scale realism pop on different skin tones?

Color theory is a fundamental tool in my work. I carefully analyze each client’s skin tone to adjust saturation, temperature, and color contrast accordingly. My goal is to create tattoos that remain visually strong not only when they’re fresh but also years later. I also use strategic contrasts and color transitions to create depth and maintain a clear visual reading of the composition. However, being honest with the client is just as important. Sometimes a specific color or idea simply won’t perform well on a particular skin tone, and part of being a professional is guiding clients toward the best possible result.

How did winning international awards impact your career and artistic growth?

More than the awards themselves, which are certainly motivating and important milestones in my career, I deeply value the opportunity to participate in international events far from my home country. Traveling to compete pushes me to learn about local cultures, meet other artists, observe different working methods, and understand different perspectives on tattooing. That cultural and artistic exchange is probably what has contributed the most to my growth as an artist.

Having traveled across 12 countries, which artistic concepts would you highlight?

Traveling taught me that tattooing is a universal language. I’ve learned the importance of combining creativity with discipline while always keeping an open mind toward new techniques and perspectives. Every country has a different vision of art, and that diversity has deeply enriched my work. I’ve also had the opportunity to discover products, tools, and techniques that are not always common in my home country, allowing me to continue evolving and adapting as an artist.

What motivated you to start teaching specialized seminars ?

After years of experience, I felt a responsibility to share knowledge that took me a great deal of time and effort to acquire. My seminars focus primarily on color theory applied to tattooing, composition, and artistic decision-making. Beyond technique, my main goal is to promote awareness and respect for this craft, helping artists understand tattooing as an art form that deserves study, commitment, and professionalism.

How was your experience being invited to be a Judge?

Being invited to serve as a judge was a great honor and a very rewarding experience. It allowed me to evaluate other artists’ work from a different perspective and appreciate technical and creative details that often go unnoticed. It was also an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the tattoo community while taking on the responsibility of recognizing the hard work, dedication, and years of preparation behind every piece.

What are your main artistic goals and upcoming international projects?

One of the things I’m most grateful for in tattooing is that it has allowed me to visit places around the world that I never imagined I would see. For that reason, traveling will always remain one of my biggest motivations. My goal is to continue growing as an artist, participate in international events, share knowledge through seminars, and bring my work to new countries and audiences.

If someone is interested in your work, how can they get in touch with you?

I am currently based permanently in Cartagena, Colombia. Anyone interested in my work can find me on Instagram, where I share my latest projects, travels, seminars, and collaborations. They can also contact me directly for consultations, appointments, or collaboration opportunities.

Any special message?

Never stop learning. Talent is important, but discipline, consistency, and passion are what truly build a lasting career. Every tattoo is an opportunity to grow both as an artist and as a person. Stay humble, keep studying, and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.