Ramon Nieves New York / Charlotte - North Carolina / USA @ramonieves_

Ramón Nieves is passionate about realism in tattooing, mastering both black and grey and color. His art has been influenced by great masters and enriched by his connection to painting and fine arts, disciplines that continue to nurture his creativity and technique.

His talent and dedication have led him to stand out on the international circuit, earning multiple awards at conventions and being recognized among the top five artists in DGN Magazine’s competition—an achievement that reaffirms his commitment to excellence. Additionally, his experience as a judge at prestigious events has allowed him to closely observe the evolution of the industry and continue raising his artistic level.

For Ramón, tattooing is more than just a technique—it is a unique experience that he shares with his clients, who trust his vision to transform ideas and emotions into art on the skin. His daily discipline and focus reflect his constant pursuit of growth and exploration of new styles.

In this interview, he shares a glimpse into his life as a tattoo artist.

1.What influences led you to specialize in realism, both in black and grey and color?

My interest in realism was sparked by the influence of artists such as Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, and the Venezuelan painter Armando Reverón. Salvador Dalí has also been an important reference for me. Additionally, during my studies at the Martín Tovar y Tovar Art School in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, I had professors who significantly shaped my perspective on art. These experiences and influences have been key to my focus on this style and my dedication to perfecting my technique.

2. Besides tattooing, do you work with other artistic techniques? What role do they play in your creative process?

Yes, absolutely. I also work with fine arts, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting. When inspiration strikes, I enjoy exploring different techniques. These disciplines are deeply connected to my creative process. The ideas and concepts I develop in painting directly influence my tattoo designs, while the knowledge I gain through tattooing enriches my approach to painting. Both forms of expression complement each other and help me maintain a creative balance—each technique nurtures and enhances the other. In fact, I always recommend seeking inspiration not only in the tattoo world but also in other artistic fields or even in aspects of life itself, such as nature.

3.You have participated in and won awards at several tattoo conventions, and you were recently recognized as one of the top five artists in our international competition, selected by an elite jury from over 100 tattoo artists. How has this recognition influenced your career?

It is incredibly rewarding to keep adding positive milestones to my career. These recognitions bring me great energy and motivation to continue growing. They inspire me to constantly improve and remind me of the value of effort and dedication in every project. For me, the most important thing is to keep enjoying what I do and stay focused on giving my best in every piece. These awards serve as a reminder that we are on the right path and as proof that hard work always leads to great results.

4. In addition to being an award-winning artist, you have also served as a judge at some conventions. What has this experience brought you, and how do you see the evolution of tattooing from this perspective?

The tattoo world is constantly evolving, and being a judge has allowed me to closely observe how the industry’s quality has improved over time. The level is getting higher and higher—artists are focusing more on skin care and delivering flawless, well-executed work. This motivates me to keep pushing myself and continuously improve.

Judging has been an incredibly enriching experience because it not only allows me to witness today’s outstanding quality but also lets me learn from the talent and creativity of artists worldwide. Last November, I had the honor of being a judge at one of the most important conventions in the United States: The All Stars Tattoo Convention, organized by Emilio Gonzalez. It was a huge honor, not just because of the event’s prestige but also because I had the opportunity to evaluate multiple categories alongside tattoo legends like Yomico Moreno, Darwin Enríquez, and the iconic Bob Tyrrell. It was truly a dream come true.

5. What does a typical day in your life as a tattoo artist look like? Do you have any routines or rituals before starting work?

I start my day with a protein shake to recharge my energy, followed by a gym session that helps me stay active and focused. After that, I head to the studio with enough time to set up my workspace, ensuring that everything is perfectly ready before welcoming my client.

This routine allows me to begin the day with a positive mindset and complete focus—not only on delivering a high-quality tattoo but also on providing a unique and memorable experience. It’s essential to remember that, while tattooing may become a daily routine for us as artists, for each client, it is a unique and meaningful moment. Many have spent weeks or even months planning for this day; some even travel from far away, filled with excitement and high expectations, knowing that this tattoo will be with them for life.

This thought inspires me to be fully present in every session, giving my best not just as an artist but also as a person. My goal is to ensure that each client walks away not only with an exceptional piece but also with an unforgettable experience they will cherish forever.

6. What moments do you find most rewarding in your work?

One of the most rewarding moments is when I connect with my client and they trust me with full creative freedom to work on incredible projects. Finishing a piece and feeling that I have successfully completed a cycle is deeply satisfying.

Additionally, when clients share personal stories—such as getting a tattoo in honor of a loved one—it creates a unique energy. Seeing their emotions when the tattoo is finished and knowing that something so personal and meaningful will stay with them forever is, without a doubt, one of the most enriching and beautiful aspects of my work.

7.With such a successful career, what are your goals and plans for this year? Are you exploring new styles or techniques?

My goal is to become the best version of myself, both personally and artistically, and to continue evolving my creative approach. I'm always searching for new challenges that allow me to grow and improve while enjoying every step of the process. Although I feel very focused on what I do, I’m always open to exploring new techniques and styles that inspire me and bring freshness to my work.

8.Where would you like to take your career in the future? Do you have any special projects or a dream goal you hope to achieve?

I want to take my career wherever God allows me, always giving my best. I have several projects and dreams that, with patience and dedication, I hope will unfold at the right time. One of my biggest aspirations is for my art to transcend time, leaving a lasting impact. For me, dreaming is one of the most beautiful aspects of life, but so is working with passion and effort to turn those dreams into reality, enjoying every step along the way.

9.If you could talk to the Ramón from your early days, what advice or message would you give him?

I would tell him to enjoy the process and appreciate every stage of the journey. Everything I experienced in my early days taught me important lessons, and looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience, no matter how small it may seem, has immense value, and that’s what has allowed me to get to where I am today.

10.If someone wants to contact you, how can they reach you?

They can contact me through my Instagram: @ramonieves_ or via email at booking@ramonieves.com

11. Who would you like to thank?

First, I want to thank God for guiding me every step of the way and for blessing me with this gift. To my wife, who is also my manager, for believing in me, in every dream that is born, and for working alongside me to make them a reality. I also want to express my deep gratitude to our incredible team for their constant support and dedication, as well as to my parents, who have given me their unconditional love and support from the very beginning.